REPORT
ON THE
MIGRATION OF BIRDS
IN THE SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1881.
BY
Mr. JOHN A. HARVIE BROWN, Mr. JOHN CORDEAUX,
Mr. PHILIP M. C. KERMODE, Mr. R. M. BARRINGTON,
AND
Mr. A. G. MORE.
"It is much to be wished that some of the light-keepers of our
lighthouses would make notes of their observations concerning seals,
whales, birds, fishes, and other animals. Such records would be
valuable; and might not some of them occupy their leisure hours
in the study of Natural History?... Interesting observations
would then certainly be made, and new facts added to our stores of
knowledge."--'Chambers's Journal,' p. 831; Dec. 23, 1876.
LONDON:
PRINTED BY WEST, NEWMAN & CO., 54, HATTON GARDEN.
1882.
LONDON:
PRINTED BY WEST, NEWMAN AND CO.
HATTON GARDEN, E.C.
PREFACE.
The following Report contains a summary of investigations of a
Committee, appointed by the British Association for the Advancement
of Science, at York, in 1881, to consist of Professor Newton, Mr. J.
A. Harvie Brown, Mr. John Cordeaux, Mr. Philip M. C. Kermode, Mr.
J. Hardy, 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 lightships, and of reporting upon the same at
Southampton in 1882. Mr. Cordeaux to be the Secretary.
An abstract of the Report was read by Mr. Philip M. C. Kermode at the
meeting of the Association, held at Southampton, in August, 1882.
The returns relating to Scotland have been arranged by Mr. J. A. Harvie
Brown; for the East Coast of England, by Mr. Cordeaux; the West Coast
of England, by Mr. Kermode; and those for the Coasts of Ireland, by Mr.
R. M. Barrington, and Mr. A. G. More.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
East Coast of Scotland 1
East Coast of England 16
West Coast of Scotland 43
West Coast of England 58
Irish Coast 78
THIRD REPORT:
ON
THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS
IN THE
SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1881.
EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND.
Iceland and Faroe.--Schedules, &c., were, as before, forwarded to
Iceland and Faroe. Returns have come from Faroe, the results of which I
prefer to keep under a separate heading, as they usually come in when
the rest of the Report is well advanced.
Of _Saxicolinæ_ there is one record on May 13th, when one Wheatear was
seen on board the 'Arcturus,' thirty miles east of the Orkney Isles.
Of _Hirundinidæ_, one seen at Thorshavn on May 22nd. Of _Otidæ_,
one Long-eared Owl was seen at Vivalvig, Strómó, on June 27th. Of
_Ardeidæ_, one Night Heron, _Nycticorax griseus_ (Linn.), was killed
at Videreijde on May 4th. In autumn several Turtle Doves, _Columba
Turtur_, were seen, and one shot at Nólsó on Sept. 7th. Of _Rallidæ_,
one Water Rail was killed in the hospital garden, at Thorshavn, on Oct.
31st. Of Laridæ, one Pomatorhine Skua (young), was killed near Kirkebó
on Oct. 26th. Of Rallidæ, one Coot, _Fulica atra_, was shot at Nólsó on
Nov. 8th.
The winds prevailing at the time of the above records for the most part
southerly and easterly in Faroe, but on May 13th and 22nd southerly and
westerly, and also S.W. on Nov. 8th.
The usual papers were sent to twenty-six stations, as before. With
Iceland, Faroe and Fair Isle we have on this line thirty stations in
all.
Twelve stations on the East Coast of Scotland returned filled-in
schedules, against eight last year--1880--out of the twenty-six. Many
of these returns are very light, but those from Isle of May, Bell Rock
and Pentland Skerries are unusually full, showing great highways of
migration, and also that from Sumburgh Head. We shall have more to say
on this in our general remarks at the end of the Report.
The stations are as follows, commencing in the north. The dates upon
which the various stations have sent in returns are shown in the list
by the positions of the asterisks preceding the consecutive numbers.
The work done compares favourably with that of 1880, but we receive as
yet only twelve returns from twenty-six stations; however short, others
will be acceptable, even if only negative information.
Those sending no returns have not in all cases given reasons. Attention
to this is earnestly requested (vide 2nd Report, p. 2).
The numbers are the same as in the 2nd Report, 1880, but another for
Fair Isle has been inserted as "7B."
East Coast of Scotland.
1879, '80, '81.
* * 4. North Uist, Shetland 230 ft. Robert Burnett.
* * 5. Whalsey Skerries, Shetland 145 " Neven Kerr.
6. Bressay, Shetland 105 "
* * * 7. Sumburgh Head, Shetland 300 " John Wilson.
7B. Fair Isle ? " --Lawrence.
Orkney.
* * * 8. North Ronaldshay 140 " John Tulloch.
9. Start Point 80 "
* * * 10. Auskerry 110 " John MacDonald.
* 11. Hoy Sound (Low) 55 " Alexander Harp.
12. Hoy Sound (High) 315 "
13. Cantick Head 115 "
* * * 14. Pentland Skerries 170 " D. MacDonald.
Mainland.
* * 15. Dunnet Head, Caithness 346 " David Laidlaw.
* 16. Holborn Head, Caithness 75 " David Charleson.
* 17. Noss Head, Caithness 175 "
* * 18. Tarbat Ness, East Ross 175 " W. Davidson.
* 19. Cromarty, East Cromarty 60 " Robt. S. Ritson.
20. Chanonry Point, Elgin 40 "
21. Covesea Skerries, Elgin 160 "
22. Kinnaird Head, Aberdeen 120 "
23. Buchan Ness, Aberdeen 130 "
* 24. Girdleness, Aberdeen 185 " John McGill.
25. Montroseness, Aberdeen 124 "
* * * 26. Bell Rock, off Fife Coast 93 " James Jack.
* * * 27. Isle of May, Firth of Forth 240 " J. Agnew.
* * 28. Inch Keith, Firth of Forth 220 " R. Grierson.
29. St. Abb's Head, Berwick 224 "
Notes received from other sources will appear, as before, after the
paragraphs on each species, as it is desirable to keep the two sets of
observations distinct. I would also refer here to my "Third Report on
Scottish Ornithology," already referred to in 'Migration Report, 1880,'
p. 4, as having been read, but not yet printed (Feb. 1882).
Notes have been kept upon about 25 species of waterfowl and about
50 species of land birds by our reporters on the east coast. Spring
migration I have not kept distinct in this Report. Obituary at each
station, inappreciable at Scottish stations, will be noticed where
necessary under General Remarks.
