REPORT
ON THE
MIGRATION OF BIRDS
IN THE
SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1887.
BY
Mr J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, Mr J. CORDEAUX,
Mr R. M. BARRINGTON, Mr A. G. MORE,
AND
Mr W. EAGLE CLARKE.
NINTH REPORT.
(Vol. II., No. 4.)
EDINBURGH:
PRINTED BY M'FARLANE & ERSKINE,
14 and 19 ST JAMES SQUARE.
1889.
PREFACE.
This Report contains a summary of the investigations of a Committee
reappointed by the British Association for the Advancement of
Science, at Manchester, in 1887, to consist of Professor Newton, Mr
J. A. Harvie-Brown, Mr John Cordeaux, Mr W. Eagle Clarke, Mr R. M.
Barrington, and Mr A. G. More, for the purpose of obtaining (with
the consent of the Master and Elder Brethren of the Trinity House,
the Commissioners of Northern Lights, and the Commissioners of Irish
Lights) observations on the Migration of Birds at Lighthouses and
Light-ships, and of reporting on the same at Bath in 1888. Mr Cordeaux
to be the Secretary.
The returns relating to Scotland have been arranged by Mr J. A.
Harvie-Brown; for the East Coast of England, by Mr Cordeaux; for the
West Coast of England, by Mr W. Eagle Clarke; and those for the Coasts
of Ireland, by Mr R. M. Barrington and Mr A. G. More.
This is the ninth, and final, report issued, and the Committee have
much pleasure in stating that one of their number, Mr William Eagle
Clarke, of the Museum of Science and Art in Edinburgh, has undertaken
the laborious task of reducing the mass of facts collected, from an
examination _de novo_ of the whole of the schedules sent in, so as to
bring out the general results of their inquiry, both statistically and
otherwise, on strictly scientific lines, and in as condensed and clear
a method as possible.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
East Coast of Scotland, 1
East Coast of England, 17
West Coast of Scotland, 60
West Coast of England and Wales, and the Isle of Man, 73
Irish Coasts, 112
[Illustration:
MAP OF THE
British Islands
SHOWING THE POSITIONS OF THE
LIGHTHOUSES & LIGHT VESSELS STATIONS
TO WHICH SCHEDULES ARE SENT BY THE COMMITTEE.
]
LIST OF STATIONS.
1. Iceland. =England--East Coast.=
2. Do.
3. Faroe. 30. Longstone L.H.
3_b_. Fair Isle. 31. Inner Farn L.H.
32. Coquet Island L.H.
=Scotland--East Coast.= 33. 5 Buoy Tees L.V.
34. Whitby High L.H.
4. N. Unst. 35. Flamborough Head L.H.
5. Whalsey Skerries. 36. Spurn Point L.H.
6. Bressay Sound. 37. Spurn L.V.
7. Sumburgh Head. 38. Inner Dowsing L.V.
8. N Ronaldshay. 39. Dudgeon L.V.
9. Start Point. 40. Outer Dowsing L.V.
10. Auskerry. 41. Llyn Wells L.V.
{ 11. Hoy Sound (Low). 42. Hasbro' L.V.
{ 12. Hoy Sound (High), 43. Leman and Ower L.V.
13. Cantick Head. 44. Hunstanton L.H.
14. Pentland Skerries. 45. Cromer L.H.
15. Dunnet Head. 46. Hasbro' L.H.
16. Holborn Head. 47. Winterton L.H.
17. Noss Head. 48. Newarp L.V.
18. Tarbat Ness. 49. Cockle L.V.
19. Cromarty. 50. Corton L.V.
20. Chanonry Point. 51. Orfordness L.H.
21. Covesea Skerries. 52. Languard Point L.H.
22. Kinnaird Head. 53. Shipwash L.V.
23. Buchan Ness. 54. Swin Middle L.V.
24. Girdleness. 55. Nore L.V.
25. Montroseness. 56. Tongue L.V.
26. Bell Rock. 57. Kentish Knock L.V.
27. Isle of May. 58. Galloper L.V.
28. Inchkeith. 59. North Foreland L.H.
28_b_. Fidra (1885). 60. North Sand Head L.V.
29. St Abbs Head. 61. Gull L.V.
62. Eastside L.V.
63. South Foreland L.H.
64. South Sand Head L.V.
65. Varne L.V.
=Scotland--West Coast.= =England--West Coast.
81. Cape Wrath. 119. Bahama Bank L.V.
82. Rhu Stoir. 120. St Bees L.H.
83. Butt of Lewis. 121. Selker L.V.
84. Stornoway. 122. Morecambe Bay L.V.
85. Island Ghlais. 123. Dee L.V.
86. Monach Isles. 124. Air L.H.
87. Ushenish. 125. Menai L.H.
88. Barra Head. 126. Skerries L.H.
89. Rona. 127. Holyhead Breakwater L.H.
90. Kyleakin. 128. South Stack L.H.
91. Isle Ornsay. 129. Carnarvon Bay L.V.
92. Ardnamurchan. 130. St Tudwal's L.H.
93. Skerryvore and Hynish 131. Bardsey Island L.H.
Signal Tower, Tiree. 132. Cardigan Bay L.V.
94. Dhuheartach. 133. South Bishop L.H.
95. Sound of Mull. 134. Smalls L.H.
96. Corran Ferry. 135. Great Castlehead L.H.
97. Lismore. 136. Milford L.H.
98. Fladda, Easdale. 137. Caldy L.H.
99. Rhuvaal. 138. Helwick L.V.
100. M'Arthur's Head. 139. Scarweather L.V.
101. Skervuile. 140. Nash L.H.
102. Rhinns of May. 141. Breaksea L.V.
103. Lochindaul. 142. Flatholm L.H.
104. Mull of Kintyre. 143. English and Welsh
105. Sanda. Grounds L.V.
106. Devaar. 144. Usk L.H.
107. Pladda, Arran. 145. Avon L.H.
108. Lamlash. 146. Burnham L.H.
109. Turnberry. 147. Bull Point L.H.
109_b_. Ailsa Craig 148. Bideford L.H.
(building, 1885). 149. Lundy L.H.
110. Corsewall. 150. Hartland Point L.H.
111. Loch Ryan. 151. Trevose Head L.H.
112. Portpatrick. 152. Godrevy L.H.
113. Mull of Galloway. 153. Longships L.H.
114. Little Ross. 154. Sevenstones L.V.
155. Wolf-Rock L.H.
=Isle of Man.= 156. Scilly L.H.
157. Bishop's Rock L.H.
115. Point of Ayre. 158. Lizard L.H.
116. Douglas Head. 159. Falmouth Harbour L.H.
117. Langness (1880). 160. Eddystone L.H.
118. Chickens Rock. 161. Plymouth Breakwater L.H.
162. Start L.H.
=Ireland.=
1. Fastnet. 20. Arranmore.
2. Galley Head. 21. Rathlin O'Birne.
3. Old Head, Kinsale. 22. Killybegs.
4. Mine Head. 23. Oyster Island.
5. Dungarvan. 24. Broadhaven.
5*.Coningbeg. Lt.-ship. 25. Eagle Island, E.
