(or) "Stonechats." [The name Stonechat is the one almost universally
used at 93, 94, 101, 102, and 113, but "Wheatear"--the more correct
name for the species intended--is used at 88 (Fladda) and 114 (Little
Ross). The true Stonechat has a black head, and is about the same
size as a Whinchat, _i.e._, much smaller than the Wheatear. But the
name "Stonechat" is of almost universal use in Scotland for the
Wheatear--indeed, a generally accepted local name.] Earliest record in
spring, April 4th, at 102 (Rhinns of Islay); latest, 2d June, at 93
(Skerryvore). The general rush took place between the 11th and 20th,
and appears to have been unusually heavy, such terms being used, at all
stations, as "numbers all night," "fifty," "forty," "great numbers,"
"rush all night," "hundreds all night," etc. Perhaps 12th and 13th
had the greatest share, but it would be difficult to say which station
participated most largely. 109 (Turnberry), however, has only one
record of odd birds on 14th April. The May records are all at 93 and
94, and are all light. There are also two records of Whinchats at 114,
on 21st and 2 2d of April. The prevailing wind was easterly in April,
and oftener S. of E. than N. of E. In May the wind was westerly at 93
and 94, and again S.E. at 93 on June 2d, the latest record.
_In Autumn_, a partial rush took place at 101 (Skervuile), where
"numbers at midnight" were seen on the 6th. Records come from the
following stations, principally 93 and 94, a few from 101 and 102.
All records in September are from 93 and 94, and all are very light
indeed, except at 94 upon the 6th September, when a rush of Stonechats,
Wagtails, and Titlarks took place, with light S.E. breeze and haze, at
1 A.M. Prevailing wind S.E, August and September.
Silviinæ.--In March, two records of Robin at 93 (on 15th), and
(Turnberry) 109 on 14th, S.S.E. at latter station, and light S.W.
haze at former. Three other light records at 94 (Dhuheartach), 101
(Skervuile), and 102 (Rhinns of Islay) on 12th and 13th April, and one
record of Whitethroats on 5th May at 114 (Little Ross).
_In Autumn_, no great movement observed, and only single records in
August at 89 (Rona) on 1st, and at 90 (Kyleakin) on 25th, at 108
(Lamlash) on 23d, and Turnberry on 24th--the latter returned as a
"Garden Warbler," the others of Robins.
Phylloscopinæ.--Gold-Crest--Mere indications only of a spring movement,
and that only at 114 (Little Ross), single records on 12th, 15th, and
18th April. Wind easterly on first two dates, but light W. on the last,
with haze, when five Gold-Crests rested on the lantern glass all night.
In May, Wood Warblers are returned at 114 on 20th and 21st, light S.E.
and S., one killed.
The autumn migration also extremely faintly marked. One single record
on 23d September, wind N.N.W., overcast, 9.35 P.M.; and two on 10th
and 17th at 101 (Skervuile) and 114 respectively; wind on 10th N.N.E.,
clear, and on 17th at 114 variable and hazy. All relate to Gold-Crests.
Acrocephalinæ.--No records.
Paridæ.--Tits--One Titmouse at 113 (Mull of Galloway) on 14th April;
wind light, S.E.
_In Autumn._--Single record on 17th August at 113, wind light, N.W.,
clear; one on 1st September at 109 (Turnberry), and two at 113 on
October 9th and 19th.
Troglodytidæ.--Common Wren--A few single records in April and May,
about seven in all, at 93, 94, 109, and 114.
_In Autumn._--One record in August 1st at 89 (Rona), one record in
September at 110 (Corsewall), and half a dozen or so in October at five
stations--102, 108, 109, 110, 113. Six seen at noon on 23d; strong N".
breeze and haze.
Motacillidæ.--Wagtails--On 12th May two, at 9 A.M., at 93 (Skerryvore),
and five at 11 A.M. at 88 (Barra Head) ;-wind S.W. at 93, and fresh W.
at 88. The above the only spring records.