Owing to Mr. T. Anderson having been almost entirely sailing to and fro
in the Mediterranean, I regret that I can show no returns this year
from Mid-Atlantic, which is to be regretted, as it would be instructive
to learn what are the results of a contrary prevailing wind to that of
1880. Possibly, however, Mr. R. Gray may yet be able to give us some
returns of interest culled from the Mediterranean log, which may raise
other points of interest.
The following short notes on weather are compiled from the 'Times'
Register for 1881, and checked by my own schedules:--A sudden change
of temperature at the beginning of August, colder by about two degrees
than July. Rainfall excessive over all Scotland, except northern half
where it was less than average; cold and wet all August, about six
degrees colder than corresponding period of 1880. Prevailing wind
W., seldom veering to E., until Aug. 23rd; thereafter in Scotland
prevailing E. and N.E.; on Aug. 31st N. winds prevailed, N.E., and
continued till about Sept. 6th; thereafter W. and N.W. till 16th; then
S. and S.E. till 21st; from 22nd to 24th E.; 24th to 30th S. to W.;
Oct. 1st to 10th S.; 10th to 13th strong W.; 14th gale from E., and
continued E. and S.E. to end of month. S.E. to S. strong winds and
gales, or light from Nov. 1st to 11th; S.W. strong and a gale 15th and
16th; frost on 17th; 22nd S. to S.W. and W., heavy gales in N. and W.
Unsettled, with frequent changes of wind and weather, many W. gales
till end of month, and till Dec. 8th. N. and E. on both coasts from
Dec. 9th to 12th, S. on 13th, and S. and W. on 14th; S. and W. till
20th, when E.; and W.N.W. on 21st. Prevailing W. and S.W. till end of
month.
_Notes._--Prevailing winds at the time of the rush of _Falconidæ_ were
W., veering from S.W. to N.W. in Aug.; after 23rd E.; on and after
Aug. 31st till Sept. 6th N. At XIV., on Aug. 19th, a Sparrowhawk was
seen sitting on the ground, and almost daily for some time after. The
nearest breeding-place I know of is at Tongue, N. Sutherland; wind at
the time was light S., and weather clear. No doubt it is difficult to
discriminate often between local and general migrations of Hawks by our
data; thus at XIV. also, on Aug. 23rd and 24th, a Sparrowhawk was seen
flying south on the former date, and N.E. on the latter; on the former
date the wind was light S., on the latter N.E.; this would therefore
appear like a local migration.
The only addition to the list of stations is Fair Isle, No. 7 b.
In all spring records the numbers of stations begin at the most
southerly, or with the higher numbers. In all autumn records the
numbers of stations begin at the most northerly, or with the lower
numbers. The maximum station, or station sending most returns of the
species, is indicated when thought necessary.
Turdidæ.--Autumn: Records at Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries,
Girdleness, Bell Rock, and Isle of May (maximum). Earliest at Isle of
May, Sept. 22nd; latest at Sumburgh Head, Dec. 8th. Rushes at Isle of
May, Sept. 22nd to 30th (see notes _infra_); also Oct. 20th. Redwings
and female Blackbirds migrating between 14th and 24th. Great S.E. gale
on 14th. At Pentland Skerries, Fieldfares, Thrushes, and Blackbirds,
Nov. 5th and 6th, flying N.E. all day; also smaller rushes at Sumburgh
Head, Dec. 1st to 8th. Time of day: Mostly daytime, but night of 13th
to 14th at Bell Pock. "Storm burst at 10.10 a.m. on 14th." Notes: A
great rush of migrants took place at the date of 22nd to 23rd Sept.
at Isle of May (station 27), but no corresponding rush is recorded
at Bell Rock (station 26). At Isle of May it continued all day. The
weather was thick haze, approaching to fog, with a continuous downpour
of rain; wind S.E. "All the birds seen to-day appeared perfectly
bewildered." The following species occurred on 22nd alone: Thrushes,
Redstarts, one Robin, one Blue-throated Warbler (_C. Wolfi_), Swallows,
Chaffinches, one Nightjar (the first ever captured or seen here, and
sent to me along with the Blue-throated Warbler and others), one Corn
Crake (seldom seen here). Golden Plovers (large flock), Ringed Plovers,
Lapwings, "rush" of Curlews, two Snipe, Sandpipers and Waders, and
Dunlins. This great migration continued more or less all the latter
part of September at this locality, during which time there appeared
Yellow Buntings, Bramblings, Wheatears (or Stonechats), Pipits, and
Wagtails; numbers of Robins on 23rd. N.B. Later in the report under
these species I will refer back to this note.
Saxicolinæ.--Spring: Bell Rock, and Whalsey Skerries. Wheatears.
Earliest at Bell Rock, April 14th; latest at Bell Rock, May 2nd.
Rush on May 2nd, at Bell Rock. General Notes:--Accompanied by many
other species not recognised; on that day also a large bird struck,
rebounded, and fell into sea.--Autumn: Whalsey Skerries, Sumburgh Head,
Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, Isle of May, and Inch Keith. Wheatears.
Earliest at Sumburgh Head, Aug. 14th; latest at Pentland Skerries,
Sept. 30th. Rushes scarcely appreciable, Aug. 22nd and 28th, at Whalsey
Skerries, Sumburgh Head, and Pentland Skerries; and Sept. 24th and
30th, at Pentland Skerries, Isle of May, and Inch Keith. Rushes at
Pentland Skerries on several dates. Besides Wheatears, Redstarts.
Earliest at Isle of May, Aug. 22nd; latest at Isle of May, Sept. 22nd.
Whinchats (or Blue Janets), also at Isle of May, Sept. 21st. Prevailing
winds E. and S.E. General Notes (see under Turdidæ).
Sylviinæ.--Spring: Robins at Cromarty and Montroseness; only two
records. Earlier at Cromarty, March 20th, but left same date; later
at Montroseness, April 14th, flying about rock.--Autumn: Tarbat Ness,
Cromarty, and Isle of May. Robins. Earliest at Cromarty, Sept. 16th,
and were the first seen since March 6th (see Spring); latest seen Dec.
15th. At Tarbat Ness first seen Oct. 10th. Rush Sept. 22nd and 23rd,
at Isle of May (see Notes under Turdidæ); also Oct. 21st, at Isle of
May ("appear to be very small specimens.") Mr. Agnew preserved one for
me in spirits on Dec. 15th, but whether one of these small specimens
I cannot as yet say. N.B. Spanish examples are known to be very much
smaller than British (_vide_ Howard Saunders and H. E. Dresser).
