16th. One Swallow at Isle of May on 14th. All August Martins and
Swallows, and a "rush" of latter at XXVII. on 24th; light W., clear.
_Latest._--One Swallow and one Martin at XXVII. on 7th October.
Fringillidæ.--Every month in the year, more or less of different
species, as follows, in order of greatest numbers: Grey and Green
Linnets in February, March, April, and again in June; and House and
Tree Sparrows in May, and odd ones of the former during the other
spring months. Chaffinches scarce, and single records in February,
March, April, May; one each month, all at XXVII. (Isle of May). Twenty
Tree Sparrows in a flock, at XXVII., on 29th May; and daily large flock
of Sparrows at Fidra on 16th and 23d. Sparrow "rare" on XIV., seen
April 23d.
_In Autumn._--Large flock of Heather Linties (Twites) at Start Point
all the month of July. Grey Linnets (or perhaps these are Twites?) at
XIV. (Pentland Skerries), 27th July. In August, Sparrows at N. Unst;
N.N.W., fog. Grey Linnets (or Twites?) at XIV,, end of August; N.E.
Only one record in September at XIV.; none elsewhere, but October
bulks larger. Only stations sending any returns are XIV. and XXVII. in
October. Movement slack in first week, bulking largest 16th and 17th.
Rush of _Chaffinches_, _Linnets_, a few _Redpoles_ on 14th, and a few
_Siskins_ on 30th October.
_In November, up to 23d._--Chaffinches at N. Unst on 3d--light N.W.,
rain--and on 4th at XXVII. Green Linnets at N. Unst on 19th November,
and at VII. (Sumburgh Head) on 12th. Numbers on 5th at XIV. all day,
fresh W., clear; and also on XXVII., same day, a few; light W., clear.
Latest record of Green Linnets, December 18th; but Grey Linnets on 18th
January 1886, and Redpoles (three) on 23d, at XXVII.
We have overlooked also a few stray records of "Bramblings" on 6th and
7th April, at XXVII.; strong E. winds.
Emberizidæ.--_In Spring_, Snow Buntings. One seen on February 7th at
XXVII., and five on 27th; a number on 20th March at N. Ronaldshay on
the island. Gale: sleet--twenty-three struck and seven killed. In April
two flying about the rocks at Sumburgh Head on 6th--_the_ latest record
of the species in spring.
One _Reed Bunting_ at Pentland Skerries on February 27th; S. gale and
haze on island. Few records of Yellow Bunting in February and March,
and at XXVII. equally scarce. Only occasional also in April anywhere,
and same to June. _Common_ Bunting, first single bird at XIV. on 18th;
odd records till June on six dates till that time. Winds prevailing
from N.E. through E. to S.E. (very likely local movements).
_In Autumn._--Snow Buntings returned only from XIV. and XXVII. in
October, but in November at IV., VII., VIII., X., XIV., XV., XXVII.
all through the month, but not heavily as compared with other years.
Rush at VIII. (N. Ronaldshay), with S.E. gale; "flocks" frequent at
XIV., XV., not abundant at XXVII. during November. In September, a few
odd records only at VII. (Sumburgh Head) and XXVII. (Isle of May). No
records later than November 28th. One record of Common Bunting at XIV.
on 13th November. No records in autumn of any other species.
_Addition to Isle of May List._--Ortolan Buntings: Two specimens--one
shot 12.30 P.M.; light S.E., clear, thick fog and heavy rain all night.
Named by Mr Agnew correctly.--J. A. H. B. Mr Agnew adds under 29th May:
"There are two Ortolan Buntings, three Tree Sparrows, and one female
Redstart on the island since the 23d April."
Alaudidæ.--_Spring Migration._--In February records from XIV. and
XXVII. only; one single bird from the former on 14th, but a rush at
the latter on 17th, at 1 A.M. Light E., rain and haze; three killed.
Continuing in numbers on 18th, four killed and many wounded. Curiously
no records from Bell Rock on these dates or in this month. Likely the
wind too much due E. Fewer on 26th, but an increase again on 27th.
At Bell Rock, however, one bird on 15th, and three on 19th only.