6. Barrels Rock Lt.-ship. 26. Eagle Island, W.
7. Tuskar. 27. Blackrock, Mayo.
8. Arklow S. Lt.-ship. 28. Blacksod Point.
8*.Arklow N. Lt.-ship. 29. Clare Island.
10. Kish Bank Lt.-ship. 30. Slyne Head, N.
11. Howth Baily. 31. Slyne Head, S.
12. Rockabill. 32. Arran Island, N.
13. Copeland Island. 33. Straw Island.
14. Maidens. 34. Arran Island, S.
15. Rathlin. 36. Samphire Island.
16. Innishtrahull. 37. Tearaght.
17. Dunree Head. 38. Valentia.
18. Lough Swilly. 39. Skelligs.
19. Tory Island. 40. Dursey Island.
=Outlying Stations.=
Heligoland,
Stevns Fyr, Zealand.
Malmo, Sweden.
Casquets L.H., Alderney.
Hanois L.H., Guernsey.
NINTH REPORT
ON
THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS
IN THE
SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1887.
EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND.
We repeat the List of Stations with Returns up to date.
EAST OF SCOTLAND.
Note: The names of the Reporters are given under "Diary from the
Stations."
Returns
In 1887. in 9 years 1887.
Schedules including Actual
filled in. 1887. returns. Values. Feet.
Shetland.
8 7 * 4. N. Unst, IV. 230
5. Whalsey Skerries, II. 143
6. Bressay, III. 105
1 7 * 7. Sumburgh Head, I.
Orkney.
2 8 * 8. N. Ronaldshay, IV.
9. Start Point, V.
6 10. Auskerry, I.
11. Hoy Sound (Low), V.
12. Hoy Sound (High), V.
13. Cantick Head, III.
13 9 * 14. Pentland Skerries, I.
Mainland.
15. Dunnet Head, Caithness, V. 346
16. Holborn Head, Caithness, V. 75
1 2 * 17. Noss Head, Caithness, V. 175
18. Tarbat Ness, East Ross, V. 175
6 * 19. Cromarty, East Cromarty, V. 60
4 20. Chanonry Point, Elgin, V. 40
21. Covesea Skerries, Elgin, V. 160
22. Kinnaird Head, Aberdeen, V. 120
1 1st * 23. Buchan Ness, Aberdeen, V. 130
1st * 24. Girdleness, Aberdeen, V. 185
25. Montroseness, Aberdeen, V. 124
1 (one lost) 9 * 26. Bell Rock, Fife Coast, I. 93
26B. Carr Rock
Lightship, Fife Coast, ? ?
0 8 27. Isle of May, Firth of Forth, I. 240
1 7 * 28. Inchkeith, Firth of Forth, IV. 220
2 * 28B. Fidra, Firth of
Forth, instituted 1886, ? ?
29. St Abb's Head, Berwickshire, V. 224
_Extracts from Diary from the Stations._
The following notes are selected from a large number of letters and
notes, showing the constantly increasing interest taken in the work of
the Committee:--
_N. Unst._--John Nichol (principal) says: "Ravens variously marked
were seen in June and July near Lerwick. One was jet black with white
wings. Another white head and tips of wings. Others variously marked.
"Teal and Widgeon, reckoned rare in Unst, seen 23d November. The
Starling is not of the Faroe species, but of the common species. Took
particular note of this. Breed. Make for shore in winter at night--only
with us during the day. Fewer land birds in 1887 than in most seasons,
except greater numbers of Linnets (Twites?) in day time. Stormy Petrels
were the most persistent night-callers we had. More Cormorants than
usual in winter and more Eider Ducks than in former years. No Swans
seen to date of 31st December 1887. Strange fact noted: No Solan Geese
seen between October 28th and November 20th, although for certain there
were plenty of fish about, and the weather fine."
Under date of March 7th, Mr Nichol in a letter describes a whale chase.
Two large Finners off the shore of Balta Vöe (_Physeter tursio_),
estimated at over 70 feet long. Not captured.
On 20th March a large Eagle pounced on a Hooded Crow and carried him
off, flying past going north. In August occur records of Eagles on
Hermann's Hill. Young had been destroyed [_by the selfish edict then
in force._--J. A. H.-B.]. A Little Auk, Mr Nichol says, "measured
8½ inches from point of beak to tip of tail," which is over the
measurements in Johns' Book, which he has. [We are glad to find such
care taken as this indicates.--J. A. H.-B.] Greater number of Gulls
seen than usual in September, indicating greater abundance of fish.
"On the 24th December," says Mr Nichol, "at 10 A.M.--a rare
occurrence--a flock of six Cormorants appeared, same time another flock
of six. Both flocks flying round the rock one after the other. After
once round, the hindermost flock went right away westerly. The other
went three times more round the rock, as if looking for the other
flock, _before leaving also westerly_. [Italics are mine.--J. A. H.-B.]
To date 31st December. Not one been seen since, although before daily."
Mr Nichol relates another whale hunt at Unst, on Wednesday, 28th
September 1887. Also unsuccessful.
I must pay a passing tribute to the admirable schedules sent in by Mr
Nichol, including two entirely devoted, as requested, to movements of
Solan Geese, which are sure to yield, some day, valuable information.
_Sumburgh Head._--Mr James Youngclause.--A very short single schedule.
Birds very scarce. Greenfinch found dead on 9th December. Mentions
_residents_ there, which may yet be utilised for minute records of
distribution. Arrival and departure of rock birds--not one seen after
the 12th August. No "rushes" of birds seen. (Assistant's name, Donald
Campbell.)
_North Ronaldshay._--John Tulloch.--Great numbers of Gulls on the
Island all winter, living mostly in the turnip fields. "There are 100's
(_sic_) to be seen in a field at times, feeding. They will hollow the
turnip, leaving the outside skin only. The only way to keep them away
is to shoot some, and hang them up on poles."
_Pentland Skerries._--John Gilmour (assistant keeper--not "principal,"
as in last Report).
The Crossbill occurs (see letter of 2d August 1887, and schedule under
date--22d July being date of occurrence).--"There were three of them on
the island, and they remained over a week. This is in no mistake a rare
bird here, and I have never seen it before."
"A Game Hawk was on the island a good part of the summer, and made sad
havoc among the Terns" (schedule, 10th August 1887). This may partially
account for the shifting of nesting sites of the Terns so frequently,
to which we allude elsewhere ("Vertebrate Fauna of the Outer Hebrides,"
_in the press_. David Douglas).
[Two of the schedules refer entirely to Solan Geese, as requested.
These from the various stations should be separately considered and
reported upon in the final digest.--J. A. H.-B.] They bulk about the
Pentland Firth largest in August; and only stragglers are seen by 1st
October (see letter). No great movement to date of 1st October of
other birds, except the last two days, 29th and 30th September. Rush
shortly at date expected--(see schedules). Mr John Gilmour, under date
of 5th November, sends wings and feet of a Yellow Bunting. It was shot
on the 2d November. He goes on to say--"we had not many birds here
during October, as compared with what I have seen in former years;
the wind was never in the east during the whole month. But the wind
having shifted to S.E. during the first three days of November, with a
strong gale, we have had a considerable 'rush' of Fieldfares, Redwings,
Goldcrests, Song Thrush, Blackbirds, Woodcock, Snow Bunting, and Yellow
Bunting. There is also, with little doubt, a Hoopoe, described as
seen on 9th October." All the lighthouse keepers at Pentland Skerries
assist keenly in the work, during their watches, _viz._, Messrs Mercer
(principal), M'Gaw and Dawson (assistants).
