Part 2

_N. Unst._--John Nichol (principal), J. J. Morrison, Robert Agnew, and John Down (assistants), send in three well-filled schedules. J. N. in a note says: "Wood's Natural History, second edition, would be very useful to us here." Amongst rarities, a Wryneck, obtained on 9th September (see under species). "About 5th September all Puffins, Marrots, Kittiwakes, and Guillemots disappeared. Puffins and Mosscheepers (probably Rock Pipits, J. A. H. B.) breed on the rock, and a Gull or two. Falcon Hawk on the island ashore, and visits the rock in search of small birds. No Swans seen as in former years in November and December. I was told a great flock was seen at Lerwick going north early in November. Since my arrival at this station in July last from Dhuheartach, not a single Eider Duck was seen. Only birds we see now are from the shore (December 26, 1885), _viz._, Starlings, Sparrow Hawks, Crows; a few Gulls flying about; Solan Geese all away."--Signed J. N.

_Sumburgh Head._--James Youngclause (principal), Robert Gifford (assistant). During the summer a great number of Gulls breed in the cliffs. Also large numbers of Guillemots, Razorbills, which arrive first and second week of August. Also lots of Starlings and Grey Linnets, but these and the Gulls remain the whole year. Under date of 16th January 1886, Mr Y. writes: "Birds have been very scarce; not one stranger since the 27th November." Two schedules.

_North Ronaldshay._--John Tulloch (principal). Two schedules. Gannets began flying north about the 18th April.

_Auskerry._--John M'Donald (principal). Three well-filled schedules.

_Pentland Skerries._--Signed by John Gilmour (assistant). Eleven very full schedules. Mr Gibson (principal), Mr Frazer, and Mr M'Gee are all much interested in the subject. They have been supplied with a copy of C. A. Johns' "British Birds in their Haunts," published by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. Harvie-Brown visited Pentland Skerries in July 1885. "Skerries" is a misnomer for the larger island. It is a lovely island, richly grassed, feeds twenty sheep on 114 acres; very level, fine turf, rich in daisies and buttercups, producing lovely milk, and admirably situated to intercept migration. Elsewhere an account of the birds seen there in summer will be incorporated.[2] Pentland Skerries, along with Isle of May, as usual, shared the heaviest rushes and returns, and Bell Rock very fully participated. The rush seemed to be about the middle of October, continuing, but not so heavily, through that month, and increasing again up to the middle of November. On the 11th November our reporters say: "Never saw so many Fieldfares flying round the light" as to-night.

[Footnote 2: Vertebrate Fauna of Shetland, Caithness, and West Cromarty, by T. E. Buckley and J. A. Harvie-Brown, in press. There can scarcely be a doubt that this station would quickly rival the "Isle of May" in rarities, if the men had equal facilities of obtaining specimens. If they had guns, also, they might add largely to their stock of wholesome fresh food.]

_Dunnet Head._--David Laidlaw (principal) sent one schedule. Visited by H.-B. in 1885. It is easily understood why it is not a good station, notwithstanding the favourable description of light. The light is 346 feet above the sea, and does not face clear to eastward except upon the horizon, a great cliff top intercepting the downward rays at a distance of at least 100 yards from the tower.

_Holborn Head._--No return. Visited by H.-B. in 1885. The position is decidedly bad, being quite too land-locked both to east and west. I had a long chat with Mr Charles Christian, the second light-keeper, but did not see Mr Charleston, the principal. Mr Christian told me that not a bird has appeared at the lights since he came last year in May. He was at Cantick Head, another station utterly unfrequented by birds.--(Extract from H.-B.'s Journal.)

_Noss Head._--No return. Visited by H.-B. in 1885. Mr Greig (principal) has been here eleven years, and reported that scarcely a land-bird has ever been known to strike the dome or light, or "been observed on migration day or night" (_sic_). Noss Head Light lies open to the N.N.E., E.S.E., and S.S.E., and is only 175 feet above the sea (Pentland Skerries Light is 170 feet, and Isle of May 240 feet); and no land interruptions occur. Nevertheless, it utterly fails to attract birds, as, indeed, do most stations with an abrupt and precipitous coast, for reasons which we think are almost self-evident.--(See General Remarks.)

_Cromarty._--Robt. S. Ritson (principal) sends one schedule. He says: "No birds struck lantern during the year. Rather more birds observed than in 1884. Pervading winds were again westerly from January to April, but between May and October easterly; but the change of wind brought no accessions of birds. Land-locked station.