Stragglers only from the direct wave. We are more than ever convinced
of the influence of the wave from Heligoland _not_ extending much
beyond Isle of May and Bell Rock. A new light will soon be on the light
vessel of the Carr Rock, off the East Neuk of Fife; and we are in hopes
that a good observer will be stationed there, who has had personal
experience and knowledge of birds before. On 13th March only one record
at Bell Rock; on 11th only two at XXVII. and one at Pentland Skerries.
In April "Crested Larks" are entered, and a previous entry of the same
is given on March 11th, both from XXVII. (Isle of May. [We would like
to have examined these, and added the _real_ Crested Lark to the Isle
of May Museum.] Not many records in April.
_In Autumn._--A few flying round the light on 24th August at N. Unst.
Desultory movements at N. Unst in September.
In October about the 15th, 16th, 18th, an appearance of a "rush," or
an actual "rush" on 18th at VIII. (N. Ronaldshay), and on 14th at
XXVII. (Isle of May). At former 40 struck. E.S.E. wind. At latter
"large numbers," with a S.W. gale, sleet. These no doubt are blown
_off the land_. Latest date 18th. But reports in newspapers of immense
gatherings of Larks near Dundee, St Andrews, and Midlothian and
elsewhere, in January and again in March, being only, no doubt, local
congregations caused by frost and snow in Scotland.
Sturninæ.--All returns for spring light. Earliest, February 9th at
XXVII., and 11th at XIV. From 16th to 20th light returns, flock on
18th. By the 11th March breeding birds had arrived and taken up their
haunts on XXVII., and about the same time an odd bird or two were
seen resting on rocks of XXVI. (Bell Rock). Wind light westerly. As
no records occur at Bell Rock at any other time in spring this year,
even these odd birds occurring just at the time of arrivals elsewhere
are significant perhaps of the general movement, these birds no
doubt having overshot the land. Odd records in April at Fidra; a pair
breeding there in May.
_In Autumn._--Earliest movement noticed at XXVII. "Large flocks of
young birds, strangers." No records anywhere in September. In October
movements noted at IV, (N. Unst) between 11th and 25th. On 11th flocks
flying east, with light S.E. wind and haze. Only one record at XXVI.
(Bell Rock) on 8th October. Rush decided at XXVII. on 17th, with strong
E., rain and haze; two killed. Small movements at IV, VII, (Sumburgh
Head), and XXVII. in November, and a few up to end of January 1886.
Corvidæ.--Earliest spring record of Rooks at XIV. (Pentland Skerries).
Strong N.W. wind on 28th February. Rooks are recorded from the
following stations:--VIII. (N. Ronaldshay), XIV, XXVII. (Isle of May);
but all returns are very light indeed. In the first week in March a
slight rush apparent at Sumburgh Head of Black and Hooded Crows--on
1st 50, on 6th 18, light N. to N.E.; and a few almost every day at
XXVII. at same time. Records of Carrion and Hooded Crows are from VII.
(Sumburgh Head), VIII., XIV., and XXVII. Earliest 1st March; latest
29th April. From three or four to eight or ten daily; long straggling
migration.
_Jackdaws_ at XIV. on 25th, and 26th two, light W.N.W,, clear; and at
same place seven on 8th June and one on 13th, no doubt visitors from
either the Caithness coast or from Orkney.
_Autumn._--Similar movements of _Black Crows_ at IV, on 30th July,
and at XIV. on 20th, 26th, two or three each time, Carrion Crows and
Hooded Crows reported in autumn from IV., VIII., XIV., XXVII., XXVIII.
B. (Fidra) in a pretty continuous and steady, though never heavy,
stream, massing largest at IV. and at XIV., two, three, four, to once
twelve (on 11th September at IV.) being the daily number observed.
Dating from 1st record, 26th July, at XIV., to latest record, January
26th, 1886, one bird at XXVII., with easterly and northerly gale.
_Rooks_--Infinitesimal movement; only two records, one in June and one
in December, both at IV. _Ravens_--Small number. Two at IV. on 22d
August, eight at IV. on 5th September, strong E., haze, feeding on
rock; and two on 20th October at same place. Four _Jackdaws_ stopped a
few days at N. Ronaldshay from the 6th November.
