exhaustion. The survivors took off along with some Crows, coming from
E. and going N.W. (4, B. C.)"]
[Footnote 6: Mr Thomas Littlewood says--" These four species on deck at
sunrise too weak to fly."]
Summary and General Remarks.
In January depressions of very considerable size passed by our
north-western and northern shores after the 2d, with very sudden
changes of temperature of an unusual character and great magnitude;
showers of cold rain, sleet, and hail from day to day, and very severe
frosts at night. There are very clear indications in the diary of
Migration, that the atmospheric disturbances were concurrent with a
great rush of birds going south along the coast. Those chiefly noted
being Fieldfares, Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Larks, Chaffinches,
Linnets, Starlings, and some Crows.
In the latter part of February and throughout March there are
indications of the passage of Crows, Rooks, Daws, Starlings, Larks, and
others to the Continent, also in the opposite direction to the S.E.
Coast of England. Great numbers of Starlings, Thrashes, and Larks were
also observed at the lanterns at night, the particular direction of
their flight being not apparent.
A Blackcap (_Sylvia atricapilla_) is recorded at the Cockle L.V. on
March 31st, after which the first actual indication of the Spring
migration is the occurrence of. Swifts (_Cypselus apus_) at the Spurn
on April 5th, arriving at 6 P.M., and resting on the window sills all
night; on the same day at Great Cotes several male Wheatears were seen.
The Spring migration of the Wheatear (_Saxicola ænanthe_) is last
recorded at the Farn L.H. on the night of May 30th, several round the
lantern; and at the Tees L.V. on June 5th, two to N.W.
Puffins (_Fratercula arctica_) arrived at their breeding quarters on
the Farn Islands on March 30th, a very early date. Continuous flocks
with Wild Ducks were seen at the Outer Dowsing L.V. on April 12th,
going S.S.E.; at the same date a Woodcock was killed at the Swin L.V.
The Swallow (_Hirundo rustica_) is first seen at the Galloper L.V. on
April 11th, going N.W. Many at the Hanois L.H., Guernsey, on the same
day, with Willow Wrens and Whitethroats. At the Shipwash L.V., Swallows
were observed at intervals passing from S.E. to N.W. up to June 4th.
Snow Buntings (_Plectrophanes nivalis_) were last seen at the Spurn on
April 20th. The Cuckoo is first recorded at the Isle of Thanet on April
24th, and the Yellow Wagtail (_Motacilla raii_) on the 25th.
There appears to have been a heavy rush of the smaller summer visitants
on the S.E. coast, from the Isle of Thanet to Hunstanton, at early
morning of the 29th of April. A very strongly pronounced movement was
also observed at Hanois L.H., Guernsey, on May 2d. The weather, in the
first instance, being rainy and unsettled in S.E., and very cold over
England with N.E. winds. On the 30th, thunderstorm in S.W. of France,
with very cold, unsettled, and rainy weather generally in the south.
Various shorebirds and waders were observed passing down the coast
from S. to N., on May 12th and subsequently. A Moorhen (_Gallinula
chloropus_) was killed at the Cockle L.V. on the night of May 21st;
another at the Goodwin L.V. on the night of October 16th.
A Bearded Reedling (_Panurus biarmicus_) was seen at the Languard L.H.
on February 16th at 7.40 A.M.; and from Yarmouth on November 13th is
the note, "nice lot of Bearded Tits, are said to have come in at a
great height, and from the E."
The autumn movement commenced early in July, but did not become very
distinctly pronounced before the beginning of August. One of the
most interesting features of the autumnal migration has been the
simultaneous occurrences of the Pygmy Curlew (_Tringa subarquata_)
and the Little Stint (_Tringa minuta_) on the East Coast, between the
Tees and Yarmouth. The former species is first recorded from Redcar on
August 16th and from the Spurn on August the 23d. The Little Stint in
the same locality on the 25th. Both were present there in very large
numbers on September 2d, with a S.W. gale. The Pygmy Curlew was seen
last on the Norfolk coast on October 8th, and one, Farn Islands, on
November 18th.