_Chanonry._--John M'Gill (principal) and Wm. Irvine (assistant) send one light schedule, and the remarks: "There is no difference from the remarks of other years. The migration this year seems to be for the purposes of feeding. No certain migration observable." Mr M'Gill, however, goes on to say; "The Sand Martins, when congregated on Major M'Kenzie's yacht-rigging from the bowsprit up to the mast, and down to the end of the jib-boom, made a curious sight, when lying at anchor." This was on the 24th August 1885.

_Bell Rock._--James Jack (principal) sends as usual carefully and well-filled schedules, quite among the best received. Under date of 16th October, at the time of a rush, Mr Jack has the following general remarks: "Birds began to arrive at 7.30 P.M., striking lightly and flying off again; unable to tell of what species. Numbers went on increasing till midnight, when it seemed that a vast flock had arrived, as they now swarmed in the rays of light, and, striking hard, fell dead on balcony, or rebounded off and went over the rail, falling into the sea. At 3 A.M. another flock seemed to have arrived, as the numbers now increased in density; at the same time, all kinds crowded on to the lantern windows, trying to force their way to the light. The noise they made shrieking and battering the windows, etc., baffles description. The birds were now apparently in thousands. Nothing ever seen here like it by us keepers. Wherever there was a light visible in the building, they tried to force their way to it. The bedroom windows being open as usual for air all night, they got in there and put the bedroom light out. All birds went off at 6 A.M., going W.S.W. Redwings were most in numbers; Starlings came next. Blackbirds, Fieldfares, and Larks." The later rush in November seems to have taken place entirely at night also: "No birds were seen throughout the daylight of the 11th and 12th November, and the movement ceased at midnight of the 12th," when the wind became strong from S.W. All birds visiting here between October 18 till December 12 were composed of both old and young, also male and female; but young birds most in number. Many hundreds lost their lives.

_Inchkeith._--Robt. Grierson sends a schedule with the following diary: "During the night of the 5th September a small flock of birds was observed hovering around the lantern at 11 P.M., wind W., light breeze and haze, and two young Stonechats were caught." At midnight, also, two more; and other small movements are given.

_Fidra._--William Ross. Arrival of the Solan Geese noted on March 27; also Eider Ducks. Mr Ross sends two well-filled schedules, but is disappointed with the results. He need not we think, as Fidra lies somewhat land-locked and out of the stream. We are much obliged to him for the first Schedules from the new Firth of Forth Station. Mr Ross writes under date of July 24: "Solan Geese, Gulls, and all sea birds have deserted our island entirely. About a dozen sparrows are now our only feathered visitors;" and on Aug. 4th--"Having been on the mainland, I was quite surprised to see the numerous and varied flocks of many kinds of birds, not one of which came near our island."

_Isle of May._--J. Agnew (principal), Messrs Young and Anderson (assistants), send twenty full schedules, indicating a very heavy migration, past this favoured isle. At present a staff of men are busy putting in electric light machinery here. It will be curious to watch the result next season.

New occurrences continually turn up at Isle of May, and this year we have to record amongst rarities and acquisitions the Common Dotterel (_Endromias morinellus_, L.), the Red Backed Shrike (_Lanius collurio_), and Ortolan Bunting (_Emberiza hortulana_)--two specimens obtained. Also Turtle Dove (_Columba turtur_, L.)--one shot; and the Dipper was obtained for the first time, though it had been seen before, as stated in previous reports. It proved to be the British form. Specimens of these are added to the collection at Isle of May. We gave earlier notice of the first three above enumerated, in the _Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society_, Edinburgh, as we belong to that class of naturalists who do not believe in withholding facts until they become rusty. To do so may be useful for selfish motives and personal _kudos_, but is not calculated to promote further study, and is, indeed, calculated to delay it.

Continuous E. winds at the beginning of May caused a vast rush on 2d to 4th May of many species. Mr Agnew writes: "The long tact of S.E. wind has brought an extraordinary 'rush' of birds to the island yesterday (on the 3d) and to-day; the night of the 2d, and all day of the 3d, was constant rain and fog. For a day or two previous to the 3d, we had a few birds, and some strangers; but they were only the heralds of the great army. I have seen something like it in the 'fall,' but never in the spring. These last two days we have 'birds; birds everywhere.' I think I have identified them all, except the three mentioned inside. If you had been here to-day, what a bag you would have made."--Signed J. A., 4th May 1885.