_In Autumn._--Two light records on 24th and 28th, both at 94
(Dhuheartach); north on first date, light S.S.E. on second date. Two
light records on 3d September at 113 (Mull of Galloway), and on 4th
at 93. Indication of general movement on 14th and 16th at 89 (Rona),
93, 94, 102, and 113. Two light records in October 11th and 29th at 90
(Kyleakin), and 112 (Portpatrick).
Of Pipits, one record at 93 on 13th April; light, S.E., haze. In
autumn, two records only at 94 and 101, quite faint; wind, light, east.
Muscicapidæ.--No records of Flycatchers.
Hirundinidæ.--_In Spring_, between 17th and 28th, five records at 102
(six seen, light, S.W.), at 109 (two seen on 20th, light, S., rain), at
113, two on 21st, S., and fog, and two on 28th; and at 114, four, the
first observed on the 17th April. In May, one at 93 on 26th, four at
108 (Lamlash) on the 9th, and six on the 11th.
_In Autumn._--A few records in August--a flock on 17th at 110
(Corsewall), all day, and flocks on 31st at 113 (Mull of Galloway),
flying S.E. against E. breeze. Martins were also seen at Barra Head.
In September Swallows and Swifts (see _Cypselidæ_) at 90 (Kyleakin) on
15th, and Swallows at 94 on 1st, and at 102 on 12th, 14th, and 16th--an
appearance of a rush. Wind, S. gale on 12th, S.W., and birds flying in
a southerly direction. In October, considerable evidence between 6th
and 11th at 114. The 11th the latest date of record.
Fingillidæ.--_In Spring:_ Sparrows and Finches noted at 86 (Monach
Isles, 9, v. under Diary) on April 17th. In May, Sparrows at 93, 94.
On 23d and 24th, "Linties" at 93 on 25th; and Tree Sparrows, two, at 93
on 26th--light S.E.--"resting on rocks."
_In Autumn._--On 17th September, Sparrows at 113 in flocks, and fifty
"Rock Linnets" at 102 (Rhinns of Islay). (Probably Twites, or possibly
Redpoles.--J. A. H. B.). In October, a flock of 200 "Rock Linnets" at
102 on 6th and 7th, and thousands of "Grey Linnets" at 90 (Kyleakin);
on 9th, Rock Linnets? Grey Linnets? Evident rush of Linnets,
accompanied at 101 by a number of Tree Sparrows on 9th November. Rush
lasted 7th, 8th, and 9th October, and another rush appears to have
taken place 4th at 102; 8th, at 90. Chaffinches, two only on 13th at
114. A few Grey Linnets at 90 on 25th December.
Emberizidæ.--Scarcely any indication at all. One record of Snow
Buntings on 6th October; two birds at 102, one in November at 94 on
14th, and of Yellow Buntings at 114 on 10th. The Snow Buntings are
returned as "old birds resting on the rocks" of 102. Wind in October
at date of record, fresh S.W., and in November strong N., at 94, and
strong E., haze, at 114.
Alaudidæ.--Larks--A considerable spring migration, but February records
are possibly really belonging to past winter movements. We give them
here, however:--
15th, Larks at 90, 500 flying south, 9.40 A.M.; snow, calm.
13th, Larks at 93, two on lantern, 2 A.M.; fresh, S.E.
In March, on 7th, four Larks at 114, N. to S.W., clear. On 12th, a
number at 93, and 12 at 94; and up to 15th, also at 109. In April, a
rush took place on 14th, and leading up to it from the 12th at 93, 94,
and 102; wind, light easterly. Again, large numbers on 18th May at 86,
and many remain till end of August.
_In Autumn._--A rush, but not very large, at 102 on 16th; fewer on
17th September. A rush again on 17th October at 94, and indications at
90, 94, 102, 109, 113 throughout October, and up to 17th of November.
Another rush at 94 on 11th November, and small rush at 102 all forenoon
on 16th. Stations 101, 109, 110, and 114 participated, but in a very
small degree.
Sturninæ.--Starlings--_In Spring:_ Four days in February, a few only
at 101, 110 (Corsewall), 114, between 12th and 23d. Also a few light
returns on five days in March, at 93, 109, 114, between 8th and 24th.
