the Bell Rock, and more noticeably on Isle of May, would also account
for the collection of birds at stations on the west coast south of the
Firth of Clyde, as the dates tally with each other on both coasts, to
see which it is only necessary to compare between them under several
of the species. I have also independent reports upon the large crowds
of birds seen passing south over the Solway Firth at these dates, few
of which appear to have been seen north of the Firth of Clyde.[6]
Rushes have not been so large, yet they are indicated with tolerable
precision by the returns. The extremely regular and open winter has no
doubt much to do with this, the temperature in Great Britain having
been higher than for many years previous. But these throbs or rushes
being distinctly traceable is owing, on the other hand, I believe, to
the prevailing wind fully as much as to the severity or non-severity of
the weather. Rushes are normal phenomena in the West of Europe, because
westerly or north-westerly or southwesterly winds usually prevail
there. Regular or more dispersed movements of birds in the West of
Europe are abnormal, because easterly winds are abnormal there. In 1880
we had a _spread-fan_ of migration, if I may so express it. In 1879
and 1881, in Scotland, we had a _closed-fan_ of migration. The natural
result of the wide-spread fan is continuous streams of migration and
no rushes; that of the closed-fan great throbs and rushes, for birds
prefer to travel with a beam wind and wait for favourable winds, and
do not often voluntarily start on their flight with a following wind.
The occurrence of the white-spotted form of Blue-throated Warbler after
a succession of tremendous S.E. gales, culminating in the dreadful
hurricane of Oct. 14th, clearly shows, I think, that acts of voluntary
migration do not take place in following winds. This Bluethroat was
caught up and borne away, _nolens volens_, and our Mid-Atlantic notes
in 1880 show similar abnormal results from prevalence of easterly
gales. It is to be regretted that we have no returns this season from
Mid-Atlantic, owing to Mr. Anderson's engagements in the Mediterranean.
Even total absence or perfectly negative evidence of birds in
Mid-Atlantic would have given us a valuable standpoint as compared with
the great mortality of 1880.[7]
[Footnote 6: Mr. R. Service contributes the following:--"The severe
gales retarded the migration of the shore birds during October to a
great extent, causing them to "accumulate" in our district for several
weeks. On October 12th I saw a twenty-acre field completely covered
with Lapwings. At the same time, and for about a fortnight afterwards,
the number of birds on the Solway banks was most extraordinary. The
great majority of these were Bar-tailed Godwits, Oystercatchers,
and Knots. Just outside the line of breakers opposite the rocks at
Southerness Point, Scaups and Scoters were especially numerous, diving
above the mussel beds. As they rose and fell on the crests of the
heaving waves these birds formed many an interesting and beautiful
group."]
[Footnote 7: I may mention here that I have made an endeavour to enlist
the whaling captains of Dundee in our service, but have not yet learned
whether it has been successful or not. I had copies of the British
Association Abstract reprinted in a cheap form, and I sent a bundle to
Dundee for distribution amongst the captains. Should Mr. Anderson yet
give us any Mediterranean statistics, they can appear as an Appendix to
our Report for 1882.]
The lines of migration indicated in my Report of Scotland for 1879 and
1880, and conclusions drawn from statistics of these two years, appear
to me to be borne out by those of 1881, as regards the semicircular
form of the migration, an account of which I have already given in our
last report (_op. cit._, pp. 18, 19).
The subject of heights of lanterns and their colours as attractions
for birds has not developed as yet any fresh facts, but, with the
conviction that they will yet do so, I still retain the table of
heights given. Actual experiment, however, would very likely very soon
set this part of the subject at rest (vide General Remarks, East Coast
of Scotland Report, 1880, pp. 19, 20). A light-vessel or two placed in
an equally favourable position with, let us say, the Isle of May or the
Bell Rock on the east coast, or at some point north of Tweed, would,
I believe, soon show us whether the preponderance of records south
of the Tweed is entirely due to old-established lines of migration,
or to the number of light-vessels on the English coast, or partly to
both. It would, I think, assist in proving or disproving theories of
land-communications which have been advanced and disputed by previous
writers. At present we cannot positively state from our present data
whether an actual or only an apparent preponderance of birds pass south
of the Tweed in autumn. It appears a little curious to find, however,
a highway of migration by the Pentland Firth so much further north
than the stations mentioned. Writing from North Ronaldshay Mr. Tulloch
remarks upon the usual scarcity of birds there, and says "they keep
more direct for the mainland"; and he remarks also upon the abundance
of birds seen in September and November at Pentland Skerries, where
he was lighthouse-keeper for four years. He remarks on the abundance
of Mountain Thrushes, Blackbirds, Owls, Woodcocks, Wrens, Robins, and
Titmice which occur there when the wind is from the east, and from
which station I have a large numerical return this year. This at first
sight appears to be a contradiction of what I have said about the
bulk of the birds passing south of Bell Rock, but, be it noted, the
prevailing winds at Pentland Skerries from August 23rd to September
12th were from points between north and south by east, but never by
west, and thereafter, between September 14th and October 10th, they
were prevailing south to south-west, but never west or north-west.