_Dunnet Head._--David Laidlaw and James Carson.--One schedule.--"Gulls
came to the cliffs to breed a fortnight earlier, and left a fortnight
earlier, about the middle of February to middle of September." Hawks
and Carrion (?) Crows (Hooded?) frequent the cliffs in the breeding
season. Gannets reported during July, August, and September, passing
and repassing in such quantities, that it would be quite impossible to
form any idea.
_Noss Head._--James Ferrier.--One schedule.--Note: "The Cormorants
breed here under the headland, and never leave all winter; go forth to
feed early, and return to rest in the evening." [Query: Is this the
real Cormorant, or only the Shag? I fancy the latter most probably.--J.
A. H.-B.]
_Buchan Ness._--William Ross.
_Bell Rock._--James Jack.--Unfortunately a spring schedule is lost.
This one dates 1st September to 21st. But the spring schedule was, Mr
Jack says, very light, and few birds seem to pass this way in spring
except Larks.
_Inchkeith._--Robert Grierson.--March 14th to October 16th, seven
entries under seven dates.
Separate Report under Genera and Species.
Turdidæ.--_Thrushes._--Returns commence in _January_, and between
1st and 23d, Blackbirds, Fieldfares, occur in small numbers, and one
Thrush on 23d; wind variable, from fresh S.W. to strong E. on 7th, rest
westerly; all at Pentland Skerries.
_February._--A single record of Blackbird at Pentland Skerries on 24th.
_March._--At Pentland Skerries, two dates of straggling Blackbirds, 3d
and 14th.
_April._--Thrushes and Blackbirds at N. Ronaldshay and Pentland
Skerries, 4th, at latter, and between then and 27th; and Ring Ouzels on
27th, with S.E. fresh on island.
_September._--Most returns from Pentland Skerries of Blackbirds and
Thrushes; winds variable, but with easterly tendency. Also one record
from Noss Head.
_October._--No great appearance; indeed, as compared with 1886,
infinitesimal. Only small items on six dates, between 10th and 31st, of
Redwings (10th), and Blackbirds, Song Thrushes (23d), and Fieldfares
(31st); winds northerly and easterly.
_November._--The above succeeded by a "perfect rush" of Fieldfares
at same station on the 1st. "Flocks all day;" and also of Redwings
(several) and two Blackbirds. 2d, Song Thrushes all day. (Winds
continuing easterly, but more to south than in October.) Yet after
this no great movement apparently at Pentland Skerries. Only other
stations recording are Dunnet Head (Fieldfares, strong N.E. breeze,
haze; and Noss Head S.S.E. gale, a few Thrushes); and at N. Ronaldshay,
Blackbirds and Thrushes; strong E.N.E. and showers.
_December._--Rush all over; only two records at Pentland Skerries of
Blackbirds on 21st and 26th.
Saxicolinæ.--_January._--6th, one "Stonechat" (Wheatear?), at 1.11
A.M.; strong S. at N. Unst.
_N.B._--This may not have been a Common Wheatear at such a date.
_March._--At Pentland Skerries one Whinchat all day; moderately W., and
showers "rare."
_April._--At Pentland Skerries, 6th, Wheatears (_sic_) all day on
lighthouse; Light N. cloudy; more by the 10th, and one _Redstart_ (or
more?) on 27th.
_May._--" Stonechats" (at N. Ronaldshay)--[probably Wheatears
_vera_.--J. A. H.-B.] on 17th; and Redstart, male, at Pentland Skerries
all day on 4th.
_June._--One only record at N. Unst, at 2 P.M. on the 6th; light S.
breeze; rested on rock.
_July._--_Blank._
_August._--At Pentland Skerries, 17th, 19th, and 23d, single Wheatears:
winds various, from light W.N.W.; moderate N. to fresh S.W. on the
three dates.
_September._--At N. Unst, one on 20th, and single occurrences on 23d
and 30th, same place.
At Pentland Skerries, one Redstart ♀ on 3d, and Wheatears again at
ditto, on 22d; and at N. Unst, on 26th, single birds.
_October._--"Stonechats," Wheatears, etc., at N. Unst, 26th, and
earlier at more southern stations; earliest at Bell Rock on 1st; rush
on 5th at _Fidra_, _i.e._, "numbers on island all day." Stations
returning in small numbers, N. Unst, Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock,
Inchkeith, and Fidra. No more records after October.
Silviinæ.--_Spring._--_March._--One Redbreast all day on 1st at
Pentland Skerries; fresh W., haze.
_April._--23d, One Redbreast on lighthouse; S.E., haze.
_Autumn._--September.--At Bell Rock, on 15th, one Robin; and at Fidra,
one on 24th.
_December._--At Dunnet Head, one; N., clear.
Phylloscopinæ.--In April.--On Pentland Skerries, on 23d and 24th; a few
all day; S.E., showers. The only spring record.
_Autumn._--_September._--At N. Unst, one W. Warbler; N., strong breeze
and showers; and at Noss Head one Goldcrest all day.
_October._--Nothing; but in November, five or six Goldcrests all day at
Pentland Skerries; S.S.E. and rain.
_December._--One Goldcrest cock; N.W. gale at Noss Head; flying about
the outhouses.
Acrocephalinæ.--_Blank._
Accentoridæ.--_Blank._
Troglodytidæ.--No records till _September_; and then only two at Bell
Rock (on 24th), and Inchkeith (28th), young birds.
_October._--One Common Wren at N. Unst; N.N.W., clear, on 2d (see W.
Nichol's Notes).
_November._--At Pentland Skerries, single birds reported; light N.W.
wind ("first seen for some time"), on 11th, 12th; at Dunnet Head, one;
light W. breeze, clear on 29th.
Motacillidæ.--_April._--7th, at Pentland Skerries, the first seen this
spring; light variable, clear. Again single birds seen on 27th, one of
Pied Wagtail and one Rays [? or the long-tailed yellow one, which is
the Grey Wagtail. Rays has very short tail.--J. A. H.-B.]
_July._--Rays Wagtail is again alluded to, but we suspect this will
turn out to be the Grey. [Yet Mr Barrington, in June 1886, _shot_ a
veritable _M. Raii_ in N. Rona!!]
_August._--One record of Wagtail at Pentland Skerries, after strong
N.W. wind on island.
_September._--At Pentland Skerries, a few Pied Wagtails, on five dates
between 3d and 22d. The most, six on the 22d; also one Wagtail at Bell
Rock on 2d; strong S. breeze.
_October._--Pied Wagtails at Pentland Skerries, fresh W., on 5th.
