accounted very rare, on Oct. 3rd, when one was killed; strong N.W.
wind, and haze. One species.
Alcidæ.--At various stations taken notice of as follows:--At Barra
Head, a few seen on Feb. 4th; fresh S.W., banks of fog. No records in
April. "Marrots" and "Razorbills." At Barra Head, numbers seen of same,
and Puffins, on April 27th; light S.E. wind. A few Puffins seen on May
1st; and fresh N.E. A great many more on May 2nd; fresh N.E. At Butt of
Lewis, first Razorbills seen on April 25th.
In autumn, Marrots leave Barra Head Aug. 12th, along with the bulk of
Razorbills, but Puffins not till Aug. 25th. Marrots and Razorbills
left with fresh E. wind. Puffins left in fresh S. wind.
Cormorants arrived about same time as Razorbills and Aleidæ, but remain
about six weeks later at Butt of Lewis; and at Kyleakin there is record
of a flock of twenty-eight flying W. on 13th, with S.W. breeze. Four
species.
Colymbidæ.--On June 10th one great N. Diver seen swimming near
Lighthouse, at Kyleakin, moving N. (but this movement may be due to set
of the tide only, hour not given, J. A. H. B.). In autumn, at Sound
of Mull, a G. N. D., passing S., var., light breezes. At Lismore, one
flying south; stormy W., rain, on Oct. 17th. At Sound of Mull, two
passing south, at noon; light airs. If the movement is only local
and due to tides, this should be mentioned in schedules, and the
words "drifting with tide," or "swimming with tide," used instead of
"passing." They are not likely to swim against the tide, but if this
phenomenon is observed it should be recorded. One species.
Weather Notes for General Remarks on Spring Migration, 1883.
Fearful snow-storm over the north of Shetland on March 17th, and N.E.
gales and snow prevailed from March 5th to 24th; E. and N.E. and N.
winds prevailed all over Scotland with gales, notably on March 6th and
17th; from 6th to 24th slight changes to S.E., but of short duration;
on 25th (Sunday) wind S.W. strong to gale and rain, the first rain
since February, but only lasted half a day; wind backed again to N.E.
In Orkney the sea rose suddenly very high on the E. coast on March
21st; very cold and fine on 22nd, wind light S.W. "Large quantities
of Cormorants, Razorbills, and Shags, &c., are coming ashore along
the E. coast of Orkney." Deaths supposed to be from scarcity of food,
_viz._, coal-fish; and great damage done to rabbits by Hawks, in some
cases nearly exterminating them (daily papers of March 23rd, 1883). At
Dunipace 12° of frost on night of March 27th. Fearful gale at 9 a.m. on
March 30th, bar. at 28′ 9″; gale all night from S.W., bar. rising all
day; again till 9 p.m. to 29′ 6″, wind S.W. at 10 p.m.; again at 30′
2″. S. gale at Isle of May on March 29th and 30th.
As already mentioned in our General Remarks on 1882 Report (Fourth
Report, 1882, p. 67) the effects of these gales and N.E. winds in
spring of 1883 was almost to stop migration at Isle of May, which
migration had "set in pretty briskly" on March 2nd, and almost ceased
on the 5th. From the latter date only a few "stragglers of the
strongest wings" up to the 19th; while a great concourse of Wagtails
was observed inland in Edinburgh (see report as above quoted); few were
seen at Isle of May till the 30th, when five came with S. gale (_op.
cit._, p. 68).
The general migration was much weaker in numbers this season in spring,
and this is doubtless owing to the prevalence of strong S.E. gales and
winds at the time of migration, moderate S.E. or easterly winds being
preferred. Still there were considerable rushes at the more favourable
localities for observation especially of Thrushes and other _Turdidæ_.
The anomalous migration recorded by Mr. Cordeaux on to part of the
English coast between Feb. 18th and May 18th,[29] with strong E. and
S.E. winds, changing occasionally by N.E. to W. and N.W., is somewhat
difficult of explanation, unless we could correlate data from the
opposite coasts at the same dates in spring of 1883; but the fact
stated by me that migration began briskly at Isle of May on March 2nd
and almost ceased by the 5th may indicate that the migration thus
retarded by adverse winds, or altered in direction thereby, passed N.
by more inland routes, avoiding the Scottish coast-line, and hugging
every sheltering hollow of land. Blown across the North Sea at the
more southerly stations, they then crept northwards silently and more
inland. Being all adult birds, and having crossed the North Sea not at
the widest part if they came with a S.E. wind, less exhaustion would
occur, and thus, passing inland, they would escape notice near the
coast.
