* * 90. Kyleakin, Rosshire 63 " D. MacCulloch.
* * * 91. Isle Ornsay, Skye 58 " J. Loughton.
* * 92. Ardnamurchan, Pt. Argyle 180 ft.
* * * {93. Hynish Signal Tower, Tiree}150 " W. Crow.
{94. Skerryvore, off Tiree }
* * * 95. Dhuheartach, S.W. of
Ross of Mull 145 " J. Ewing.
* * * 96. Sound of Mull 55 " W. Maclellan.
97. Conan Ferry, Loch Eil 38 "
* * 98. Lismore Island, Oban 103 " Alex. Murray.
* * 99. Fladda, Easdale 42 "
* * * 100. Rhuvaal, Islay 147 " David Spink.
* * 101. Mac Arthur's Head, Islay 128 " W. Maill.
* * * 102. Skervuile, Jura 73 " John Ewing.
* * * 103. Rhinns of Islay 159 " Andrew Lyall.
* * 104. Lochindaul, Islay 50 "
105. Mull of Kintyre 297 "
106. Sanda, Kintyre Sound 165 "
107. Devaar, Kintyre 120 "
108. Pladda, Arran 130 "
* 109. Lamlash, Arran 46 " David Waters.
* * 110. Turnberry, Ayrshire 96 " Andrew Nisbet.
* * * 111. Corsewall, Wigtown 112 " Robert Laidlaw.
* * * 112. Loch Ryan, Wigtown 46 " Ralph Ewing.
* * * 113. Portpatrick, Wigtown 37 " James Beggs.
* * * 114. Mull of Galloway, Wigtown 325 " N. Morrison.
* 115. Little Ross, Kirkcudbright 175 " W. A. Mackay.
* * * 116. Point of Ayr, I. of Man 106 " James Blythe.
* * 117. Douglas Head, I. of Man 104 " A. Irvine Grant.
118. Chickens Rock, I. of Man 122 "
* * 119. 1880, Bahama Bank, Isle of
Man (L.V.) Charles Johns.
120. 1880, Langness do.
It will be seen upon comparing this last with the previous years of
1879 and 1880 that steady interest in the work is being kept up by our
West Coast reporters.
Turdidæ.--Song Thrush. Spring: Only one record at Stornoway, where a
pair arrived on March 3rd and stayed till 18th.--Autumn: Records at
Kyleakin, Dhuheartach, Lismore, and Bahama L.V. Earliest Oct. 5th,
at Lismore (a flock all night); latest on Dec. 13th, at Lismore also
(mixed with Blackbirds), and a single bird on Jan. 16th at Bahama L.V.
Participated to a small extent in a rush of migrants generally Sept.
21st to 23rd, which appeared on both coasts of Scotland. Indications
of a small rush Oct. 25th to 27th also. Other records scattered
through September, October, November, and December. Blackbird. No
spring records. Autumn: At Monach, Sound of Mull, Lismore, Skervuile,
Turnberry, Mull of Galloway, Little Ross, Douglas Head. Earliest
Sept. 21st, at Mull of Galloway (date of rush also on East Coast
q.v.); latest Dec. 20th, at Turnberry (one struck). Rushes: None
very apparent, but, taking dates of other species, appear to have
mingled with them on September 21st to 23rd at Sound of Mull and Mull
of Galloway (which is also date of general rush on the east coast).
Also faint indications of rushes at Lismore on Oct. 5th, mingled with
Thrushes; and on Dec. 13th to 19th at several stations, as Lismore,
Skervuile, and Turnberry. A good many scattered records also at other
dates and several stations. Exceptionally numerous were Song Thrushes
and Missel Thrushes near Dumfries in October and November, whilst
Redwings and Fieldfares were very seldom seen.
Saxicolinæ.--Wheatear. Spring records only from Butt of Lewis, Rhuvaal,
and Skerryvore; March 9th (a flock), April 1st (at Rhuvaal), and May
6th (at Skerryvore). Autumn: At Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Lamlash,
Turnberry, Corsewall. Earliest Aug. 14th at Skerryvore (two seen);
latest Oct. 27th, when one seen along with Sparrows and Wrens in
garden. Rushes on Aug. 7th at Skerryvore and Dhuheartach (150 at former
and numbers at latter). Another appears also at Skerryvore on Sept. 7th
during the night. Desultory migration going on between these dates and
till Oct. 27th.
