Part 10

Sir,--I beg to return you the concluding schedule for this year, and most likely I have put a lot of remarks into it and previous ones that are of little account, and some of the wings I sent to you were most likely very common ones to you, although they were strange to me, or I had some doubts about them; but as I have now got the names of some of the odd ones in this locality, I will not likely trouble you with so many again. If my suggestion of including assistants as well as principals in filling up the schedules has been of any advantage this year, I would further suggest for 1886 that you should make a strong appeal to all stations to try for one year to give you all the information (and especially those who have not as yet sent in any or meagre returns) they can. First, what birds--or as many as they can ascertain--breed in then' near locality. Second, when do Stonechicks (which I believe are all over Scotland), Snow Buntings, Robins, Wrens, and several other small birds arrive which make their appearance only at certain seasons. In looking over the Report for 1884, the point that annoyed me most was, that I could not make out the names and terms of all the different species; but at John o' Groat's School thirty-five years ago there was no word of Latin. In '84's Report I expected to have seen better reports from some stations that I know, such as North Unst, Start Point, and Noss Head. At North Unst there are several migrants which build on the rock, and I wondered to see no account of Mother Carey's Chickens, as they breed on the rock, and at the end of August they annoyed us a good deal by striking the lantern and emitting an oily substance on the glass. At Start Point the Sheldrake breeds, and I have seen the Stock Duck breed on it also; and I was told there were thirteen species of Ducks frequented that locality, and I have seen Teal and Widgeon there in hundreds. Also at Noss Head there are various classes of birds which visit it in the breeding season. I once knew of a Grebe got in a small pond there. Trusting you won't feel annoyed at the above remarks, I am, etc.,

Peter Anderson.

_Lamlash._--Messrs David Scott and Robert Brown send us one schedule. The remark occurs that "the Thrush is becoming very scarce here."

_Turnberry._--A carefully-filled schedule--dating March 11 to November 10--sent by Messrs Andrew Nisbet (principal) and Wm. Beggs (assistant). Species well distinguished.

_Corsewall._--A good schedule also from Mr Robert Laidlaw, and all the species apparently well distinguished.

_Portpatrick._--Mr James Beggs sends a short but good schedule, with the remark: "Migration of birds this season has been very slight, and we think the cause is owing to so much prevailing winds from the west occurring on this coast [_i.e._, taking the birds further west at further north points.--J. A. H. B.]. Flights of Black Crows [Rooks.--J. A. H. B.] come and go to this vicinity all the winter through. [_Note._--Ravens are known to congregate on this coast at certain points.--J. A. H. B.] Great flights of Gannets in July, August, and September, and then cease till early spring. Fly both ways--north and south."

On November 10, _Red-legged Kaw_ seen flying south at 3.40 P.M., close to lighthouse. (Is this still of the native breed, or a migrant from further north?--J. A. H. B.)

_Mull of Galloway._--Two well-filled schedules from Messrs Alex. Murray and John M'Quarrie. "A large Grey Owl. picked up one of the small birds on the grating on the 17th October, plucked it, and swallowed it whole. I tried to catch it, but it flew off."

_Little Ross._--Mr James Ferrier I have to thank for two excellently-prepared schedules; and we feel sure that this station, though it may not yield large numerical returns, will give returns of considerable interest, whether negative or positive.

Separate Report under Genera and Species.

Turdidæ.--_In Spring_, a few odd birds--Blackbirds and Thrushes--passed 93 (Skerryvore) and 114 (Little Ross). In March, these increased in numbers at both these stations on 7th, 11th, 12th, and 15th, and odd birds were also noticed at 109 (Turnberry) on 11th and 13th. Apparently almost a rush noticed at 93, with wind light N.W. on 12th, but S.W. and haze on 15th. Fieldfares also noted at Little Ross on 24th, with strong S.E.; one killed. On April 14th, a rush of Thrushes at 94 (Dhuheartach) all night, light variable wind and haze; also Redwings and Blackbirds at Rhinns of Islay on 12th, and two Ring Ouzels all night at Little Ross. Blackbirds seen flying S.W. at 94, on 17th June, complete the spring records.