[Footnote 29: See p. 60 of this Report.]
Before we can speak with much certainty as to the progress of spring
migrations into the further districts influenced by them, we require
more full and continuous data from Faroe and Iceland. Still, the
earliest appearance noted in Iceland of the Redwing, _Turdus iliacus_,
on April 7th, 1882, should be noted as a possible means of comparison
in that year with the returns from our own coasts. Data from our West
Coast of Scotland help us little in 1883 in spring, and even less so
in 1882, as regards _Turdidæ_. Wheatears again, in 1882, are noted not
before April 24th, and on West Coast of Scotland the migration, though
but scantily observed, began on March 9th and terminated as late as May
17th (see 1882 Report, p. 57).
The autumn migration of 1883 was pronounced, and confined principally
to end of October and November, of _Turdidæ_, _Cinclidæ_ (one of which,
seen at Isle of May, was afterwards described to me as having no brown
between the black and white of the breast); also of Snow Buntings,
Sky Larks, Robins (small numbers), Linnets, Chaffinches, Starlings,
culminating in a grand rush past of the bulk between Oct. 28th or
30th and Nov. 3rd. The heaviest rush, observed at the time of a south
wind, as compared with other years, at Isle of May, was on Oct. 13th
and 14th, a S.E. wind, according to Mr. Agnew, being usually more
favourable at that point. This October to November rush is undoubtedly
the principal feature of our returns over the whole country. Of the
expansion of the fan or wave our returns from both E. and W. coasts
give a very fair indication. It seems likely that, although most
land-stations have not returned very heavily-laden schedules,--not to
compare, for instance, with 1882,--yet, as noticed by Mr. Cordeaux,
quite as many, if not more, birds were observed at the light-ships;
that the reason for this may be found in the normal and favourable
direction of the winds prevailing in the North Sea at the time of
autumn migration, resulting in greater numbers of birds passing inland
without resting, and being thus less liable to come under observation,
except at specially suitable stations. And, if we / compare the
schedules of 1883 and those of 1882 on the West Coast of Scotland we
find that, while larger numbers are recorded at the more northerly
stations in 1883 than in 1882, there is a lighter return at more
southerly stations in the autumn of 1883 than there was in the autumn
of 1882. Thus to no inconsiderable degree the order of the statistics
of two years is reversed. It would almost appear in this way that when
a "spread fan" reaches our E. coast with S.E. winds--reaching, as it
did in 1882, from Faroe S. to the English Channel--the birds, being
tired and worn out, promptly seek shelter, and then, when rested,
pursue their migration on more southerly lines, and do not reach so
far west, except such as fail to catch up the land, and are driven
forward helplessly. This would cause comparative desertion of the more
northerly stations of the W. coast and Outer Hebrides, as in 1882.
But on the other hand, when a "closed fan" reaches our E. coast with
prevailing westerly and north-westerly winds, and, having much less
expansion to the northward, as in 1883, as regards the E. coast, it
seems that birds arriving, less exhausted with the winds best suited
for their successful passage, pass on inland, the same lines of flight
being persevered in, and thus reach further north upon the West Coast
of Scotland.
Thus the Goldcrest, in 1883, reached as far north as Dhuheartach and
Lismore in some numbers; but in 1882, when they came in such vast
hordes to our east coast, we had no records north of Rhinns of Islay,
and none others until we found them in "great numbers" at stations
south of the Firth of Clyde.
Rushes took place on August 16th at Isle of May, and again on 22nd,
with easterly wind and fog, principally of Wheatears, culminating
on night of Sept. 2nd-3rd, and being accompanied by Redstarts,
Chiffchaffs, Robins, Sedge Warblers, Wood Warblers, and Golden and
Grey Plovers; Thrushes apparently totally absent. A single adult
Blue-throated Warbler, with bright blue breast, was observed at Isle
of May. The rush was on Sept. 4th, at Pentland Skerries, with strong
N. wind. Another rush, about Sept. 15th, of Willow Warblers and
Chiffchaffs; and, on 22nd, of Robins, accompanied by a single recorded
Goldcrest. A rush of the latter took place on Oct. 10th at Isle of May.
Common Wrens, not in large numbers, also migrated on Sept. 22nd and
23rd.
Another feature of the 1883 Report is the abundance of Finches, which
usually travel with the Thrushes, but whose migration appears to be
extended over a longer period of time than that of the Thrushes in 1883.
