long-continued east winds:--"A few Larks in March, and some Stonechats
in the first days of April, are all that we have seen of the spring
migration. I am convinced that a change of wind happening during the
migratory season tends more to lead the birds astray than strong
breezes. It will be interesting to note if there is any increase during
this autumn, as our light, which was red towards Mull, has been changed
to a white occulting light."
By the autumn schedules migration appears to have quite ceased here by
date of Dec. 7th.
Mr. W. M'Lellan speaks of the great scarcity of shore-birds, as
compared with other seasons. Where Curlews were seen daily in past
years only one was seen this year. Season very open and mild.
Mr. Alex. Murray, Lismore, writes:--"During the last five nights of
October we had the largest number of birds that I have seen for a long
time, and especially Gold-crested Wrens; but since that time up to date
(8th Jan. 1884) there has been little of note."
Mr. Andrew Lyall says, "Very few birds at Rhinns of Islay this season,
and not many striking." But the rush at end of October and beginning of
November was very marked.
Mr. David Waters has few night records to chronicle, most of his
observations being made during the day.
Mr. James Begg, Port Patrick, writes:--"Flocks of migrants very scarce
this winter. Great many sea-gulls flying inland and coming back to sea
daily. The Gannets commence to go south and return north in flight past
this station from March to September in great numbers."
Mr. William Wither sends a light schedule from Storr Head, and speaks
of the general scarcity of birds there, but at a locality a little
more inland birds are plentiful in summer and autumn, and Mr. M'Ivor,
teacher there, has kindly offered to keep land-notes another year.
Although so light at Dhuheartach, a considerable migration observed at
Skerryvore both in spring and autumn. On Oct. 30th (the date of the
universal rush of Thrushes, &c.) Mr. William Crow saw three Bullfinches
on the rock, wind S., fresh, and fog, and captured one of them with
little difficulty. "It appeared quite tame, I approaching it within
four feet. We placed a spare cage we had, with some linseed, within
six feet of it. The bird went in at once, and is still alive. It drank
fresh water to excess after being caught, and was ill all next day. It
revived afterwards, and is doing well."
From Turnberry lighthouse there is no return, but Mr. Andrew writes,
birds were scarcer than usual. But as this is a station where there is
usually some migration discernible he hopes to send returns in future.
Like others of our reporters, he naturally complains of his difficulty
about the names of the birds; but if he will only enter such as he is
sure of, and send me the head and wings of others, or even the wings
alone, and by attaching a bit of cardboard and a number to them, and a
corresponding number in the schedule instead of a name, I could in most
cases be able to identify them.[27]
[Footnote 27: A general request to this effect will be found in our
latest issue of Letters of Instruction.]
From Cape Wrath lighthouse comes the following P.C.:--"There are no
land-birds at this station, with the exception of Grouse. The same
schedule will apply every year for the sea-birds, as they come and go
within a week of the same time. Eight years' experience." I may just
once more try to explain that it is exactly this week of difference
in time, one year with another, which the Committee desire to collect
statistics about as regards sea-fowl and rock-birds.
Turdidæ.--The spring migration on the West Coast seems almost to have
escaped notice. At Stornoway Thrushes were heard on Feb. 19th and 20th,
and heard and seen on the 27th, but these may have been residents.
The autumn migration, however, is almost as marked as on the East
Coast, the time and extent agreeing, though numerically, as might
be expected, not so great. Extent as follows:--Stornoway in the
north (light), Island Glass (indication), Monach (do.), Barra Head
(considerable), and on the mainland and Inner Hebrides from Kyleakin
(light), Skerryvore (distinct and considerable), Dhuheartach (light),
Sound of Mull (indication), M'Arthur's Head (a few), Rhinns of Islay.(a
few), Skervuile (a few), Lamlash (light), Corsewall (heavy), Loch Ryan
(considerable). The above remarks apply principally to Blackbirds and
Song Thrushes, but Fieldfares and "Mountain" Thrushes are once or twice
mentioned, and one Water Ouzel was caught at Skervuile on Sept. 13th.
The time occupied was as follows:--Earliest record in autumn, Sept.