From October 14th they backed to north-east, and easterly winds again
prevailed here on till late in November. The isolated position of the
lights at Pentland Skerries, combined with the local prevalence of
easterly winds, is perhaps sufficient to account for the large mass of
the records. At all events I think the Pentland Skerries returns are
deserving, both now and in future, of special attention and study, and
I look upon it as a particularly interesting station.
Isle of May stands this year at the head of the list for numerical
returns, I having received seven full schedules from Mr. Agnew,
principally referring to autumn migration. Next comes Bell Rock, but
two out of three schedules refer to spring migration, of which more
anon. Then Sumburgh Head and Pentland Skerries, about equal, but
the latter rather the larger, both returning three filled schedules,
principally autumn migration.[8]
[Footnote 8: Besides several more relating to 1882.]
Regarding the spring migration, the Bell Rock and the Isle of May
have hitherto held their place as yielding the largest returns, and
very considerable numerical returns are given for 1881. Now, Sandwich
Terns pass every spring up north along the coast of Forfarshire, but
shoot off from the land again, and do not breed upon much of the
suitable lands they pass over. An occasional pair of birds do remain
and breed, as is shown by the nesting of this species on Inch Mickery,
in the Firth of Forth, this past season, and on a previous occasion
at the same place. In the same way we know that Grey Plover, Knot,
and Bar-tailed Godwit shoot off the land at Spurn Point, as they are
obtained there in full breeding dress, but nowhere to the north of it
in breeding plumage, except in isolated cases. The routes of spring
migrants, while they are usually more direct than those of autumn
migrants, are perhaps more difficult to trace, and our statistics as
yet are far from perfect. Since the above remarks were penned I have a
well-filled schedule from Isle of May relating to the spring migration
of 1882, which, however, will be included in our next Report.
The extraordinarily large migration of raptorial birds is worth a
remark here, and it is interesting to find with what regularity and
precision such foreign species as the Rough-legged Buzzard recur
year after year along certain very clearly defined lines, records of
captures constantly indicating this.
It will be seen that the results of our statistics on the Scottish
coasts show a "closed-fan" of migration, owing to prevalence of
westerly winds, except at Pentland Skerries, where local easterly
winds blew at the times of migration in September and November, and on
the Scottish coast, from Bell Rock and southward, we had the greatest
rushes, whilst further south, on the English coasts, there was an
"open-fan" of migration, owing to a prevalence of east winds.
WEST COAST OF ENGLAND.
Schedules, &c., were forwarded to forty lighthouses and light-vessels
on the west coast of England; from twenty-four returns have been
received. The absence of returns is in some cases due to accident,
_e. g._, at Caernarvon L.V., Mr. Bowen, the keeper, had been disabled
with a broken rib, the result of a fall on board in a gale of wind,
and there had been several changes of mates within a short period.
In part, absence of reports is accounted for by the situation of the
station--_e. g._, at Nash are two lighthouses, and from the western
one, Mr. Richards, who last year supplied us with a well-filled
schedule, having retired from the service, his successor objected to
continue the work on the ground that it is so near to Nash E. On Lundy
Island also are two stations close to each other, and last year the two
reports therefrom were almost identical in every particular instance.
Menai is reported as being out of the track of birds migrating, as also
St. Bees. Still we should be glad to hear from these and the other
stations that have not reported, and hope that next year all will send
in returns, however slight, as "every little helps." Special thanks are
due to those who have reported; they have given themselves considerable
trouble, which will, however, not be thrown away; and the novelty and
interesting nature of the work may in some degree perhaps compensate
them for their pains. Mr. Baker writes, from Milford, "It would be a
great help if a book could be supplied to different reporters, with a
print of the different birds in it." If funds can be raised, we hope in
time to & able to supply this want.