Phylloscopinæ.--Autumn: Gold Crests at Sumburgh Head, Tarbat Ness, and
Isle of May. Earliest at Tarbat Ness, Sept. 10th (two seen); latest at
Isle of May, Sept. 27th. Rush, a small one, Oct. 24th, 25th, and 27th,
at Isle of May. General Remarks:--Mr. Agnew says, "I expect more," but
no more appeared in his later schedules. A general movement of this
species appreciable also about Sept. 10th to 18th.
Paridæ.--Spring: Tit. One record at Isle of May, April 23rd. General
Remark:--One alighted on lantern at 11 p.m.--Autumn: Tits at Pentland
Skerries and Inch Keith. Earliest at Inch Keith, Aug. 5th (a number at
night); latest at Pentland Skerries, Oct. 6th (one all day). Another
struck N.W. side of lantern of Inch Keith on night of 5th to 6th.
General Remarks:--Aug. 5th, at Inch Keith (as above), "earlier than
usual."
Troglodytidæ.--Spring: Common Wren. One record from Isle of May,
March 19th.--Autumn: Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of
May. Earliest at Sumburgh Head, Aug. 3rd (left); latest at Pentland
Skerries, Nov. 16th. Others Oct. 6th and 8th. Rush (inappreciable) on
these later dates.
Motacillidæ.--Spring: Bell Rock and Isle of May (only two). Wagtails.
Earliest at Isle of May, March 12th; latest at Bell Rock, April
13th. General Remarks:--The latter "running over the rocks, but
leaving at high tide, as all birds do that land upon these rocks" (J.
Agnew).--Autumn: Pentland Skerries and Isle of May (three records).
Wagtails. Earliest at Pentland Skerries (three all day), when a
gale from N., Aug. 27th; latest at Isle of May, Sept. 24th, "when a
few new-comers, having more white upon them than the few residents,
appeared." Also occurred at Pentland Skerries, Sept. 10th. Pipits at
Whalsey Skerries, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May (few records).
Earliest at Whalsey Skerries, Aug. 28th (following Sparrowhawk), but
all left next day; latest at Pentland Skerries, Oct. 25th (six struck
at night). Rush (on small scale) at Isle of May, Sept. 24th, 25th, and
26th. General Notes:--Mr. Agnew speaks of some being always here, but
additions on Sept. 24th. Possibly Mr. Agnew alludes, however, to Rock
Pipits as the residents. The Meadow Pipit is probably the species first
seen as additions on Sept. 24th. N.B. The Rock Pipit is a larger bird
than the Meadow Pipit; please shoot one of the "resident birds" and
then one of the "additions," and if carefully compared, I think Mr.
Agnew will detect the difference.
Hirundinidæ.--Spring: Cromarty, Auskerry, Sumburgh Head, and Whalsey
Skerries. First arrivals at Auskerry, May 1st (Martins and Swallows
remained three days and then left); latest, at Whalsey Skerries, June
27th (a few flying about). Rush hardly perceptible. General Notes:--At
Sumburgh Head four pairs all summer; all disappeared on night of July
20th. That night one pair slept on the staircase-window.--Autumn:
Whalsey Skerries, Sumburgh Head, Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, Cromarty,
and Isle of May (a number). Earliest (see remarks under Spring
Migration, supra, July 20th); latest at Sumburgh Head, Oct. 1st (one
seen). No great rush appreciable, but flocks of Swallows and Martins
seen at Auskerry Aug. 1st and 4th, and on 1st at Isle of May (one found
dead previous night after heavy gales); (see Notes under Turdidæ,
supra) part of a general rush of migrants.
Fringillidæ.--Spring: Isle of May, Bell Rock, Sumburgh Head
(considerable movement). Linnets. Earliest at Isle of May, March 4th
(asleep all night on doorway): two green Linnets. Latest at Isle of
May, April 14th (seen). General Notes:--Two days previous "considerable
number of Chaffinches, which are very unusual at this season; also
one Bullfinch." From a remark of Mr. Agnew, that some of the latter
breed on Isle of May, I suspect these "Linnets" will prove to be
Twites or Mountain Linnets, _Linota flavirostris ?_ These Linnets
are also noted at Bell Rock on April 10th, and at Sumburgh Head on
March 7th.--Autumn: Sumburgh Head, Isle of May, and Inch Keith (large
movement). Earliest (Grey Linnets) at Isle of May, Aug. 18th (mostly
young, apparently in broods, in large numbers); latest at Sumburgh
Head, Jan. 14th, 1882 (three seen). Rushes (Chaffinches) at Isle of
May, Sept. 22nd to 26th (see Notes under Turdidæ). Brambling also on
24th (one sent me for identification). Siskin at Inch Keith, Sept.
25th. [General Notes:--A desultory migration, kept up of Linnets and
Siskins (which are rare on the Isle of May), occurred Oct. 4th and
5th. A Redpole on 8th, at Sumburgh Head.] A rush between Oct. 20th
and 27th at Isle of May, during which time Redpoles (20th and 24th),
Chaffinches (22nd), Bramblings (21st), one Siskin (27th), and Grey
Linnets or Twites (24th), at Sumburgh Head; about fifty, along with
ten Larks (see Alaudidæ.). Occasional birds seen at Isle of May:--Nov.
12th, one Siskin; 28th, one hen Linnet; and on Nov. 21st, at Inch
Keith, one Siskin. On Dec. 3rd, at Isle of May, one Redpole, preserved
in spirits (_vide infra_), and one Brambling, same time and place. On
the 4th, Green Linnets at Sumburgh Head, and in Jan., 1882 (latest),
three Green Linnets on 14th. In Shetland prevailing winds during the
winter were from S.W., "and consequently no strange birds visited us."
A flock of Mealy Redpoles arrived at Lerwick, and took up their abode
for a time in Mr. P. T. Garrick's garden, at Prospect House. This
movement doubtless belongs to the Spring Migration of 1882. In August
unusually large flocks of Greenfinches were observed by Mr. Service
near Dumfries; left after two weeks, and reappeared in January, 1882.
Emberizidæ.--Spring: Isle of May and Bell Rock. Earliest at Bell Rock,
March 17th (one "Snowflake" flying from N.W. to S.E.); latest (and
only other spring record) at Isle of May, April 9th (three "Mountain
Sparrows" identified as Snow Buntings).--Autumn: Whalsey Skerries,
Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Dunnet Head, Tarbat Ness, Isle of
May, and Inch Keith, Snow Buntings, numerous records, and reported as
unusually plentiful at many stations. Earliest at Isle of May, Sept.