In the schedule Mr Agnew says:--

"3d May.--An extraordinary rush of migrants to-day; never seen anything like it in spring. To attempt to give numbers is simply useless. I will just give you the names in succession. I can't spare a line for each.--Fieldfares, Redwings, Ring Ouzels, Blackbirds, Lapwings, Dotterels, Rock Pigeons, Hawk, Meadow Pipits, Redstarts, Whinchats, Tree Sparrows, Yellow Wagtails, Ortolan Bunting (obtained), Robins, Chiff-Chaffs, Wood Warbler, Black Cap Warbler, Marsh Tit, Whitethroats, and Pied Flycatchers." And on 4th still increased in numbers, but wind shifted this morning to E. from S.E.

Mr Agnew mentions also "a bird" he has "often reported," a "grey bird with a white feather each side of the tail, and larger than a pipit, kind of slate colour, light streak through eye, black hood over its head." And another; "colour of Tree Sparrow, but smaller grey white belly, slate-coloured head; never seen the latter before."

In autumn Mr Agnew says: "Up to 14th October migration was very meagre,--something like last year, and from the same cause; gales of wind from the W. and N.E. That we have any at all shows how determined the birds are to keep their usual time of migration, even when under great difficulties."

Under date of Oct. 17th--"A great rush of migrants at Isle of May "--Mr Agnew has the remarks: "The Woodcock was killed on the S.E. side, and the other birds on the N.W. side. Thus the migrants have been exactly meeting one another; and this is just as I would have expected,--the Woodcocks _coming_ to us, and the others _leaving_ us. It would appear as if they were all waiting a favourable opportunity to go. Seventeen Woodcocks were shot during the day on the 17th Oct. on Isle of May."--J. A. The birds striking the N.W. side consisted of Redwings, Larks, Starlings, Blackbirds, Chaffinches, Whinchats, Chiff-Chaffs, Willow Warblers, Golden Crests, one Crow, and the rush continued over the 18th. These birds, striking the N.W. side, no doubt reached our shores further north, and were "coasting," or, as we have remarked in previous reports (as in the case of Woodpigeons and Larks), were crossing the Firth of Forth from north-westerly directions to southeasterly ones. The wind at the time of this migration was light E. The Woodcock would thus travel at fair advantage, and strike the S.E. side; and the other birds which struck the N.W. would have a still more favourable flight, with the wind _beam on the left shoulders_.

We consider these remarks by Mr Agnew most valuable, as bearing out previous experience in a remarkable manner.

Again, under date of 10th Nov., Mr Agnew writes: "Thousands of Fieldfares, etc., etc. The vast rush to-day were flying exactly in the same direction as the great rush of the 17th Oct., and had it been at night, the lantern would have been swarming, and they would have struck it exactly on the N.W. side as before; wind S., but very nearly calm. The birds were flying high in the air; a few lighted, but immediately went on again direct S.E. I never saw anything like it in daylight before. There were also blackbirds, male and female, on the island to-day, but the males predominating."

Again, on the 26th Nov., Mr Agnew writes: "10 A.M., S.E. gale. Two Woodcocks shot. This gale came on at 9 A.M. on the 23d, and is still increasing, and the glass falling. It is now 4 P.M., and the glass 29·05. There has been nothing like this from the S.E. for years. The barometer fell to 28·65 on the night of the 26th."

Separate Report under Genera and Species.

Turdidæ.--_Spring._--In February indication of Fieldfares on 23d and 26th, and with S.W. gale at Isle of May on 22d, 23d, and 27th, an unusual experience here to appear so frequently as they have done. A few also appeared 2d, 3d, 4th, and a good many on 9th, with N.W. winds. Again a few March 15th, 18th, and 24th at Isle of May. In April, only one record. Isle of May; but in May, flocks and stragglers for first three weeks at Pentland Skerries; prevailing winds, N.E.; no very strongly defined "rush," only on one day, flocks at Isle of May. A few unimportant movements of other _Turdidæ_, _viz._, Song Thrush, Redwing at Stations VII., VIII., XIV., and XXVII. The Ring Ouzel is noted at Pentland Skerries, but marked as "very rare here" (20th April), and again May 2d and onwards for several days.