The Woodcock is first recorded at Seaton-Carew, Durham, on September
19th, and at Cromer L.H. on September 25th, from 12.30 to 2.30 A.M.
(S.E., 4.) Our observer, Mr Comben, says, "never saw so many Woodcock
at one time before, there seemed to be a constant stream flying round
lantern, none struck." Woodcocks appear to have come in at irregular
intervals between September 30th and November 3d. The greatest number
perhaps on the 9th, 10th, and 11th of October. Throughout September
there was a steady and almost daily increasing migration observed
at East Coast stations, but from the 29th and throughout October to
November 3d, there was an almost continuous night and day rush of
immigrants, the chief of those recorded being Crows, Rooks, Daws,
Starlings, Larks, Chaffinches, Linnets, and Sparrows. In fact, during
this time much the greater proportion of the entries in the schedules
consists of a weary reiteration of these readily distinguished
species. The weather during the period of this great invasion was up
to the 25th of October mainly anticyclonic, cold, quiet, and dry. The
prevailing wind N. and N.-easterly. After the 25th, cyclonic with W.
and S.-westerly winds, wet, rough, and milder. The average temperature
of the month was much colder than the corresponding months in the two
preceding years. It does not appear that the change of weather and of
the wind after the 25th, had any influence on the migratory movements,
birds continuing to pour in with undiminished numbers. Indeed, the
direction and force of the wind appears to have little to do in
controlling these great autumnal rushes, for when the time for crossing
the North Sea has come, birds cross independent of weather. It must be
admitted, however, that the prevailing wind at the time is an important
factor in governing the direction in which migrants travel, and the
angle at which the line of flight will intersect the line of coast. To
changes of temperature either sudden or gradual, rather than the force
and direction of winds, we must probably look for the impelling cause
of these seasonal phenomena.
After the 3d and to the 19th of November, birds continued to arrive,
but in greatly reduced numbers, the throbs and pulsations of the great
inrush becoming daily more feeble and less sustained. After this date
to the end of the year, migration was more or less spasmodic, the
entries in the schedules being chiefly confined to the occurrences of
various birds seen in the vicinity of the stations.
Swans and Grey Geese have been remarkably scarce. Brent Geese
(_Bernicla brenta_) fairly numerous. All accounts agree that it has
been an extraordinary Duck year, large numbers of various species
frequenting all favourable localities along the East Coast. The Common
Scoter (_Œdemia nigra_) has occurred in enormous flocks, also a few
_Œ. fusca_. Considerable numbers of the Long-Tailed Duck (_Harelda
glacialis_) have visited the coast from the Farn Islands to Yarmouth.
Amongst the rarer and more interesting species we may notice the
occurrences of _Tringa temmincki_ (three) at the Spurn, also _Podiceps
nigricollis_ at the same place. _Anthus richardi_ at Tetney. _Cypselus
melba_, _Recurvirostra avocetta_, and _Tringa maculata_ at Yarmouth,
also _Pandion haliaëtus_ at the Cromer lighthouse.
It is unfortunate that we do not know more about those smaller night
wanderers which are usually entered in our schedules under the general
name "Flycatchers" or "various small birds." The wings occasionally
forwarded are always very interesting, and, what is most important,
give definite and reliable results. As a rule all these small
insect-eating species get lumped together as "Flycatchers," a result
not to be wondered at considering the circumstances under which they
are seen, helplessly fluttering against the lanterns, or dancing like
gnats in the yellow glare. Those "hundreds of Flycatchers," from
midnight to 4 P.M., seen at the Swin L.V. on the night of April 29th,
no doubt represented many species of our small summer visitors, and the
Spotted Flycatcher (_Muscicapa grisola_) was not seen in the Isle of
Thanet before May 4th.
WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND.
In the same way as we treated of the East Coast returns, we treat the
West Coast. The contents of one or two schedules written across the
columns have been omitted for reasons before stated, more especially as
none of these are of great importance.
LIST OF STATIONS.
The names of the Reporters are given under "Diary from the Stations."
In 1887, Returns
Schedules in 9 years, In List of Stations.
filled in. including 1887.
1887. Values. Feet.
Sutherland.