24th, where, Mr. Agnew writes, "they are never plentiful"; latest, Dec.
10th to Jan. 28th, at Isle of May. Rushes at Whalsey Skerries, Sumburgh
Head, Pentland Skerries, and Dunnet Head, Sept. 20th to 25th (note
migration of other species at Isle of May, Sept. 22nd--see notes under
Turdidæ). Rushes spasmodical, at different places, on different dates.
Rush Dec. 3rd to 21st; after, stragglers (_i.e._, flocks of forty or
fifty).--Weather: In October winds S. and N.W., at Sumburgh Head, to
fresh E. and N., cloudy, clear, or showery. In November S. gale on 4th
at Pentland Skerries. Calm or N. on 9th, S.S.W. or S. on 14th, and on
17th S. or N. December variable from light S.W. at Isle of May to fresh
N.E. and S.E., light W. and light S.W. Besides Snow Buntings, a flock
of about 250 Common Buntings are reported from Sumburgh Head on Nov.
6th ("a compact flock"), at 10 a.m.
Alaudidæ.--Spring: A spring rush is reported at Bell Rock between
Feb. 5th and 25th; or possibly this may only belong to migration of
1880. Great numbers of Larks mixed with Rose Linnets, Starlings, and
other species, from 2 to 5 a.m.; great numbers struck; wind on arrival
light S.W., on departure fresh N.E., fog and rain. Feb. 18th, great
numbers, all Larks, greatly exhausted, seen asleep, and others struck,
but none found dead; wind light E.S.E., haze. On 19th, "small birds,
not recognised, flew about for an hour, and left at dawn"; and on 25th
great numbers, all Larks, much exhausted, at 1.30 a.m.; left after
an hour's rest at dawn, flying N.W.--Autumn: Sumburgh Head, Pentland
Skerries, Bell Rock, and Isle of May (numerous). Earliest at Sumburgh
Head, Sept. 15th (breeds here, but left to-day); latest at Isle of May,
Dec. 1st (two seen). Rushes at Isle of May, Sept. 24th; numbers on 25th
and 26th, increased up to 27th; also at Pentland Skerries (accompanying
Wheatears); also fewer on Sept. 15th, 16th, and 18th. Rush at Pentland
Skerries, striking all night, Oct. 26th; stragglers on 1st and
8th.--Weather: Fresh S. wind Sept. 1st to 8th, to fresh S.E. and clear
on 26th. Nov. 24th, at Sumburgh Head (along with Grey Linnets), fresh
S., cloudy; and Dec. 1st, at Isle of May, two seen, as above recorded.
Sturninæ.--Autumn: Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, Dunnet Head, and Isle
of May. Unusually few, but all about same time. Earliest at Pentland
Skerries and Isle of May, Oct. 20th and 21st; latest at Dunnet Head,
Jan. 15th, 1882 (date of return of schedule). General Notes:--Resident
all winter at many localities as at Auskerry ("all winter"). The
scarcity of the Starling on migration this autumn is noteworthy (_vide_
conditions of wind and weather as compared with other years).
Corvidæ.--Spring: Bell Rock and Isle of May. Earliest at Bell Rock,
March 10th (seen on balcony-rail); latest, "five Rooks," at Bell Rock,
flying about. May 1st. Rush (apparently, April 12th and 13th) at Bell
Rock (Black Crows and a good many "Grey Crows" with them). On 16th,
three Rooks flying N.--Autumn: Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and
Isle of May. Earliest July 15th, at Pentland Skerries (mixed with
Jackdaws); remained till middle of August, and then disappeared;
latest Nov. 10th, two Ravens at Pentland Skerries, flying W., but no
Rooks after Aug. 15th. Ravens also at Pentland Skerries, July 29th.
Hooded Crows. Earliest Sept. 14th, at Pentland Skerries; latest on Nov.
5th, at Pentland Skerries. Rush on Oct. 2nd, at Isle of May (large
numbers).
Cypselidæ.--Autumn: Only records at Sumburgh Head. Earliest Sept. 13th,
five seen at 6 p.m., light N.W. airs, clear; next record Sept. 16th,
one seen, light W., clear; latest Sept. 27th, one, light S.W., haze.
Caprimulgidæ.--Autumn: Only one record at Isle of May, where the first
was observed, Sept. 26th, along with a great Rush of other migrants
(see Notes under Turdidæ, _antea_).
Strigidæ.--Autumn: Records at Auskerry and Isle of May. Earliest Aug.
25th, when one "Grey Owl" seen at Isle of May, fresh E., heavy rain,
and haze; latest Dec. 19th, one reddish brown Owl, at 1 p.m., S.W.,
clear, at same station. Other dates, Oct. 15th to 18th, two Owls stayed
three days, arriving at 4 p.m. on 15th, leaving at 4 p.m. on 18th, at
Auskerry, N.W. gale, showers, and haze. Also Oct. 24th, one "light
brown" Owl at Isle of May, S.S.E., showery; also Nov. 28rd, one seen at
Isle of May, 3 p.m., S.W., clear.
Falconidæ.--Autumn: Whalsey Skerries, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries,
and Bell Rock (all insular). Earliest July 28th, at Whalsey Skerries,
one Hawk flying N.; latest Dec. 14th, at Isle of May, two "large
Hawks." Rush in August and September, at Bell Rock, from which I have
twenty-two returns in that time; never so many seen here before.
Kestrels, principally at Isle of May, till Aug. 18th; latest Sept.
25th. Sparrowhawk. A rush at Pentland Skerries between Aug. 19th and
28th, or the same birds reappearing: all seen during the daytime, along
with all other Hawks. Merlin, one on Sept. 22nd, at Sumburgh Head;
another on Oct. 11th, feeding, on Snow Buntings, shot; other two seen.
Falcon, one seen flying S.W., at Pentland Skerries, on Oct. 10th.
Buzzards one (by description) flying S. at Isle of May, Sept. 27th.
"Large Brown Hawks," or simply "Hawks," occurring principally at Isle
of May. A rush between Sept. 6th and 19th, with E. winds (see General
Notes on weather). A great rush of Hawks, Eagles, &c., took place all
over the country at the latter end of September. Amongst others the
following are recorded:--Ospreys, Harriers, Common and Honey Buzzards.