Anthidæ.--_January._--Rock Pipits noted at N. Unst on 29th. No more of
this species till Autumn.
_March._--At N. Unst on 7th, and again on 21st, "Mosscheepers," and at
Bell Rock, a few on 20th and 23d; S.E., fresh, and haze.
_April._--A few on 23d at N. Unst; "three or four remained all the
year."
_July._--Three at N. Unst; S.W., strong breeze. [But are these not
resident?--J. A. H.-B.]
_August._--All returns from Pentland Skerries. _N.B._--"Rush" on
afternoon of 23d, and again on 23d; light W., breeze, haze, left flying
south.
_September._--At N. Unst, numerous on 20th, and flock of five on 1st;
N., fresh, clear. A few at Bell Rock, and an increase observed on 15th
there; wind S.S.W. and S.W., light.
_October._--On 4th and 5th, a number on Bell Rock; S.W. strong breeze,
haze. Rested on rock; light breeze on 5th.
Muscicapidæ.--_August._--At Pentland Skerries, one on 10th on island;
N.W., cloudy.
_September._--At Pentland Skerries, one or more on 5th all day; fresh
N.E. Do., two or three on 29th all day; fresh E. Do., a few on 30th all
day, N.N.E., cloudy.
_October._--At Pentland Skerries, one or two all day on 5th; strong
N.W., cloudy.
From the above it is evident Pentland Skerries is a regular resting
place most seasons. No doubt the Pied Flycatcher is intended throughout.
Hirundinidæ.--May.--13th, at N. Ronaldshay, two, 5 P.M.; N.N.E., fresh,
clear. 11th, at Pentland Skerries, "Arrival of all day;" N.W., clear.
15th, do. do., all day; W.N.W., clear; on lighthouse. 26th, do. do.,
one, 12.30 P.M.; light N.E.; flying W. 14th. at Dunnet, two, 4 P.M.;
light W. breeze, clear.
_June._--26th, at N. Unst, two, 8 P.M.; S.W., clear, "rarely seen."
5th, 6th, and 7th, at Pentland Skerries, number all day; strong E.,
haze; variable and fresh. 17th, at Pentland Skerries, several all day;
moderate E.N.E. breeze, fog; flying about lighthouse,
_August._--27th, at Dunnet, two at 4.30 P.M.; S.E., clear.
_September._--1st, Pentland Skerries, three at 11.40; strong clear, E.
Fringillidæ.--_February._--6th, 17th, and 20th, Linnets (Twites?) and
Chaffinches ("rare"); the latter with S. strong breeze, haze--all at
N. Unst. [_Note._--Winds have been quite abnormal all this season
throughout; hence, also, our very fine summer.--J. A. H.-B.]
_March._--At Pentland Skerries, one seen all day (strong S.S.E., and
haze) on 22d.
_April._--26th, same place, two all day; S.E., fresh, haze on
lighthouse.
_At Pentland Skerries._--Chaffinches on the 4th, and Greenfinches on
the 16th and 19th, in small numbers. Wind, in the latter case, N.N.W.
by W.S.W. to N.E., with rain.
_December._--4th, at N. Unst, one Chaffinch (S.W., sleet) resting on
lighthouse; and on 9th, one all day; fresh N.W., snow. At Sumburgh
Head, 1 Greenfinch (fresh breeze, N., and snow) on 9th; and same day,
twelve Grey Linnets (Twites?) all day, "flying about a dyke."
_August._--At N. Unst, two Linnets (Twites?) rested on rock; W., light
breeze, clear.
_September._--At N. Unst, eighteen seen at noon; light W. breeze, fog;
flying about rock. 29th and 30th, at Pentland Skerries, Chaffinch seen
all day; fresh E., haze, and N.E., cloudy. On 30th, also seen all day.
_October._--At N. Unst, Linnet (Twites?), four seen at 10 A.M.; N.W,
fresh breeze, and snow. On 23d and 28th, _100_ (old and young) all day
time; variable light airs, haze.
_November._--At N. Unst, on 20th, "Linnets."
Emberizinæ.--_January._--Common Bunting at Pentland Skerries, one all
day on lighthouse; fresh S.W.
_April._--30th, at Pentland Skerries, one Common Bunting; moderate
N.W., clear; on lighthouse.
_May._--7th, at Pentland Skerries, one Common Bunting all day; light
S.S.E., haze; on lighthouse. And 22d, one Snow Bunting all day; fresh
N.W.
_July._--22d, at Pentland Skerries, one Common Bunting all day; strong
W.N.W., clear; on lighthouse, and till 29th.
_September._--13th to 25th, at N. Unst, Snow Buntings. Flock on 13th;
and from six to fourteen on other dates (6 dates). Winds, northerly and
westerly. Also at Pentland Skerries and Bell Rock.
_October._--5th, 14th, 20th, Snow Buntings disappeared on 5th at N.
Unst. Five reappeared with N.N.W. and snow, and disappeared at 1 P.M.
same day; and two seen on 20th. A few seen at Pentland Skerries on
11th, and again on 29th. A large flock at Dunnet on 14th; N.E., sleet.
_November._--From 1st on to 20th, numbers, increasing in quantity by
5th. 11th, with Common Buntings on 18th, and Yellow Buntings on 19th
and 20th. On 3d, at N. Ronaldshay, _hundreds_; S.E., strong, and still
on lighthouse on 23d. At Bell Rock, on 20th and 21st, a few only.
_December._--Two only, all day, on 9th at Sumburgh Head.
Alaudidæ.--No spring records; nor till September 23d, on Bell Rock,
four seen; light W., flying S.E.
_October._--Nothing.
_November._--20th, at Bell Rock, one struck, not killed, at 3 A.M.;
light W. breeze, haze.
_December._--8th, at Pentland Skerries, flock all day; moderate S.W.,
and snow; increased to-day. Same date, at Dunnet, flock of, at 10 A.M.;
light E. breeze, snow.
Sturninæ.--_In March._--Record of one Starling found dead at foot of
tower at Pentland Skerries; light W., clear.
_July._--31st, at Pentland Skerries, for several days, in one large
flock. 5th, at Noss Head, one pure white Starling at 4 A.M.; N.W.,
fresh. Flying about.
_September._--On 16th, flock of Starlings flying about, all young
birds, at Inchkeith.
_October._--At Pentland Skerries, nine; wind, N.W.; light haze on 25th.
On 27th, at same place, twenty-four (variable light airs), _old and
young_; and at Bell Rock, on 18th, one old bird; fresh W. breeze.
_November._--On 14th, six at North Unst; N., fresh breeze, snow. And
on 11th, at Pentland Skerries, _one_; N.N.E. "Struck, not killed."
Corvidæ.--_February._--At N. Unst, four Crows, 2.9 A.M., daily seen.
N.W., light, clear. And 13th, Black Ravens; N.W., fresh, haze.
_March._--At Pentland Skerries, one Jackdaw all day; light S.E.E.,
haze; on lighthouse. And again on 30th, S.W., clear; flying over. On
3d, at Noss, two Ravens flying over; fresh W. breeze. Rooks and Grey
Crows are also taken note of at N. Unst and Pentland Skerries.