0 4 81. Cape Wrath, III. 400
0 4 82. Rhu Stoir, II. 195
Outer Hebrides.
3 8 * 83. Butt of Lewis, I. 170
0 3 84. Stornoway (2 Lights), { II. } 56
{ I. }
0 3 85. Island Ghlais, I. 130
8 8 * 86. Monach Islands, { I. 150
0 2 87. Ushenish, N. Uist, VI. 176
2 5 88. Barra Head, II. 683
1 4 * 89. Rona, Skye, IV. 222
3 8 * 90. Kyleakin, W. Ross, IV. 53
0 2 91. Isle Ornsay, I. 58
0 2 92. Ardnamurchan, I.
4 9 * 93. Skerryvore and Hynish
Signal Tower, Tiree, II. 150
4 9 * 94. Dhuheartach, I. 146
0 6 95. Sound of Mull, V. 55
0 0 96. Corran Ferry, IV. 38
0 4 97. Lismore, Oban, I. 103
0 2 98. Fladda, Easdale, VI. 42
0 4 99. Rhuvaal, IV. 147
0 7 100. M'Arthur's Head, IV. 128
3 9 * 101. Skervuile, II. 73
9 9 * 102. Rhinns of Islay, IV. 159
8 4 * 103. Lochindaul, IV. 50
0 0 104. Mull of Cantyre, VI. 297
0 0 105. Sanda,
0 0 106. Devaar, II. 120
0 0 107. Pladda, Arran, II. 130
1 6 * 108. Lamlash, Arran, IV. 46
0 4 * 109. Turnberry, Ayrshire, IV. 96
3 1 109B. Ailsa Craig, 1885
1 8 * 110. Corsewall, IV. 112
0 0 111. Loch Ryan, I. 46
0 7 * 112. Portpatrick, I. 37
1 8 * 113. Mull of Galloway, II. 325
4 5 * 114. Little Ross, IV. 176
_Diary from the Stations._
_Butt of Lewis._--Mr Robert Agnew, son of Mr Joseph Agnew (now at
Monach Isles), sends three well-filled schedules, one being devoted, as
requested, to Solan Geese after the date of September 4th.
_Monach Isles._--Mr Joseph Agnew (late of Isle of May) sends eight
schedules, one for Solan Geese. Mr Agnew says, "The Merganser is by
far the most abundant of the ducks.... All Curlews come from the N.
East, not one coming from the south (August). After coming so far,
they turn inland; and, I have no doubt, the old are leading the young
to previously well-known feeding grounds." "Geese seen flying S.E., as
if from St Kilda" (August 17th). Statement that "one pair, at least,
of Turnstones bred at Monach this year requires confirmation" (20th
August). "Terns flying S.W., remarked as unusual" (30th). "I feel the
place lonely to-day without the Terns. They must have _seen_ their
friends passing yesterday, and have gone off in pursuit" (31st August).
"Sandpipers of sorts numerous by 1st September." "From 50 to 100
Cormorants on a rock remain fishing." October 22d: "I have never seen
such a rush of Redwings alone without any admixture. They commenced to
come about 7 P.M. _last night_, and continued to 'strike' till 4 A.M.;
but many remained at the lantern till daylight. They were mostly all
fine old birds. Most of those killed were on the N.E. side, so they
must have been flying dead against the wind, which was blowing strong
from the S.W." ... "It appears a S.W. wind here is best for migration."
"Greenfinches and Bramblings noted on 27th, with a gale from the S.W.
Very heavy migration."
Mr Agnew's letter of the 7th November 1887 is well worthy of careful
perusal, but is too long for insertion here;[7] but the following short
extracts, or digest, may be acceptable:--"The surprises I have met with
during the last month beat all previous ones (as shown in the schedule
to date). One of the few Goldcrests taken in the Long Island was found
dead amongst other species."
[Footnote 7: The materials have been utilised for a forthcoming work on
the "Vertebrate Fauna of the Outer Hebrides."]
