Transcriber Note
Text emphasis is denoted as _Italics_.
REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS
FOURTH REPORT, 1882.
LONDON:
PRINTED BY WEST, NEWMAN & CO., 54, HATTON GARDEN
1883.
Price Two Shillings.
REPORT
ON THE
MIGRATION OF BIRDS
IN THE
SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1882.
BY
Mr. JOHN A. HARVIE BROWN, Mr. JOHN CORDEAUX,
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' Journal,' p. 831; Dec. 23, 1876.
LONDON:
PRINTED BY WEST, NEWMAN & CO., 54, HATTON GARDEN.
1883.
(_East Coast of Scotland_, p. 1.)
"Whither, midst falling dew,
While glow the heavens with the last steps of day,
Far, through their rosy depths, dost thou pursue
Thy solitary way?
* * * * *
Seek'st thou the plashy brink
Of weedy lake, or marge of river wide,
Or where the rocking billows rise and sink
On the chafed ocean's side?
* * * * *
All day thy wings have fanned
At that far height, the cold, thin, atmosphere.
Yet stoop not, weary, to the welcome land,
Though the dark night is near."
Cullen Bryant.
(_East Coast of England_, p. 27.)
.... "Wild birds that change Their season in the night, and wail their
way From cloud to cloud," ....
(_West Coast of Scotland_, p. 55.)
"Where the Northern Ocean in vast whirls Boils round the naked,
melancholy Isles Of further Thule, .... * * * * * Who can recount what
transmigrations there Are annually made? What nations come and go? And
how the living clouds arise. Infinite wings! till all the plume-dark
air And rude resounding shore are one wild cry?"
(_Irish Coast_, p. 73.)
"Islets, so freshly fair.
That never hath bird come nigh them,
But from his course thro' air
He has been won down by them."
PREFACE.
The following Report contains a summary of investigations of a
Committee, appointed by the British Association for the Advancement
of Science, at Southampton, in 1882, to consist of Professor Newton,
Mr. J. A. Harvie Brown, Mr. John Cordeaux, Mr. Philip M. C. Kermode,
Mr. K. 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 Southport in 1883. Mr.
Cordeaux to be the Secretary.
An abstract of the Report was read by Mr. John Cordeaux at the Meeting
of the Association, held at Southport, in September, 1883.
The returns relating to Scotland have been arranged by Mr. J. A. Harvie
Brown; for the East Coast of England, by Mr. Cordeaux; 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 27
West Coast of Scotland 55
Irish Coast 73
FOURTH REPORT:
ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS IN THE SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1882.
EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND, &c.
Faroe.--From Faroe, thanks to Herr Müller, we have the following
Report:--In spring one _Recurvirostra avocetta_ was seen on May 30th,
and two Arctic Terns on same day; wind W., and sunshine. Of _Anatidæ_,
_Œdemia nigra_ occurred on May 15th at Strómó, and two, male and
female, on 27th at same place. Two also, male and female, seen at same
place in the plumage of the second year at Kalbat, Strómó, on June
2nd. In autumn,--_i.e._, taking certain occurrences after the middle
of June as "autumn manœuvres,"--of _Turdidæ_, six or more Fieldfares
were killed or seen at Thorshavn on Dec. 7th, easterly breezes having
prevailed. Of _Phylloscopinæ_, a rush of _Regulus cristatus_ appears
to have taken place on Oct. 21st, as many were seen at Thorshavn and
elsewhere, and dead ones brought to Herr Müller. One dead Robin was
brought from Kollefjord, and several more had been seen on the same
date. One _Caprimulgus europæus_ was sent from Gauredal on June 16th.
_Loxia curvirostra_ appeared round Thorshavn for several days, and are
recorded on June 29th, and again on July 9th, on which latter date
those killed with stones at Tofle were in good condition. One Common
Swift was caught on board a fishing-smack midway between Iceland and
Faroe, also on June 29th. One White Wagtail, _Motacilla alba_, appeared
with N. wind on July 30th. One female Roller, _Coracias garrula_, was
shot at Thorshavn on July 22nd, wind E., and one Pomatorhine Skua was
seen on July 25th. One Woodcock was shot in Vaagó, Suderó, during a
S.E. storm, in clear weather; and of _Cygnidæ_, in all eleven--4 and
7--Wild Swans flew past high in air from N.W. to S.E. on Nov. 5th.
On Nov. 4th was N.E. wind, but on 5th N.W. and W. and showery. The
prevailing winds at the Faroe Isles were easterly; in October, from the
7th to the end of the month, steady easterly and S.E.
The ordinary papers, &c., were sent to thirty stations on the East
Coast of Scotland, Faroe, and Iceland, as was done in 1881.
Twelve stations on this coast have returned filled-in schedules,--the
same number as in 1881,--out of the twenty-six East Scotch stations. As
formerly, many returns are light, but those from Isle of May, Pentland
Skerries, and Sumburgh Head are fuller than before, again indicating
favourite highway's of migration. Bell Rock returns are also very full,
but not so full as Isle of May nor Pentland Skerries. From Isle of May
alone I have no less than nineteen schedules, and I have also to thank
Mr. Agnew for a jar of forty-three specimens of birds, besides others
sent me in the flesh or carbolised. At another time I intend to write
more fully concerning the birds of the Isle of May, which is a locality
of special interest to the student of migration.[1] From the Pentland
Skerries I have nine filled-in schedules, and from Sumburgh Head four;
from the Bell Rock three closely-filled schedules.
[Footnote 1: I intend to present the collection of birds formed on
the Isle of May to that station, to lie there in the skin, and serve
both to identify birds in future and to be of interest to visitors who
annually visit the Isle of May.]
Here follows the usual list of stations issued with each Report on the
same plan as before, the dates of years upon which the various stations
have sent in Reports being shown by asterisks.
Our thanks are especially due to those observers who have noted, as far
as possible, the _directions of flight_ of the birds noticed. If this
were done at all the stations returning schedules it would in a marked
degree assist our generalisations.