Especially Fifeshire is noted (_vide_ 'Field,' Oct. 8th, 1881, p. 514).
Rough-legged Buzzards are recorded from localities in Forfar, Perth,
and Stirlingshire, at similar stations as they usually appear at when
their migration takes place, _i. e._, along almost precisely the same
lines.
Pelicanidæ.--Autumn: Records from Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries,
and Isle of May. Earliest July 1st, Gannets pass Pentland Skerries
daily in flocks of twelve to forty, or singly, and continue till middle
of September, which is the latest record I have. Rush past Pentland
Skerries appears to have been on Aug. 19th, when 2300 were counted
between daylight and dark, flying chiefly E., and very few going W.
On Aug. 4th large numbers at 2 p.m., at Sumburgh Head, fresh breeze,
cloudy. At this station Gannets are noted as very scarce all summer,
owing, it is believed, to scarcity of herrings.
Ardeidæ.--Spring: Only one Heron recorded at Whalsey Skerries, on
May 29th, 8 p.m., S.E. light airs, clear; fog from N.W. after 11
p.m.--Autumn: Records at Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of
May. Earliest Aug. 16th, at Sumburgh Head, flying N., chased by Gulls,
light E. airs; latest Nov. 24th, at Isle of May, one seen, strong S.W.,
showers; Rush Sept. 3rd to 6th, at Isle of May, during which time eight
were seen, all flying S., and four on the 5th, came from N., alighted
and remained; wind on 3rd fresh E., and haze; on 5th fresh N.E., clear;
and on 6th light W., and haze (see Note, _infra_). Rush also on Oct.
12th, 13th, and 14th, previous to gale of 14th, but statistics scanty.
All Herons seen at Isle of May almost invariably fly S. Prevailing
winds at Isle of May, W., till gale on 14th from N.N.E.
Anatidæ.--Wild Geese. Spring: Records at Whalsey Skerries, Auskerry,
and Isle of May. Earliest March 6th, at Whalsey Skerries, eight resting
on island for several days, E. gale, and haze; latest April 21st, at
Isle of May, large flock flying E., accompanied by Curlews.--Autumn:
Records at Whalsey Skerries, Sumburgh Head, Auskerry, Pentland
Skerries, Isle of May, and Inch Keith. Earliest "Wild Geese," Oct.
2nd, at Isle of May, thirteen flying W. in line. Earliest "Barnacle,"
only record, Aug. 12th, at Inch Keith, one flying due N.; latest "Wild
Geese," Dec. 23rd, at Isle of May. Immense flock flying N.E., 11.80
a.m., S.W., haze, approaching to fog; and another flock same day, at
12.30 p.m. Besides the above, one "Brent" Goose (?) is noted on Nov.
25th, flying N., with S.W. gale, and showers. Swans.--Spring: Records
at Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Bell Rock. Earliest Feb. 27th,
at Sumburgh Head, two "Wild Swans," apparently much fatigued, flying
S.; latest May 6th, a flock flying N.E. Autumn: Records at Sumburgh
Head. Earliest Nov. 12th, at Sumburgh Head, eight flying S.E.; latest
Dec. 25th, at Sumburgh Head, two resting on a lock near the lighthouse,
where they frequently rest on their way south every year. Note:--If
these are the same birds each year, it is interesting as proving the
undeviating lines of autumn flight of waterfowl. Eider Ducks.--Spring:
Whalsey Skerries only; noted as arriving at breeding haunts on March
9th. Autumn: Records at Whalsey Skerries, Auskerry, Pentland Skerries,
and Isle of May. Earliest July 5th, when Eiders left the island at
Whalsey Skerries. "The Drakes had left previously," light S., haze, and
fog; latest Oct. 20th, at Auskerry, ten Eiders remained all day; they
also remain at Auskerry all winter. Rush, largest number recorded at
Pentland Skerries on Oct. 8th, when a flock of 100, mostly males, were
seen swimming past the island, light S. breeze, and fog; and forty took
shelter on Oct. 12th, at 9 a.m., at Whalsey Skerries, S.W. gale and
rain; and all left next day. Sheldrake.--Autumn: Having remained here
(Auskerry) all summer since end of June, leave in September or October.
Records from Auskerry and Pentland Skerries. Earliest Aug. 27th,
at Pentland Skerries, one found dead; latest Oct. 5th, at Pentland
Skerries, flock flying S.E. Other dates, Aug. 31st, at Pentland
Skerries, flying S.; Sept. 3rd, flying about light, not striking.
Teal.--One on Sept. 21st, at Isle of May, another at Pentland Skerries,
on Oct. 8th. Wild Duck at Isle of May, Sept. 24th, Oct. 4th, and Nov.
21st. Long-tailed Duck at Sumburgh Head, Nov. 12th (about twenty). On
Sept. 12th Tufted Ducks were abundant on Loch Leven,--the most abundant
species there,--and the young were not able to fly, "some being not
larger than a Water Rat." Other species seen were Scaup, Golden-eye,
Pochard, Teal, and Mallard (P. D. Maloch, _in lit._).
Rallidæ.--Corn Crake. Spring: One arrival noted at Cromarty on May
19th. Autumn: One in. Isle of May, Sept. 22nd (seldom seen here;
_vide_ Notes under Turdidæ); also Oct. 22nd, at Isle of May, and one
at Pentland Skerries; the two dates are both dates of rushes of other
migrants. The Spotted Crake has been recorded at several land stations,
and found to recur at several where it occurred before. Thus one at
Aberuthven Wood this season, and one at the same place three years ago
(P. D. Maloch, _in lit._).
Charadriadæ.--Golden Plover. Autumn: Whalsey Skerries, Auskerry,
Pentland Skerries, Dunnet Head, and Isle of May. Earliest Aug. 3rd,
at Pentland Skerries; latest Dec. 23rd. Rushes Sept. 21st and 22nd,
at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May; also on Oct. 17th and 18th, at
Sumburgh Head and Auskerry. Oystercatcher.--Spring: Arrived Feb. 24th
at breeding haunts on Whalsey Skerries; two recorded at Isle of May,
on April 12th. Autumn: Records mostly in August, at Whalsey Skerries;
left Whalsey Skerries on Aug. 26th; scattered birds seen at Isle of
May between 8th and 25th; three records. Lapwing.--Spring: Arrivals in
April 1st to 15th, at Whalsey Skerries and Isle of May. Rushes about
1st and 11th, scarcely perceptible. Autumn: Pentland Skerries and Isle
of May. Earliest Aug. 27th, at Isle of May; latest Nov. 22nd. Rush past
Isle of May, Sept. 22nd; "large numbers," by description, flying high
(see Turdidæ). Ringed Plover.--Only date given is Sept. 22nd, at Isle
of May, by description (see Turdidæ).