To Mr. Thompson we are indebted for a report from a new station,
Allonby, on Solway Firth, which promises to be a good one, and
which--being the northernmost on this coast--now heads our list.
The numbers of the stations differ from those of last year's report,
beginning at 121 instead of 110 (the last included in Report of West
Coast of Scotland being 120). The following is the list, those from
which returns have been received being marked with an asterisk (*):--
121. *Allonby, L.H. C. Donald Thompson.
122. *St. Bees, L.H.; the tower 55 feet high, on cliffs estimated at
300 to 350 feet. R. E. Pizey.
123. *Morecambe Bay, L.V.; centre of light above sea-level, 36 feet.
Henry Clavell, P. K.; Dl. Kneale, mate.
124. *Air, L.H. C. H. Aveston.
125. *Menai, L.H. Joseph Steer, P. K.
126. *Skerries, L.H. J. Garrett, P. K.; H. Knott.
127. *Holyhead Breakwater, L.H. R. Prichard.
128. North Stack, Fog Horn Station. John Harvey, gunner.
129. *South Stack, L.H. W. E. Burgess.
130. Caernarvon Bay, L.V.; centre of light above sea-level, 37 feet.
W. Bowen.
131. *St. Tudwal's, L.H. W. Davies.
132. *Bardsey, L.H. Thomas Bowen.
133. Cardigan Bay, L.V.
134. *Bull Point, L.H.; centre of light above high water level, 154
feet. George Knott.
135. South Bishop, L.H. John White.
136. Smalls, L.H. W. Boulton.
137. *Great Castle Head, L.H. W. S. Spicer.
138. *Milford (Low), L.H. Fixed, white; centre of light from ground,
26 feet; Headland 150 feet from sea-level. (Syren fog horn
5 seconds every 3 minutes during fog, snow, or thick
weather, about equidistant from each light). G. Baker.
139. Milford (High), L.H. Fixed, white, showing red at entrance to
harbour. G. Baker.
(These two are looked upon as one station).
140. Caldy, L.H. Centre of light above sea-level, about 250 feet.
W. Ebben, P. K.
141. Helwick, L.V. Thomas Cornell, mate.
142. Scarweather, L.V. Henry Jenkins.
143. Nash (Low or W.), L.H.--Wilson.
144. *Nash (High or E.), L.H. Three lights: 1, upper, white, fixed,
visible 19 miles; 2, fixed, red, shown from a window
below lantern, shown N. of N.W. 1/4 W., which bearing
will lead 1/4 mile S. of Breaksea Buoy; 3, a ray of red
shown from a window below Breaksea light, extending
over an arc between S.S.E. 3/4 E. and S.E. 3/4 S., about
2-1/2 cables southward of Tuskar Buoy. H. T. Nicholas.
145. Breaksea, L.V.
146. *Flatholm, L.H. W. Dale, P. K.
147. *Usk, L.H. Centre of light above sea-level, about 50 feet. Amos
Russell.
148. Avon, L.H. William Taylor.
149. *Burnham, L.H. About 100 feet above sea-level. William Lewis.
150. *Bideford, L.H. Low light, white, centre above sea-level 48 feet;
Upper light white, centre above sea-level 96 feet. Edwd.
Roberts.
151. Lundy Fog Gun Station. John Morgan.
152. *Lundy, L.H. Upper light revolving, powerful white, about 540
feet above sea-level. James Parsons.
153. *Hartland Point, L.H. John Griffiths.
154. Trevose Head, L.H. Fixed, white; upper 180 feet and lower
120 feet above sea-level. W. Bowen.
155. *Godrevy, L.H. Richard Trahair.
156. *Longships, L.H. Red towards shore; lantern 110 feet above
high-water mark. William Jones, P. K.
157. Sevenstones, L.V. Daniel Norton.
158. Wolfrock, L.H. W. D. Crask.
159. *Scilly, L.H. White, 150 feet above sea-level. E. L. Davis.
160. Bishop Rock, L.H.
In the above list particulars of colour and height of lights, &c., are
given where omitted from list of last year or where there have been
alterations. Notes on the spring migration, being but few, have not
been drawn up in a distinct report. Next year it is hoped that these
may be much fuller and more general.
Altogether about sixty-two species have been noticed on this
coast-line, including about fourteen species of Gulls and Water-birds.