_April._--24th, Rooks at N. Unst, a flock flying about. Also noted at
Pentland Skerries; and also twenty at N. Ronaldshay on 28th.
_July._--On 6th, Rooks all day at Pentland Skerries; had been there for
a week.
_August._--On 3d, one Raven at N. Unst, and one on 24th; S.E. Rested on
rock.
_September._--At N. Unst many records, but no great numbers of Ravens,
Hooded Crows; Rooks (28th, flock of eight). S.W. wind on six or seven
dates.
_October._--Here also a few returns of the same species, and one
Jackdaw on 10th at Pentland Skerries.
_November._--At Pentland Skerries Great Crows, Ravens, and Rooks; and
Ravens at Noss Head.
_December._--Grey Crows at Pentland Skerries, three dates--8th, 27th,
and 31st.
Cypselidæ.--_May._--One swift seen at Bell Rock on 3d, an early date;
light S., clear.
_August._--Two seen at Pentland Skerries on 8th at 2 P.M.; light S.W.
"Flying about the tower for insects."
_September._--One Swift all day on 16th at Pentland Skerries; light
S.E. to N.E., clear.
Cuculidæ.--_May._--Two on 18th at Bell Rock.
Strigidæ.--_September._--16th, at Pentland Skerries, one Owl; moderate
E.S.E., cloudy. "Rare."
_October._--At same place two Short-Eared Owls--one shot; N.N.E.,
showers.
Falconidæ.--One record of Falcon on February 7th at N. Unst.
_March._--Two Sparrow Hawks at N. Unst.
_June._--One Hawk at N. Ronaldshay; and various autumn records as
usual. Nothing new to be gleaned from them. Principally Sparrow Hawk
(usually meaning _Merlins_), Falcons, Kestrel, etc.
Pelecanidæ.--Cormorants.--We have not catalogued yet all the winter
colonies of the Great Cormorant, so records of this species are useful.
The only birds recorded this year on E. Coast are: _October_ 27th,
four, flying E. Wind N.W. at Pentland Skerries. _November_ 21st, flock
of thirty, resting on rock of N. Unst.
We have had a number of schedules entirely devoted to Gannets at some
of the more prominent stations, and these, with other accounts already
published, will at some future date constitute material for a very
thorough treatment of the movements of the species, and their relations
to the migrations of the Herring.
We therefore omit schedule notes on the Gannet at present. But lest our
reporters think their work thus wasted or lost, we hasten to undeceive
them, for we consider that the movements of Solan Geese, as held in
relation to their known breeding areas, and the habits and distribution
of the Herring (their principal food, if not indeed almost their _only_
food), is of most particular economic importance. Much hinges upon it
_undoubtedly_, as any one who has studied not only its habits, also the
great question of our sea-fisheries, is bound to know, or he has missed
the whole importance of the subject.
Ardeidæ.--Herons are ubiquitous, even in the "Remoter Isles," and even
where they do not breed. Their regular occurrence along and over all
our coasts, at _all_ seasons, and independent of breeding stations,
makes statistics of a value difficult to ascertain. But one thing seems
quite certain, their migrations, local movements, curious presence at
all points, and at all times, is _not_ dependent upon the movements
of _deep-sea_ fishes. The Heron's food-supplies are of a much more
cosmopolitan nature, and he finds that which he requires to keep him
at all seasons, in all weathers, at all tides; and his long neck and
legs must be of considerable service to him in all these varying
circumstances.
_Report._--_March._--7th, one Heron (N.W., clear) on lighthouse of
Pentland Skerries.
_April._--Not a record anywhere.
_May._--Two Herons at Pentland Skerries on 17th flying about
lighthouse. [Were they _old or young?_]
_June._--_Blank._
_July._--Scarcely more so. "Three Herons, on the 4th of July, circled
around the rocks of Pentland Skerries about 3.30 P.M.--the wind light
S.--and flew away again to the west."
_August._--At the same place (which either has special attractions, or
specially careful recorders--we incline to the latter), on the 26th,
two Herons "sat upon the island;" S.E. haze.
_September._--Five Herons--again at the same place--appeared; and three
on the 24th.
_October._--Two Herons sat on the rocks of the same isle on the 2d,
after encountering a fresh N. wind and cloudy sky.
_November._--One Heron, at 1.30 A.M., was seen at the same favoured
isle, but flying _north_ over the island; wind light N.W., and cloudy
sky.
Anatidæ.--_Wild Ducks_: _Eider Ducks_: _Widgeon_ or _Wild Duck_? _Teal_
or _Widgeon_? "_Wild Geese_:" _Golden Eye_.
_March._--20th, at Pentland Skerries, two Duck; and on 28th, two. (Wind
fresh S. first day, and N.W., clear, next.)
_April._--10th, at Pentland Skerries, several Eider Ducks.
_August._--26th, at Pentland Skerries, five or six at noon.
_N.B._--_September._--27th, Eider Duck at N. Ronaldshay, arrived; old
and young stay all winter. Again on 11th, at Pentland Skerries, Eider
Ducks appeared in a flock swimming round island--N.W., clear; and on
the 14th--same station--"Teal or Widgeon" [probably Teal.--J. A. H.-B.]
arose off a loch.
_October._--A "dark-coloured Duck" seen at Noss Head (?)--wind N.N.E.,
and sleet; and "_Wild Geese_" in a string on 17th flying N. at noon
past Inchkeith in the Firth of Forth.
_November._--A few single records, 2d, 3d, 21st, and 23d, at N. Unst.
Wind in order, S.E. gale. Do., E. breeze, S.S.W. breeze.
Columbidæ.--_September._--"Common Pigeon" on 3d at Bell Rock; E., fresh
breeze. [Was this a "Dooket Doo" frae Fife?--J. A. H.-B.]
Procellariidæ.--_August._--A "rush" of Petrels at N. Unst at the
glass [or only perhaps the local birds lured to the glass by
special atmospheric causes. The Storm Petrel winters at N. Unst in
their burrows there, and may be said never to be absent from the
neighbourhood.--J. A. H.-B.] There seems to have been, however,
unusually large movements of the Petrels, and W. Nichol remarked upon
it in one of his letters. Also in _September_, and less so in _October_.
Rallidæ.--Corn Crake.--_May._--10th, at N. Ronaldshay, heard for the
first time this year, and at Pentland Skerries on 16th, "arrived three
days earlier than usual!"
_September._--21st, one at Pentland Skerries, 3 P.M.; light N.W.,
cloudy.
Charadriidæ.--There is really little to be learned from the accounts of
movements of this family. Oyster-Catchers are always locally present,
so almost are Golden Plover.
Entries of Plovers and even of Oyster-Catchers are very few and far
between, and the records of _Lapwings_ add little to our _data_. Ringed
Plover receive a few notices.
Scolopacidæ.--The Woodcock is always interesting, so we take him in
detail. It is a curious circumstance that there is scarcely an entry in
the Report--or at most only two or three. Thus:--
Never appeared till _November_:--on the 1st, two ("_later than last
year_") found benighted in a S.S.E. gale with rain at Pentland
Skerries, and the other next day. Again on the 11th, one; wind N.W.,
cloudy; and one at N. Ronaldshay; light E, and clear.