Bush from 9th to 20th April, principally 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, at 113
(Mull of Galloway)--wind S.E. and S.S.E. and haze--but also rush at 94
(Dhuheartach) on 14th, and on 11th and 20th at 110 (Corsewall). No more
records till June 27th, when thirty to forty at 113 (Mull of Galloway),
"mixed old and young."
_In Autumn._--Earliest on 15th August at 102; hundreds old and young
flying about all day--wind S., clear--and on 19th at 89 (Rona).
"Starlings" on 19th August. In September, flocks on four dates--7th,
16th, 18th, and 25th--at 90 (Kyleakin), 112 (Portpatrick), and 113
(Mull of Galloway), almost a rush--"flights," "flock," etc., being
itemed. In October, all the month, from 10th to 30th, rush at 94 on
17th (strong E.); rush at 102 on 21st; "great numbers," "flying about
from daylight till 10 A.M.," light, east. "Great numbers" on 30th at
109 (Turnberry). In November, 4th to 20th, almost continuous. Such
records as "rush all night" on 10th at 94. "Thousands from 10 A.M. till
dark" on 16th at 90 (Kyleakin), flying south. "Numbers all morning,"
10th (all day), 13th, and 14th, at 102 (Rhinns of Islay). "Numbers" at
110 (Corsewall) on 10th and 11th; and indications at following stations
throughout the autumn--89, 90, 102, 93, 94, 101, 102, 108, 109, 110,
112, 113, 114. A most general and abnormally extensive migration. In
December, latest 31st to January 1886--20th January, "some" at 102 and
114.
Corvidæ.--In order of abundance in _Spring:_ February (one), March
(one), April (four records), May (two). 1. Ravens--Seven on three days
in April, 4th, 17th, and 20th; two days in May, 1st and 13th--light
S.E., or variable. 2. Grey Crows and Black Crows, one day in February;
six birds on March 16th; two on one day in April at 94. Wind easterly.
_In Autumn._--In order of abundance in autumn: Nine months: August
(three dates), September (two), October (eleven), November (six).
Of _Ravens_, two on 20th and 22d February; seven on 9th September,
W. gale. Grey and Black Crows or "Crows," one record on 7th August,
"seen flying S.W. at 102; wind E., light clear;" 500 on 17th at 102
of "Crows" flying S.W. to sea, then turned and went N.W. (These large
flights _are_ no doubt _Rooks_, not "Crows," not "Carrion Crows," _not_
"Grey Crows.") "Black Crows and Carrion Crows" (_i.e._, I suppose,
"Rooks and Carrion Crows."--J. A. H. B.) are also given at 102 in
October; wind always easterly. All November, indications, but no great
rush. No records in December, but one in January 1886. "A flock of
sixty on 25th at 102." Rooks and Jackdaws, few. Stations returning
_Corvidæ_ are in order of largest returns--102, far beyond all other
stations; 86, 94 (Jackdaws one), 101 (Rooks), 113. Species are in order
of numbers--Carrion Crows, Ravens, Rooks, Jackdaw.
Cypselidæ.--29th April, one at 90 noted, and others at 90 again on 15th
September, the only records of Swifts.
Cuculidæ.--Cuckoo, first heard 30th April at 90 (Kyleakin) and at 113
(Mull of Galloway). First heard at 101 (Skervuile) on 6th May, at 110
(Corsewall) on 8th May, and on 11th at 108 (Lamlash). No autumn records.
Strigidæ.--Grey Owl.--One large Grey Owl, 17th October, at ______?
(omitted in Ledger).
Falconidæ.--April and June. Mostly, no doubt, local visits of "Hawks,"
"Falcon Hawks," "Sparrow Hawks," at 86, 93, 94 (daily in April). Also
in autumn, of the same and Kestrel, and a "Large Hawk" at 102 on 11th
November, flying east, wind S.W., haze; and at 98, 102, and 108, in
addition to the above stations in spring.
Pelicanidæ.--Spring records less numerous than usual. February, one
at 101 on 8th; one at 101 on 27th March; two at 108 on 1st and 4th
April, and two at 94 on 14th April; May, three records at 101--14th,
19th, and 29th; and June, four records, all light, at 94, 101, and 114.