To the various observers, and to the Trinity Superintendents, Mr.
Davison, Mr. Evans, and Mr. Tregarthen, our thanks are given for their
continued interest and kind assistance.
SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES.
Song Thrush, _Tardus musicus_, Linn.; Fieldfare, Turdus pilaris,
Linn.--Spring: At Scilly, from Jan. 13th to 25th, large flocks of
Thrushes, Fieldfares, Larks, and Starlings remained during the snow. At
Godrevy, on 14th, a great number of Thrushes, Starlings, and Lapwings
from noon to 4 p.m., fresh E.S.E. breeze, frost and snow. At Air (River
Dee), on March 30th, a Common Thrush was seen, at 9 a.m., light
N.W. breeze, mist.--Autumn: Earliest date recorded Oct. 24th, when
one killed at Godrevy, 1.30 a.m., mod. S.S.E. breeze, mist and rain;
latest notice Dec. 24th, at Skerries, one killed, 3 a.m., strong S.S.W.
breeze, misty.
Redwing, _Turdus iliacus_, Linn.--Separately noticed at Godrevy only,
namely, Nov. 4th, at 3.30 a.m., one killed, fresh S.W. by S. breeze,
mist and rain. On Nov. 13th, one killed, 6.10 p.m., fresh S.S.W.
breeze, fog. On 22nd, at 2 p.m., one struck, fresh W.S.W. gale, squally
and misty.
Blackbird, _Turdus merula_, Linn.--Autumn: First notice Sept. 28th, at
Morecambe Bay, "one cock Blackbird in the vicinity." Through October
the notices are more frequent and general. At Skerries, South Stack,
and at Bull Point, on 25th and 26th, several struck and some were
killed. At Bull Point, Oct. 31st, "a female" struck against the W. side
of the lantern, 1.40 a.m., light S.E. breeze, cloudy, misty. The only
stations reporting occurrences in November are Allonby, where through
the month "a good many were about the hedgerows"; and one instance at
Morecambe Bay (where none were seen in October), _viz._ on 4th, "a
young female in vicinity." The next and last notice is Godrevy, where
on Dec. 25th, at 6 a.m., one struck, gentle S.W. breeze, clear.
Wheatear, _Saxicola œnanthe_, Linn.--On Sept. 23rd, at South Stack,
between 12 and 2 a.m., several struck and one was killed, light S.E.
gloomy, misty. This is the only instance given.
Redbreast, _Erithacus rubecula_, Linn.--Spring: At Great Castle Head,
on Jan. 20th, also on Feb. 1st, 4th, and 24th, "two or three Robins and
Sparrows" were noticed about 7 a.m., mod. S.S.E., E.S.E., S.W., and
N. breezes respectively. On March 1st, at 9 a.m., two Robins and two
Magpies, fresh N.W. breeze, gloomy and showery, with snow. Autumn: On
Oct. 28th, at Morecambe Bay, "a female Redbreast" in vicinity, 10 a.m.,
mod. N.N.E. breeze.
Nightingale, _Daulias luscinia_, Linn.--Spring: On April 22nd, at
Burnham, "heard at 5 a.m. for first time, being one day later than last
year, and in the very same spot."--W. Lewis, P. K.
Goldcrest, _Regulus cristatus_, Koch; Chiffchaff, _Phylloscopus
collybita_, Vieill.--Spring: On May 2nd, at Nash E., 200 Chiffchaffs
were counted from 1 a.m. to sunrise, light E. air, haze; 196 were
killed. Autumn: On Oct. 26th, at South Stack, a few Goldcrests from 12
to 4 a.m., one killed, gentle E. breeze. The same day, at Morecambe
Bay, one (cock) Goldcrest flew on board, struck the deck-house and
fell on deck, but was not killed; and at Nash, the same day, 12 to 18
Chiffchaffs passed at 4 a.m., and 6 were killed, light E.N.E. breeze,
rain. On Dec. 31st, at 3 a.m., one Goldcrest struck at South Stack,
light S.W. breeze, cloudy. From Flatholm, Mr. Dale reports "Gold
crested Wrens and Chiffchaffs not so numerous as usual in the autumn."