_In Autumn._--Scarcely any movement in September, but in October, considerable numbers of _Turdidæ_. Earliest record in autumn, one Thrush on 1st September at 109, and one Ring Ouzel on 15th at 102 (Rhinns of Islay); and latest record November 16th [if we except two records on 22d and 23d January 1886, which really belong either to local influence, or is a beginning of the spring migration of 1886]. Thus the migration of _Turdidæ_, in 1885 is almost unique amongst our records for the shortness, suddenness, and rapidity with which it was accomplished, occupying limits strongly defined in time by the above dates, _viz._, in all--leaving out the two solitary September records--only from 9th October to 16th November, or 38 days. The stations participating in the rush are 93 (Skerryvore), 94 (Dhuheartach), 101 (Skervuile), 102 (Rhinns of Islay), 108 (Lamlash), 109 (Turnberry), 113 (Mull of Galloway), and 114 (Little Ross). More specialised rushes were:--On 17th, of _Thrushes_ and _Missel Thrushes_ at 94, and of _Redwings_ at Rhinns of Islay; on 10th and 11th November, of Missel Thrushes and Fieldfares, with few Mavises, at 93, 94, and of the same species in small numbers, with large numbers of Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Redwings, on 9th, 10th, 11th, up to 16th, at all stations. Most at 93 and 94, but movement extensive and general at all, and suddenly over by the 16th, if we except one solitary record of five Mavises on the 21st at (Kyleakin) 90, the only record from that station of _Turdidæ_. Prevailing wind strong S.S.E. to S.E., and back to S., all these two months; sometimes northerly in October, but never for long.

Saxicolinæ.--_In Spring_, an extensive migration of Wheatears and (or) "Stonechats." [The name Stonechat is the one almost universally used at 93, 94, 101, 102, and 113, but "Wheatear"--the more correct name for the species intended--is used at 88 (Fladda) and 114 (Little Ross). The true Stonechat has a black head, and is about the same size as a Whinchat, _i.e._, much smaller than the Wheatear. But the name "Stonechat" is of almost universal use in Scotland for the Wheatear--indeed, a generally accepted local name.] Earliest record in spring, April 4th, at 102 (Rhinns of Islay); latest, 2d June, at 93 (Skerryvore). The general rush took place between the 11th and 20th, and appears to have been unusually heavy, such terms being used, at all stations, as "numbers all night," "fifty," "forty," "great numbers," "rush all night," "hundreds all night," etc. Perhaps 12th and 13th had the greatest share, but it would be difficult to say which station participated most largely. 109 (Turnberry), however, has only one record of odd birds on 14th April. The May records are all at 93 and 94, and are all light. There are also two records of Whinchats at 114, on 21st and 2 2d of April. The prevailing wind was easterly in April, and oftener S. of E. than N. of E. In May the wind was westerly at 93 and 94, and again S.E. at 93 on June 2d, the latest record.

_In Autumn_, a partial rush took place at 101 (Skervuile), where "numbers at midnight" were seen on the 6th. Records come from the following stations, principally 93 and 94, a few from 101 and 102. All records in September are from 93 and 94, and all are very light indeed, except at 94 upon the 6th September, when a rush of Stonechats, Wagtails, and Titlarks took place, with light S.E. breeze and haze, at 1 A.M. Prevailing wind S.E, August and September.

Silviinæ.--In March, two records of Robin at 93 (on 15th), and (Turnberry) 109 on 14th, S.S.E. at latter station, and light S.W. haze at former. Three other light records at 94 (Dhuheartach), 101 (Skervuile), and 102 (Rhinns of Islay) on 12th and 13th April, and one record of Whitethroats on 5th May at 114 (Little Ross).

_In Autumn_, no great movement observed, and only single records in August at 89 (Rona) on 1st, and at 90 (Kyleakin) on 25th, at 108 (Lamlash) on 23d, and Turnberry on 24th--the latter returned as a "Garden Warbler," the others of Robins.