23rd, one Thrush on lantern at Lamlash; may have been local. Next, 1st
and 7th and 8th, a few scattered records at Barra Head, and between
Dhuheartach and Lismore. About Oct. 23rd greater numbers, but nothing
very remarkable till Oct. 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st, and Nov. 1st to 3rd
or 4th, when the rush took place. Movements continued up to end of
November, but not large numerically, and nothing more that could be
called a rush. A considerable number were killed at Skerryvore at the
height of the rush on 28th, 29th and 30th; eight Thrushes on first
date, thirty-six on 29th, and thirteen on 30th. Blackbirds and Thrushes
about in equal proportion of records, but Thrushes bulking largest
numerically. Species included are Song Thrush (max.). Blackbirds (large
numbers), Fieldfares, and one Dipper or Water Ouzel at Skervuile.
Thrushes of sorts quite absent during a rush of other species at
Kyleakin, and throughout the season. Five species.
Saxicolinæ.--Wheatears.--In spring, appearance of a rush at Skerryvore
on April 20th and 21st, fifty seen during the day on former date and
twelve on latter; and on April 8th a single bird at Dhuheartach. A
great many at Skervuile on May 5th, and on 15th four seen at Butt of
Lewis.
In autumn, extent, from Stornoway (Oct.), Skerryvore (Aug), Dhuheartach
(Sept. and Oct.), Lismore (Aug.). Redstarts.--Skervuile (Sept.),
Corsewall (Aug.). Earliest, Aug. 24th, at Skerryvore. Latest, Oct.
29th, at Dhuheartach. Rush of Redstarts all night at Lismore. The above
remarks apply in all cases to Wheatears (or so-called "Stonechats"),
except where otherwise specified. Numbers at Stornoway with Linnets in
Oct. Considered rare here by reporter.
Prevailing winds in spring, E. through S.E. and S.S.E. to S., and
variable on April 8th at Dhuheartach. Two species.
Silviinæ.--Robin.--No spring records. Autumn, Robin, Kyleakin;
Stornoway, isolated examples during December; Lismore, on Nov. 11th,
with Wrens and Linnets, and a few single records in September and
October; Dhuheartach, few; Lamlash and Corsewall, single records, and
Robins accompanying rush of other species on Aug. 28th and 29th.
At Kyleakin, Robins arrived on Nov. 15th and remained all winter.
Prevailing winds, W. and northerly, very rarely easterly or S.E. One
species.
Phylloscopinæ.--Goldcrest.--No spring records. Autumn, slight
indications and single records as far north as Dhuheartach; one at
midnight on Nov. 7th, light W., haze. Then again at Lismore, Oct. 31st,
light S. airs, along with Larks; Skervuile, few, Nov. 1st, light S.
wind; Lamlash, one; Corsewall, great numbers, or rush, on Aug. 30th,
heralded by one single bird the day before. Loch Ryan, four on Oct.
30th. One species.
Accentor.--Hedgesparrow.--A number seen in the garden at Lamlash on
Nov. 21st, during stormy weather. One species.
Paridæ.--Two Titmice struck at Sound of Mull, in light W. breeze, not
killed, on Oct. 30th. One species.
Troglodytinæ.--Spring, at Corsewall six struck, none killed, on 28th,
and five rested at same place on 29th; wind light E. and haze both
nights.
In autumn a few records at Dhuheartach, Sound of Mull, M'Arthur's Head,
Lamlash, Corsewall, and Loch Ryan. Earliest, Oct. 3rd; latest, Nov.
30th; all single birds, or very light returns. Winds, N.W. or N.N.W.,
except on Nov. 6th, at Lamlash, when wind was N.E. and weather fine.
One species.
Motacillidæ.--In spring, at Kyleakin (earliest March 20th, when
two seen flying S.! light E., clear), Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, and
Skervuile. Latest at Kyleakin on May 17th, when two seen on garden
wall. Largest number, four, at Dhuheartach, rested on April 20th, and
flew towards Isle of Colonsay. Records relate always to "Wagtails."