Taking the whole family of the Turdidæ, the chief movement as observed
on the west coast occurred the latter end of October: this, we find,
agrees with a general movement of the family noticed on both coasts
of Scotland, and also a rush from E. to W. observed on the English
east coast. On Oct. 14th was "a whole gale" from the E., after which
the winds continued E. and S.E. to the end of the month--the force
when noted ranging from 2 to 7. With the exception of the Redwing,
and excepting the note of Blackbirds and of Robins seen at Allonby,
there has scarcely been an instance recorded of any of the family
seen throughout November. There is an absolute absence of Fieldfares,
and the scarcity of the family generally is remarked on from many
stations. Thus, from Allonby, Mr. Thompson writes (Nov., 1881), "No
Fieldfares seen in this part, which is very unusual." At Skerries, of
Blackbirds, Thrushes, Fieldfares, &c., "very few are now seen." At
Lundy, "till January," Mr. Parsons writes, "we had no birds on the
islands, only now and then a Blackbird or Thrush." At Usk, Blackbird
and Thrush seen occasionally. And from Nash E., Mr. Nicholas, P.K.,
writes in October, "Blackbirds and Thrushes have been very scarce since
the gale and snowstorm of Jan. 18th last," and "not one Thrush has
been seen here since January." Note:--At Bardsey, however, Mr. Bowen
says of Blackbirds, Grey-birds (?), Jackdaws, House and _Common (?)_
Sparrows, and Starlings, that they are resident. Does this mean that
they are seen all the year round; even so, is there no increase and
decrease in the number noticeable, and if so, when? Are _Grey_-birds
the Grey-backed Crows? What is the difference between "House" and
"Common" Sparrow? Does the latter mean the Hedgesparrow, or is one the
Tree Sparrow? If there be any doubt, a specimen, or the skin, head, or
wings sent through the post would serve to identify the species.
Wren, _Troglodytes parvulus_, Koch.--Autumn: First notice Sept. 4th,
at Skerries, at 2 a.m., several struck the glass and remained till
daybreak, light S.S.W. breeze, hazy. On 24th, at South Stack, a few
struck between 9 and 10 p.m., W.N.W., fog. And on Sept. 30th, at Bull
Point, one struck N.E. side of the lantern, with a mod. S.S.E. breeze,
hazy (not a following wind). On Oct. 23rd, at Skerries, Wrens with
Linnets were flying about all day; and--the latest notice--on 26th, one
passed Morecambe Bay L.V. at sunrise, flying N.
Wagtail, _Motacilla (?)_.--Spring: On Feb. 10th, at Great Castle
Head, four Dishwashers at 5 a.m., strong S.S.W. breeze, showery and
foggy.--Autumn: The first notice at Nash E., on Aug. 21st, "thirty to
forty Wagtails passed S.W.," 6 a.m., mod. S.S.E. breeze, very clear.
They are not again noticed till Sept. 8th, at Bull Point, when about
two dozen "Dishwashers and Linnets" passed inland, 6 a.m., S.S.W.,
calm, clear. On the 19th, at Morecambe Bay, three Wagtails flying S.W.,
7.30 a.m., gentle N.W. breeze; and on the 25th, "one" flying about the
ship in the forenoon. On Oct. 5th, one flying S. by E., mod. N.E. by N.
breeze; and on 7th, one flying N.W., light S.S.W. breeze. This is the
last recorded, except at Allonby, where, Mr. Thompson writes on 20th,
"Wagtails are common in these parts."
Meadow Pipit, _Anthus pratensis_, Linn.--Autumn: First notice Aug.
25th, at Nash, "eight Titlarks passed S.," strong S.W. breeze, rain.
At Morecambe Bay, Sept. 25th, light N.W. breeze, some passed S.S.E.
On 27th, "one or two at a time going N.N.W., W., and S.W.," a gentle
N.W. by N. breeze; and on 28th, going S.W., light S. by E. breeze. Till
Oct. 25th are constant notices of small flocks passing, their general
direction being S.W. and S.: wind ranging from calm to mod. gale, but
generally (when instances noted) not strong; till 8th easterly, then
till 16th W. prevailing; after which E., with more or less of N. Time
of records for the most part, the forenoon. At Longships, on Oct. 28th,
one fluttered about the lantern at midnight, fresh N. to N.W. breeze,
drizzly. This is the last notice till Nov. 29th, when at Morecambe Bay
L.V. Titlarks were seen at 7.40 a.m., flying N.E., mod. N.W. by W.
breeze.