Curiously, records of Gannets or Solan Geese--as they are called--are
seldom numerously returned on this coast. [_N.B._--We would be obliged
to our reporters at all the stations if, for next year, they would
give up one schedule entirely to Gannets or Solan Geese, and enter
daily observations of the species, including their numbers seen,
occupation, direction of flights and of wind, hours of appearance and
disappearance, etc.] In July a few itemed under three dates--1st, 12th,
and 16th to 20th. None in August, September, October, or November, nor
January 1886, except one of hundreds at 102, fishing close to rocks, on
16th September, and the record of "Extra Nos." at 102 on 2d October,
showing their daily appearance, though not recorded.
Ardeidæ.--Herons: Few records, and none of any significance: one in
March on 1st at 114; one in October at 102, on 7th; and one at 102 on
6th December.
Anatidæ.--Grey Geese [I wish I had heads of all the Geese sent me]
at 102 on 28th February; belongs, no doubt, to last season. No more
records of Geese till autumn: "Large Geese"? September 17th, at 102;
"Grey Geese," 10th October, at 102; one "Goose" at 102 on November
11th. Odd records of Barnacle Geese. _Eider Ducks._--April 17th and
21st, at 94 and 102 respectively; also same place, 17th May, "3 [male],
3 [female] flying west." Then in autumn, 25th and 26th September, at 94
and 102.
[After this the dates of arrival and departure will be desired, whether
they breed at the station or not, and if any unusual numbers appear.
Odd records occur, also, of Teal, Widgeon, and Wild Duck, of little
interest, but should, of course, always be returned in schedules.
"Swans" are noted at 86 (Monach Isles) on 24th March 1885.]
Columbidæ.--Doves: May records at 90 (Rona) of Wood Pigeons on 21st,
and Rock Doves on 28th. _In Autumn._--Only two records in September and
December, of twenty-five and twenty respectively, in S.W. wind.
Gallinæ.--One pair Pheasants at 102 on 16th April, lighted on the
island at 3 P.M.--an unusual occurrence. _In Autumn._--On 20th October,
a Hen Pheasant at 102 again, shot, "rare;" and again two Pheasants at
102, male and female, fresh E. breeze, haze on island. (This looks like
determined endeavour to extend range.--J. A. H. B.)
Rallinæ.--21st May, at 88 (Barra Head), fresh N.E., cloudy; 23d May,
at 102, "first heard," and one shot, light N. breeze, clear; 24th, at
90 (Kyleakin), "first heard," 8 P.M., rain. _In Autumn._--One at 108
(Lamlash) on 24th October, fresh N.W., clear. One Water Rail on 13th
November at 114; killed on dome.
Charadriadæ.--August, one at 109 on 17th--Golden Plover. Grey Plover
(identified by wings, J. A. H. B.), at Dhuheartach on 8th September.
Very few records of G. Plovers, Oyster Catchers, and most about
September 17th at 94, 102, 109.
But Lapwings bulk largely in October and November. Earliest, August
10th; latest, December 15th; rush if discernible: 100 on 20th October;
"numbers" about 9th to 11th November at 93, 94, 102, 113, 114.
Scolopacidæ.--January 1885, one at 90 (Kyleakin), belongs to 1884;
one at 90 again on 17th February (?); none in March (! ?); April, one
on 15th at 94, light S.E. _In Autumn._--October 18th, one at 86, and
one at 90; and one at 101 and one at 102 on 9th November. _Curlews:_
Many records as usual, but Ave fear of little value as regards tracing
migrations; and a few records of Snipe and Jack Snipe. _Sandpipers:_
Two records in June and October at 101, and one in February, same place.