_December._--Only three entries--10th, 12th, and 16th, at Pentland
Skerries and at _Dunnet_. Three birds.
Snipe, equally scarce with the last. One entry in March, and none again
till 3d of November, and no more afterwards.
Curlew has many entries, yet not so many as in 1886; but the Curlew can
only be considered as a very partial migrant, and entries are mostly of
local interest only.
We do not repeat the comparative tables given under Curlew, Woodcock,
Snipe, and Jacksnipe, which we gave in 1886 Report (8th Report, p. 24).
Of Redshanks, Sandpipers, Dunlins, there are few entries of any value
in working out our subject, and these are almost entirely from N. Unst
and Pentland Skerries in autumn. The Dunlins arrived at Pentland
Skerries at their breeding haunts on 29th April.
Laridæ.--_April._--Numbers of Kittiwakes all day, at Pentland Skerries,
on 30th April.
_May._--Numbers of Kittiwakes and Gulls on 1st at N. Ronaldshay; again
numbers on Pentland Skerries on 29th, and Black-Backed Gulls on 26th.
Terns arrived at Pentland Skerries on 12th April. [_Note._--Both Arctic
and Common Terns breed on the Pentland Skerries.--J. A. H.-B.].
_July._--Terns left Pentland Skerries on 27th, "which is earlier than
usual." Gulls still seen about the Rock at N. Ronaldshay this month.
_August._--One Skua, "_rare_," flying E.; seen at Pentland Skerries on
3d. Five or six other entries of Gulls, Herring Gulls, Black-Backed
Gulls, and Kittiwakes, all at Pentland Skerries.
_September._--Four entries of Gulls, all at Pentland Skerries, and in
great numbers; immense numbers on 16th, 18th, and 25th.
_October._--At N. Unst, flock of young Kittiwakes (wind N.W.) flying W.
on 21st, and again on 22d. A number of Gulls at Pentland Skerries on
16th and 24th.
_December._--Two Ivory Gulls at N. Unst (W., strong breeze) on 2d. Two
Iceland Gulls at N. Unst (N.W., and snow) on 10th.
Procellariidæ.--Petrels.--_August._--One on 17th and one on 23d at
Pentland Skerries at night; struck, not killed. This appears to be the
only record. They winter upon N. Unst as also, no doubt, at many other
stations.--(See forthcoming volume upon the "Vertebrate Fauna of the
Outer Hebrides," where winter colonies of Petrels, etc., will be spoken
of more fully.)
Alcidæ.--Few entries as compared with most years.
_January 1887._--At N. Unst flock of Marrots; "soon arrived this year;"
S.S.W., strong breeze, and hail. "Rare to see any so soon."
_February._--At N. Unst on 19th, Tysties, a flock of, "first arrival
early;" and on 14th, four Tysties arrived at Noss Head, where, we are
informed by the light keeper, _a few breed!_ On 15th, at same station,
a great many Marrots and Razorbills arrived.
_March._--7th, at Noss Head, Guillemots, "many more arrived to-day, and
all day;" and on 1st, "many arriving all day."
_April._--3d, at Pentland Skerries, Puffins arrived during the day,
"earlier than last year by a week." [_Note._--These arrival dates of
rock birds are always interesting, as also are their movements at other
times.]
_August._--Guillemots seen flying E. past Pentland Skerries on 4th
August, and flocks again on 6th; and by 19th, Puffins all left, and
last seen were on 15th at that station.
_September._--One Black Guillemot seen on 17th at Pentland Skerries;
fresh N.W., cloudy.
_December._--16th, at N. Unst, two young Guillemots seen; light S.
breeze.
EAST COAST OF ENGLAND.
Schedules were issued to thirty-four stations, lighthouses, and
light-vessels on the East Coast of England, and returns have been
received from thirty-one. The total number of schedules received from
all sources is eighty-four.
Wings and legs have also been forwarded, representing birds killed
or captured against the lanterns, from the Leman and Ower L.V.,
Happisburgh L.V., Spurn L.H., Cromer L.H., Kentish Knock L.V., Nore
L.V., Goodwin L.V., and Hanois L.H., Guernsey. Altogether twenty-eight
wings have been forwarded with labels and dates of occurrence.
East Coast stations included in this report are:--
Longstone L.H. Thomas O. Hall.
Farn, Inner, L.H. Thomas H. Cutting.
Coquet Island L.H. William Evans.
Tees, 5 Buoy L.V. Henry Harbord.
Whitby High L.H. John Odgers.
Flamborough L.H. Charles Hood.
Spurn L.H. Annie Rose Smith and J. B. Smith.
Spurn L.V. _Nil._
Outer Dowsing L.V. W. Stock and A. Bearling.
Inner Dowsing L.V. William King.
Llyn Wells L.V. T. Ditcham.
Dudgeon L.V. J. F. Warder and J. Harrison.
Hasbro' L.V. John Nicholas and B. V. Darnell.
Hasbro' L.H. _Nil._
Hunstanton L.H. W. Westmoreland.
Cromer L.H. C. B. Comber.
Winterton L.H. John Watson.
Leman and Ower L.H. R. Cook and John Bowen.
Newarp L.V. Charles Cook and George Hall.
Cockle L.V. C. Perfrement and E. Cole.
Corton L.V. J. Dove and J. H. Johnson.
Languard Point L.H. Owen Boyle.
Shipwash L.V. William Barker and D. Dale.
Galloper L.V. P. Page and F. Page and C. Rafe.
Kentish Knock L.V. W. R. Carter and William Ross.
Swin Middle L.V. Samuel Pender.
Tongue L.V. _Nil._
Nore L.V. Wm. Little wood (wings).
Goodwin L.V. Thomas Rees.
Gull L.V. Francis Harvey and J. Jenkins.
South Sand Head L.V. F. G. Foreman.
East Side L.V. W. Nicholls and E. le Gallais.
Varne L.V. William Kingsford.
Hanois L.H., Guernsey Charles Williams.
In addition to the observations supplied by the light-keepers,
notes have been incorporated, directly or indirectly communicated
by Messrs T. H. Nelson, Redcar (12 schedules); C. Donald Thompson,
Seaton-Carew; Matthew Bailey, Flamborough; W. Eagle Clarke, Philip
Lawton, W. Cecil Scott, and F. D. Power, The Spurn; J. H. Gurney,
Jun., North-East Norfolk; O. V. Aplin, Norfolk Coast; G. Smith, Arthur
Patterson, Benjamin Dye, and W. P. Pycraft, Yarmouth; also from Mr
G. H. Caton-Haigh, Grainsby Hall, notes from Tetney and North-East
Lincolnshire; and Lord Clifton, Dumpton Park, Ramsgate, from Isle of
Thanet.
Notes also bearing on migration have been utilised from the
_Naturalist_, the _Zoologist_, and the natural history column in the
_Field_ newspaper.
Diary of Migratory Movements on East Coast of England, 1887.
JANUARY.