On November 4th Mr Agnew reports the rushes of migrants as "very
extraordinary." "That of yesterday larger than that of 1st," and in
moonlight and clear. The advanced guard were Starlings from N.E.,
flying down the coast line, with wind "on the port bow." [_Note._--Mr
Agnew's notes are so voluminous and so interesting, that I hope some
way may be found to utilise them more fully. Many letters deserve a
better fate than oblivion. A great variety of species participated in
this rush, including Woodcock.--J. A. H.-B.]
_Barra Head._--Mr Chas. M'Fadzen sends two carefully filled schedules,
in which the Geese referred to are mostly Barnacle.
_Rona._--Messrs D. Dunnet and J. A. M'Gaw send one filled schedule,
from February 15th to November 12th, with the further note: "Migration
of birds here fewer in numbers than former years. Solan Geese all
summer as usual."
_Kyleakin._--Messrs D. MacCulloch and John Clyne send three well-filled
schedules. Rush noticeable early in November, but greater rush 10th
December of Larks and Linnets, yet not one seen near the lanterns.
_Skerryvore._--Mr Thomas Dawson sends four good schedules--two on Solan
Geese. Under date of 1st October, he says, whilst having little of
importance to relate, that he witnessed a remarkable tussle between
three Gannets and a large fish, two coming to help the first, which
had remained a long time under water after striking, whilst no doubt
struggling with its prey.
_Dhuheartach._--Messrs Wm. Davidson and J. W. M'Guffie send four good
schedules. The Siskin occurred on the 10th November, and was sent for
identification, having been caught on the lantern. "Heavy rush" all
night of 11th.
_Skervuile._--Mr John Ewing sends three filled schedules down to
November 21st, after which no more migration was observed. Harvie-Brown
visited Skervuile and landed on the whales-back-looking rock on which
the lighthouse is founded, and which is awash with the sea.
_Rhinns of Islay._--Messrs Peter Anderson and James Ducat send nine
carefully filled sheets, and write nearly each time at length. At the
same time we are now, thanks to these reporters, obliged for a much
more minute, and day-to-day return for each month of the year, most
carefully prepared under species and in tabular form, which cannot fail
to prove interesting and useful to work from. These date December 1886
to February 1888. The Rhinns of Islay must be looked upon as quite one
of the most important West Coast stations for migration.
A Manx Shearwater is reported as caught on the lantern on the 20th
April, and another was seen next morning. They are the first of the
kind the keepers ever remember seeing. The occurrence thus makes it
appear that Manx Shearwaters probably pair early, if they do not pair
for life.
On August 2d, clouds of Midges round the lantern; and on 13th, from
twenty to thirty Daddy-longlegs were captured. This season the very
worst for Caterpillars (or "Kail-worm"). Glass rarely below 60° on the
N. side at midnight, and again as warm on 10th September. [_Note._--The
warm weather about this time was universal.--J. A. H.-B.]
"The only rush we have had has been of Larks, and they have been in
greater numbers than any year since I came here. One solitary Redwing
is all I have seen this year. We have had such a long time of N. and
N.W. winds. Best winds are S. to S.E. to bring the most birds. On
October 9th, 1000's of Puffins appeared "flying North;" Iceland Gull on
10th; six Choughs seen on island on 16th, no doubt local birds. Heavy
returns from October 19th onwards to 25th, of Larks and Starlings.
Local visitation of Rooks owing to shooting going on through the
island, and their leaving the rookeries at Bridgend, etc.; also
Jackdaws. No great migration recorded in November of small land birds.
(Compare with Monach Isles returns.) Iceland Gull seen at head of
Lochindaul on the 9th of February 1888 (_in lit._ 15th February 1888.)
_Lochindaul: Islay._--Mr James Edgar sends eight carefully filled
and interesting schedules. Reports a Shearwater at the lantern on
21st April; it rested all night. [No doubt the same bird seen the day
before at Rhinns of Islay along with the one which was killed. This
is interesting, as showing a line of flight and the certainty bright
lights have of luring birds to them.--J. A. H.-B.]
_Lamlash._--Unsigned: one small return of five entries, between March
10th and September 17th, of Curlews, Thrush. Cuckoo heard. 25th April,
Snipe and Geese.