Cypselidæ.--At N. (Auskerry) flocks of Swifts seen on 1st May, with the
note "rarely seen till the middle of June, wind N. and N.E., showers."
Again seen at XXVII. on June 5th and 17th. We ourselves witnessed a
party of Swifts migrating close along the cliff-edge of Holborn Head,
on the N. coast of Caithness--"seven seen flying E., swiftly careering
above the cliff-edge of Holborn, and crossing in a direct line the Bay
of Thurso" (extract from Journal, 28th June 1885). We witnessed also
eight evidently still bent on migration, "flying in a bee-line down
Strathspey, high in air, at 11 A.M., near Black Boats station. Clouds,
heavy rains, showers, and N.W. wind" (_loc. cit._, May 16th, 1885).
There is undoubtedly a great highway of migration up and down the
valley of the Spey, We have abundant evidence of it.
In Autumn.--One record at IV. Two seen on 11th September, light S.,
clear.
Jynginæ.--Mr Agnew very ably describes the Wryneck as follows, and
it was afterwards identified and added to collection, and the tail,
which had been shot away, was recovered afterwards by chance by Mr
Wm. Evans, and restored to the specimen. Mr Agnew writes, and we
give it as showing how accurately to describe a bird for purposes of
identification:
"One bird, total stranger; very like a Partridge in markings; size of
a Lark; 4 toes on feet, 2 before and 2 behind; fore toes largest; one
of the hind toes not so large as the other; bill about the size of a
Pipit's; tongue protruding more than an inch, thickly covered with fine
hairs; ¼-inch of the tip horn, sharp as a needle. Don't know what it
is unless Ant-eater. Very sorry tail shot away. Sent to Small for the
Collection."--J. Agnew.
Cuculidæ.--April 26th, an early date of arrival, flew low from Dirleton
woods towards XXVIII. B. (Fidra); light S. breeze. In May, on 10th, at
Cromarty, fresh N.E., showers; on 16th at XXVII., fresh W.N.W.; and on
28th at same station, moderate S.W., clear. No autumn records.
Strigidæ.--No spring returns. _In Autumn._--Short-Eared Owls recorded
from XXVII. (Isle of May), one of 9th October, 6 P.M., N.W.; one
14th, N.E. gale; and one _shot_ on 31st. The only other record is at
IX. (Start Point), when "an Owl made its first appearance on the 6th
November."
Falconidæ.--Hawks, Sparrow Hawks, large Hawks, and Kestrel bulk pretty
regularly, mostly, however, single birds at XIV. and XXVII. in spring.
Many daily records no doubt refer to the same bird seen over and over
again, especially when such relate to Sparrow Hawks and Kestrels. Such
visits are no doubt only of local origin. "Large Hawks" at XXVII. are
not Peregrine Falcons, as such are well known to Mr Agnew, but probably
Buzzards or Harriers. One shot on 11th April unfortunately fell into
the sea and was not recovered. A "Dark-Brown Hawk" also noted on 11th
March at Isle of May.
_In Autumn._--In August many local visits paid to flights of small
birds at most insular stations sending returns, especially at IV., X.,
XIV., and XXVII. Falcons, Hawks, "large and small," few in September,
none in October recorded, and a few in November. In former years three
Eagles used to be seen regularly; are now believed to have been killed
out at IV., and we know that orders and rewards have been given to the
gamekeeper there for their destruction, as well as all "vermin."
Pelecanidæ.--Solan Geese.--Commencing in spring on 26th March, three
seen flying east at XIV, strong N. wind. We may state here that winds
seem to affect their passage very little at all times. Began to appear
flying N. past VIII. (N. Ronaldshay) on April 18th, and flying east
past XIV, 14th, 15th, and 20th--winds S.W. to S.S.E., and back to
S.W., on the three dates respectively. An April "flock," and "flocks
all day," by the 26th. Before that, usually in afternoons, and not
in forenoons. In June "the number of Gannets flying, usually N. past
VIII., increasing;" 10th, 19th, 20th, 25th, "flock," "flocks," "several
flocks," "three." July to September, constant in "flights" of two to
twelve. On September 4th, in haze and fog, flying N. past XIV., and
always N. past VIII. Going E. still in October, few in November, and
two records in December "seen fishing."