Sylviinæ.--Robin. Only one spring record, April 9th, at Skerryvore.
Autumn: At Rhu Stoir,[1] Kyleakin, Isle Ornsay, Lismore, Skervuile,
Lamlash, Corsewall, Portpatrick, Little Ross. Earliest Aug. 17th, at
Skervuile; next earliest Aug. 21st, when a pair, male and female,
arrived at Little Ross; latest on Dec. 18th, at Kyleakin. Participated
slightly in rush of migrants on Sept. 22nd. No other distinctly
perceptible, but scattered occurrences only recorded. One accompanied
Hedgesparrows and Wrens. One Chat and one Wagtail in Garden of
Lamlash on Oct. 27th. Mr. Service notes the "quick and simultaneous
departure of the _Silviidæ_" towards the end of September in the S.W.
of Scotland. It is curious to find that about the same time that birds
were pouring into Scotland and England others were starting on their
departure. In ordinary seasons the departure of the _Sylviinæ_ is
gradual all through September.
[Footnote 1: Where one bird comes every winter and becomes so tame as
to eat out of the hand. It arrived this year on Nov. 30th.]
Phylloscopinæ.--Gold Crest. No Spring records. Autumn: At Skervuile,
Lamlash. Turnberry, Corsewall, Mull of Galloway, Little Ross, and
Douglas Head; in other words, mostly in southwest of Scotland. Earliest
on Aug. 21st, at Douglas Head, the southernmost on this list (see W.C.
of England stations); latest Oct. 27th, at Corsewall. No great rush,
unless at Mull of Galloway on Oct. 24th, when "numbers flew about
lantern all night," and at Little Ross "for a few nights" between Sept.
12th and 14th or 15th. Desultory at other dates between times. Mostly
observed at lanterns in easterly breezes. Exception at Mull of Galloway
on September 21st in S.W. wind, but after twenty-four hours E.S.E. (see
Isle of May, East Coast of Scotland).
Accentoridæ.--Hedgesparrow. In spring none, but in autumn, at Rhuvaal,
Lamlash, and Point of Ayre, numbers are reported as seen on migration.
Earliest Sept. 5th, when a hundred were seen at Point of Ayre; latest
Oct. 27th, when a number were seen at Lamlash. A still later date is
Jan. 1st, 1882, when one was seen at Rhuvaal. Rushes appear to have
occurred at Point of Ayre on Sept. 5th and 22nd, and a few on Oct. 7th
mingled with Linnets, and at Lamlash on Oct. 27th.
Paridæ.--"Titmice." One record in spring at Mull of Galloway on April
14th in E.S.E. wind. Autumn: Twice recorded only at Corsewall, and at
Little Ross. Earliest July 29th (three), and latest Aug. 2nd, at Little
Ross and Corsewall respectively, being slight indication perhaps of a
rush on these dates.
Troglodytidæ.--Common Wren. No spring records. Autumn: Pretty general
at Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Lismore, Lamlash, Turnberry, and Little
Ross. Earliest Sept. 16th (one, resting); latest Oct. 27th, at Lamlash.
Rushes on Oct. 5th; a large flock "seen along with Blackbirds and
Thrushes all night," and on Oct. 27th a number at Lamlash along with
Hedgesparrows, a Robin, a Wagtail, and a Wheatear.
Motacillidæ.--Wagtail. In spring, several in March, and two on April
20th at Butt of Lewis. Autumn: At Butt of Lewis, Monach, Kyleakin,
Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Lamlash, Portpatrick, and Point of Ayre.
Earliest Aug. 16th, at Skerryvore (one seen); latest Oct. 27th,
at Lamlash (see Wren under date and station). Rushes beginning of
September, at Lamlash, and other isolated records; same date at Monach,
&c. Also "a number" on Oct. 7th at Portpatrick.
Anthidæ.--Pipits. At Dhuheartach and Little Ross in autumn. Single
record on Oct. 28th, at Dhuheartach. A rush of "hundreds" at Little
Ross on Sept. 6th. Remained about two hours.
Hirundinidæ.--Swallow. Spring: At Butt of Lewis, Monach, Ushenish,
Kyleakin, Skerryvore, Lismore, Rhuvaal, Skervuile, McArthur's Head,
Rhinns of Islay, Loch Ryan, Little Ross, Point of Ayr, Douglas Head.