Laridæ.--Terns: "Terns" at 101 on 22d, 23d, and 24th May, light S.W.,
clear, and variable. First seen at 114 on June 22d, S.W. breeze (see
also under Monach Isles "Diary"). In August, four records at 101
(Skervuile), between 16th and 22d, light N. and N.E. _Gulls:_ April,
at 101 and 102, feeding on herring-fry--Kittiwakes, "Gulls," etc. May,
Skuas, "Boatswain Birds," Black Headed Gull, on six dates at 93 and
101. Kittiwakes, "Dirty Allans," and Herring Gulls, at 86, 94, and 101
respectively, on 17th, 21st, and 26th June respectively. In July, at
101 and 108, Boatswain Birds, 1st to 14th; at 101, and other scattered
records. Ditto, at 101, in August 1st, 4th, and 6th, and 16th, 17th,
and 19th and 21st, and a few other Gulls. September, Kittiwakes at 101.
In November, "Iceland Gulls" at 94 on 6th and 16th; Boatswain Birds and
others at 101. Odd records in December.
_Procellariidæ._--One record--one caught at 86 (Monach Isles) on 5th
September. One, "rare here," at 114 on 13th November.
Colymbidæ.--G. N. Divers occur every month except October and December;
at 101 in February, March, April, May, and November; at 90 in March,
August; at 86 on 5th September; and in November at 89, 93, 94, 101,
102, 114. The above are nearly all single records, or at most a pair.
Alcidæ.--"Tysties" at 101, 12th April, and Scarts; and the former on
11th May at 101. Thousands at 102 of Puffins, October 15th, 1885. Other
records very light.
WEST COAST OF ENGLAND AND WALES, AND THE ISLE OF MAN.
Schedules were sent to the forty-eight lighthouses and light-vessels on
the West Coast of England and Wales, and the Isle of Man, and returns
have been received from twenty-nine.
The following is an enumeration of the stations included in this
section of the Report, those making returns being marked by an
asterisk:--
No. on
Map.
Isle of Man.
115. L.H. Point of Ayre.
116. L.H. Douglas Head.
* 117. L.H. Langness, Robt. Clyne.
* 118. L.H. Chickens Rock, James Black.
119. L.V. Bahama Bank.
N. W. England.
* 120. L.H. St Bees, Henry Nott.
* 121. L.V. Selker, Geo. Cumming.
122. L.V. Morecambe Bay.
* 123. L.V. Dee, Messrs Work and Clague.
North Wales.
124. L.H. Air.
* 125. L.H. Menai, Joseph Steer.
* 126. L.H. Skerries, Wm. Jno. Rees.
* 127. L.H. Holyhead Breakwater, Messrs Pritchard, Owen,
and Hughes.
* 128. L.H. South Stack, W. R. Burgess.
* 129. L.V. Carnarvon Bay, Messrs Thomas and
Hughes.
* 130. L.H. St Tudwal's, W. Davies.
* 131. L.H. Bardsey Island, Thomas Bowen.
132. L.V. Cardigan Bay.
South Wales
* 133. L.H. South Bishop, Alfred Frost.
* 134. L.H. Smalls, Geo. Baker.
135. L.H. Great Castle Head.
136. L.H. Milford.
* 137. L.H. Caldy, Wm. Ebben.
138. L.V. Helwick.
Bristol Channel.
139. L.V. Scarweather.
* 140. L.H. Nash (E.), Henry Nicholas.
* 141. L.H. Breaksea, Thomas Walters.
* 142. L.H. Flatholm, W. Dale.
143. L.V. English and Welsh Grounds.
* 144. L.H. Usk, Amos Russell.
145. L.H. Avon.
* 146. L.H. Burnham, Wm. Lewis.
South-Western England.
* 147. L.H. Bull Point, George Knott.
148. L.H. Bideford Bar, Thomas Gilpin.
149. L.H. Lundy.
150. L.H. Hartland Point.
151. L.H. Trevose Head.
* 152. L.H. Godrevy, Richard Trahair.
* 153. L.H. Longships, Jno. W. Watson.
* 154. L.V. Sevenstones, D. Norton.
* 155. L.H. Wolf Rock, J. J. Channer.
156. L.H. Scilly.
* 157. L.H. Bishop's Rock, J. W. Troth.
158. L.H. Lizard.
159. L.H. Falmouth Harbour.
* 160. L.H. Eddystone, Wm. Ainger.