It will be gathered from the Report that the dates of rushes on our
E. Scottish coasts were slightly later than those on the E. English
coast, averaging from twenty-four to thirty hours by the schedules, and
that the migration past the more northerly stations of Scotland were
in proportion later than in the south. And also that the dates of the
heaviest rushes on the E. coast agree fairly well with the dates of the
W. coast.
While closing our 1883 Report it is perhaps desirable to call attention
to the very great spring migration of Woodcocks, which appears to have
crossed Scotland between Clyde and Forth on March 9th, 10th, 11th,
and 12th, 1884. On the 10th our covers here (Dunipace) were full of
Woodcock. Torwood also held large numbers on 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th;
at Glenbervie, close to this, also unusual numbers were observed. From
the Ayrshire coast they are reported numerous, but not more so than
usual at this season, indicating that the Ayrshire coast, or properties
along the coast, are usually visited in the spring migration. At
Fassaroe, Bray, Co. Wicklow, Mr. Barrington made enquiries, but no
extraordinary numbers have been noted there. At Islay Mr. Ballingall
reports unusual numbers about the time mentioned.
At Ross Priory, east side of Loch Lomond, a good many were observed,
there being snow on the ground at the time; but at Arden, on the west
side, and almost immediately opposite, no additions were observed. At
Aberfoyle and neighbourhood very large numbers were observed. In East
Kilbryde Parish, to the south of Forth and Clyde isthmus, two were
seen at a locality where none were ever seen before. At Callander no
unusual number was noticed, a good many appearing here at this season,
which is usually called "The Return of the Woodcocks." Mr. Robert
Ferguson, on the 11th, flushed eight within a mile-radius, "a most
unusual circumstance here,"--at Whitehill, Rosewell, Midlothian,--and
large numbers were observed near Innerleithen in Holylee Woods and
vicinity. To the east of this county no numbers of any consequence
were noted at Tulliallan or West Grange, in Fife.[30] All the birds
seen by myself were small red Scandinavian birds, which I consider
are quite unmistakable and distinct from home-bred birds. One with an
injured muscle under the wing was brought into the house,--also a red
bird,--which was found alive in a ditch close to.
[Footnote 30: Subsequently I received a note from Mr. Seton Thomson,
of Kinnaird House, Stirlingshire, to the effect that the gamekeeper,
on March 1st, on taking a bee-line to Airth, two and a half miles
over moss-land (Airth is on the Stirlingshire side of the Firth of
Forth, where about three hundred yards of water separate it from
Tulliallan) put up half a dozen Woodcocks in a place where Woodcocks
are very rarely seen. Many also were seen about the garden at Kinnaird
House; these were observed not to be the usual Woodcocks, but a much
redder-looking bird. There appears to have been a great flight of
Woodcocks at Aberfoyle about March 15th. Mr. R. Ker's keeper flushed
five in about two square yards, and kept putting them up all over. Two
were seen also at Crutherland, by East Kilbryde, on the 12th, where a
Woodcock was never seen before.]
I would like further to have ascertained the boundaries within which
this migration was observed; how far to the north and how far to the
south of the catchment Basin of Forth it extended. Here I can do little
more than direct attention to the facts, so far as known to me. But
it seems evident that, though so abundantly observed at Airth and
Kinnaird, scarcely any increase was noticeable just across the Forth
at Tulliallan or West Grange, or in Fife; and though numerous at Ross
Priory and Loch Lomond on the east side, no increase was observed at
Arden and the west side of the loch. When the birds "lifted" from
Kinnaird and Airth, their next probable resting place would be Norway
or the continental coast, possibly Heligoland, as no notice is taken
of them in the 1884 spring returns from Isle of May or Bell Rock. Nor
does there appear to have been any corresponding movement through the
Pentland Firth.
I should like in this place to record the occurrence of the Black
Redstart in the following form. It is previously recorded by me in the
Proc. Royal Physical Society, Edinb. of April 23rd, 1884:--
+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| Date. | 1884. Mar. 31. |
+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| Locality. | Pentland Skerries. |
+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| Species. | _Ruticilla titys_ (Scop.). |
+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| Age--Adult or Young. | Ad. |
+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| Sex. | ♂ |
+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| Alone, or | -- |
+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| with others, | X |
+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| of its own, | -- |
+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| or other Species.* | X |
+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| Direction of Wind, | S.E. |
+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| and Strength. | Strong. |
+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| Prevailing Wind for past Few Days.| S. & S.E. |
+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| Weather. | Clear on 28th. Fog on 31st. |
+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| =Remarks.= |
| |
|* If with other species, name them here:--1 Robin, Sandpipers, |
| 1 Yellow Bunting, 1 Chaffinch, "Stonechats" (_i.e._, Wheatears),|
| 1 G. C. Wren, 1 Common Thrush. |
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
IRISH COAST.