Scolopacidæ.--Curlew. Spring: One record at Isle of May, March 4th,
four flying N.E. Autumn: Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle
of May. Earliest July 20th to 30th, at Isle of May; latest Dec. 31st,
also at Isle of May. Rushes Sept. 22nd, at Isle of May, numbers; and
at Pentland Skerries, a few. Maximum of records at Isle of May, but in
all not many. Woodcock.--Autumn: Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and
Isle of May. Earliest at Isle of May, Sept. 22nd; latest, beginning of
December. Rush Oct. 20th, and for some days previous; also arrival same
day of many Redwings (see Turdidæ). Snipe.--Autumn: Pentland Skerries
and Isle of May. Earliest Aug. 31st, at Isle of May, one rose off
island and flew away S.; latest Dec. 21st, at Isle of May, one seen.
Rush scarcely appreciable, but appeared also on Sept. 22nd, at Isle
of May. Records mostly of single birds; these two species exceedingly
scarce this autumn; severe winter of 1880-81 killed many, and severe
spring interfered with breeding. "Sandpipers."--Autumn: Pentland
Skerries and Isle of May. Earliest Sept. 22nd, at Isle of May, a number
(see under Turdidæ); latest Dec. 17th, also at Isle of May, large
numbers. Rushes on these dates at Isle of May. Stragglers: species
recognised and named: Dunlins, Redshanks (probably), Common Sandpiper.
Laridæ.--Terns. Spring: Arrived at Whalsey Skerries, Pentland
Skerries, and Cromarty (Lesser Tern). Earliest May 28th, at Whalsey
Skerries; and at Pentland Skerries, "arrived after hatching!" May
12th, and remained till August; belongs to an autumn movement (?);
also at Cromarty, arrived on June 15th, left Aug. 20th. Terns appear
irregular in hatching and dates of leaving various stations; but most
left all stations in August, and recorded at Isle of May, passing S.
Sept. 12th, 22nd, and 28th. Kittiwakes arrived in spring, at Isle of
May, March 12th; only other record, in autumn, Sept. 22nd, at Isle
of May (see Turdidæ); remained all August there, left end of month.
Other species noted--Great Black-backed Gulls, flying S., Aug. 13th;
large white Gulls, wheeling round Isle of May, Aug. 25th; Skuas (well
described), Sept. 15th; and Oct. 19th and 29th, at Pentland Skerries,
where they are "very rare." Note:--Skuas, Pomatorhine Skuas frequented
the Hebrides most of the summer; I (J. A. H. B.) saw several west of
Lewes, and one near Island of Rum in end of June. Iceland Gull.--A
flight in December. Earliest Dec. 1st, at Sumburgh Head; latest 28th,
at same place; and on 25th, same place, two, accompanying Swans. Storm
Petrels.--At Whalsey Skerries two records, March 29th and June 22nd,
in foggy weather, flying about lights. Autumn: Only one record of
Fork-tailed Petrel at Isle of May, Aug. 15th, which struck, and was
killed and sent to me, of which I now have the skin. Two pairs Common
Petrel bred at Auskerry.
Alcidæ.--Razorbills. Spring: Whalsey Skerries and Isle of May, along
with Guillemots. First arrivals at Isle of May, Feb. 25th. "Invariably
arrive at Isle of May, remain a day or two, and leave again." Second
visit March 16th, at Isle of May; arrived on third visit to breed,
April 15th, but at Whalsey Skerries not till 30th. N.B. Dates of
arrival, and of preliminary visits from all rock bird stations in
Scotland, much desired by committee. Autumn: All left Sumburgh Head
on Aug. 6th; all left Whalsey Skerries on Aug. 15th. Unusually large
rush, flying S., passed Pentland Skerries on Nov. 12th; at this
station they pass almost daily, but this is date of general stampede.
Hundreds swimming round Isle of May on Dec. 15th, the latest noted
record here this year; and Mr. Agnew considers their numbers at this
late date quite unusual. Besides the 75 identified species, or thereby,
I have innumerable records of species which cannot be recognised by
description; and especially numerous are the records from Isle of
May, Mr. Agnew being very desirous of learning more about them. He
sent me numerous birds for identification; amongst those not sent or
recognised, two birds, "never before seen," resemble a Cuckoo in every
respect, but smaller; others, called "Redtails" (? Redstarts), came in
a flock on June 3rd, and stayed till July 2nd. A great many entries
are simply "small birds" from Aug. 16th and 17th, and Sept. 14th to
30th. On Oct. 25th "a few more pretty birds, with red breasts, forked
tails, and two black stripes on head." On Oct. 27th, one "pure white
down belly and round back, black spot a little above tail, wings on top
side a dun black, head and neck same, red legs, bill like a Starling,
size of a Plover." Again on Nov. 2nd, two, "the general colour that of
a Lark, same size, three dark or black stripes down back, and one white
feather each side of tail." It is worthy of remark that these unknown
species struck most during easterly breezes (J. A. H. B.) I trust
another season to be better prepared to have some of these identified.
I have only mentioned them here to draw attention to the fact that
probably rare things, like the Blue-throated Warbler (C Wolfi), may
turn up. I might easily offer suggestions as to what these unnamed are,
but I do not think any practical use would come by doing so.
General Remarks.
I have embodied all remarks on both coasts at the end of the Report on
the West Coast of Scotland, to which I refer my readers.
EAST COAST OF ENGLAND.
Printed forms of enquiry and letters of instruction were sent to
thirty-four lighthouses and light-vessels on the east coast of England,
and two stations on the Channel Islands, thirty-six altogether against
thirty-seven in 1880, and returns have been received from twenty-five.
Independent reports have also been sent in from Heligoland, Seaton
Carew and Redcar, Flamborough, Spurn, North-east Lincolnshire, and
Northrepps, making a total of thirty-two reporting stations against
thirty-eight in 1880.
My best thanks are due to H. Gätke, T. H. Nelson, C. Donald Thompson,
Matthew Bailey, William Eagle Clarke, H. Bendelack Hewetson, M.D., J.
H. Gurney, jun., Colonel Russell, and G. P. Hope, for many interesting
notes sent in, and for general kind co-operation and assistance in the
enquiry.