In autumn, at stations:--Barra Head (several had been there for a month
on Aug. 27th), Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, M'Arthur's Head (only record a
flock on Nov. 5th, with N.W. gale and sleet), Rhinns of Islay (first
and only record on Nov. 4th, a single bird, with W. gale), Lamlash
(three on Sept. 22nd, and two on Nov. 12th, the latest record, winds
westerly). One ? species.
Anthidæ.--Single spring record, one Titlark, at Lamlash, rested on
lantern on May 2nd.
In autumn, one at Skerryvore rested on rocks on Aug. 24th, light W.,
haze, and _a number_ at Lamlash on Oct. 6th, and a few on 30th, being all
the records. One species.
Hirundinidæ.--Spring records in April; earliest at Loch Ryan on
15th, when thirty arrived,--see autumn under September,--May, June;
latest June 15th, two flying S. at Kyleakin, or, if we take July,
three at Barra Head on 8th; remained all day, wind var. to S.E. by
evening. Greatest number of records in May. Stations:--Barra Head (Sand
Martins), Kyleakin, Skerryvore, Lismore, Rhinns of Islay, Lamlash,
and Corsewall. The following are first arrivals:--Barra Head (Sand
Martins), May 1st, two, fresh S.E., clear; Lamlash, May 1st; Corsewall,
May 2nd; Loch Ryan, April 15th. All records above apply to Chimney
Swallows, save in the two instances of Sand Martins.
In autumn records light also on the whole coast. Dhuheartach, Lismore,
and Loch Ryan. Earliest, and rush, Aug. 19th, at Dhuheartach, large
flock of old and young flying S., and at Lismore, one seen flying S. On
Sept. 23rd twenty Swallows left Loch Ryan, and on 28th the remaining
ten (see spring, _supra_); winds westerly and N.W. Three species.
Fringillidæ.--Spring:--At Butt of Lewis, four Tree Sparrows on April
14th, light S.W. wind; and Sparrows, a large flock flying south, light
E., haze. Also Sparrows at M'Arthur's Head, a number on May 12th. Of
Linnets, many after gale of April 17th, at M'Arthur's Head, a flock at
Lismore on June 21st, and one bird at Skerryvore on June 25th. A single
Goldfinch at Lismore, on 21st, with the Linnets.
In autumn:--Earliest July 28th, a very large flock of Sparrows flying
S.E., at Butt of Lewis, and none again till Sept. 4th, when a number
of Linnets remained about till the 9th. Latest record Oct. 30th,
participated in rush of other species, but on Dec. 15th a rush of
"small birds" is recorded at several stations. Greatest numbers in
October, at Stornoway, Skerryvore (a Bullfinch, see light-keeper's
remarks, _antea_), Lismore (good many), M'Arthur's Head, Lamlash. It
is difficult to fix dates of rushes, but one great rush took place on
Sept. 15th, of Linnets and Sparrows at M'Arthur's Head, and indicated
at Lamlash by ten Linnets flying south. These notes are given of
Linnets and Grey Linnets, also on Oct. 30th, at Lismore, of Green and
Grey Linnets, a number at Priory Farm. Numerous instances of direction
of flight are given, usually "flying S." We have received considerably
more statistics this year of these important _directions of flight_.
We wish our reporters could distinguish between Common Linnets, Green
Linnets, and Twites or Mountain Linnets, always when possible. Linnets
have travelled in company with Wheatears at Stornoway, and with
Thrushes and Curlews (the latter several times). About seven species.
Emberizidæ.--Snow Bunting. Very scanty records on W. coast. At
Stornoway one, first seen on Oct. 17th, and twenty on 18th. At Lismore
twenty on Oct. 22nd. At Rhinns of Islay one on Nov. 5th, and in
December no records, and in January a few at Butt of Lewis on 26th, and
strong W. and sleet. Prevailing winds W., strong to gales, but mod. N.
at Rhinns of Islay on Nov. 5th. One species.
Alaudidæ.--Spring at Skerryvore, earliest Feb. 10th, four struck, two
killed, strong S.W.; and in March, at same place, on 10th, nine struck
and three were killed, fresh N. and showers.
In autumn, at Dhuheartach, earliest on Sept. 10th, a few, and on 29th
three; wind N.N.E., clear. Also, furthest north, records at Butt of
Lewis, Stornoway, and so south by Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Skervuile,
and Rhinns of Islay. Latest at Stornoway, small numbers on 24th.