East Coast of Scotland.
1879, '80, '81, '82.
* * 4. North Uist, Shetland 230 ft.
* * * 5. Whalsey Skerries, Shetland 145 " Nevin Kerr.
* 6. Bressay, Shetland 105 "
* * * * 7. Sumburgh Head, Shetland 300 " J. Wilson.
7B. Fair Isle ? "
Orkney.
* * * * 8. North Ronaldshay 140 " John Tulloch.
9. Start Point 80 "
* * * * 10. Auskerry 110 " J. Macdonald.
11. Hoy Sound (Low) 55 "
12. Hoy Sound (High) 115 "
13. Cantick Head 115 "
* * * * 14. Pentland Skerries 170 " D. MacDonald.
Mainland.
* * * 15. Dunnet Head, Caithness 346 " D. Laidlaw.
16. Holborn Head, Caithness 75 "
17. Noss Head, Caithness 175 "
18. Tarbat Ness, East Ross 175 "
* * 19. Cromarty, East Cromarty 60 " R. S. Ritson.
* 20. Chanonry Point, Elgin 40 " John McGill.
21. Covesea Skerries, Elgin 160 "
(_a_) 22. Kinnaird Head, Aberdeen 120 " D. M Scott.
23. Buchan Ness, Aberdeen 130 "
24. Girdleness, Aberdeen 185 "
25. Montroseness, Aberdeen 124 " "No birds."
* * * * 26. Bell Rock, 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 "
(_a_) Describes a bird but no schedule.
It will be seen from the above that there is a long extent of
coast-line whence I have scarcely received any returns since the
beginning of the scheme, _viz._, in Aberdeenshire. Is this always
due to actual scarcity of birds there, or to want of observing and
recording? I cannot tell, as I never receive any communications
positive or negative from these stations, except from Girdleness,
whence last year I had a brief return. At Montroseness scarcity of
birds, indeed almost utter absence, is the reason of no returns in
most years, and we can hardly ever expect much from it owing to its
position--"So near the town and all the paraphernalia of commerce," as
Mr. P. E. Reid, the lighthouse-keeper, informs me. He says, "I have
never been at a station where fewer birds come near the light; not over
half a dozen for the past year, and these were, we suspect. Gulls." At
Noss Head, Mr. Alex. Greig, not knowing the names of some of the birds,
thought it "better not to send in a report that would be incorrect";
but if he sends me in a report on those he does know the name of; or
some dates, and the winds prevailing at the time of great rushes of
birds, without the names of the birds, such would be very useful.
"Small birds" or "large birds" have a value to me in recording, though
the names are not given. That a migration was observable in 1882 at
Noss Head is a _fact_, obtained from Mr. Greig's reply to my post-card,
and may prove a useful fact in arriving some day at conclusions.
I fear it is not to be expected that we get any returns from the
Whaling Captains, the arduous duties they are engaged in making them
always too glad of complete rest when obtainable. Our thanks are due
to Mr. T. Southwell, however, for speaking to some of them on the
subject; our own application, by distributing circulars at Dundee with
the assistance of Mr. P. Henderson, naturalist of that town, not having
produced any results.
I have received occasional notes from Mr. Anderson's log, through Mr.
R. Gray (see Gannet, &c.). Mr. Anderson has again taken duty on an
Atlantic Liner, after a temporary engagement in the Mediterranean, so
we may hope to hear further of him and his observations.
As before, notes I have received from other sources besides the
lighthouses I will enter after the paragraphs on each species or group.
These are to be taken simply as corroborative evidence, or otherwise,
of the lighthouse reports, or as supplementary to them.
Notes have been kept upon about twenty-two species of Waterfowl
fifty-three species of land birds, and about eight or ten species of
littoral birds or waders, by our reporters on the East Coast.
Spring Migration I have kept distinct in this Report.
I have not given compiled notes on weather in this place this year, as
all that requires to be said will be found under the treatment of the
species, and a short paragraph under General Remarks.
The whole space of time included by our 1882 returns runs from February
in spring onwards, and in autumn from July to January 27th, 1883, the
date of the last returned schedules. In the General Remarks I notice
briefly the spring migration of 1883--at Isle of May, &c.
I visited this year Buchan Ness Lighthouse, on the Aberdeenshire coast,
and Mr. Andrew Gallie showed me a Manx Shearwater which he had found
dead on the balcony in the winter of 1879--80. Mr. Geo. Sim, who was
with me at the time, told me it was the first he had ever had record of
on the N.E. coast of Aberdeenshire.
I visited also Cape Wrath Lighthouse. There, I was told, very few birds
are ever seen at the lights, owing to its great height above the sea.
Turdidæ.--In spring, at Isle of May, March 2nd, after E. to S.E. gale
for twenty-four hours, a few Redwings (accompanied by Lapwings, Reed
Buntings, Rooks, and Hooded Crows among land birds, and Eider Duck,
Teal, and Black Guillemots amongst water-birds). At same station, on
April 8th and 19th, with E. winds. Redwings appeared; and on April
15th and 28th, single specimens of Ring Ouzels, again with strong E.
or N.E. winds (see Land Notes _infra_). In autumn, no records till
September; then at Whalsey, N. Ronaldshay, Auskerry, Pentland Skerries,
Dunnet Head, Bell Rock, Isle of May (max.), from Sept. 20th, records
on to Jan. 25th, 1883--the last record at N. Ronaldshay. The earliest,
Sept. 20th, was at Isle of May. All the species recorded occurred all
throughout the season, _viz._, Fieldfares, Redwings, Missel Thrushes
(min.). Common Thrushes (max.). Blackbirds; but Fieldfares and Redwings
also very abundant. Rushes, first at Auskerry and at N. Ronaldshay on
Sept. 27th, and indications of the same also at Pentland Skerries and
Isle of May. Numbers of Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Missel Thrushes
frequented N. Ronaldshay for three days after this date. At the
northern stations, wind strong S.E.; at Isle of May, N.E. gale. A vast
rush of many species took place, commencing on Oct. 8th, and continued
till about the 18th in force at all the stations sending in returns,
except Auskerry. We will speak fully of this movement in this place,
and afterwards will refer back to it under other species. Migration
general over whole coast-line. Wind during that time was N.E. to S.E.