January 1st.--[1]_Flambro'_L.H., several flocks of Guillemot about the
cliffs. _Newarp_ L.V., nineteen Crows to W., 4 P.M.
[Footnote 1: The sequence of the stations is from north to south. The
weather reports at the various stations are given in brackets. The
symbols are those which have been adopted in the _Beaufort Scale_. The
force of the wind ranges from 0 to 12.]
January 4th.--_Tees_ L.V., large flocks Dunlin, Whimbrel, Curlew, one
Red-throated Diver, and eighteen Shelduck. (N.W., light.) _Hunstanton_
L.H., thousands of Larks, 9.30 A.M. to 3 P.M., to S.; also Lapwings.
(Wind S., B. C.) _Languard_ L.H., "owing to last night's heavy weather,
thousands of birds--Thrushes, Blackbirds, Starlings, Fieldfares,
Linnets, Skylarks, and Chaffinches--remained about the lighthouse all
day. Large flocks also passing over to the Essex Shore," _Swin Middle_
L.V., flock of Larks to E. (S. by E., 3; snow.)
January 5th.--_Farn_ L.H., Woodcock on island, 3.30 P.M. _Tees_ L.V.,
large flocks of Larks, four Redshank, two Fieldfares. (N.W.; snow.)
_Spurn_ L.H., great number of Larks, Thrushes, Fieldfares, Redwings,
and several Crows to S. Many dead outside in the bents. (S.E., 6; snow.)
January 6th.--_Farn_ L.H., Golden Plover, Redwing, Thrush, and several
Curlew. (N.E., 3; snow.) _Whitby_ L.H., Fieldfare, 6 A.M., caught at
lantern. (W., 3; O. S. M.) _Spurn_ L.H., the same as on 5th. (W.S.W.,
4.) _Outer Dowsing_ L.V., one Thrush and a Lark, 9 A.M., to W. (O. M.)
_Newarp_ L.V., number of Larks to W., 2.30 P.M. _Yarmouth_, Pochard,
Widgeon, and Tufted Ducks; frost: Fieldfares and Redwings, vast flocks
to S. _Shipwash_ L.V., Titlark dead on deck; one Lark and a Thrush
on board. (N.N.W.) _Swin Middle_ L.V., a few Larks and Starlings at
various times, almost all directions.
January 7th.--_Outer Dowsing_ L.V., Fieldfares and two Starlings on
board. Six Wild Ducks to S.S.W. _Cromer_ L.H., eighteen Red-throated
Divers fishing along shore. _Dudgeon_ L.V., Titlarks at night; five
killed. (S.E., 3.) _Swin Middle_ L.V., flock of Larks, 1.30 P.M., to W.
_Hanois_ L.H. (Guernsey), four Goldfinches, 10.30 A.M., to E. (W.N.W.,
4.)
January 8th.--_Yarmouth_, Thrushes, Blackbirds, Redwings, Larks--market
stalls glutted.
January 9th.--_Farn_ L.H., Golden Plover, Thrush, Redwing, one
Fieldfare, one Blackbird on island. (N., 1.) _Hasbro'_ L.V., eight
Skylarks, 3 P.M., caught alive. (S.E., 2; O. M.)
January 12th.--_Farn_ L.H., several Thrush, Starlings, two Blackbirds,
and one Fieldfare. (W., 2.)
January 15th.--_Yarmouth_, Peregrine Falcon.
January 19th.--_Cromer_ L.H., Thrush (4 A.M.) killed. _Cockle_ L.V.,
straggling Skylarks, one to six at a time, at intervals, E. to S.W.
and W. on 19th, and to 26th inclusive. (W. and S.W., 3.) _Nore_ L.V.,
Skylarks, 8 P.M. to midnight, round lantern; also night of 18th.
(W.S.W., 4.)
January 21st.--_Redcar_, many Larks and Lapwings to W. during morning.
(W., strong.)
January 22d.--_Redcar_, several flocks Lapwing, 3 P.M., a mile at sea
to W. (W.N.W., strong.) _Swin Middle_ L.V., about fifty Larks during
night; eight killed. (W., 3.)
January 23d.--_Swin Middle_ L.V., Larks in flocks, 50-70, to W.
January 24th.--_Galloper_ L.V., a few Larks round lantern all night.
(S.W., 4.) Also on 25th. _Hanois_ L.H., flock Larks, 4 A.M., flying
round light. (S., O. M.)
January 26th.--_Farn_ L.H., several Thrush and Skylarks. (W.S.W., 4.)
_Redcar_, three flocks of Larks at 11.30 A.M. from sea, going W.
January 27th.--_Cromer_ L.H., a few Larks and Redwings, 2.30 A.M., at
lantern. (S.W., 4; M. R.)
January 28th.--_Spurn_ L.H., Larks, 2 A.M., one killed; Chaffinches and
Sparrows, 9 A.M. (S.W.; mist.) _Galloper_ L.V., Larks and Starlings all
night; six Larks and two Starlings killed. (S.W., 4.) _Swin Middle_
L.V., Larks and Red wings, 11.30 to sunrise; eight Redwings killed.
(S.W., 2.)
January 29th.--_Galloper_ L.V., hundreds of Larks all night; sixty
killed. (S.W., 3; O. M.) _Swin Middle_ L.V., Larks and Redwings in
flocks, 50-70, 8 A.M. to W. (W.S.W., 3.)
FEBRUARY.
February 3d.--_Cromer_ L.H., Larks, Thrushes, and Redwings, midnight to
3 A.M., round lantern. (E.; clear.)
February 5th.--_Newarp_ L.V., ten Crows to W., 8 A.M. (S.W., 3.)
_Languard_ L.H., Large flock Wood Pigeons, 3.40 P.M., to N.
February 7th.--_Farn_ L.H., two Fieldfares, several Thrush. (S.S.W., 3.)
February 12th.--_Longstone_ L.H., Guillemot assembled at breeding
stations, earliest date remembered. _Cromer_ L.H., Thrushes, 10 P.M. to
midnight. (N.E., 3; drizzle.)
February 16th.--_Languard_ L.H., Bearded Tit, 7.40 A.M.; very tame;
left at noon. (S.W., 3.)
February 17th.--_Whitby_ L.H., a few Gulls at daylight arrived at
breeding quarters. _Languard_ L.H., a number of Chaffinch, Sparrows,
and Blackcaps (_Parus major?_), all mixed pitched here 9 A.M., and
remained to sunset. (N., 2; B. C. M.)
February 22d.--_Cromer_ L.H., Larks, Starlings, from 0.30 to 3 A.M.;
Fieldfares during day. _Languard_ L.H., 300 Gulls to S. (W.S.W., 3.)
_Shipwash_ L.V., Lark dead on deck, 7 A.M. (W.S.W.)
February 23d.--_Cockle_ L.V., thirty Crow circling high, 7 A.M.,
returned to W. (W.S.W., 4 and 5.) _Shipwash_ L.V., 100 to 200 Rooks,
8.15 A.M., S.E. to N.W. (S.W.; fresh.) _Swin Middle_ L.V., thousands of
Ringed Plover to S.