Ardeidæ.--At XIX. (Cromarty) seen on shore, 8 P.M., calm, haze. Two
records in April at Cromarty and Fidra (XXVIII. B.); one in May at
XXVII. (Isle of May); two in July--12th and 22d--flying N.E. at XIV.;
three to six records in September at XIX. (Cromarty) and XIV.; one in
October at XXVII.; and two records at XIV. and XXVII.
Anatidæ.--_In Spring._--Between 2d and 19th February, a flock of
"Barnacle Geese" seen almost daily flying E. at different hours of
forenoon and afternoon; and on 6th and 25th two flocks. Wind usually
N. and E., except on 8th, 9th, and 10th, when it was westerly. The
above at XIX. (Cromarty). I heard from other sources of the unusual
quantities of Brent Geese in the Cromarty Firth and elsewhere on the
East Coast this season--_i.e._, 1884-85--and also in 1885-86. The Geese
at XIX. continued to be observed on April 10th and 14th, 1885, but not
later.
Of _Swans_, only one record at VIII. (N. Ronaldshay), when six seen.
Of _Eider Ducks_, two flocks at XXVII.--light S.E., clear--on 2d March;
and by 16th April most of the Eiders left. On 4th April flock of fifty
males and females, about equal in number, at XXVII. This lot left
on 6th; numerous again on 20th; but breeding birds and a few about
XXVIII. B. (Fidra) on 26th April. In May, on 7th, 10th, and 16th,
three males and three females all day about island, and continued till
21st--breeding, no doubt. Long-Tailed Duck, 3, 2 [male] and 1 [female],
at XXVII. on 26th February 1885 (only record). A few Wild Ducks at
XXVIII. B. on 28th April. "Stock Ducks."--Two at XIV. on 2d May, where
they breed. Three "King Ducks" are noted at Isle of May, and the note
"different from Eider" added on 31st May 1885, and "had a white spot on
the black wings." (?)
_In Autumn._--We have records of Swans, Teal Duck, Stock Ducks, Ducks,
Eider Ducks (or Dunters), Wild-drake, Barnacle Geese, and Widgeon.
Stations returning are--VIII. (North Ronaldshay), returning "number of
Ducks of different kinds, as Widgeons, Teal," and Eider Ducks "made
appearance in great numbers" on 10th and 15th September respectively.
At XIV., by far the largest returns of Ducks of sorts greatest in
September. XIX.--"Barnacle" (?) Geese on 18th October.
At XXVII., record of Eiders, "all young birds except one old male,"
on 2d December; and latest record at XIV. of a flock near the rocks on
27th.
Columbidæ.--At XXVII. (Isle of May), a Turtle Dove shot on the 29th
May--wind W., light, clear. "This bird had been severely wounded
before."--J. A. A vast rush of Wood Pigeons is noted at XXVII. on
November 29th, flying S.W. in countless thousands, making a rushing
noise like a railway train. The wind after the great S.E. gale.[5]
[Footnote 5: Shifted to W., and on the 29th inclined to N.W., but
shifted back at night to N.E.]
Rallidæ.--Spring records are:--
Heard at 4 A.M. at XIX. (Cromarty) on 19th May--light E., clear.
Heard by Keeper at XIV. (Pentland Skerries) when over in South
Ronaldshay on 15th May. Heard on XIV. (Pentland Skerries), one pair, on
21st--wind S.E. They breed there.
One at XXVII. (Isle of May) on 14th, and again on 20th May.
No autumn records.
Charadriadæ.--A flock in February; probably belonged to last year's
migration, and can hardly be admitted as spring movement at XIV.
Oyster-Catcher--two entries in March and April; the former at XIV.,
where two arrived; and the latter at XXVII., where three were seen on
the 13th April.
_In Autumn._--Golden Plover arrived 5th August, and usually remain all
winter. Odd birds at XIV., also in August. On 6th September, single
record of a Golden Plover; single ditto in October at XIV. Straggling
records of little real use in tracing facts in November, when, however,
they do _bulk_ largest. Odd notices in December and January 1886.