to E., with fog and rain; on the 16th S. at southern stations, and
generally S.E. over all the coast. But at Pentland Skerries, mod. S.
and S.W. on 10th, 11th, and 13th. The rush here on 12th was, however,
with S.S.E. fresh, and fog. At N. Ronaldshay, on 7th--8th, numbers of
Thrushes were seen coming from the S.E., and more continued coming
till the 16th, all the time with strong S.E. wind. On 16th wind
changed to S., and all left. All stations send in heavy returns; but
the heaviest is from Isle of May, and hundreds were seen at Bell Rock
on the 12th-14th. A desultory migration, with frequent rushes, was
kept up all October; also all November, the following dates bulking
largest, _viz._, Nov. 5th, 9th, 12th, 18th, and 27th, the northerly
stations of Sumburgh Head and Pentland Skerries having during this
month heavier returns on the whole than the more southerly ones.
Wind during this time at Sumburgh Head fresh W., when fifty Redwings
appeared on 5th. But at same place, light N.N.E. on 9th, when thirty
Redwings were seen. On 27th, at same place, twenty-five Redwings were
seen flying S.W., with wind fresh W.; and at Isle of May, on 18th,
several flocks of Fieldfares and Ring Ouzels--which usually appear here
together--appeared with fresh S. breeze. All during the intermediate
time between the above dates migration was carried on. In December the
same continued, but in diminishing numbers; and an indication of a
small rush occurred between the 6th and 12th, but this appeared to be
greatly due to N.E. gales accompanied by snow-storms and severe frost
on the mainland, causing local migration, as is partly evident from
the species accompanying them, such as Larks, &c., and the exhausted
and emaciated appearance, especially of the Redwings, even on the
Isle of May. Between the 15th and 31st, at Auskerry, a great flock of
Buntings was seen daily. In January large flocks were seen from 4th
on to date of last entries in the schedules, and as late as 25th.
Fieldfares at Pentland Skerries, where the most were seen on the 13th.
At N. Ronaldshay, also, many Blackbirds, Common Thrushes, and Missel
Thrushes up to 24th, as already stated. Having detailed the movements,
and given dates and circumstances of these rushes, I will now name the
species which, along with Thrushes of various kinds, participated in
the movement, and this may serve as indicating the general lines of
1882. During the September rush we shall have occasion to refer amongst
others to the following species or groups of species:--_Saxicolinæ_
(which began to move, however, as early as August), some _Silviinæ_
(as Robin, Whitethroat, &c.). Golden-crested Wrens and _Phylloscopinæ_
(end of August), _Paridæ_, _Motacillidæ_, Pied Flycatchers, Swallows,
_Fringillidæ_, _Emberizidæ_, _Alaudidæ_, as also references throughout
to Hawks, Owls, Herons, and sea-birds. During the great October rush,
between 8th and 18th or 23rd, at the Isle of May, during thick fog and
S.E. to E. winds, Mr. Agnew describes the movement as beyond comparison
with any former experience of his. A vast rush of Bramblings,
Chaffinches, Golden-crested Wrens without number, _Silviinæ_, Robins,
Hedge Accentors, Siskins, Larks, Redwings, Ring Ouzels, Woodcocks,
Blackcaps (a few). Sedge Warblers, Jack Snipes; and this movement
continued in pulsing throbs and also continuously, covering all
October, November, and December, and far into 1883. For night after
night hundreds of thousands of small birds circled round the lanterns,
flying "against the sun" at Isle of May. From the Isle of May alone,
as already stated, I have nineteen schedules filled to overflowing
with Mr. Agnew's careful records. A separate paper on the Isle of May,
which I hope to prepare when I have leisure, is the only way to do
justice to the locality and its recorder. Curious that, although such
vast numbers were seen at Isle of May, the numbers at the more inland
station, or rather more landlocked station, of Inch Keith show quite a
small numerical return; but of these matters I shall have more to say
in my General Remarks. Six species of _Turdidæ_ occur recorded in the
East Coast returns. Land _Notes._--Mr. J. T. Garrioch, writing to me
under date March 13th, 1883, and remarking upon the vast nature of the
general migration between Oct. 8th and 25th, during an E. to S.E. gale,
mentions a few Fieldfares and one Thrush on the 9th which seemed much
exhausted. In spring of 1882, Fieldfares remained late into April in
Stirlingshire. A flock was seen among the foothills of the Denny range
by myself on April 16th.
Saxicolinæ.--In spring, Wheatears ("Stonechats" must be included
here.[2] Another season Mr. Agnew will be able to distinguish between
true Stonechats and Wheatears, and I hope other reporters also).
Whinchats, Redstarts: First record (Wheatear) at Isle of May, March
29th, strong W. wind, clear; latest (Redstart) June 29th, light E.,
fog. But this may belong to autumn; next latest (Redstart) May 24th,
at Isle of May. Earliest Wheatear March 29th; latest, and a rush, on
May 2nd (along with other birds unknown), N.E., rain and fog, at Bell
Rock. A large bird struck heavily, and fell into the sea. Rush of
Wheatears, April 5th. Earliest Whinchat, March 29th; latest and rush,
on April 15th, at Isle of May. Earliest Redstart, April 2nd, at Isle
of May; latest June 29th, and next May 24th. No great rush apparent.