Greatest movements in October at Butt of Lewis, on 11th, large numbers
flying south; and at Stornoway 19th, 20th, and 23rd; on latter date
with Thrushes and one Redbreast. Prevailing winds, northerly and
westerly. One species.
Sturninæ.--Starlings feed all through the month of April at Butt of
Lewis.
Autumn records scarce. Regular daily at Rhinns of Islay all August.
No records anywhere given in September. [We trust our reporters bear
in mind that we desire movements of even our commonest species, and
especially directions of flight.] In October a few records from Butt
of Lewis, two killed, but Mr. Thompson considers these part of the
residents; also at M'Arthur's Head and Lamlash. If any rush it was on
Oct. 30th, and also 29th, when it was noticed at Island Ghlais[28]
and at Rhinns of Islay; but the movement appears to have been
insignificant. I have a single record in November from Monach Island,
and one of a flock in December at Loch Ryan. One species.
[Footnote 28: Ghlais or Glass: both spellings used.]
Corvidæ.--Jackdaws, Crows, Black Grows, Grey Crows, Ravens, and one of
Magpie, the latter at Kyleakin, marked "very rare," on Jan. 7th, flying
S.E. Stations are Skerryvore, Dhuheartach in spring; and Rhu Stoir,
where Crows (are these Rooks or Carrion Crows?) feed every day till
31st (I suspect these are local Rooks from Cama Loch, but would like
to know for certain). Only some ten records in all--February, March,
April, May, June; and August, September, October (Ravens at Kyleakin),
November (Jackdaws at Sound of Mull, about 200 flying N. very high,
mod. breeze, sleet, showers). December 27th, two Ravens, flying W.;
light E., clear. Six species.
Cypselidæ.--Three May records, all at Dhuheartach. Single birds on 22nd
and 23rd, flying E., with light S.E., clear; and on 24th, one flying
E., with W.N.W., and one found dead on rocks. One species.
Cuculidæ.--Cuckoo records in spring, from--
Stornoway, first heard on May 2nd; N.E. breeze.
Skerryvore, first heard at Land Station, Tyree, on June 1st.
M'Arthur's Head, first on May 17th; light wind, clear.
Rhinns of Islay, May 24th; fresh W., haze.
Corsewall, May 6th, and Loch Ryan on May 2nd; light N.E., clear,
and rain.
_Note._--During the first week in May there appears to have been an
indication of a migration of other species.
The only autumn record is of one found dead at Rhinns of Islay on Sept.
1st. One species.
Strigidæ.--Only one record on April 27th at Dhuheartach, where one
rested on rock at ten a.m.; light N.W. wind, and haze. One species.
Falconidæ.--A Falcon flying N., at Kyleakin, in February; a Hawk at
Dhuheartach, flying round on 19th April, where in autumn they make
daily visits, and even in some seasons all the year round. In September
one Hawk remained a week here, resting on the balcony at night, and
feeding on small birds in the day. A Falcon seen at Butt of Lewis on
Sept. 1st, and a Sparrow Hawk at Skerryvore on Sept. 1st, flying E. Two
records in October and one in December--a Falcon flying W.; light N.W.
airs. About three species.
Pelecanidæ.--In uniformity with East coast, records of Gannets,
chronologically under each station, beginning in the north, so far
as records permit. The stations recording in 1883 are Butt of Lewis
(82), Rhu Stoir (83), Stornoway (84), Barra Head (88), Kyleakin (90),
Dhuheartach (95), Lismore (98), M'Arthur's Head (101), Skervuile
(102), and Lamlash (109). (N.B. The Committee would be obliged for
chronological returns, giving always directions of flight, from any
other stations, of Gannets and Rock birds):--
82. July 25th, began flying north in some numbers to Aug, 10th;
fresh N.
83. March 15th, seen daily in great numbers, noted at 83, up to
March 31st, but no directions of flight given, which we would
like to have always.
84. In August, reported as unusually scarce this season, but no
definite records given nor directions of flight, or if fishing
or not.
88. Under date of September 1st, the remark "a few fishing every
day."