Other species noted are Green Plover (very few records), Ring Plover
(November, only one entry), Oyster-Catchers (only taken notice of at
XIV.--a flock in September), and "a number all day" at 28th November at
XIV.
_Addition to Isle of May List and Collection._--Dotterel--One obtained,
3d May 1885 (See remarks under Diary of Stations), _in mus._, Isle of
May.--Curator, Jos. Agnew.
Scolopacidæ.--_In Spring._--Snipe, Curlew, Woodcock, Jack-snipe are the
species noted. Stations are XIV. and XXVII. only. Earliest Snipe record
at XIV. on 16th February (may belong to last season's movements); "a
number," and on 19th "a large number all day on island;" variable,
clear. No March records, and only one of Snipe in April at XXVII.;
S.E., light, clear on 18th. Jacksnipe--one at XXVII. on 5th April,
and one at same place on 1st May; S.E., light clear on former date.
_Curlew_ on XIV., rose off rocks; snow on ground on 19th February.
Several records flying over island at XIV., in April, with various
winds, and ditto in May, and "passing XXVII. at night on 22d May."
Woodcock-Two records, one at XXVII. on 5th April--E.N.E., haze--rose
off island; and one at XIV. on 11th--E.N.E., haze--rose off island.
_Autumn._--There are many entries in each month, as follows:--
{ July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. 1886.
1. { 11 entries. 8 10 15 17 9 2
These are composed principally of the following species, in order of
their abundance:--
{ Curlew--
2. { July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. 1886. In all.
{ 10 entries. 7 9 3 3 1 0 33
{ Woodcock--
3. { July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. 1886. In all.
{ ... ... ... 4 6 5 1 16
{ Snipe--
4. { July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. 1886. In all.
{ ... 1 1 ... 2 1 1 6
{ Jacksnipe--
5. { July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. 1886. In all.
{ ... ... ... 1 2 2 ... 5
The stations returning in order of heaviest schedules and number of
entries, as follows:--
{ July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan.
{ XIV. 6 6 8 6 9 2 ... 37
{ XXVII. 3 ... 2 6 5 6 2 24
6. { VIII. ... ... ... 1 2 ... ... 3
{ X. ... ... ... 5† ... ... ... 5
{ XV. ... ... ... ... ... 1 ... 1
{ XXVI. ... ... ... ... 2 1 ... 3
† Some woodcock.
The records of VIII., X., and XV. refer entirely to Woodcock. The
above tables we use in this place, as possibly affording a guide for
future work in reducing our past seven reports to system. Under Table
I. gives the time of year and comparative abundance of birds in each
month. Table II. to V., comparative numbers of each species in each
month. Table VI. gives relative faunal value of each station in each
month. When decided "rushes" are noted, the word can be written in
under the number of entries. Earliest and latest records may be given
in footnotes to Table VI., or thus:--
Curlew Earliest, 3d July, at XIV. Latest, Dec. 6th, at XIV.
Woodcock " 15th Oct., at VIII. " Jan. 21st, at XXVII.
Snipe " 1st Aug., at XIV. " Jan. 13th, at XXVII.
Jacksnipe " 31st Oct, at XXVII. " Dec. 11th, at XXVII.
Whimbrel " 8th July, at VIII. (Only record).
_Rush._
The winds in autumn prevailed as follows:--
July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan.
N.E. to S.S.E., N.N.E. to N.W. to N.W., N. to W. N., ...
occasionally S.S.E., S.W., north of at with ...
westerly occasionally once XIV.; XIV.; snow ...
and N. S.S.E. E. and N.E. S.E. at over ...
southerly. and S.E. XXVII.; all. ...
gale, and
south of S.S.E.
XXVII. and S. at
VIII.
_Added to the List of Isle of May._--_A Ruff_ (_Machetes pugnax_) sent
for identification and for the collection, 5th May; light N.E. wind,
clear. Most of this huge migratory flight of all sorts left by the
afternoon of the 5th.