Of the above, Whinchats are also named "Blue Janets," a name usually
applied, however, to the Hedgesparrow or Hedge Accentor. The record of
June 29th, of a Redstart in light E. wind, seems more of an accidental
nature, as it is separated from the one before by a month, and from
the true autumn migration by six weeks. Three species of _Saxicolinæ_
on East Coast in spring. In autumn, the same species. Records from
Whalsey, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, Isle of May, and
Inch Keith. (Note.--These are the same stations that reported last
season.) Earliest Stonechat, and earliest record, at Bell Rock on Aug.
9th, light S. breeze and fog; latest Stonechat Sept. 22nd, also at
Bell Rock. Indications of a rush at Pentland Skerries on Sept. 3rd.
"Blue Janets" participated in the October rush already spoken of (see
under Turdidæ). Earliest Wheatear, Aug. 17th, at Pentland Skerries;
latest Sept. 17th. Earliest Redstart Sept. 15th; latest Oct. 22nd. No
additional species of _Saxicolinæ_ appeared in autumn.
[Footnote 2: In so far as the records apply at Isle of May.]
Silviinæ.--In spring, Robins at Bell Rock only; one seen on April
10th, struck lantern, but not killed. But "unusual numbers" were seen
at Isle of May in April, and in spring generally. In autumn, Robins
at Sumburgh Head (where they are very rarely seen), N. Ronaldshay,
Pentland Skerries, Dunnet Head, Chanonry, Bell Rock, Isle of May, and
Inch Keith. Earliest at Isle of May, Aug. 18th; latest at Chanonry,
Dec. 20th, where one rested two days. No quantity till vast rush of
October, when Mr. Agnew says he never saw so many Robins before.
Greatest numbers seen on 12th. Enormous and uncommon numbers also on
18th at Isle of May, and all gone on 23rd. Large rush on 12th also at
Pentland Skerries, when numbers seen all day flying S.W. Indications
of the same movement also at N. Ronaldshay, and to a less extent at
Sumburgh Head (see under Turdidæ). Of other _Silviinæ_, in spring, a
few Whitethroats (identified from a specimen in spirits) showed at Isle
of May on May 6th, and in autumn a rush took place at same place on
Aug. 16th (specimen No. 33 in spirits); but I have no other records. A
single Blackcap on Oct. 14th participated in the rush at Isle of May.
Three species of _Silviinæ_ occurred.
Phylloscopinæ.--A marvellous migration of Golden-crested Regulus both
in spring and autumn. In spring, the only station giving returns is
Isle of May, where Mr. Agnew says they are very unusual at this season.
Earliest on March 9th, when one was seen at lights. Large numbers; a
rush on 19th and one bird on 20th. All March records accompanied by
N.W. through W. to S.W. winds. The rush took place with light S.W.,
and rain. Three other records are on April 1st, 4th, and 10th; a
rush on the 10th of females; the males preceded the females by some
weeks. Migration in spring thus lasted from March 9th to April 10th.
In autumn, at Sumburgh Head, Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock,
and Isle of May. Earliest on Aug. 27th, at Isle of May; latest at same
station on Nov. 12th. Rushes: steady influx all September after the
13th; a solitary bird on Oct. 4th; a rush on 8th, indicated at Sumburgh
Head and Pentland Skerries. (_Note._--This is their first appearance
here for five years; it is marked "very rare" at Sumburgh Head, and
indeed natives had not seen them before). More decided at Bell Rock,
where they accompanied Bullfinches and Pipits on the 12th, and at Isle
of May. The body of the rush occupied three days, from the 8th to the
12th; during that time, at Isle of May, Mr. Agnew describes their
numbers as "enormous." Of other _Phylloscopinæ_, Leaf-warblers--the
species, however, not always recognisable from descriptions--were
fairly abundant. In spring, one record of either a Wood or Willow
Warbler (probably the latter) on May 24th at Isle of May. In autumn,
the Isle of May again produces all the records I have, the earliest
being considerable numbers of Chiffchaffs (identified) on Aug. 9th, a
few on Sept. 13th, 17th, and 27th, at Isle of May; a rush on Oct. 7th,
8th, and 9th, and all gone on 10th; a few on 14th, and all finally
gone on 15th. Three (or four?) species of _Phylloscopinæ_ recorded
on East Coast. Land _Notes._--On April 24th one Willow Warbler seen
at Shirgarton, ten miles W. of Stirling. Mr. Garrioch, writing from
Lerwick, says:--"In the evening of Oct. 9th my attention was called to
a large flock of birds crossing the harbour from the Island of Bressay,
and on coming to a spot on the shore where a large number had taken
refuge from the storm I found the flock to consist of Goldcrests, and a
few Firecrests amongst them. They continued to increase in numbers for
a few days, and several specimens were sent to me for preservation from
distant parts of the islands." These were preceded on the 8th by flocks
of Willow Wrens, one flock numbering about twenty. "The Goldcrests
spread over the entire islands, and were observed in considerable
numbers till the middle of November, when they all disappeared."
Subsequently, Mr. Garrioch, writing to me in reply to certain queries
as to the authenticity of the "Fire-crested Wrens," says:--"Of one
flock of Goldcrests, I observed five birds which I thought to be the
Firecrest. I obtained one specimen very distinctly marked. It seemed
to me that the Firecrests were very much more exhausted by the storm
than the Goldcrests." _Note._--I had in my letter shown the distinction
between the male Goldcrest and the true Firecrest, the male Goldcrest
having a mark above and below the eye, without the black line _through_
the eye, the Firecrest showing three bars.
Acrocephalinæ.--In Spring, at Isle of May, Mr. Agnew believes he
identifies "Reed Warblers" on April 4th; his description, however,
would equally apply perhaps to Whitethroats or to Sedge Warblers. In
autumn, a rush of similar birds took place there on Oct. 9th. Perhaps
two species recorded.
Accentorinæ.--In March, "Blue Janets," of Mr. Agnew, which are
represented by a Whinchat in spirits, but which name in Scotland is
correctly applied only to the Hedgesparrow or Hedge Accentor. In
autumn, one "Blue Janet" on Dec. 3rd. Whilst it is the most abundant
of migratory species in autumn on the E. English Coast, next to the
Goldcrest, it is curious to find scarcely any records on our E. Scotch
Coast.