90. On June 20th flocks all day, flying east. Was this the only day
on which Gannets were seen here?
95. Dec. 7th, two seen; only record given; no direction of flight;
wind light N.W., clear.
98. May 14th, "Solan Geese"; fresh, S. breeze, showery. June 22nd,
"Solan Geese" flying south; var. light, clear. Aug. 16th, two,
flying south; fresh N.W., clear.
101. April, a few daily seeking food.
102. March 21st, "Gannets seen;" E.S.E., light breeze. May 9th,
"Solan Geese" seen; fresh E. July 16th, "Solans;" fresh N.W.,
clear. July 24th, "Solans;" N.N.W., clear. July 25th, "Solans;"
N.N.W., clear.
109. Feb. 5th, the first seen for some months. One species.
Ardeidæ.--Only one record of Herons at Monach Island, where five were
seen on the outlying rocks on Nov. 25th, strong E. wind; and the remark
"seen daily all the year round at Kyleakin." One species.
Anatidæ; Anserinæ (Geese).--I think we should endeavour to tabulate
also the movements of different species of Wild Geese; but as the
records are a little confusing, I find we must do so under one, or
at mast two headings, the occurrences of which are most frequently
recorded under these designations.
Some four species (namely Bean, Pink-footed, Greylag--rarest
migrant--and White-fronted) may be included in the following, reported
as "Wild Grey Geese," "Geese," "Grey Geese," "Wild Geese," by the
various reporters.
The stations returning these are:--Rhu Stoir (82), Butt of Lewis (83),
Monach (86), Kyleakin (90), Lismore (98), Lamlash (109), and Corsewall
(111).
82. "Wild Geese," April 14th, three; light S., haze and rain.
83. "Wild Geese," Sept. 19th, large flock, flying W., past the
lighthouse, and then turning S.W.; westerly gale and showers.
86. "Wild Grey Geese," Nov. 10th, twenty, flying round; light S.E.
90. "Geese," Sept. 19th, four, flying S.W.; light E.
98. "Grey Geese," Nov. 1st, five, flying S.; light S., haze.
109. "Grey Geese," April 27th, forty, flying N., light S., haze.
April 28th, fifty, flying N. Oct. 7th, three, flying S., N.W.,
fine. Nov. 1st, twenty, flying E., light E., haze.
111. "Wild Geese," Nov. 13th, twenty, flying E., light E., haze.
Nov. 14th, thirty, flying E.
Barnacle Goose seen at following stations:--Barra Head (88), Kyleakin
(90).
88. April 25th, 100, "flying over;" light N.E., clear. May 1st,
150, fresh N.E., clear. Sept. 22nd, about thirty arrived, light
S.W., haze and rain. Nov. 10th, about fifty seen flying S., var.
W., showers.
90. Nov. 30th, seven flying S.W. ("first I have seen here"), light
N.W., clear. Five species of Geese.
Eider Ducks, _ut sup._ 82, 95, 103.
82. May 26th, six, passing N., light S.W., clear. June 30th,
sixteen, passing N., light E., var.
95. Oct. 12th, one, first seen this season. Oct. 15th, six, fishing
round rock. November, forty (twenty males and twenty females),
fishing round rock, light N.W., clear.
Wild Duck, only at 83, 88, 90.
83. March 21st, two males and two females, killed at lantern;
slight S.E., haze.
88. Sept. 21st, twenty, flying W., light E., haze.
90. Sept. 19th, four, flying S.W., light E.
Eider Ducks at Rhu Stoir, Dhuheartach, and Rhinns of Islay. Three at
first named locality on April 14th; light S., haze and rain. Six on May
26th; strong S.W., passing north. Sixteen on June 30th, passing north,
with light var., and clear. Then at Dhuheartach, the first seen this
season was on Oct. 12th, in autumn migration, and at Rhinns of Islay,
three seen during a S.W. gale. At Dhuheartach again, twenty males and
twenty females, seen fishing round the rock, during strong W.N.W. wind,
and clear on Dec. 7th. Two species.