In the spring of 1883 schedules were forwarded to forty-two stations,
Arklow North Light-ship having been added to those of the previous
year. Twenty-five replied.
In the autumn only thirty-five schedules were sent out, seven having
been omitted, _i.e._, Mine Head, Wicklow Head, Lough Swilly, Eagle
Island East, Slyne Head South, Loop Head, and Samphire Island.
Thirty-four were returned, one station sending no answer.
A decided improvement in filling the schedules occurred in the autumn,
the observations of some light-keepers extending over three or even
four schedules. The labour of arranging the materials for this report
and placing the entries under the head of each species has consequently
been much increased.
In addition to the schedules the light-keepers at Coningbeg light-ship,
Tuskar Rock, Rathlin Island, Killybegs, Tearaght, and Skelligs have
forwarded lists of all the birds they have observed, whether migrating
or otherwise. There is an evident disposition on the part of all to
help us as far as possible in this enquiry. The light stations are
arranged geographically--beginning at the Fastnet, in Cork, and going'
round by the east to the west coast.
The number of migrants passing in the autumn seems to have been greater
than usual. A great rush of Thrushes (including probably Redwings),
Blackbirds, and Starlings, took place at our south eastern and southern
stations between Oct. 25th and Nov. 2nd--notably at the Tuskar, on
the Wexford coast, which is the best Irish station. Smaller rushes of
these and other birds are also recorded, but it is premature at present
to analyse the movements of each species or the dates on which they
occurred. After a few years conclusions will be far more satisfactory.
The great majority of birds are killed striking on foggy, misty, or
dark nights, and it is perhaps not impossible for a great migration
to take place, and pass almost unrecorded if the night be fine and
bright. Whenever a bird has been killed striking, it is so stated, and
not left to be understood.
The bulk of the migrants appear to arrive on our south eastern coast,
except such birds as the Barnacle Goose and Snow Bunting, which are
mainly recorded from the north western stations, being rarely entered
in the schedules from the east or south coasts.
An interesting feature this year is the occurrence of several examples
of the Greenland Falcon on the west coast.
The winter of 1883-4 was exceptionally mild, and the entries due to
local migration from frost and hard weather are probably few.
Many entries no doubt refer to birds not migrating at all, but none
have been omitted, as it is difficult to know where to draw the line.
It is desirable, however, that the light-keepers should state whether
the bird is believed to be migrating or merely moving about the
district from local causes.
In the schedules for next year a special column for the direction
of flight has been added. This we think quite as important as the
direction of the wind. Birds seem rarely to fly directly with the wind.
Attention is drawn to this point in order to have it confirmed or
otherwise.
In order to diminish the errors in the identification of species the
light-keepers have been instructed to forward, when possible, a leg and
wing of every bird about which they are doubtful, and we trust they
will do so.
Some entries seem very improbable, and others are isolated and
apparently valueless. When records accumulate, both may prove useful.
In addition to the little Skellig Rock--off the coast of Kerry--the
Gannet also breeds on the Bull Rock fifteen miles further south, and a
few are also reported as breeding in the Cow Rock quite close to it.
No matter what results are arrived at from this enquiry, it is
satisfactory to be in correspondence with a number of observers on
isolated points all around the coast.
The information supplied, if corroborated during several years by
different light-keepers, cannot but be valuable, and we wish to impress
on them the necessity of continuing to assist in this investigation.
To all the light-keepers who have given their time and attention to the
subject we return our sincere thanks, especially as their assistance is
voluntary and given solely for the advancement of knowledge.
Mr. Armstrong, Secretary to the Irish Lights Board, and Captain Boxer,
R.N., Inspector of Irish Lights, have helped us in many ways by their
advice and co-operation. The Commissioners of Irish Lights have given
us every facility, and also material support by subscribing for forty
copies of the report and distributing them among the light-keepers.
Alexander G. More.
Richard M. Barrington.
List of Light-stations.
Miles
from
Sp. Au. shore. Names of Observers.