Paridæ.--Titmice: In spring, one record ("the first seen on the lantern
for many years ") at Cromarty, on March 11th, fresh W. and clear. In
autumn, considerable numbers of Titmice at Isle of May on Aug. 9th;
occurred at Whalsey, N. Ronaldshay (in Oct., Nov., and Dec.), Pentland
Skerries, Isle of May, and Inch Keith. Earliest as above, Aug. 9th, at
Isle of May; latest at N. Ronaldshay, between Dec. 6th and 12th, when
a few came with Robins in a snow-storm (probably local movement only);
they accompanied Robins and Thrushes also at N. Ronaldshay on Nov.
12th; on Oct. 12th about sixteen stayed four days, and left on 16th;
this is the only indication of a rush. Number of species of _Paridæ_
unknown. _Land Notes._--On Sept. 6th I heard Marsh Tit in our woods at
Dunipace; this is the earliest autumn record I have, but spring records
I have at other localities in the county.
Troglodytinæ.--Common Wren: One species. A few records in autumn from
Sumburgh Head, Bressay, Pentland Skerries, N. Ronaldshay, and Isle of
May; earliest one seen for a moment on island. At Sumburgh Head on Aug.
11th, and three on 12th; latest at Pentland Skerries on Dec. 7th, wind
N.E., clear. Rush quite marked on Oct. 10th at Isle of May, still not
numerous; also at N. Ronaldshay, on Nov. 12th, a few came with Robins
and Thrushes, and a few on same day came also with Robins and Thrushes
to Isle of May, wind easterly. _Land Notes._--Mr. Garrioch obtained
one male Creeper on Oct. 12th, caught on Bressay with Great Spotted
Woodpeckers, "all seeming much the worse of the storm."
Motacillidæ.--In spring, at Whalsey, Bell Rock, and Isle of May; in all
five records. Earliest Feb. 24th, at Isle of May, light W. wind; latest
at Whalsey, May 24th ("Grey Wagtail," marked "very rare here"). At
Bell Rock all birds leave at high tide, being drowned off. In autumn,
records from Whalsey, Sumburgh Head, and Isle of May. Earliest from
23rd to 26th, a flock of "Grey Wagtails" flying about island, and on
27th seven seen all day on Pentland Skerries; latest on Isle of May,
one Pied Wagtail on Nov. 7th. No rush very apparent. On Sept. 20th, Mr.
J. Agnew has the record, "at Isle of May, three, N.E. gale, one very
white in colour and one very black "; and on Oct. 31st the further
record, "two, one very white, the other dark." We would like specimens
of these "very white Wagtails." Possibly records relate to three
species, but it will be safer only to include one at present. Titlarks
(Rock Pipits?) arrived in large numbers on Isle of May on March 9th,
and "supplemented some half dozen that remained all winter." N.B. The
ones that remained are probably "Rock Pipits" (_Anthus obscurus_),
and the additions are probably "Meadow Pip its" (_A. pratensis_). In
autumn, at Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, and Isle of
May; earliest, one at Isle of May ("Mosscheeper," J. Agnew; or Meadow
Pipit, J. A. H. B.); latest, Bell Rock, Oct. 9th, "Mosscheeper," Mr.
Jack; on this occasion mixed with Bullfinches. Rush on Sept. 4th, at
Sumburgh Head, large flocks of "Rock Larks," _auct._ John Wilson; and
a constant stream of the same on 15th, along with Larks. Desultory
migration during September; only one record, curiously enough, in
October. Two species of _Anthinæ_ (_Motacillidæ_) noticed. _Note._--See
remarks on land migration of the Pied Wagtail at end of the General
Remarks.
Laniidæ.--One record, on Oct. 16th, at Isle of May; one bird
accompanied rush of Oct. 8th and 18th, strong S. after S.E. One species
recorded--the Great Grey Shrike. _Notes._--A male Great Grey Shrike
killed at Helensburgh, Dumbartonshire (illustrates line across central
districts of Scotland), Feb. 3rd, 1883; about 1st Nov., 1882, three
Great Grey Shrikes (two male and one female), and one same date at
Redcastle. Rosshire ('Scotsman,' Feb. 17th, 1883); the last great
appearance of this species was in 1873--74. A golden Oriole (_Oriolus
galbula_) occurred during the October migration at Lerwick, along with
two Spotted Woodpeckers, a Tree Creeper, and the Golden-crested Wrens.
Muscicapidæ.--Pied Flycatcher: three records at Isle of May on Aug.
15th, one female, light S., rain and fog; on Sept. 15th one female
struck and killed; on Nov. 7th one male flying S., but obtained,
fresh S.W. breeze. One species. _Notes._--Two Waxwings, a very fine
male and a female, killed at Kinneil by Mr. D. Nichol, gamekeeper to
Mr. Russell, Dundee Castle, on Jan. 18th, 1883. Kinneil is close to
Bo'ness, at the head of the Firth of Forth. This female is one of the
very finest birds I ever saw. Out of the hundreds examined in the
frozen marts of St. Petersburg and Moscow I only saw one to equal it,
the development of the wax-like appendages being very great on both
wings and tail.
Hirundinidæ.--In spring Swallows appeared at Whalsey, Sumburgh Head,
Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, Cromarty, Isle of May, and Inch Keith.
Earliest at Isle of May, April 22nd, and more on 23rd. Latest at same
place, on June 26th. Rush perceptible at Isle of May, May 11th to
17th, when a steady migration in small numbers were observed flying
N., wind W. to S.E. All Swallows seen have been during the forenoon.