_Ailsa Craig._--Our first returns sent from the "Old Rock" are very
full in interest, and date January 9th, 1887, to December 20th,
occupying three schedules, by Mr William J. Dawson. "An Eagle seen on
the hill on 19th October and previously; 'very large,' and probably
a Sea-Eagle. Remained for more than three weeks. On 20th December a
Carrier Pigeon was chased into the yard by two Peregrine Falcons (a
pair build on the cliffs every season). They captured it next day. On
the 20th January 1888, another Carrier was seen with a paper attached
to it, and the Falcons were in pursuit of it. Most likely it shared the
same fate as the other." [If any one can throw further light on this
rather interesting note, we would be obliged. It serves, at least, to
show one danger which Carriers may be subjected to.--J. A. H.-B.]
"Very few birds come near this light, the lantern revolving so rapidly.
When I was at Pladda there were great rushes of birds at different
times both in spring and autumn, and large numbers were found dead."
[Our Committee has never received _a single return from Pladda_. This
chance note may yet be valuable.--J. A. H.-B.]
_Corsewall._--Mr Robert Laidlaw sends one well-filled schedule, and
notices the rushes of Blackbirds and _Turdidæ_ in October, and of the
same and _Fringillidæ_ (Linnets, etc.) in November.
_Mull of Galloway._--Messrs Alexander Murray and John M'Quarrie send
one schedule, also well filled, to date of September 17th.
_Little Ross._--Messrs Neil M'Donald and Robert Macintosh send four
good schedules. Petrel found dead at foot of tower, 23d January. Spring
migration considerable, but decidedly scarce on the autumn migration,
as compared with some other West Coast stations.
Remarks.
Pelecanidæ.--Of Gannets, by request, we have had a number of schedules
entirely devoted to them at some of the more prominent stations of
both East and West Coasts; but as these, with other accounts already
published, constitute material for a very thorough treatment of the
movements of the species, and their relations to the migrations of the
Herring, we do not think it advisable in this place to occupy space
with them.
Separate Report under Genera and Species.
Turdidæ.--Appears to have been the most numerous migrants in 1887.
_January._--A rush marked at Ailsa (1886 Report, _q.v._), and a few
singles.
_February._--Skervuile, 15th to 21st, "Blackbirds and Thrushes."
Turnberry, "many do. on 25th." At Little Ross, fewer, on 16th and 17th.
_March._--Stations are: Skerryvore (one), and Dhuheartach (one).
Rhinns of Islay, a few records of Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Redwings.
"Rush" at Ailsa Craig on 11th; strong N.E. breeze, snow. Little Ross,
scattered records between 1st and 26th of Thrushes and Blackbirds.
_April._--Only record is of two Fieldfares at Little Ross on 20th.
Nothing in May to _September_--intermittent of Thrushes, only four
dates at four places, _viz._, Barra Head, Kyleakin, Dhuheartach, and
Corsewall.
_October._--Numbers travelling, yet not so very densely. Rush of
Thrushes on 16th at Corsewall. Great numbers of Redwing at Butt of
Lewis, 21st and 22d; and one Fieldfare on 30th there. Other stations:
Dhuheartach, Rhinns of Islay (Redwings), Lochindaul, Corsewall, and
Little Ross.
_November._--At Monach Isles surprising numbers of Fieldfares and
Redwings, rushing between 1st and 12th; great numbers of Redwings
(see Diary); also on 1st, 10th, 11th (many Fieldfares). Large numbers
Mavis on 11th; also Blackbirds, scarcer. Rush felt most elsewhere at
Skerryvore and Dhuheartach, also on 11th; strong N.E. breeze!! all
night. Many killed at both these places. Lighter at Skervuile (Missel
Thrushes also), Fieldfares and Redwings; and at Lochindaul, 4th to 9th
to 20th, and Corsewall (generally full and large), but concentrated
most at Monach, Skerryvore, and Dhuheartach. Continued lightly into
December at same stations.
Saxicolinæ.--_February._--8th, one "Stonechat" at Little Ross.
_March._--1st, one Whinchat at Dhuheartach. 4th, one "Stonechat" at
Rhinns of Islay. [These "Stonechats," "Whinchats," and "Wheatears"
must, we fear, be hopelessly mixed always, as the correspondence now,
to fix it, would entail enormous labour.--J. A. H.-B.]