_In Autumn._--An early movement of Song Thrushes, July 4th and 17th, at Pentland Skerries; wind variable on 4th, and light N.W. on 17th, and one bird at Isle of May on 27th. Unimportant again at Isle of May in Aug. 13th and 18th, and ditto in September at same station. _First_ Fieldfares on 29th, with light W. wind; but in October real migration set in of _Turdidæ_, earliest as usual at Isle of May; on 8th a Fieldfare (wind shifting from N. to S.W.) followed by a single bird. First record of Redwing again at Pentland Skerries, with light N.N.E. airs, an apparent rush of which at same place between 26th and 31st. Flocks and intermittent movements all the month from 8th to end, of all three species. November, however, bulks largest from Stations IV,, VII., VIII., IX., X., XIV., XV., and XXVII., during the whole month. Fieldfares predominating far beyond the numbers of other _Turdidæ_. Whilst many "flocks" are recorded all through the schedules south of VIII. (N. Ronaldshay) to XIV. (Pentland Skerries), and even appearances at XV, (Dunnet Head), fewer records are given north of VIII., and none occur between XV. and XXVII. (Isle of May). A rush is only very decidedly shown at Isle of May on 10th, when thousands of Fieldfares and other Thrushes round station at 9.30 A.M., with a S. wind, and flew on southwards. On the 17th there is a "rush" recorded of Redwings at XXVII. at 1 A.M., light E. haze--six killed. Immense numbers of the several species of _Turdidæ_,--_viz._, Fieldfares, Song Thrushes, Redwings, but curiously we do not find a single entry of Blackbirds anywhere during the whole Autumn Migration, which extended all through December and January, though in smaller numbers as compared with November. Prevailing wind all October, northerly and easterly; south-easterly and easterly in November, but the rush came with due S. wind. When westerly winds occurred, as usual fewer records. In December, winds various, but more westerly than November, but in January again back to E.[3]

[Footnote 3: _Addition to List of Birds of the Isle of May._--Dipper (_Cinclus aquaticus_, L.), the British form--shot April 22d, 10 A.M., light west haze--now in Collection at Isle of May, under curatorship of Mr J. Agnew.]

Saxicolinæ.--_Spring_, confined to April and May. Records from VIII. (North Ronaldshay), XIV. (Pentland Skerries), and XXVII. (Isle of May) of Wheatears, Whinchats, and Redstarts. The "Stonechats" of the N. Ronaldshay Schedule are probably Wheatears, a rush of which took place there on April 4th--the earliest record--at twelve noon; wind light south. Wheatears arrived pretty numerously at XXVI I. , to breed there, on 20th April. Earliest Redstart at XIV., with strong S.S.E. wind and fog, marked "rare," on 29th April; but earliest at XXVII. on the 18th, one [male], light west, and haze. Towards the end of May Redstarts appeared in very small numbers; again at XIV., and two Whinchats.

_In Autumn._--Early departure of the old Wheatears from XXVII. (Isle of May), before 22d July. This is noted as earlier than usual by Mr Agnew. One bird noted at XIV. (Pentland Skerries) on 23d August, with N.N.E. and driving rain.

Earliest southward movement of Redstart at XIV. on 14th August--a single bird--wind N.W.; seen on island. At IV. (N. Unst) a "rush" of Redstarts and Wheatears at night, wind light S.W., on 9th September. At XXVII. a few old males on 18th September, followed by mixed old and young on following day. Redstarts at IV. on 3d October, and a rush of Whinchats at Isle of May at 1 A.M.--wind S.E., haze. Single record of Whinchat in November at XXVII., and "Stonechats" at XXVIII. B. The new station of Fidra, in the Firth of Forth, a single bird. On 22d July most of the old Wheatears had left Isle of May--"an early date for them to leave."--J. A.

Silviinæ.--_In Spring_, earliest Robin record on 13th and 17th February at XXVII. (Isle of May)--"the first for a long time." Latest spring record, also at XXVII., on 15th May. Most seen on 13th April, at XXVII., N.N.E.; and several all day on XIV. (Pentland Skerries), strong S.E., on 8th April. Cromarty sends one return of Robin on 2d May. _Willow Warbler_--earliest, 29th April, at Isle of May; and Wood Warbler at same place on 2d May, with strong S.E., fog and rain. _Whitethroat_ at Isle of May, with light S. and S.E., between 13th and 24th--an indication of a rush lighting on S.E. side of lantern, with light N.W., and rain on 24th.