Sand Martin on May 9th, at Whalsey Skerries. In autumn, at same
stations, continuous records from June, many no doubt relating to local
movements, therefore perhaps somewhat difficult to separate spring and
autumn records. On July 3rd and 4th, however, at Auskerry, flocks were
seen at noon; wind light S. to S.E. Martins are noted from Whalsey,
and Auskerry and Pentland Skerries; and Sand Martin from Isle of May
on Aug. 24th. All other records apply to Common Swallows. Swallows
resident at Cromarty disappeared on Sept. 1st. No great rushes very
apparent. Latest on Oct. 6th, at Sumburgh Head; next, on Oct. 2nd, at
Isle of May; strong S.W. wind. Three species noticed. _Land Notes._--In
spring, first Swallow seen by M. P. Kermode and myself at Dunipace, on
April 23rd; and same day, at Shirgarton, by another party. None seen on
16th, when Bidwell and I were out, and when we took a Dipper's nest and
four eggs. On 26th, Mr. K. Gray saw two Martins in Edinburgh. Swallows
and Sand Martins were first seen at Kelso, on the Tweed, on April 16th
(_auct._ J. J. Armistead, Esq.). See also General Remarks.
Fringillidæ.--In spring, great movements of many species of Finches,
both in spring and autumn, comprising the following species:--Green
and Grey Linnets, Chaffinches, Bramblings, Siskins, Redpolls, House
Sparrows, Tree Sparrows, Bullfinches, the Green and Grey Linnets
predominating, and occurring at the following stations:--Spring,
almost entirely monopolised at Isle of May; Siskins also appearing at
Inch Keith. From March 3rd on to May 22nd. Only indication of unusual
rush perhaps on March 17th and 18th (Green Linnets and Chaffinches).
Prevailing wind at Isle of May all April, many birds appearing, S.E.,
except on April 25th, when there were no birds, the wind shifting
round to N.E. suddenly. In autumn, at Isle of May, a solitary Green
Linnet appeared on July 14th. The above species showed at Sumburgh
Head, Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, Isle of May, and Inch Keith.
Earliest, Grey Linnets, Aug. 23rd, at Isle of May. Latest, at same
spot, on Dec. 8th. Vast rush in October (9th to 23). Green Linnets,
earliest somewhat later than the last, but the rush about same time.
Chaffinches, no records till Oct. 10th, at Sumburgh Head, where it is
only seen on migration. The great rush of Chaffinches, as compared with
other species, apparent, but movement distinct in October. Brambling,
no records till Oct. 10th, when a rush past was made, and no more seen
again till Dec. 3rd, when one was seen. Nine Siskins, a considerable
movement; earliest, Aug. 7th, at Isle of May; latest, Oct. 16th. The
rush of this species took place on Sept. 27th and 28th, when scores,
mostly females, were on Isle of May; and they also showed at Inch
Keith. A rush, however, also took place about Oct. 16th. Redpolls
appear not quite so abundantly in the records as other species. The
records are in September and December. A rush of Tree Sparrows took
place at Isle of May, where Mr. Agnew says he does not remember seeing
this species before. One was captured on Oct. 15th. A very few House
Sparrows were noticed in October. A few Bullfinches showed at Bell
Rock, accompanied by Pipits and Golden-crested Wrens, &c., on Oct. 9th
to 12th. The records take me up to Dec. 12th for _Fringillidæ_. Nine
species of _Fringillidæ_ under notice. _Land Notes._--On Oct. 8th a
flock of about fifty Mealy Redpolls, all males, kept flying round about
Lerwick, at the same time with a few Willow Wrens, one flock numbering
twenty.--(J. T. G.)
Emberizidæ.--In spring, the February records may apply to last Report
as regards Snow Buntings. They were uncommonly numerous at Isle of May
in 1881-82. Large flocks seen flying S. there on Feb. 22nd, and also
on 13th and 24th. On March 1st large numbers, taking on the summer
plumage, or mostly adults, after a gale of twenty-four hours, from
E. to S.E. (_Vide_ under Turdidæ of this date; same remarks apply
here.) Same day, one Reed Bunting. Snow Buntings continued to show at
intervals all March; two showed on April 15th at Isle of May. None
were seen in May. In autumn, the records are numerous of Snow Buntings
from most of the stations sending returns; perhaps most so at Pentland
Skerries in November. Do not bulk so largely at Isle of May. Earliest
Sept. 19th, at Isle of May (the remark, "too early," appended by Mr.
Agnew). No great rush in October along with the other species, but
bulking largely in November at Sumburgh Head, where 250 showed in three
compact flocks on 6th; also at Pentland Skerries abundant all through
the month, but maximum about the 10th, when fully 1000 were all day
on the Island; winds N.E. to E. and S.E., with some calm days and
variable. About this time departing flocks seen to fly off S.W. and
flocks seen to arrive from the N.E. over the sea. Snow Buntings seem to
arrive at Dunnet Head more frequently with W. and S.W. winds, and also
to a considerable extent with similar wind at Pentland Skerries. This
has been remarked before. After sharp frosts and N.E. snow-storms they
soon appear. Common Bunting is reported from Isle of May for the first
time on Dec. 19th; Yellow Buntings appeared occasionally in reports at
Isle of May; and the first recorded occurrence at Pentland Skerries on
Dec. 17th and 19th. One remained a week singly--a female--on Isle of
May up to Nov. 4th. Four species of Buntings appear.
Alaudidæ.--In spring the Skylark is reported "very rare" at Whalsey;
one on March 14th. A few at Isle of May on March 15th; none there on
April 3rd: fair S.E. breeze. In autumn full records, but not before
Sept. 11th, at Sumburgh Head, accompanied by "Rock Larks." Occurred at
Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries and Isle of May. Earliest as above,
Sept. 11th; latest Dec. 31. Rush from about Sept. 11th to 18th at
Sumburgh Head, and also patent at Isle of May; vast rush most observed
at Bell Rock and Isle of May in October (see under Turdidæ). At Bell
Rock most on Oct. 12th, "Bullfinches, Blackbirds, Mavises, Larks,
Stonechats, Golden-crested Wrens, Titlarks and Starlings, dead on
balcony or fell into sea. Mr. Jack is sure hundreds must have been
killed that night." Again, on Dec. 20th, Mr. Jack remarks, "largest
numbers of Larks ever seen here; impossible to state numbers seen or
killed; striking hard for hours, like a shower of hail." On Oct. 12th
and Dec. 20th loss of life must have been very great; great flocks of
Larks alone at Bell Rock on 16th and again on 31st. Records do not take
me beyond this date. One species.