Phylloscopinæ.--Gold-Crest--Mere indications only of a spring movement, and that only at 114 (Little Ross), single records on 12th, 15th, and 18th April. Wind easterly on first two dates, but light W. on the last, with haze, when five Gold-Crests rested on the lantern glass all night. In May, Wood Warblers are returned at 114 on 20th and 21st, light S.E. and S., one killed.

The autumn migration also extremely faintly marked. One single record on 23d September, wind N.N.W., overcast, 9.35 P.M.; and two on 10th and 17th at 101 (Skervuile) and 114 respectively; wind on 10th N.N.E., clear, and on 17th at 114 variable and hazy. All relate to Gold-Crests.

Acrocephalinæ.--No records.

Paridæ.--Tits--One Titmouse at 113 (Mull of Galloway) on 14th April; wind light, S.E.

_In Autumn._--Single record on 17th August at 113, wind light, N.W., clear; one on 1st September at 109 (Turnberry), and two at 113 on October 9th and 19th.

Troglodytidæ.--Common Wren--A few single records in April and May, about seven in all, at 93, 94, 109, and 114.

_In Autumn._--One record in August 1st at 89 (Rona), one record in September at 110 (Corsewall), and half a dozen or so in October at five stations--102, 108, 109, 110, 113. Six seen at noon on 23d; strong N". breeze and haze.

Motacillidæ.--Wagtails--On 12th May two, at 9 A.M., at 93 (Skerryvore), and five at 11 A.M. at 88 (Barra Head) ;-wind S.W. at 93, and fresh W. at 88. The above the only spring records.

_In Autumn._--Two light records on 24th and 28th, both at 94 (Dhuheartach); north on first date, light S.S.E. on second date. Two light records on 3d September at 113 (Mull of Galloway), and on 4th at 93. Indication of general movement on 14th and 16th at 89 (Rona), 93, 94, 102, and 113. Two light records in October 11th and 29th at 90 (Kyleakin), and 112 (Portpatrick).

Of Pipits, one record at 93 on 13th April; light, S.E., haze. In autumn, two records only at 94 and 101, quite faint; wind, light, east.

Muscicapidæ.--No records of Flycatchers.

Hirundinidæ.--_In Spring_, between 17th and 28th, five records at 102 (six seen, light, S.W.), at 109 (two seen on 20th, light, S., rain), at 113, two on 21st, S., and fog, and two on 28th; and at 114, four, the first observed on the 17th April. In May, one at 93 on 26th, four at 108 (Lamlash) on the 9th, and six on the 11th.

_In Autumn._--A few records in August--a flock on 17th at 110 (Corsewall), all day, and flocks on 31st at 113 (Mull of Galloway), flying S.E. against E. breeze. Martins were also seen at Barra Head. In September Swallows and Swifts (see _Cypselidæ_) at 90 (Kyleakin) on 15th, and Swallows at 94 on 1st, and at 102 on 12th, 14th, and 16th--an appearance of a rush. Wind, S. gale on 12th, S.W., and birds flying in a southerly direction. In October, considerable evidence between 6th and 11th at 114. The 11th the latest date of record.

Fingillidæ.--_In Spring:_ Sparrows and Finches noted at 86 (Monach Isles, 9, v. under Diary) on April 17th. In May, Sparrows at 93, 94. On 23d and 24th, "Linties" at 93 on 25th; and Tree Sparrows, two, at 93 on 26th--light S.E.--"resting on rocks."

_In Autumn._--On 17th September, Sparrows at 113 in flocks, and fifty "Rock Linnets" at 102 (Rhinns of Islay). (Probably Twites, or possibly Redpoles.--J. A. H. B.). In October, a flock of 200 "Rock Linnets" at 102 on 6th and 7th, and thousands of "Grey Linnets" at 90 (Kyleakin); on 9th, Rock Linnets? Grey Linnets? Evident rush of Linnets, accompanied at 101 by a number of Tree Sparrows on 9th November. Rush lasted 7th, 8th, and 9th October, and another rush appears to have taken place 4th at 102; 8th, at 90. Chaffinches, two only on 13th at 114. A few Grey Linnets at 90 on 25th December.