Earliest April 24th, at Douglas Head (southernmost station in this
list); latest June 15th, at Skerryvore. Bushes May 5th, at McArthur's
Head (great numbers), and on May 2nd fifty seen at Loch Ryan (possibly
the same birds?--J. A. H. B.) A number seen also at Little Ross on May
2nd. At other dates and stations small parties reported, all during
May, and to June 15th often mixed with Martins. Autumn: At Skervuile,
Lamlash, Turnberry, Loch Ryan, Mull of Galloway, Little Ross, Point
of Ayr, Douglas Head, and Bahama Bank. Earliest at Bahama Bank (L.V.)
July 5th; and next at Loch Ryan Aug. 5th and 6th; latest Oct. 6th,
at Little Ross. An almost continuous rush going on from Aug. 15th at
several stations in S.W. of Scotland, and culminating on Sept. 8th in
great rush at Little Ross, and less so at Loch Ryan and Point of Ayr.
No more records after Oct. 6th. Martin. Generally mixed with the last
on migration both in spring and autumn. Stations at Ushenish and Loch
Ryan in spring, on May 8th and 2nd respectively, and in autumn at Mull
of Galloway on Sept. 28th.
Fringillidæ.--"Linnets," One on May 2nd at Skerryvore. Autumn: At
Rhu Stoir, Monach, Skerryvore, Sound of Mull, Lismore, Point of Ayr.
Earliest Aug. 23rd (a flock) at Lismore; latest Dec. 22nd. Other dates,
Oct. 26th (a flock), at" Lismore. Bushes on Sept. 14th at Little Ross,
and a smaller number on 19th at Sound of Mull. It is difficult to say
if "Linnets" are always real Grey Linnets, or Twites, or Mountain
Linnets, our reporters not distinguishing them. House Sparrows. About
two hundred, "supposed to be of this species," rested all night at
Point of Ayr on Sept. 16th. Bramblings are reported in considerable
numbers from land stations in S.W. of Scotland in beginning of November.
Emberizidæ.--Snow Bunting. Autumn: At Rhu Stoir, Monach; also Kyleakin,
Dhuheartach, and Point of Ayr. Earliest at Rhu Stoir, on Oct. 1st,
"arrive and stay all winter"; latest on Nov. 15th, at Monach (a few).
No rush perceptible. Yellow Bunting. Autumn: One record at Rhu Stoir on
Nov. 30th. Snow Buntings reported abundant by middle of October in S.W.
of Scotland.
Alaudidæ.--Lark. Autumn at Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Lismore, Rhuvaal,
Skervuile, Turnberry, Little Ross. Earliest on Aug. 23rd (a few with
Linnets) on Lismore; latest on Feb. 16th, 1882, on Skervuile. Rushes:
Sept. 6th, five hundred at Dhuheartach.[2] A straggling migration
during October, sometimes with Thrushes, Blackbirds, as on 26th at
Skervuile, or Starlings, as at same place and at Lismore. Few in
December, January, and February, except "a large flock" on Jan. 16th at
Lismore.
[Footnote 2: Called in schedules "Shore Larks"? In what respect do
"Shore Larks" differ from common Larks? (Query to Mr. James Ewing at
Dhuheartach).]
Sturninæ.--Starling. Two records in spring at Rhu Stoir and Stornoway,
one March 3rd, and the other May 10th. Autumn: At Rhu Stoir, Stornoway,
Ushenish, Kyleakin, Dhuheartach, Lismore, Rhuvaal, Skervuile, Lamlash,
Corsewall, Portpatrick. Earliest Aug. 23rd, at Corsewall; latest on
Jan. 6th, 1882. Rushes inappreciable, but records numerous; if any,
perhaps one on Nov. 10th at Mull of Galloway. Occasionally mixing with
Blackbirds and Larks (as on Oct. 2nd at Lismore); also with Thrushes.
Corvidæ.--Rook. Spring migration: Uncertain records applied to "Crows,"
"All kinds," &c., which notes are not exact enough. Autumn: At Rhu
Stoir, Dhuheartach, Skervuile, and Portpatrick. Earliest Sept. 9th;
latest Nov. 25th, at Skervuile. Flocks seen, but no perceptible rush.
Hooded Crow. Spring: March 4th, at Rhuvaal; Dhuheartach, June 7th.