Sturnidæ.--Records of Common Starling comparatively scanty. Earliest
July 1st at Isle of May, a large flock of young birds and daily flocks
seen, mostly young, to July 29th. On Aug. 7th a large flock seen
coming from the N.; another on 14th. Numbers on Island fall off in
September; by the 23rd but few left. In October only one record at
Pentland Skerries, when two struck; none in November, and two records
in December, on 17th at Pentland Skerries, and on 25th at Isle of May,
when eight were seen. Scarcity of Starlings again (see Report 1881, p.
9) noticeable. One species. The only other British species is a very
rare British bird--the Rose-coloured Starling.
Corvidæ.--I have records from every month in the year but June. I take
them in order. In January one record, a large flock of Jackdaws seen
flying S.W. at Cromarty (probably a local migration). At Isle of May
one Rook on Feb. 12th, flying W., wind S.W. In March, at Sumburgh Head,
two Ravens ("the first seen since the autumn of 1881" here), flying N.
with light S. breeze, and another seen on the 16th in a W. gale. At
Isle of May two Rooks seen on 29th ("never many seen here together"),
light W. breeze. In April, at Bell Rock, four Rooks seen flying E.
over the sea, wind S.E., April 4th; at Isle of May, on May 14th, four
Carrion Crows and thirty-six Hooded Crows alighted and killed several
of Mr. Agnew's lambs; N.E. gale at the time. At Pentland Skerries two
Rooks on Island, wind fair, S.S.E. In autumn, records from most of the
stations sending returns, from July 26th, at Pentland Skerries, to Dec.
9th, at same place (Ravens). The only, appearance of a rush was when
fifteen Hooded Crows appeared at Pentland Skerries, but this may only
have been local. This was on Oct. 12th, however, the time of the vast
rush of other species. The Pentland Skerries are regularly visited by
Ravens and Hooded Crows, and occasionally by Rooks, which latter may
come across the North Sea at times, or may simply make local migrations
from Tongue in Sutherlandshire. A few appeared at the Isle of May also
at the time of the vast rush. Five species of _Corvidæ_ noted. _Land
Notes._--Mr. Garrioch writes:--"I obtained a male Jackdaw on Oct.
15th, shot on a peat dyke near Lerwick. Same evening a large flock of
Ravens assembled on the shore at Sound (?), attracted by a number of
Puffins' and Guillemots' bodies driven ashore by the force of the sea,
as also fish of different sorts which had shared the same fate. The
Ravens betook themselves to the high cliffs of Bressay. They continued
to pass the same spot during November, December and January, going
westward over the islands every morning at daybreak and returning at
dusk to roost in the same rocks." On Oct. 14th a Crow took refuge on a
vessel--the Danish ship 'Otto' (Capt. Mortensen)--about eleven miles
from St. Abb's Head, and flew off shoreward on approaching Granton
('Edinburgh Courant,' Oct. 14th).
Cypselidæ.--One record only at Sumburgh Head, on Aug. 23rd; light airs
N., clear.
Cuculidæ.--We had no entries under this head anywhere on east coast of
Scotland in 1881. At Cromarty, Cuckoo first heard, April 4th, light E.
breeze, clear; and on June 23rd two Cuckoos were all day on Isle of
May, both of which Mr. Agnew secured for the Isle of May collection,
and they were old and young. Stated by Mr. Agnew to be very rare on
Isle of May. One species. _Land Notes._--A Cuckoo was shot on Aug.
30th, at Glasslaw, Bruchlay, Aberdeenshire (_vide_ W. Horn).
Strigidæ.--Earliest July 4th, at Pentland Skerries, one "Horned Owl"
(rare). In Sept., at Auskerry, two Short-eared Owls seen at noon, light
variable wind; and in October a pair remained at same place three days
after 28th. One seen at Pentland Skerries on 12th. Fresh E.S.E. breeze.
On Nov. 18th, at Bell Rock, one Long-eared Owl rested on balcony, fresh
S. breeze; and on 9th one Short-eared Owl seen asleep in grass on Isle
of May, and afterwards shot for Isle of May collection. On Dec. 19th,
at Pentland Skerries, one Grey Owl. Probably only two species, but
possibly three.
Falconidæ occur in almost every month of the year, but fewer records
in spring than in autumn. Many visits are the result of only local
migration in search of food; indeed such are the great majority of
instances, although these must also come to be distinguished as far
as possible from the birds of actual passage. In spring, frequent in
February at several stations, always on predatory excursions, notably
at insular stations, as Whalsey and Isle of May. In March only two
records at some places, and in April two at the same places, both on
the same day--the 23rd. At Whalsey a game Hawk rested, apparently much
fatigued, wind E. and haze. In May one record on 25th, at Isle of May.
In autumn, at Whalsey, Sumburgh Head, Auskerry, Bressay, Pentland
Skerries, Bell Rock, Isle of May. Records numerous, though not so
great as in 1881. Greatest aggregate in any one month in October. Most
numerous at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May. Earliest July 29th, at
Isle of May, one small Hawk. Latest through December into Jan., 1883.
Rush, if any can be said to be appreciable, in October. Thus, such
species as game Hawks, large Hawks, large brown Hawks, dark grey Hawks,
&c., appear in the records more abundantly in October than at other
times, whilst Sparrowhawks, Merlin and Kestrel appear more frequently
at other times. The following species are included, but it would be
more satisfactory to obtain specimens:--Kestrel, Merlin, Sparrowhawk
(max.), and those mentioned above. On Oct. 12th two Hawks were hunting
small birds all night, in the zone of light. Buzzards and Harriers are
also probably included.[3]
[Footnote 3: Difficult to say how many species are intended, but
probably at least six.]