Emberizidæ.--Scarcely any indication at all. One record of Snow Buntings on 6th October; two birds at 102, one in November at 94 on 14th, and of Yellow Buntings at 114 on 10th. The Snow Buntings are returned as "old birds resting on the rocks" of 102. Wind in October at date of record, fresh S.W., and in November strong N., at 94, and strong E., haze, at 114.

Alaudidæ.--Larks--A considerable spring migration, but February records are possibly really belonging to past winter movements. We give them here, however:--

15th, Larks at 90, 500 flying south, 9.40 A.M.; snow, calm.

13th, Larks at 93, two on lantern, 2 A.M.; fresh, S.E.

In March, on 7th, four Larks at 114, N. to S.W., clear. On 12th, a number at 93, and 12 at 94; and up to 15th, also at 109. In April, a rush took place on 14th, and leading up to it from the 12th at 93, 94, and 102; wind, light easterly. Again, large numbers on 18th May at 86, and many remain till end of August.

_In Autumn._--A rush, but not very large, at 102 on 16th; fewer on 17th September. A rush again on 17th October at 94, and indications at 90, 94, 102, 109, 113 throughout October, and up to 17th of November. Another rush at 94 on 11th November, and small rush at 102 all forenoon on 16th. Stations 101, 109, 110, and 114 participated, but in a very small degree.

Sturninæ.--Starlings--_In Spring:_ Four days in February, a few only at 101, 110 (Corsewall), 114, between 12th and 23d. Also a few light returns on five days in March, at 93, 109, 114, between 8th and 24th. Bush from 9th to 20th April, principally 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, at 113 (Mull of Galloway)--wind S.E. and S.S.E. and haze--but also rush at 94 (Dhuheartach) on 14th, and on 11th and 20th at 110 (Corsewall). No more records till June 27th, when thirty to forty at 113 (Mull of Galloway), "mixed old and young."

_In Autumn._--Earliest on 15th August at 102; hundreds old and young flying about all day--wind S., clear--and on 19th at 89 (Rona). "Starlings" on 19th August. In September, flocks on four dates--7th, 16th, 18th, and 25th--at 90 (Kyleakin), 112 (Portpatrick), and 113 (Mull of Galloway), almost a rush--"flights," "flock," etc., being itemed. In October, all the month, from 10th to 30th, rush at 94 on 17th (strong E.); rush at 102 on 21st; "great numbers," "flying about from daylight till 10 A.M.," light, east. "Great numbers" on 30th at 109 (Turnberry). In November, 4th to 20th, almost continuous. Such records as "rush all night" on 10th at 94. "Thousands from 10 A.M. till dark" on 16th at 90 (Kyleakin), flying south. "Numbers all morning," 10th (all day), 13th, and 14th, at 102 (Rhinns of Islay). "Numbers" at 110 (Corsewall) on 10th and 11th; and indications at following stations throughout the autumn--89, 90, 102, 93, 94, 101, 102, 108, 109, 110, 112, 113, 114. A most general and abnormally extensive migration. In December, latest 31st to January 1886--20th January, "some" at 102 and 114.

Corvidæ.--In order of abundance in _Spring:_ February (one), March (one), April (four records), May (two). 1. Ravens--Seven on three days in April, 4th, 17th, and 20th; two days in May, 1st and 13th--light S.E., or variable. 2. Grey Crows and Black Crows, one day in February; six birds on March 16th; two on one day in April at 94. Wind easterly.