Autumn: Sept. 12th, at Rhu Stoir (two males and two females). Latest
Dec. 22nd, at Monach. A rush of "Black Crows" (which may be Carrion
or only Rooks) at Lamlash on Oct. 26th and 27th. Raven. One record at
Monach, flying N.W. on Sept. 13th.
Cuculidæ.--Cuckoo. Spring: General at stations. At Loch Ryan, May 3rd
(two heard); Rhinns of Islay, 15th; Skervuile, 4th; McArthur's Head,
23rd; Lismore, 10th; Isle Ornsay, Skye, 8th: Kyleakin, 3rd; Island
Glass, 24th (seen); Stornoway, 9th. In autumn, heard in July often at
Stornoway; left about Aug. 1st at Isle Ornsay.
Strigidæ.--"Owl." Only one autumn record at Kyleakin, when one was seen
flying south on Nov. 4th, wind S.E. clear.
Falconidæ.--"Hawks." At Skerryvore, and Rhuvaal two "large Hawks" on
Feb. 8th (this may belong to latest autumn record). One at Skerryvore
on May 15th. Autumn: At Monach, Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, and Little
Ross.[3] Earliest Sept. 17th ("Hawk"), at Dhuheartach; latest Oct.
29th, at Skerryvore ("Small Brown Hawk"). Rush daily about Sept. 17th
at Dhuheartach, but likely the same birds. "Daily call" at Dhuheartach
about Oct. 5th. No really appreciable rush as on the east coast.
[Footnote 3: The names given are "Hawk," "Game Hawk" at Little Ross,
Aug. 21st; "Merlin" at Monach, Oct. 3rd; "Small Hawk" at Skerryvore,
Aug. 5th; "Small Brown Hawk" at Skerryvore on Oct. 29th. I include them
all here.]
Pelicanidæ.--Gannet. N.B. As we have indications of directions of
flight in most cases, and as records occur in every month, except
October, November, and December, I take spring and autumn together, and
trace out the movements of Gannets with extra care. Stations reported
from: Cape Wrath, Rhu Stoir, Butt of Lewis, Island Glass, Monach,
Skerryvore, Lismore, Rhuvaal, Skervuile, Portpatrick, Mull of Galloway,
Little Ross, Douglas Head. Earliest, Jan. 2nd; flying south (autumn ?),
at Skervuile; one same day, flying north (?); latest, October; leave
Cape Wrath in first week. Last minute record, Sept. 30th, at Lismore,
flying south. The greatest movements or rushes as follows:--The first
week in March they arrive in all weathers, all day, flying west till
midday at Cape Wrath, and return after that till dusk. They are not
seen after first week in October. "Great numbers" on April 12th at Mull
of Galloway. Intermittent in May, except 5th, at Island Glass, when
they were seen all day--about thirty-five in all--wind S.S.E. Between
20th and 30th, at Skervuile, flying in all directions, along with Gulls
and sea-birds. In July flocks flying north, on 26th, at Cape Wrath,
and continued to do so till end of August. Daily average about forty.
Flying past all August; flying north on 13th at Portpatrick all day.
Great rush flying north in thousands on 3rd, 4th, and 5th at Rhu Stoir.
Small parties or flocks flying south on 5th at Skerryvore, and S.W. at
Douglas on Aug. 26th. "Numbers" and "flocks" in September, flying south
at Lismore, Skervuile, and Douglas. N.B.--I have been particular here
in noting records, as I believe interest attaches especially in the
connection of the migration of birds with that of fish.--J. A. H. B.[4]
[Footnote 4: For an essay on which subject I offered a prize at the
late International Fisheries Exhibition in Edinburgh, which was not
competed for.]
Ardeidæ.--Heron. Note.--"Large Black Cranes" are recorded as passing
Rhuvaal on Feb. 12th and 16th, wind N. to S. clear; and mod. S.E.
clear. I cannot learn what these are.--Autumn: At Monach, Rhuvaal,
Douglas. Earliest Aug. 24th, at Rhuvaal; latest Nov. 18th, at Monach,
when eighteen were seen--a rush?
Anatidæ.--Bernicle Goose (sp. ?). Spring: Large flock at Monach April
28th, flying N.W. Ditto ? at Stornoway, Ushenish, Lismore (three struck
at latter station, two killed, one wounded), flying south. Latest May
3rd, at Ushenish (ten flying north). Autumn: Bernicle Goose (only
record here) at Monach, Oct. 20th. "Wild Geese" at Cape Wrath, Rhu
Stoir, Butt of Lewis, Ushenish, Kyleakin, Lamlash, Corsewall. Earliest
Oct. 6th, at Rhu Stoir (seven ad. and one juv.); latest Dec. 4th, at
Kyleakin (four flying east). Rushes inappreciable, equally distributed
in small flocks during October (especially latter half) and November.