WATER-BIRDS.
Pelecanidæ.--In spring, in May, at Sumburgh Head, ten Gannets were
seen, flying S., at 9.30 a.m., with S.S.E. breeze, and on 4th
thirty-five, also flying S., with S.E. breeze. In autumn, at Sumburgh
Head, Pentland Skerries and Dunnet Head, observations taken; earliest
July 5th, three flying S.E., mod. N.W. at Sumburgh. On 17th, flying E.
all day, fresh S. showers. Pass and repass Dunnet Head every day till
Sept. 15th in threes and dozens. One species. _Other Notes._--From Mr.
T. Anderson, S.S. 'Marathon,' Dec. 27th, 1882.--"This has not been a
very good trip for observations oh birds, the southerly migration being
past; but when off the coast of Portugal, on our way home, I saw from
150 to 200 Solan Geese in company, and occasionally finding a shoal of
fish. All their movements were in a northerly direction; when they were
done with a shoal 01 fish, they never proceeded S., but always N."
Ardeidæ.--Common Herons: Stragglers at almost all times; most records
in autumn. That local migration is principally indicated is seen by
the very various directions of flight noted at some stations, often
coming from and returning to the same points of the compass. These are
given in detail in sixteen schedules and in the ledger from which this
report is written. In spring, April 11th, record at Isle of May, one at
Sumburgh Head, marked "rare," light S.E. airs; and Herons frequented
the shore off and on at Isle of May, from the date of May 1st to the
first week in September. On 24th three were seen; these flying N. On
June 19th one addition was seen there. In July two recorded, one flying
N. on 31st. In autumn, Aug. 16th, at Sumburgh Head, one flying W.,
light E. airs; on 17th three flying N., light S.E. airs; and on 19th
one flying W., light E. airs. In Sept., at Whalsey, on 14th, one flying
W., marked "very rare so early," wind N., fresh, and at Cromarty "seen
daily since first week in May." At Isle of May on 22nd, in calm and
haze, one "screaming as if lost." Then in October we find on different
dates Herons recorded as flying in all directions: 13th, "came from S.
and returned S.;" 23rd, flying W., wind S.W.; flying S.W., gale S.E.,
all night at Bressay, when many other species struck unseen; 24th, at
Isle of May, flying S., and similar records at various stations all
through November. N.B. These ledger entries may be useful later. One
species.
Anatidæ.--Wild Geese: In spring, on March 1st, two were seen, flying
very fast, 1000 feet in the air, crying loudly, before an E.S.E wind,
and settled on the land at Sumburgh Head to rest. A Brent Goose seen
at Isle of May on March 20th, and a large flock of Geese flying E.
accompanied by Curlews at Isle of May, on April 21st. One Brent ("Sly
Goose") at Pentland Skerries, in June (marked "rare"), flying E. In
autumn, at Chanonry, Sumburgh Head, North Ronaldshay and Isle of May.
Earliest noted, but probably local movement after the birds had taken
up their quarters on Aug. 26th, at Chanonry, when 100 Grey Geese were
seen, fair S.W., clear. Here the general flight is N. or S., being the
"lie" of the Firth; on 28th also 100 seen. Latest records into January,
1883. Bushes imperceptible, but very large flocks are mentioned at Isle
of May, on December 23rd and 24th, flying from S.W. to N.E. "Sly Geese"
(Brent) are noted on Oct. 14th, at Sumburgh Head; at Isle of May,
thirteen Wild Geese, flying W. in a single line, on Oct. 2nd, light S.
wind, clear. Two species of Wild Goose. Eider Duck arrived at breeding
haunts at Whalsey Head on March 29th; wind N. and haze. At Isle of May
twenty-three, about equal male and female, first seen on March 1st,
after a gale which had lasted for twenty-four hours from E. to S.E.,
and which brought over Redwings, Lapwings, Rooks, Hoodies, &c. (see
Turdidæ). First record at Sumburgh Head is not till April 17th; three
seen; fresh E.N.E. wind. In autumn, at Pentland Skerries, continuous
flocks flying S.E., mostly females, on Oct. 6th (compare with Report
1881, p. 12). Again, at Sumburgh Head, three (the first seen), on Nov.
5th, fresh W.; and at Pentland Skerries, on 22nd, a flock, mixed male
and female, flying S.; and on 28th a large flock, mostly males, about
the rocks all day. Of other Ducks scattered records only: a few Teal,
seen on March 1st, at Isle of May; at Pentland Skerries, Sept. 3rd;
and seven on pools on Island, on Dec. 6th. Grey Ducks (probably Scaup
or Pochard) at Chanonry, where some 400 flying W. were noted. The
records of Anatidæ not so voluminous this season as last; three or four
species. On March 23rd fifteen White Swans came from S., rested on the
sea at Sumburgh Head, and flew on N.; wind fresh, S.W. breeze. Again
at same place. Swans flying N. and crying loudly on April 10th. On May
9th one was shot at same place. It alighted in a vöe three miles from
station, and was no doubt a weakly bird so late in the spring; fresh
S.S.E. In autumn, records at Sumburgh Head, N. Ronaldshay, Chanonry,
and Isle of May. Earliest Sept. 18th, at Chanonry, when six were seen;
light S.W. and cloudy. At same place, two on 25th and ten on 26th;
haze and rain, variable and light N.E. In November, six flying W.
at N. Ronaldshay, strong N.E. and snow. In December four seen at N.
Ronaldshay, fresh E., and on 28th two seen at N. end of Isle of May.
_Note._--Look out always for two sizes of Wild Swan--the large Common
Wild Swan and the lesser Bewick's Swan. If together the two species are
easily distinguishable. _Land Notes._--Brent Geese unusually abundant
on the Tay this year, 1881-82 (P. D. Maloch).