1. Fastnet, Co. Cork o x 8 James Walsh.
2. Galley Head, Cork x x -- John Whelan and
John Kelly.
3. Old Head, Kinsale, Cork x x -- Martin Kennedy.
4. Mine Head, Waterford o * --
5. Dungarvan, Waterford o x -- Wm. Higginbotham.
5.*Coningbeg Lt.-ship, Wexford x x 10 Patrick Cullen.
6. Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, do. x x 4 Michael Doyle.
7. Tuskar Rock Lt.-ship, do. x x 7 Richard Hamilton.
8. Arklow Sth. Lt.-ship, Wicklow x x 7 Patrick Clancy.
8.*Arklow North Lt.-ship, do. x x 8 William Daly.
10. Kish Bank Lt.-ship, Dublin x x 7 Michael Cunniam and
John Pinston.
11. Howth Baily, Dublin o o --
12. Rockabill, Dublin x x 5 Joseph Hammond.
13. Copeland Island, Down x x 3 John Walsh.
14. Maidens, Antrim x x 5 Patrick Keenan and
Michael Barry.
15. Rathlin, Antrim x x 6 John A. Murray.
16. Innishtrahull, Donegal x x 6 W. H. James.
17. Dunree Head, Donegal o x -- John Stapleton.
18. Lough Swilly, Donegal x * -- Henry Redmond.
19. Tory Island, Donegal o x 9 Thomas Sweeny.
20. Arranmore, Donegal x x 5 Henry Williams.
21. Rathlin O'Birne, Donegal x x 2 Joseph Hill and
John Scallan.
22. Killybegs, Donegal x x -- Daniel Hawkins.
23. Oyster Island, N. Sligo x x 1 John Young and
Joseph Hill.
24. Broadhaven, Mayo o x -- Patrick Keenan.
25. Eagle Island, E., Mayo x * 2 Henry Stocker.
26. Eagle Island, W., Mayo o x 2 Matthew Healy.
27. Blackrock, Mayo o x 9 John Redmond and
John Young.
28. Blacksod Point, Mayo o x -- Robt. W. Redmond.
29. Clare Island, Mayo x x 4 G. H. Brownell.
30. Slyne Head, N., Galway x x 3 Robert Tyrrell.
31. Slyne Head, S., Galway o * 3
32. Arran Island, N., Galway o x 9 Thomas Fortune.
33. Straw Island, Galway x x 9 Charles Boyle.
34. Arran Island, S., Galway x x 6 John O'Donnell.
36. Samphire Island, Kerry o * ½
37. Tearaght, Kerry x x 9 Edward McCarron.
38. Valentia, Kerry o x -- Joseph Williams.
39. Skelligs, Kerry o x 9 Thomas Kerley.
40. Dursey Island, Cork x x ½ James Keenan.
_Abbreviations:_
Sp. = Spring. Au = Autumn.
o = No reply. x = Schedule returned partly or wholly filled.
* = No schedule sent to this station.
General Remarks of Light-Keepers.
_Fastnet._--"Autumn: On the night of Nov. 2nd, the weather being hazy,
there was a quantity of all species of birds came from the N.E., and
several of them were killed by striking the lantern; but what was most
remarkable was the quantity of large Moths, which I could compare
to nothing but a heavy fall of snow, they were so numerous. In bad
weather a few Seals frequent the rock, and a quantity of Gulls and
Sea Parrots--the latter I have frequently seen killed and eaten by
the Royal Gull. The Gannet is here all the year. No birds breed. On
Nov. 2nd, from one a.m. to seven a.m., there were killed by striking
the lantern twenty-two Thrushes, eleven Blackbirds, four Woodcocks,
seventeen Starlings, eight Linnets, five Larks, and seven Robins. Wind
S.E., light, hazy."--James Walsh.
_Galley Head._--"Spring: The flight of the Gannet and Puffin is always
to the west here. I have many times thought they must pass east by some
other route. The Grey-backed Crow and Common Crow are seen all the
year round. The Wagtail, Stonechat, and other small birds have almost
disappeared this year. The Cuckoo I have not seen or heard this year. I
have never been at a station with less birds about than this one. I am
four years here, and there has not been one case of a bird striking the
lantern."--John Whelan.
"Autumn: I arrived at this station Nov. 6th, and from that date to
the present from ninety to one hundred Sea Gulls are to be seen daily
flying about the cliffs near the Lighthouse. No birds of any other
species have been seen passing."--John Kelly. Feb., 1884.