Eider Duck. Spring: Butt of Lewis and Rhu Stoir on April 28th and June
23rd respectively. Autumn: At Butt of Lewis, Skerryvore, Dhuheartach.
Earliest Sept. 11th, at Skerryvore; latest Nov. 12th, at Dhuheartach.
Others on Oct. 10th at Butt of Lewis, &c. No rush apparent. Wild Duck.
Spring: Lismore (in pairs), May 20th. Autumn: "Ducks" Nov. 2nd, at
Rhuvaal (three dozen), and at Rhuvaal Dec. 7th (probably the same
lot as on Nov. 2nd, q.v.) Sheldrake. Autumn: Only records at Douglas
Head in August, flying S. on 21st, and flying S. on 27th. Wigeon.
Autumn: At Monach only on Oct. 30th; remained till Nov. 7th, during
which time unusual numbers occurred. Date of Nov. 7th strong S.S.E. to
W.S.W. winds, gales, and heavy rain. Wild Swans. At Skervuile one Swan
remained three days, arriving Feb. 6th, 1881.
Columbidæ.--Rock Dove. Only record: One sighted at Monach, and flew
away again about midnight. Fresh east breeze and rain.
Rallidæ.--Corn Crake. Occurred first as follows:--Mull of Galloway, May
5th; Loch Ryan, 4th; Skervuile, 22nd; Kyleakin, 24th; Butt of Lewis,
28th; Rhu Stoir, June 20th.
Charadriadæ.--Golden Plover. Spring (or autumn ?), June 20th, at Rhu
Stoir. Autumn: At Butt of Lewis, Rhuvaal, Rhinns of Islay, Turnberry,
Corsewall. Earliest Aug. 16th; latest Dec. 30th, at Rhinns of Islay.
Rush: Generally large migration at Corsewall on Sept. 17th. Green
Plover. Spring: Only record May 10th (two seen) at Rhu Stoir. Autumn:
At Butt of Lewis, Dhuheartach, Rhinns of Islay, Corsewall, and
Portpatrick. Earliest Aug. 24th, at Dhuheartach; latest at Portpatrick
on Dec. 4th (a flock flying N.W.). No appreciable rush.
Scolopacidæ.--Curlew. Spring: At Rhu Stoir, Stornoway, Island Glass,
Rhuvaal, Little Ross. Earliest Feb. 5th, at Rhuvaal; latest June 19th,
at Rhu Stoir and Little Ross (widely separated). No rush appreciable.
Autumn: At Monach, Ushenish. Isle Ornsay, Sound of Mull, Lismore,
McArthur's Head, Turnberry, Portpatrick, and Point of Ayr. Earliest at
Portpatrick, Aug. 2nd: latest on Dec. 16th, at Point of Ayr. Pushes
inappreciable, unless at Sound of Mull, sixteen flying S.E. (but
hardly a rush). Snipe. Spring: May 18th, three seen at Island Glass.
Autumn: At Island Glass and Loch Ryan. Earliest at Loch Ryan, Aug.
3rd; latest at Island Glass on Oct. 10th. Woodcock. Autumn: (Scarce);
at Butt of Lewis, Skerryvore, Lismore. Earliest Oct. 28th, at Butt of
Lewis. Whimbrel? At Skerryvore six "small Curlew" resting on rock.
Note.--Whimbrels unusually scarce this year at Monach. Redshank.
Spring: At Butt of Lewis, Skerryvore, and Rhuvaal. Earliest Feb. 5th
(in a flock, so perhaps belong to autumn); March 6th, at Butt of Lewis.
Autumn: At Rhuvaal, Sept. 12th and 17th. Sandpiper. Spring: June
27th, at Skerryvore. Autumn: At Skerryvore, Lismore, and Little Ross.
Earliest Sept. 10th, at Skerryvore; latest Dec. 26th, at Little Ross.
(This can hardly be Common Sandpiper so late.--J. A. H. B.).
Sterninæ.--Common and Arctic Terns. Spring: At Rhu Stoir, Stornoway,
Monach, McArthur's Head, Skervuile, Rhinns of Islay, Little Ross.