Columbidæ.--A large flock of Rock Doves is resident at Butt of Lewis,
and is seen daily flying inland to feed. At Kyleakin a Woodpigeon was
seen flying S.E. at noon on Dec. 15th, with light W. wind, and clear;
at same station, on 23rd, four Rock Doves flying south, wind light
W.S.W.; and at same place two more flying south, with E.S.E. and haze,
on Jan. 2nd. One species.
Rallinæ.--Corn Crake.--At Stornoway, first heard on May 2nd. At Barra
Head, one seen on July 1st, var., S.E., and fog. At Kyleakin, first
heard on May 16th, S., clear. At Rhinns of Islay, one found dead on May
23rd, light W., haze. One species.
Charadriadæ.--Spring. Oystercatchers are resident all the year at Cape
Wrath. At Barra Head, three pairs arrived on April 10th. At M'Arthur's
Head they were present all April.
In autumn oyster catchers appeared in flocks, along with the rush of
land migrants, about Aug. 23rd, at Stornoway, at which place they are
generally seen all September.
Golden Plover records quite absent for 1883.
Lapwing.--Spring record at Rhu Stoir, two seen on April 4th. In autumn,
at Kyleakin, ninety were counted flying S.E., and crying loudly, with
N.W. wind and haze, on Aug. 15th. Eight more on 23rd, flying east, wind
S.E., and haze; and at Lamlash, a single bird rested on the Island on
Aug. 13th. At Barra Head, seventeen were seen at two p.m., light east
wind, and haze (direction of flight not given), on Sept. 21st; one
record there also in October. At Loch Ryan, a flock flying S.E., on
Nov. 15th, S.E. wind; and at Dhuheartach, where migration appeared to
cease on Dec. 29th, the last migrant seen was a Lapwing, resting on the
Lantern on that date. At Kyleakin seven were seen flying S.W. on Jan.
4th, 1884. Two species.
Scolopacidæ.--Woodcock, Snipe, Curlew, Whimbrel. No records of Woodcock
till October. Then a few at Monach Island, Dhuheartach, Lismore, and
Loch Ryan; and in November, at Kyleakin and Lismore. Single entries
on 16th at Kyleakin, and 5th at Lismore. Two killed at Monach on Oct.
29th, one killed at Dhuheartach on 31st, and three on 29th, at Lismore;
and one on 31st, at Loch Ryan, showing a general movement at these
dates.
Snipe were even scarcer; earliest Oct. 22nd, at Monach, and occurring
on the same dates as Woodcock, or nearly.
Curlew.--Numerous records at most of the stations, dating from Feb.
5th, at Rhuvaal, on to November. An appearance of a rush northwards on
May between 14th and 16th, when flocks seen flying north at Rhinns of
Islay; also on 16th, at Lismore, during the day. Records also at Loch
Ryan, Skerryvore, &c.
In autumn, at Stornoway, Monach, Barra Head, and most stations indeed;
earliest, July 25th, at Skerryvore, when five Curlews seen flying N.E.,
on to Nov. 16th, at Sound of Mull. Between Sept. 16th and 30th, at
Stornoway, seen every day on the shore, and large numbers on the 30th.
There is only one record of Whimbrel under the name "The Small Curlew,"
when two were seen at Skerryvore flying about the rocks. I wish we
could more exactly trace the lines of migration of the Whimbrel, or
"May fowl" of the Hebrides, in both spring and autumn (see remarks
of Mr. D. Gray in the Atlantic, _antea_). No records of Redshanks or
Sandpipers. Four species.
Laridæ; Sterninæ.--Arrivals in spring recorded as follows:--At Rhu
Stoir, three Terns on May 10th; light N. breeze. At Stornoway, Terns
"arrived as usual about this time," and left in August. At Skervuile,
arrived on 14th, and more seen on 16th. The first came with a fresh S.
breeze and rain. At Corsewall first observed was on May 11th.
In autumn. Terns, as already stated, left Stornoway in August, but
"about ten days later than usual." The last seen at Skervuile was on
Sept. 6th. At Sound of Mull, on Sept. 30th, a flock rested for two
hours, and then flew away S.E., composed of old and young together.
Moderate wind.
An utter absence of records of any Gulls, Skuas, "Boatswains," or any
other Laridæ. One or two species?