_In Autumn._--In order of abundance in autumn: Nine months: August (three dates), September (two), October (eleven), November (six). Of _Ravens_, two on 20th and 22d February; seven on 9th September, W. gale. Grey and Black Crows or "Crows," one record on 7th August, "seen flying S.W. at 102; wind E., light clear;" 500 on 17th at 102 of "Crows" flying S.W. to sea, then turned and went N.W. (These large flights _are_ no doubt _Rooks_, not "Crows," not "Carrion Crows," _not_ "Grey Crows.") "Black Crows and Carrion Crows" (_i.e._, I suppose, "Rooks and Carrion Crows."--J. A. H. B.) are also given at 102 in October; wind always easterly. All November, indications, but no great rush. No records in December, but one in January 1886. "A flock of sixty on 25th at 102." Rooks and Jackdaws, few. Stations returning _Corvidæ_ are in order of largest returns--102, far beyond all other stations; 86, 94 (Jackdaws one), 101 (Rooks), 113. Species are in order of numbers--Carrion Crows, Ravens, Rooks, Jackdaw.

Cypselidæ.--29th April, one at 90 noted, and others at 90 again on 15th September, the only records of Swifts.

Cuculidæ.--Cuckoo, first heard 30th April at 90 (Kyleakin) and at 113 (Mull of Galloway). First heard at 101 (Skervuile) on 6th May, at 110 (Corsewall) on 8th May, and on 11th at 108 (Lamlash). No autumn records.

Strigidæ.--Grey Owl.--One large Grey Owl, 17th October, at ______? (omitted in Ledger).

Falconidæ.--April and June. Mostly, no doubt, local visits of "Hawks," "Falcon Hawks," "Sparrow Hawks," at 86, 93, 94 (daily in April). Also in autumn, of the same and Kestrel, and a "Large Hawk" at 102 on 11th November, flying east, wind S.W., haze; and at 98, 102, and 108, in addition to the above stations in spring.

Pelicanidæ.--Spring records less numerous than usual. February, one at 101 on 8th; one at 101 on 27th March; two at 108 on 1st and 4th April, and two at 94 on 14th April; May, three records at 101--14th, 19th, and 29th; and June, four records, all light, at 94, 101, and 114. Curiously, records of Gannets or Solan Geese--as they are called--are seldom numerously returned on this coast. [_N.B._--We would be obliged to our reporters at all the stations if, for next year, they would give up one schedule entirely to Gannets or Solan Geese, and enter daily observations of the species, including their numbers seen, occupation, direction of flights and of wind, hours of appearance and disappearance, etc.] In July a few itemed under three dates--1st, 12th, and 16th to 20th. None in August, September, October, or November, nor January 1886, except one of hundreds at 102, fishing close to rocks, on 16th September, and the record of "Extra Nos." at 102 on 2d October, showing their daily appearance, though not recorded.

Ardeidæ.--Herons: Few records, and none of any significance: one in March on 1st at 114; one in October at 102, on 7th; and one at 102 on 6th December.

Anatidæ.--Grey Geese [I wish I had heads of all the Geese sent me] at 102 on 28th February; belongs, no doubt, to last season. No more records of Geese till autumn: "Large Geese"? September 17th, at 102; "Grey Geese," 10th October, at 102; one "Goose" at 102 on November 11th. Odd records of Barnacle Geese. _Eider Ducks._--April 17th and 21st, at 94 and 102 respectively; also same place, 17th May, "3 [male], 3 [female] flying west." Then in autumn, 25th and 26th September, at 94 and 102.

[After this the dates of arrival and departure will be desired, whether they breed at the station or not, and if any unusual numbers appear. Odd records occur, also, of Teal, Widgeon, and Wild Duck, of little interest, but should, of course, always be returned in schedules. "Swans" are noted at 86 (Monach Isles) on 24th March 1885.]

Columbidæ.--Doves: May records at 90 (Rona) of Wood Pigeons on 21st, and Rock Doves on 28th. _In Autumn._--Only two records in September and December, of twenty-five and twenty respectively, in S.W. wind.