Earliest May 10th, at Rhinns of Islay; latest at Stornoway, June 8th
(hereafter breeds). Autumn: At Monach (unusual numbers this year),
Skervuile, Little Ross, and Douglas Head. Earliest July 8th, at
Skervuile; latest at Little Ross on Sept. 2nd.
Larinæ.--Gulls: Black-backed, Herring, and Kittiwake. Spring: At
numerous stations, Stornoway, Island Glass, Skervuile. Earliest May
24th, at Skervuile; latest at Stornoway, June 8th. N.B.--The movements
of Gulls are most erratic and difficult to tabulate, and I prefer to
hold them over at present. Skua. Occurred all summer on west coast
of Lewis, as seen by reporter himself in June, frequented harbour of
Carloway[5] in Lewis, and was seen inside of Rum. Uncommonly abundant
at Island Glass, eight being seen in sight one day. Autumn: August,
October; at Skervuile, Aug. 12th, 13th, and 14th; and at Sound of Mull
on Oct. 12th and 13th, when some forty were seen; N.W. gale. Iceland
Gull. Autumn: At Kyleakin on Nov. 29th and Dec. 20th, both flying S.W.
[Footnote 5: (i.e., Cairlobhaidh.)]
Procellariidæ.--Petrel. Autumn: Only at Lismore, Sept. 17th, S.S.E.,
haze and rain. Noted as rare at Lismore by Mr. Murray; indeed the first
he has seen here in several years.
Pelecanidæ.--Scarts; Cormorants. Spring: Arrived at Cape Wrath to
breed in March. Autumn: Flying N.W. on Oct. 18th past Stornoway; at
Dhuheartach Nov. 10th; and Skervuile on Nov. 14th.
Alcidæ.--Records in every month, except February and December. Spring:
Great numbers. Razorbills flying north on Jan. 7th, at Skervuile.
Puffins seen at Butt of Lewis March 3rd. "Rock Birds" in April, all
day, flying south at Ushenish, and arrive last week in April; breed
first week in May. Hundreds of Puffins flying south on May 10th and
11th at Ushenish. "Auks" flying south at Skervuile. "Puffins" at
Dhuheartach on 2nd and on 20th. Auks, Puffins, &c., at Ushenish,
Skervuile. Earliest July 31st; latest Oct. 18th, 19th, and 20th,
at Ushenish. Rush: Thousands at Ushenish, along with Gannets and
Kittiwakes, feeding and flying south all day.
Great Northern Divers.--Spring: At Skerryvore, two seen in June.
Autumn: At Sound of Mull two seen feeding, male and feeding; at same
place, two on 10th.
General Remarks.
In 1879 there was scarcity of birds at many important stations, such as
Butt of Lewis and Monach Island, Skerryvore and Dhuheartach. In that
year westerly and N.W. winds prevailed. In 1880 larger numbers were
noted. In that year easterly gales and winds prevailed all through the
migratory season. In 1879 migrants were scarce at the more northerly
stations, being compressed by the westerly winds more towards the
south, but in 1880 they reached much further north, being expanded by
the following easterly gales and winds, as we have seen in treating of
the east coast of Scotland this year.
The stations visited by the largest numbers of birds are the Bell
Rock and Isle of May, both being stations pretty far southward, and
Pentland Skerries, a more northern station. We now find also that on
the west coast the stations sending fullest numerical returns are also
southerly stations, and for the most part are situated south of the
Firth of Clyde. Both on east and west coasts all returns coming in from
north of Firth of Clyde in west, and north of Firth of Tay in east,
except Pentland Skerries, report scarcity of birds as compared with
last season (1880), and after November birds were unusually scarce.
Writing from North Ronaldshay Mr. Tulloch tells us that birds seldom
come so far north during migration, but usually trend more towards the
mainland. On the west coast, at Rhu Stoir, very few birds are reported
after November in most seasons, and similar reports come from Island
Glass and others of the more northerly stations. The great gales from
W. and S.W. during November and December made all birds scarce at
Monach Island, even Eider Ducks being unusually scarce. At Skerryvore
birds never struck lanterns in flocks this year, but only in scattered
instances. It will thus be seen that the migratory seasons of 1879 and
1881 most closely resemble each other, as regards our Scottish coasts,
whilst that of 1880 was more abnormal, owing to the easterly winds
prevailing.