Rock Pipit, _Anthus obscurus_, Lath.--At St. Tudwal's, in Jan., 1882,
"two pairs of Sea Larks" are reported, with the note, "they remain here
for the winter" (Is the Rock Pipit meant by Sea Lark? If a specimen
were procured and sent by post it might easily be identified; or is it
the Ringed Dotterel?).
Swallow, _Hirundo rustica_, Linn.--Autumn: First notice at Skerries,
Aug. 14th, "two land-swallows flying about the island this morning."
Next notice Sept. 3rd and 4th, at Milford, "a considerable quantity";
and on 10th Sept., at Bideford, "hundreds flying round and lighting on
lantern," 5 p.m., calm E., fine, misty. On 18th and 25th several were
seen from Skerries and from Morecambe Bay, flying S. and S.S.E: and on
Oct. 2nd and 3rd some passed Morecambe Bay, flying S.E. by S., and S.
On 7th, five were seen at Godrevy, 12.15 p.m.; and on 19th, at Bull
Point, "a large flock passed, flying E.," strong E.S.E. breeze, this
being the latest instance recorded.
Martin, _Chelidon urbica_, Linn.--Autumn: Sept. 24th, at Skerries,
several were seen flying about the island with Swallows during the
afternoon. From Flatholm Mr. Dale writes, "about the middle of
September there was an unusually large quantity of Martins for a few
days."
Greenfinch, _Ligurinus chloris_, Linn.; Yellowhammer, _Emberiza
citrinella_, Linn.--Noticed only at Allonby, where, Oct. 20th, Green
Linnets and Yellowhammers were seen in mixed flocks.
Sparrow, _Passer domesticus_, Linn.; _P. montanus_, Linn.--Spring: On
Jan. 12th, at North Stack, "a flock of Mountain Sparrows" flying S.W.,
strong N.E. breeze, snow. At Great Castle Head, on 30th, "Sparrows
with Robins"; and the notices are continuous throughout February (on
14th with "Ravens"). In March, 4th and 10th, "Sparrows with Robins."
On 31st, "a flight of Sparrows." The time of the observations mostly
between 6 and 8 a.m.; the weather invariably gloomy or foggy; breeze
gentle to strong, and southerly, except on 24th N., and on 31st E.N.E.;
the direction of flight not noted. Autumn: Sept. 11th, at Nash, "large
flocks of Common Sparrows passed S.W.," light N.E. breeze. On 12th,
"twenty" in same direction, light N., misty. At Bardsey, House and
Common Sparrow (?) reported "resident all the year round."
Chaffinch, _Fringilla cœlebs_, Linn.--Autumn: Sept. 6th, at Nash,
"fifteen to twenty Chaffinches struck at midnight, four killed," mod.
E. breeze, rain. On Oct. 17th, at Morecambe Bay, one, flying W.N.W.,
mod. S. breeze; and on 19th, one, flying S.E., mod. S.E. gale.
Linnet, _Linota cannabina_, Linn.--Autumn: First notice at Nash, Sept.
7th, "a large flock of Linnets passed W. at 9 p.m.," fresh E.S.E.
breeze, mist. On 8th, at Bull Point, "about two dozen Linnets and
Dishwashers," 6 a.m., passing inland, S.S.W., calm, clear. On 25th,
at Skerries, "many Linnets and Wrens all night striking the light,"
only a few killed, mod. W.S.W. breeze, misty. On 27th, at South Stack,
"about fifty Linnets" passed W.N.W. at 7 a.m., gentle N.N.W. breeze,
fine and clear. From this station flocks were observed till Oct. 16th
passing N.W. or W.N.W., with light S.E. wind. At Skerries they were
again noticed between Oct. 17th and 27th, generally with Larks, once
with Blackbirds also, and once "Linnets and Wrens"; wind on every
occasion S.E. or E.S.E., light breeze to fresh gale. On 24th and 25th,
fresh E.S.E. gale, "Linnets, Larks, and Blackbirds passed all night,
many striking, and a few being killed." On Oct. 16th, at Milford,
"a considerable number passed." At Godrevy, Nov. 7th, one struck,
light S.S.W. breeze, clear. The latest is reported from Milford, Nov.
23rd, "a considerable number with Larks have been about the land here
the last few days," fresh breeze to mod. gale S.S.W. to W., "which
prevented their going farther."
Bullfinch, _Pyrrhula europæ_ (Vieill.).--Oct. 28th at Morecambe Bay, a
female noticed at 2 p.m., mod. N.N.E. breeze.