_April._--12th, Wheatear at Butt of Lewis; and 6th, ditto at Corran
Ferry; and 13th and 20th, a few ditto at same place. Whinchat at
Dhuheartach on 15th, and Wheatear on 17th. Other records at Rhinns of
Islay, Ailsa Craig (27th), and Little Ross (11th and 12th).
_May._--Two entries only at Dhuheartach (11th and 17th); W., N.W.
_August._--Records all the month--no great numbers, except "numbers" at
Little Ross on 7th--distributed as follows:--Butt of Lewis; Barra Head;
Rona, Skye; Skerryvore (21st); Dhuheartach (21st); Skervuile (1st, 2d,
3d, 5th, 7th, 10th, 12th, 15th, a few; 16th, 25th, 28th, pair; 30th,
31st--all in small numbers); and Little Ross, 7th (a number), and 11th;
winds variable, S.E. and S. to N., rarely W. or N.W.
_September._--Few, and all left Monach Isles by the 9th; but "many"
again there. "Many" on the 22d ("continued on"). At Butt of Lewis
also one seen on 21st. At Skerryvore, 3d, 4th, 21st ("Stonechats" in
distinction to Wheatears); 26th, ditto; and 25th, Redstart; and at
Dhuheartach, 26th, Wheatears; and at Lochindaul, fifteen ditto on 2d,
and again one on 14th.
No later records.
_October._--Only one Stonechat recorded in all from Skerryvore on 2d;
moderate W.; on rock.
Silviinæ.--Robin, Whitethroat.--_January._--15th, at Ailsa, two Robins.
_February._--28th, at Rhinns of Islay, one Robin.
_March._--2d, at Skervuile, one Robin; light S., rain. 4th, at Rhinns
of Islay, one ditto; light S.W. 28th, at Rhinns of Islay, twenty, 9
P.M. to 12 P.M.; W., haze.
_May._--2d, at Ailsa, two Robins; light breeze, S.; catch flies.
_August._--23d, at Butt of Lewis, one Whitethroat. 28th, at Lochindaul,
one Redbreast.
_September._--From 15th to 29th, at Rona, one Whitethroat on 21st.
Scattered occurrences of Robins at Kyleakin (one on 15th); Skervuile
(one); Rhinns of Islay (23d and 29th); Lochindaul (15th, 19th, 21st,
and 28th); Corsewall (23d); Mull of Galloway to November, two entries
at Lochindaul (2d and 9th).
Phylloscopinæ.--_March._--30th, one Gold crest at Lochindaul.
_May._--2d, Willow Warblers--one found dead at base of tower of Rhinns
of Islay.
_June._--At Rhinns of Islay, one Willow Warbler found dead in morning.
_August._--24th, at Butt of Lewis, "Chiffchaff" (?); and at Rhinns of
Islay, "Wood Wren" (?) on 22d. On 24th, at Little Ross, Willow Wren
found dead at tower.
_September._--Goldcrests scattered and scarce at Skervuile, Lochindaul,
and Little Ross.
_October._--One at Little Ross on 22d.
_November._--One at Rhinns of Islay on 5th.
_March._--Goldcrests scattered and scarce, at Rhinns of Islay,
Turnberry, and Little Ross.
_July._--Two entries only at Corsewall and little Ross.
_September._--Three records at Mull of Galloway and Little Ross.
_October._--Eight Golden-Crested Wrens at Little Ross.
[_Note._--Golden-Crested Wrens having been entered in ledger under
_Troglodytidæ_ or "Wrens," have got a little out of place.] Very
restricted migration. One obtained at Monach (rare).
Acrocephalinæ.--_September._--3d, one Sedge Warbler at Little Ross.
Troglodytidæ.--Wren.--One on April 5th at Ailsa; one at Skerryvore on
6th, on the rocks; and "great numbers different kinds of Wrens" on 11th
at Corsewall, probably Goldcrests, Common Wrens, Warblers; light N.E.
Scattered notices only of Common Wren, not of much significance.