Special thanks is also given to the various observers on the
lighthouses and light-vessels whose names are given in the Report; and
it is to be regretted that no less than eleven stations, from causes
unknown to the writer, have failed to make returns, more especially as
some of these were amongst the best returning stations in 1880. It is
much to be hoped that this year the returns will be more numerous and
complete.
The east coast stations are as follows, those making returns being
marked with a star (*):--
† For nature of light, and position and description of station, see
previous Reports.
Longstone L.H.†
*Inner Farne L.H. Thomas H. Cutting.
*Coquet Island L.H. William Evans.
*No. 5 Buoy, Teesmouth L.V. Henry Harbord.
*Whitby, High, L.H. John Odgers.
*Flamborough Head L.H. Charles Hood.
*Spurn Point L.H. James B. Smith.
Spurn (Newsand) L.V.
*Outer Dowsing L.V. Samuel Sheet.
*Inner Dowsing L.V. William King.
*Dudgeon L.V. Thomas Dale.
*Lynn Well L.V. George Rees.
*Hunstanton L.H. William Westmoreland.
*Cromer L.H. Richard Comben.
*Leman and Ower L.V. Charles Perfrement.
*Hasbrough L.V. John Nicholas.
Hasbrough L.H.
Newarp L.V.
Winterton L.H.
*Cockle L.V. Samuel Pender.
Orfordness L.H.
*Corton L.V. W. T. Cotton.
*Shipwash L.V. Thomas Randule.
*Galloper L.V. John Quested.
Kentish Knock L.V.
*Swin Middle L.V. Thomas Barrett.
*Tongue L.V. Robert Crancher.
*Nore L.V. George Ladd.
North Foreland L.H.
Goodwin L.V.
*Gull L.V. { Francis Harvey and
{ Anthony Collins.
*Southsand Head L.V. { J. C. Leggett and
{ J. G. Fornman.
*Eastside L.V. Thomas Rees.
South Foreland L.H.
Casquets (Alderney) L.H.
*Hanois (Guernsey) L.H. Charles Williams.
SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES.
Song Thrush, _Turdus musicus_, Linn.--Spring migration observed at
one station only on the east coast. May 2nd, some seen at Inner Farne
L.H., with Blackbirds and one King Ouzel, E.N.E., mist and rain. In the
autumn occurred at the majority of stations from Inner Farne L.H. to
Hanois L.H., off Guernsey: earliest date Nov. 2nd, at Flamborough L.H.,
several round lanterns during night with Larks and Starlings; latest,
Nov. 30th, Heligoland, passing all day with Fieldfares. Greatest number
occurred between Oct. 18th and 23rd at Inner Farne L.H., Flamborough
Head L.H., and Dudgeon L.V., wind E.S.E., S. Migration extended over
about two months, line of flight generally E. to W.
Redwing, _Tardus iliacus_, Linn.--First at Cromer L.H. on August 1st,
3 a.m., five killed; last at Inner Farne, Nov. 1st, all day with
Thrushes. Great rush, Oct. 18th to 22nd. Migration extending over three
months.
Fieldfare, _Turdus pilaris_, Linn.--First, Cromer L.H., Sept. 14th, 1
p.m., fog and rain, two killed; last, Heligoland, Nov. 30th, great many
passing; also same date at Inner Farne L.H., two flocks to W.N.W. Oct.
19th, at Teesmouth, before daybreak, several were heard "chuckling"
high overhead by fishermen going out to sea, flying S.W. to W., wind
E., strong rain. The Fieldfare has been most exceptionally scarce on
the English coast during the autumn and winter.
White's Thrush, _Turdus varius_, Pall.--One early in January, 1882, at
Waplington Manor, near Pocklington, Yorkshire. (Zool., 1882, p. 74.)
Blackbird, _Turdus merula_, Linn.--Spring migration observed at Cromer
on Jan. 29th (1881), 4 a.m., fog, two at lantern; and also, Feb. 5th,
six at midnight, three killed. At Inner Farne L.H. they were seen in
some numbers at 8 a.m., on May 22nd, with Thrushes. No Blackbirds
crossed Heligoland in the autumn. On English east coast they were noted
at several stations from Inner Farne L.H. on Oct. 2nd to the 28th at
Hanois, several striking there at 10 p.m. A great rush at several
stations from Oct. 21st to 25th inclusive, wind E.S.E., strong. During
the first week in November large numbers were observed in North-east
Lincolnshire, direction of flight E. to W. and S.W., and E.S.E. to N.W.
Ring Ouzel, _Turdus torquatus_, Linn.--Inner Farne L.H., one, May 2nd.
In the autumn, at the same station, Oct. 3rd, one; and at several
stations from Oct. 23rd to 25th, when there was a rush. None are
recorded after this date, except one at Inner Farne on Nov. 30th.
Migrate like the rest of the Turdinæ, both by day and night, and in the
same direction.
Common Wheatear, _Saxicola œnanthe_ (Linn.).--In spring of 1881, first
at Hunstanton L.H., March 25th, several all day, and four days later at
Inner Farne, 9 a.m., N.N.E. (four), snow, several; many, same station,
first week in May. In the autumn, first at 5th Buoy, Tees L.V., on
Aug. 18th, great many, and subsequently, up to end of first week in
September, large numbers at several stations observed passing along
east coast southward. At Spurn, on Sept. 14th, passed in thousands,
and still far from scarce on 17th. From Heligoland Mr. Gätke reports,
under date Sept. 3rd:--"Numbers of small birds at the lighthouse from
3 a.m., at which hour the weather moderated with a change from N.E. to
E. by S.; all day multitudes of _phœnicurus_, _trochilus_, _luctuosa_,
_E. hortulana_, _A. arboreus_ and _pratensis_, _S. œnanthe_. Night,
from 3rd to 4th, great numbers of above caught at lighthouse: among
forty-nine _œnanthe_, but three old; amongst forty-seven _phœnicurus_,
eleven old."--"Mem. _Trochilus_ turned up after midnight; _phœnicurus_
and _œnanthe_, multitudes of young males, early in the night (later
also); but the few old birds appeared later after midnight."--Spring
migration, 1882, March 19th, Spurn, several seen.
Whinchat, _Pratincola rubetra_ (Linn.).--First week in September, many,
with Wheatears in the North-east Lincolnshire marshes.