161. L.H. Plymouth Breakwater.
* 162. L.H. Start Point, Wm. Jones.
The best thanks of the Committee are due to the above-named observers
for their invaluable assistance, and for the faithful manner in which
they have filled in their schedules. To Mr Henry Nicholas, Mr Robert
Clyne, and Messrs Work and Clague, we are in addition indebted for
their kindness in sending wings, etc., of the, to them, unknown species
killed or captured at their respective stations, by which means we have
been able to add not a little to the value and interest of the returns.
We trust their good example may be followed by others. The trifling
expenses incurred will be only too gladly refunded in all cases. Our
thanks are also due to Messrs Macpherson and Duckworth, Messrs F.
Reynolds, G. H. Caton-Haigh, R. P. Harper, and H. Harbord, for their
kind co-operation in furnishing valuable independent observations.
Diary of the Principal Movements.
The order of the stations is from north to south. The wind and weather
are given in parenthesis. For the weather the symbols of the Beaufort
Scale have been adopted;[14] and the force of the wind ranges from 0 to
12.
[Footnote 14: Beaufort Scale.--B. blue sky; C. detached clouds; D.
drizzling rain; F. fog; G. dark, gloomy; H. hail; L. lightning; M.
misty; O. overcast; P. passing showers; Q. squally; R. rain; S. snow;
T. thunder; U. ugly, threatening; V. visibility, unusual transparency;
W. dew.]
_April 13th._
_Langness_ L.H.--Wheatears very numerous; great numbers all night. Nine
killed. (E.S.E., light, haze.)
_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--Fifty-two "Stonechatters" (? Wheatears), at 11.30
P.M.; twelve killed, forty captured alive, also two Blackbirds and six
Daws killed at same time. (S. by E., 5, misty.)
_Bull Point_ L.H.--A Goldcrest at lantern at 9.30 P.M.
_April 18th._
_Rockliffe, Cumberland._--Great numbers of birds passing in parties
every fifteen minutes, at 8.45 P.M. until 11.30 P.M., and perhaps
later. They were passing in a N.E. direction at great speed, and
calling. Mr Smith distinguished Geese, Golden-eyes, and Widgeon. (N.W.,
fine, clear, moonlight.)
_April 22d._
_Langness_ L.H.--Ten Sedge Warblers and three Wheatears on lantern,
from 1 to 4 A.M. A good many Swallows flying north between 1 and 3 P.M.
One Grasshopper Warbler at 3 P.M.
_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--"About five dozen White and Blue Throats and
Stonechats at 3 A.M., eight killed." (S.W., 4; O. R.)
_Flatholm_ L.H.--Small flocks of Chiff-Chaff all night.
_October 8th to 12th._
_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--"From the 8th to the 12th of October large
flocks of migrants were to be seen in the southern parts of the Isle
of Man, and were principally composed of Thrushes, Starlings, Linnets,
Redbreasts, Blackbirds, and Wrens."
_October 10th._
_South Stack_ L.H.--Several Larks, Blackbirds, and Goldcrests, between
12 P.M. and 4 A.M.
_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Large flocks of Larks to-day.
_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--A large flock of Fieldfares at 4 P.M.
_October 16th._[15]
[Footnote 15: For the prevailing meteorological conditions from October
16th to 20th, see observations under the "General Remarks" on this
section of the Report.]
_Langness_ L.H.--One Wild Goose at 5 P.M.
_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Large numbers of Thrushes, Starlings, and other
birds all night.
_Dee_ L.V.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Titlarks, and Linnets about
the vessel all night. (S.S.E., 3; fog.)
_Skerries Rock_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Larks, Thrushes, Starlings, Snipes,
and Woodcocks flying around the lantern; some killed. (E., 4; misty.)
_South Stack_ L.H.--Starlings from 8 A.M. till 1 P.M.
_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Fifty Starlings at 4 P.M.; a large flock of Larks
at 9 A.M.
_South Bishop_ L.H.--Thirty Starlings, twenty Thrushes, fourteen
Blackbirds, and four Larks killed between 12.30 and 2.30 A.M. Several
Mistletoe Thrushes at 9 A.M. (E.N.E., 9; B. C. M.)