February 24th.--_Cockle_ L.V., two flocks Crows and Jackdaws, 7 A.M.,
high, W. to E. (S.W., 5.) _Shipwash_ L.V., thirty Crows, 8 A.M., to E.
from W. (S.W.; fresh.) _Galloper_ L.V., Larks at lantern at night; five
Larks and two Starlings killed. (S.W., 5.)
February 25th.--_Whitby_ L.H., Blackbird ♀, 5 A.M., caught at lantern.
(W.S.W., 5.) _Shipwash_ L.V., Thrush, 6.30 A.M., dead on deck. _Cockle_
L.V., fourteen Solan Geese, 6.50 A.M., going S. to N. (W.S.W., 4.)
MARCH.
March 1st.--_Longstone_ L.H., breeding place of Guillemot covered with
birds; very fine weather. _Spurn_ L.H., four Blackbirds. (W.S.W., 3.)
March 3d.--_Spurn_ L.H., several Thrushes and Blackbirds to S. (W.S.W.,
2.) _Cromer_ L.H., Redwings and Larks, 12.30 to 2.30 A.M.; Starlings
and Blackbirds during day. (S., 4.) _Galloper_ L.V., a few Larks
passing over to France, noon till dark. (Thick fog.) _Hanois_ L.H.,
small flock Starlings, 5 A.M.; several struck. (E., 1; B. C. M.)
March 4th.--_Newarp_ L.V., six Starlings and three Chaffinches on board
all night. (W.S.W., 1.) _Shipwash_ L.V., small Lark. (N.N.W., light;
dense fog.)
March 5th.--_Farn_ L.H., two Blackbirds, 11 A.M. (S.E.) _Outer Dowsing_
L.V., about 200 Black Crows flying round vessel, 11.30 A.M. (S.E.,
O. M.) _Newarp_ L.V., two Crows and four Starlings to W. (E.N.E.)
_Shipwash_ L.V., Starling at daylight (dense fog). One "Ground" Lark
flying round, 8 A.M. till noon; two Starlings caught on board.
March 6th.--_Farn_ L.H., Blackbird and Ring Ouzel. (S.W.; fog.) _Outer
Dowsing_ L.V., two Chaffinches, 9.45 A.M. (S. by E.; fog.)
March 7th.--_Spurn_ L.H., Black and Grey Crows to S. (E.N.E., 2.)
_Outer Dowsing_ L.V., three Starlings to W.; two Crows to S.W.
March 9th.--_Newarp_ L.V., large flock Crows to W., 9 A.M. (W.N.W.,
3.) _Swin Middle_ L.V., Pied Wagtail, 5 A.M., on deck. _Hanois_ L.H.,
Lapwings and Wagtails, 4 A.M. (E., 1; O. M.)
March 10th.--_Galloper_ L.V., eighteen Black Crows, 10.30 A.M., to
E.S.E.
March 11th.--_Farn_ L.H., four Gannet fishing near island. (N.E., 6.)
_Hanois_ L.H., about 100 Lapwings, 2 P.M., to N.E. (N., B. C.)
March 12th.--_Farn_ L.H., two Snow Bunting. _Languard_ L.H., Skylarks,
Linnets, and House Sparrows, 7.20 A.M., to W. (N.E., 6.)
March 14th.--_Languard_ L.H. (night, 13th to 14th), large numbers of
Wild Fowl passing over to W. (W.N.W, 2.)
March 19th.--_Cockle_ L.V., 80 Crows and Daws, 10.30 A.M., very high to
E. (W., 2.)
March 21st.--_Outer Dowsing_ L.V., two Mountain Sparrows, 5 P.M.,
flying about vessel. _Yarmouth_, Redshanks, first arrival, 7 A.M.
(S.W., light.) _Cockle_ L.V., many Crows and Daws, sunrise to noon, W.
to S.E, very high. (W.S.W., 1.)
March 22d.--_Hanois_ L.H., great many Lapwings, 7 A.M., to N.E. (W., B.
C. M.)
March 23d.--_Farn_ L.H., several Gannet. (W.N.W, 5.) _Whitby_ L.H., two
Wagtails, 6 A.M.; the first seen. _Yarmouth_, fourteen Golden Plover, 3
A.M., to W.; some with black breasts.
March 24th.--_Farn_ L.H., three Blackbirds, 9 A.M. _Spurn_ L.H.,
seventy Grey Crows to S., 7 A.M. (S.W., 5.)
March 25th.--_Farn_ L.H., two Blackbirds. (W.N.W., 3.) _Languard_ L.H.,
Kingfisher, 7 A.M., to N.E.
March 26th--_Tees_ L.V., five Wagtails. (W.) _Whitby_ L.H., several
Blackbirds, Wagtails, Titlark, and Robins, 10 A.M., and two ♂
Blackbirds, 11 P.M., at lantern. (W.N.W., 4.) _Yarmouth_, Garganey Teal
shot. _Galloper_ L.V., a few Larks all night.
March 27th.--_Outer Dowsing_ L.V., several Thrushes, 3 A.M.; two struck
lantern. (S.W. by S., O. D. R.) _Hanois_ L.H., great many Lapwings to
N.E. at 3 P.M. (W., B.)
March 28th.--_Languard_ L.H., hundreds of Oxbirds, 3 P.M., on beach.
(N., 3.) _Galloper_ L.V., two Larks. (N.E., 6.)
March 29th.--_Farn_ L.H., Great Crested Grebe, great numbers of
Guillemot and Puffin. _Galloper_ L.V., quantity of Starlings, 9 P.M.,
till sunrise; eleven killed. (N.E., 3.)
March 30th.--_Farn_ L.H., eleven Snow Bunting, 3 P.M. (S.S.E., 3.)
_Longstone_ L.H., Puffins seen in large numbers; earliest date by a
fortnight. _Galloper_ L.V., the same as on 29th.
March 31st.--_Tees_ L.V., twenty Wagtails flying S.E. to N.W. _Whitby_
L.H., one Goldcrest, 2 A.M., caught at lantern. _Cockle_ L.V., many
Crows and Daws during day, W. to S.E.; one Blackcap at sunset. Thanet,
Chaffinches; Brambling, one.
APRIL.
April 1st.--_Farn_ L.H., Great Northern Diver (N.N.E., 7) flying N.
April 2d.--_Cromer_ L.H., Starlings and Thrushes, 12.30 to 2.30 A.M.,
round lantern.
April 3d.--_Galloper_ L.V., Starlings midnight to daylight. (N.E.,4.)
April 5th.--_Spurn_ L.H., Four Redbreasts, 9 A.M. (W.N.W., 4.) Several
Swifts, 6 P.M., resting on windows and remaining all night. Great
Cotes, Wheatears, very many, all males.
April 8th.--_Hunstanton_ L.H., Wheatear. (Wind E.)
April 11th.--_Farn_ L.H., two Wheatears and one Fieldfare. (S., 4.)
_Galloper_ L.V., Swallow, 7 A.M., to N.W. (E.N.E., 5.) _Hanois_ L.H.,
Swallows to N.E., 10 P.M. In evening many about west end of island;
also Whitethroats and Willow Wrens. (E., 4.)