Stonechat, _Pratincola rubicola_ (Linn.).--Great numbers at Whitby L.H.
on April 3rd. In the autumn, first on Northumberland and Durham coast,
Sept. 8th and 9th, and Spurn, Sept. 15th; last, at Inner Farne on Oct.
26th, E.S.E. (three), two seen.
Redstart, _Ruticilla phœnicurus_ (Linn.).--The migration of the
Redstart seems so inseparably connected with that of the Wheatear
that it is difficult to disconnect the two. On May 1st one killed
at Hunstanton L.H., 11 p.m., S.W., o.m. In the autumn, in August,
September and October, at many stations, the main body passing south
in early part of September with the Wheatears. On the 4th they were
observed in great numbers along the line of sandhills, near the
entrance of the Humber, generally young of the year, only four old
males being seen. At Heligoland, in August and first half of September,
a great many passed, and on 17th immense numbers; on 10th with _M.
luctuosa_. At Teesmouth (Redcar) a considerable flight came in on Sept.
22nd, during night or early morning, wind E., gales and very stormy;
all were young birds, males and females; last observed at Inner Farne
on Oct. 23rd, E.S.E. (seven). The latest immigrations were associated
with Redbreasts.
White-spotted Blue-throat, _Cyanecula leucocyana_ (Brehm.)--On Sept.
3rd an immature bird was shot by Mr. Power at Cley, Norfolk. Another,
also immature, is recorded by Mr. J. A. Harvie Brown, in the Report
from the east coast of Scotland, captured at the Isle of May lighthouse
on the night of Sept. 22nd.
Redbreast, _Erithacus rubecula_ (Linn.).--March 5th, daybreak, at
Whitby L.H., many Redbreasts. The first occurrence in the autumn,
September 5th, at the 5th Buoy, Tees L.V., when one came on board.
At the Leman and Ower L.V. large numbers passed to W. with Wrens on
Sept. 22nd. Same date, and to the 25th, many at the Inner Farne L.H.
Whitby on 20th. Also occurring at several stations through October in
considerable numbers, as far south as the Inner Dowsing L.V. Very large
numbers at Spurn, from October 2nd to 8th; on the 3rd so worn out with
a N.E. gale they might be caught by hand. Some crossed Heligoland on
Oct. 24th. Migration extending over two months.
Whitethroat, _Sylvia rufa_ (Bodd.); Lesser Whitethroat, _S. curruca_
(Linn.); Blackcap, _S. atricapilla_ (Linn.); Garden Warbler, _S.
salicaria_ (Linn.).--One common Whitethroat killed, Cromer L.H., Feb.
21st, 1881, N.E. (4), o.m. Spurn, Sept. 3rd, Warblers of all kinds
abounded. Greater and Lesser Whitethroats, Blackcaps, and Garden
Warblers:--At Teesmouth (Redcar), Sept. 22nd, several, E. gale and
rain. Spurn, one male Blackcap on Oct. 8th. Some Whitethroats passed
Heligoland on Oct. 24th. On the English coast the migration of the
_Sylvianæ_ is carried on during August and September; the main body
passing south with great regularity in the first week in the latter
month.
Goldcrested Wren, _Regulus cristatus_, Koch.--Spring migration on March
19th. Cromer L.H., two killed against lanterns, 3 a.m., W. (four),
b.c.m.; and at Hunstanton, April 14th, 2 a.m., one, with a Flycatcher,
killed. In the autumn Goldcrests first observed at Hanois L.H.,
Sept. 1st, midnight, o.m., along with Whitethroats; several killed.
Subsequently throughout October, both by day and night, at stations
from the Inner Farne L.H. to the Tongue L.V., off the Thames. A great
many Goldcrests crossed Heligoland from Oct. 18th to 24th, E., clear,
fine, but fresh. The arrival of Goldcrests at Spurn as early as Sept.
5th, associated as usual with Woodcocks and Short-eared Owls (three
widely separated species, which are, however, inseparably connected
in their migrations), is remarkable, as being one month in advance of
their average time. On the Suffolk coast, in great numbers from Oct.
12th to 17th.
Willow Wren, _Phylloscopus trochilus_ (Linn.).--At Spurn, last week
in August, immense numbers of Willow Wrens passed on migration along
sandhills.
Long-tailed Titmouse, _Acredula caudata_ (Linn.).--Heligoland, Oct.
22nd, S.E. gale, some; _Parus ater_, Linn., a few; _Parus borealis_, De
Selys, Nov. 10th, one seen, but not obtained.
Great Titmouse, _Parus major_, Linn.--Oct. 7th to 17th, many in N.E.
Lincolnshire.
Blue Titmouse, Parus cæruleus, Linn.--Inner Farne L.H., Oct. 20th,
E.S.E. (five), many.
Common Creeper, _Certhia familiaris_, Linn.--Inner Farne, Oct. 5th,
squally, one shot; was running rapidly up a stone wall near lighthouse
at time.
Common Wren, _Troglodytes parvulus_, Koch.--At Cromer, night, April
9th, one killed against lantern. First at Flamborough in the autumn;
July 17th, several round lantern all night, o.m.; the next notice is
Aug. 12th. Shipwash L.V., from noon to 2 p.m., large numbers with
Redbreasts to W.N.W. Aug, 21st, again at Flamborough, many round
lantern all night. Spurn L.H., 10 p.m., three killed, in company with
other small birds. Flamborough, Sept. 7th, again during the night, many
with Wheatears around lantern. At the Leman and Ower L.V., Sept. 22nd,
large numbers during day, with Redbreasts, to W. Last occurrence was
Inner Farne L.H., Oct. 4th, many. Migration extending over eighty days.
Wagtails, _Motacillidæ_.--March 8th, at Whitby, many Pied Wagtails, 9
a.m. Oct. 20th, Hanois L.H., 9 p.m., E.S.E. (six), o.m., many, with
Thrushes, striking glass.
Meadow Pipit, _Anthus pratensis_ (Linn.).--April 15th, at the Dudgeon
L.V., one, with a common Sparrow, came on board, leaving again for
W. In September large flocks continued to arrive at intervals in
North-east Lincolnshire, and pass on; and again on the 13th, at Spurn,
there was an extraordinary migration going on all day from N. to S.
Tawny Pipit, _Anthus campestris_ (Linn.).--Considerable numbers at
Heligoland in September, much more than have been seen for years.
Richard's Pipit, _Anthus richardi_, Vieill.--Up to Oct. 18th, at
Heligoland, several seen, and about half a score of young birds shot;
Oct. 24th, two; 26th, one. E., fresh, cold.