_Autumn._--Species observed were Robin and Whitethroat; Robin most prevalent, Whitethroat next. Earliest Robin at N. Unst, 26th July; latest, 28th November, at I. of Fidra (but as this might only be local, take latest at Dunnet on 14th, or Isle of May on 12th). If any rush noticeable, about the 17th September.

Phylloscopinæ.--Gold Crests are recorded in April 12th and 13th, and 20th and 23d at XXVII.; few on the two first dates, rush on the last, with W.S.W., and fog and drizzling rain. No other records from any part of E. Coast in any spring month. Wood Warblers, 8th to 24th May; a "great rush" all night on the 9th, with snow and hail showers, and wind N.W. to N.E.; and again all night on 18th, with rain, hail, and snow from N.E. [We can remember, on the 10th May, snow lay on the banks of Spey two inches deep at Aberlour.--J. A. H. B.] Two Chiff-Chaffs are also noted on 20th. All the above at XXVII. (Isle of May), and no other spring records of Phylloscopinæ.

_In Autumn._--Earliest Chiff-Chaff, 27th July, at XXVII., 11 A.M., E., light fog; and again between the 12th and 24th August. Numbers on 13th, and number of males on 24th. On 13th, N.W. wind, strong, clear. Also, on 15th, a _Willow Warbler_--light haze, struck S.E. side, light W. wind; and a _Wood Warbler_ on the 24th--a fine male. In September, a single Willow Warbler from N. Unst, light N.W., on 15th; and a few _Gold Crests_ at XXVII. on 1st, and again on 17th and 19th--the latter amongst the rocks on the E. side--light S.W. A rush of Chiff-Chaffs on 17th October at XXVII., light E., haze and rain--and Willow Warbler; and then, on 18th and 19th, Gold Crests all night. Latest date of autumn migration of Phylloscopinæ is of Chiff-Chaffs, on November 4th, at XXVII.

Accentorinæ.--The only records are in October 1885, at XXVII., on 7th and 19th. Two or three pairs are breeding there this summer, and of late years it has become resident, "a good few having been here all the winter."--J. A.

Acrocephalinæ.--In September, on the 5th, between 8 and 10 P.M., there was a rush of many species over the island of XXVII., amongst which were Reed and Sedge Warblers striking, also Whitethroats. [What were named with a query "Immature Blue-Throated Warblers" turned out to be immature Redstarts--J. A. H. B.] Of the Reed Warblers recorded, when asked, Mr Agnew, distinguishing from the Sedge Warbler, says: "I have your card about the Reed Warblers, and should they appear again, I will try and procure specimens; but there seems no doubt as to their presence here during the rush of Warblers reported in the last Schedule."

Troglodytidæ.--Autumn of 1884, a few still seen on Isle of May in beginning of January 1885. Spring of 1885, one at XXVII. (Isle of May) on 10th, and at XIV. (Pentland Skerries) reported as being about the rocks there all winter.[4] At VII. (Sumburgh Head), one all day going about dykes--no doubt, a resident of the adjoining mainland. (A "Yellow Wren," also at same place, may be either Willow _Wren_ or _Willow Warbler_, or a Gold Crest?) This was on 31st March.

[Footnote 4: It does not appear whether the Wren is resident in Pentland Skerries every winter, but it was certainly so in 1884-5. (See above.)]

_In Autumn._--Earliest record at Pentland Skerries, September 20th, seen in garden. In October, records from N. Unst, 27th--S.W., light breeze (!!), clear--flying round rocks. [_N.B._--This record seems to us to make it very desirable that specimens of the Common Wrens, or their feet and wings, but better the whole birds, be sent us for examination from this Station. We would like to see specimens, shot or otherwise, obtained in summer, and also specimens obtained in October or during the Autumn Migration. It might settle a very interesting question. A little carbolic acid would preserve them quite well, if dried after in the sun, or in the oven, or gradually in the kitchen.] A good few records run through October, but no large numbers--at Unst (XIV.) and XXVII.; and the same remark applies in November. The last noted is in January 1886 at XXVII.--"a few"--and the one before, at XIV., on 27th December, "seen on island." It is always remarkable to observe the near proximities of dates between occurrences at Isle of May and Pentland Skerries.

Motacillidæ.--The only month in the year, from January to December, in which no return is made by Wagtails, is July 1885. All the entries are under "Wagtail." [_N.B._--We would like to receive a good many Wagtails from all Stations in every month if possible. A little carbolic acid would preserve them.]