Gallinæ.--One pair Pheasants at 102 on 16th April, lighted on the island at 3 P.M.--an unusual occurrence. _In Autumn._--On 20th October, a Hen Pheasant at 102 again, shot, "rare;" and again two Pheasants at 102, male and female, fresh E. breeze, haze on island. (This looks like determined endeavour to extend range.--J. A. H. B.)

Rallinæ.--21st May, at 88 (Barra Head), fresh N.E., cloudy; 23d May, at 102, "first heard," and one shot, light N. breeze, clear; 24th, at 90 (Kyleakin), "first heard," 8 P.M., rain. _In Autumn._--One at 108 (Lamlash) on 24th October, fresh N.W., clear. One Water Rail on 13th November at 114; killed on dome.

Charadriadæ.--August, one at 109 on 17th--Golden Plover. Grey Plover (identified by wings, J. A. H. B.), at Dhuheartach on 8th September. Very few records of G. Plovers, Oyster Catchers, and most about September 17th at 94, 102, 109.

But Lapwings bulk largely in October and November. Earliest, August 10th; latest, December 15th; rush if discernible: 100 on 20th October; "numbers" about 9th to 11th November at 93, 94, 102, 113, 114.

Scolopacidæ.--January 1885, one at 90 (Kyleakin), belongs to 1884; one at 90 again on 17th February (?); none in March (! ?); April, one on 15th at 94, light S.E. _In Autumn._--October 18th, one at 86, and one at 90; and one at 101 and one at 102 on 9th November. _Curlews:_ Many records as usual, but Ave fear of little value as regards tracing migrations; and a few records of Snipe and Jack Snipe. _Sandpipers:_ Two records in June and October at 101, and one in February, same place.

Laridæ.--Terns: "Terns" at 101 on 22d, 23d, and 24th May, light S.W., clear, and variable. First seen at 114 on June 22d, S.W. breeze (see also under Monach Isles "Diary"). In August, four records at 101 (Skervuile), between 16th and 22d, light N. and N.E. _Gulls:_ April, at 101 and 102, feeding on herring-fry--Kittiwakes, "Gulls," etc. May, Skuas, "Boatswain Birds," Black Headed Gull, on six dates at 93 and 101. Kittiwakes, "Dirty Allans," and Herring Gulls, at 86, 94, and 101 respectively, on 17th, 21st, and 26th June respectively. In July, at 101 and 108, Boatswain Birds, 1st to 14th; at 101, and other scattered records. Ditto, at 101, in August 1st, 4th, and 6th, and 16th, 17th, and 19th and 21st, and a few other Gulls. September, Kittiwakes at 101. In November, "Iceland Gulls" at 94 on 6th and 16th; Boatswain Birds and others at 101. Odd records in December.

_Procellariidæ._--One record--one caught at 86 (Monach Isles) on 5th September. One, "rare here," at 114 on 13th November.

Colymbidæ.--G. N. Divers occur every month except October and December; at 101 in February, March, April, May, and November; at 90 in March, August; at 86 on 5th September; and in November at 89, 93, 94, 101, 102, 114. The above are nearly all single records, or at most a pair.

Alcidæ.--"Tysties" at 101, 12th April, and Scarts; and the former on 11th May at 101. Thousands at 102 of Puffins, October 15th, 1885. Other records very light.

WEST COAST OF ENGLAND AND WALES, AND THE ISLE OF MAN.

Schedules were sent to the forty-eight lighthouses and light-vessels on the West Coast of England and Wales, and the Isle of Man, and returns have been received from twenty-nine.

The following is an enumeration of the stations included in this section of the Report, those making returns being marked by an asterisk:--

No. on Map.

Isle of Man.

115. L.H. Point of Ayre. 116. L.H. Douglas Head. * 117. L.H. Langness, Robt. Clyne. * 118. L.H. Chickens Rock, James Black. 119. L.V. Bahama Bank.

N. W. England.

* 120. L.H. St Bees, Henry Nott. * 121. L.V. Selker, Geo. Cumming. 122. L.V. Morecambe Bay. * 123. L.V. Dee, Messrs Work and Clague.

North Wales.