Sandpipers, Redshanks.--_Spring_, only two records of "Sandpipers," six
on 7th Feb. 1885, at XXVII.; light S.W., clear; and one "Yellow Shanked
Sandpiper" _found dead_ on 1st May at XXVII. [We would be glad of wings
and feet, or skin, of as many different Sandpipers as Mr Agnew can
send us. Parcels once a month, or with each schedule. The true "Yellow
Shanked Sandpiper" is a N. American species, but numbers of other
_species_ have yellow feet or legs.]
_In Autumn._--All records are crowded into September and November.
Species are Redshanks, "Grey Sandpiper," Common Sandpiper, Purple
Sandpiper. The "Common Sandpiper" is recorded from N. Unst, but the
species is uncertain. [Please send wings or skin.]
_Turnstones_ are recorded, 18th Sept., at XXVII.; W.S.W., light, clear.
Laridæ.--Every month in the year contains returns. Species noted are
Herring Gulls, "Dirty Allens" (or Skuas), "Gulls," "Black-Backed
Gulls," "Kittiwakes," "Grey Megs" (or Common Gull), Black-Headed
Gulls, "Skua Gulls," Richardson's Skuas.
_Spring and Autumn._--Every day plentiful in February, at XXVII. and
XXVIII. B. Gulls arrived at XV. (Dunnet Head)--and left in August
last--on 13th March 1885. Kittiwakes appeared first on 12th March, at
XXVII., "earlier than usual," and very numerous by 13th; "came from
S.;" N.W., light, clear. At XIV. seen all day flying around on 11th
April; E.N.E., haze'; two Black B. Gulls sitting on rocks on 30th;
S.S.E., haze. By April 20th, Kittiwakes had settled down in summer
quarters on XXVII., and were in "multitudes" by 27th May. At XIV. a
pair of Herring Gulls bred in 1884, and again in the present year, on
same place; not before. In May, hundreds Black H. Gulls on the lochs
near VIII. to breed.
Records unimportant in June and July, except that "Dirty Allens" are
recorded at IV. on 2d July, and "Skua Gulls" at XIV. on 7th. In August,
movement of Kittiwakes and other Gulls, and records continue numerously
through the remaining months.
G. Terns,--a number arrived to hatch, "as usual," at VIII. on 14th May,
and Lesser Terns at XIX. on 24th May. The latter disappeared again on
26th Aug.
Procellariidæ.--_Autumn_, July 3d, flying about the rocks at X.
(Auskerry). In August, occasionally striking lantern at IV., VII., IX.
(Start Point), and XV. (Dunnet Head). They breed at IX. among ruins of
house, and under stones on shore.
September,--odd birds striking at IV. and at XIV. on five dates; three
on 2d Sept, at IV., and two at same place on 6th. One record at IV. in
October, and one at same place in November, usually in foggy or rainy
weather.
Alcidæ.--More or less records every month. Arrivals. First spring
visit of Guillemots and Razorbills at XXVII. on 8th March; remained
in thousands to 15th; fewer up to 24th; disappeared and returned in
multitudes to breed by 13th April; Puffins, Razorbills, and Guillemots.
Also at VIII. "Rock Birds seen flying N. daily till 8th May."
_N.B._--_Black Guillemots_ recorded at XXVII. on 5th May.
_In Autumn._--Puffins last seen at XIV. on 7th Aug., and all other Rock
Birds left except Kittiwakes, on the same day at XXVII.
Flock of Guillemots hung about XIV. for a time, and a few more seen on
24th. Large numbers of Guillemots and Razorbills, from 16th to 18th,
at XXVII., when all left, and after a W. gale large numbers on 2d Dec.
and again on 31st Dec. and seen occasionally till end of January.
_N.B._--Black Guillemots, one seen at XXVII. on 27th Jan. 1886. We
think it quite possible _Black Guillemots_ still breed on Isle of May,
perhaps one pair.
EAST COAST OF ENGLAND.
Schedules were sent to forty-five stations, lighthouses, and
light-vessels, and returns have been received from forty-two. The total
number of schedules sent in is eighty-four, and the greatest number
from any single station, nine from Mr Thomas H. Cutting, of the Farn
Lighthouse; and six from Mr Thomas O. Hall, of the Longstone Lighthouse.
The East Coast stations included in this report are:--