_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--Seventy to eighty Starlings, twenty-one killed;
twenty to thirty Thrushes, two killed; eight to ten Blackbirds, six
killed. (E., 3; O. M.)
_Bull Point_ L.H.--Four Starlings, two Thrushes, and one Blackbird
killed.
_Godrevy_ L.H.--Great numbers of Thrushes, Redwings, and Starlings, and
a few Blackbirds. (E, 3; M. R.) Two dozen killed between 12 P.M. and 5
A.M.
_Longships_ L.H.--A good many Starlings and Fieldfares between 2 A.M.
and daylight; a few killed.
_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--A few Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and Starlings
between 1 A.M. and daylight. (E.N.E., 7; squally, rain, and mist.)
_Eddystone_ L.H.--Several Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, and Larks,
from 12 P.M. to 3 A.M. Several struck. Sixteen caught. (N.E., 8; O. R.
M.)
_October 17th._
_Langness_ L.H.--Four or five Common Wrens; large flock of Grey
Linnets; large flocks of Skylarks; and a few Song Thrushes at 11 A.M.
(E, light; haze.)
_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Large numbers of Thrushes, Starlings, "and other
birds not made out," throughout the night. (E. to S.E., strong breeze;
showers and haze.)
_St Bees_ L.H.--Three Grey Geese and large numbers of Fieldfares at
noon.
_Dee_ L.V.--Redwings, Thrushes, and Titlarks from midnight to sunrise.
(S.S.E., 3; fog.) Some killed. Titlarks, Blackbirds, Chaffinches, and
Linnets flying in company around the vessel during the morning.
_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Three small "Pinks" on deck at 1 P.M.
_St Tudwal's_ L.H.--One Blackbird at 7 A.M.
_South Bishop_ L.H.--Several Starlings and flocks of Linnets in the
forenoon; two Goldcrests on the rock all day.
_Smalls_ L.H.--One Ring Ouzel passing at noon. "White Buntings" about
the rocks.
_Flatholm_ L.H.--Enormous flocks of Martins and Swallows all day.
_Bideford Bar_ L.H.--Four Grey Geese at 9 A.M.
_October 18th._
_Langness_ L.H.--Flock of thirty Lapwings at 11 A.M. One Swallow at 3
P.M.
_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Large numbers of Thrushes, Starlings, and other
birds throughout the night. (E. and S.E., 6; P. M.)
_Dee_ L.V.--Large flocks of Titlarks and Blackbirds in company flying
south all day.
_South Stack_ L.H.--Six Blackbirds, one Thrush, and one Titlark killed
between 4 and 6 A.M. (Calm; C. M.) Small flocks of Larks and Finches
going N.W. from 8 A.M. to noon.
_South Bishop_ L.H.--Seven Martins appeared.
_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--Two Thrushes and two Blackbirds killed at 3 A.M. (E.,
3; O. M.)
_Godrevy_ L.H.--Two Swallows at 1 P.M.
_Eddystone_ L.H.--Three Redwings and several Titlarks struck at 5 A.M.
_October 19th._
_Langness_ L.H.--Numbers of Starlings at lantern between land 3 A.M.
_Dee_ L.V.--Large quantity of small birds about the vessel from
midnight to sunrise. Lapwings, Sand-Larks, Redwings, Skylarks, and
Blackbirds killed; many others falling overboard. A Yellow-Hammer and
Stonechat alive on deck. (E. by S., 1; fog.)
_Holyhead Breakwater_ L.H.--One Northern Diver at noon going west.
_South Stack_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Ring Ouzels, and Larks from 1
to 6 A.M. Thirty killed. (E., 3; C. M.)
_Flatholm_ L.H.--"Crested Wrens first seen."
_Bull Point_ L.H.--One Blackbird and one Thrush struck at 3 A.M.
_October 20th._
_Langness_ L.H.--A flock of Lapwings at 11 A.M.; one Swallow 3 P.M.
_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--About a dozen small birds at 3 A.M.; three Crows
at 11.40 P.M.