Part 3

The _first_ spring Wagtail is recorded at XXVII. (Isle of May) on 24th February, S.W. The last at same place on May 23d, but the species breeds there. April is the busiest month in Wagtails. A "rush" at N. Ronaldshay on April 4th. Next last date is at Fidra (XXVIII. B.), flying about feeding. A record from Dunnet Head says; "1st May.--Wagtails seen daily till end of July; breed about the cliffs," etc. The _Yellow Wagtail_ is recorded from XXVII. on 8th May. If it had a black breast and very long tail, its right name is "Grey Wagtail," though yellow. If short tail, and very bright yellow, it is the true _Yellow Wagtail, or Rays'_, a much rarer bird in Scotland. Was it the same as one Mr G. E. P. and H.-B. shot on Isle of May in October 1884?

_In Autumn._--"Wagtails" begin to be observed on 17th July at XIV., and in about equal numbers in August (three dates in each month). Increase a little in September, and show indication of movement at XXVII. on 26th and 29th (old and young on 26th, and mostly old on 29th), only four dates at XIV. and XXVII., two at each. Two dates in October at XXVIII.; 1st and 8th unimportant; and three in December at same place--24th, 20th, and 26th. Noted, "These are extraordinary occurrences;" and the one on 25th, "had very little white upon it."--J. Agnew.

Motacillidæ 2.--Pipits.--First Spring Meadow Pipits at XXVII.--a single bird; light N.E., clear on 10th March, and "a number" on 18th; gale from W. for two days. Wind changed to N.E. at 5 A.M. In April, at XXVI. (Bell Rock), on 17th and 18th; wind S.E., fog. _Rock Pipits._--At XXVII. (Isle of May), an increase over residents observed on 4th April, and more arrived to breed on 20th. Further increase on 2d May.

_In Autumn._--Meadow Pipit ("Mosscheeper") at N. Unst, 7 P.M.; fresh N.W[1]. breeze and showers; and at XXVII. "mostly left" by 14th. A rush on 9th September of "Mosscheepers" at IV. (N. Unst) at night; wind S.W., light haze. Also at X. Ronaldshay "a number" of Rock Pipits arrived on 4th September, "and remain all winter." At XXVII., old and young mixed on 19th September. Last record of Meadow Pipits at IV., 1st November, and of Rock Pipits at XXVI. (Bell Rock), on 22d November.

Laniadæ.--One Red-Backed Shrike at XXVII. on 5th May, 1·9 A.M.; light N.E., clear, _obtained_;--_in mus._, Isle of May.

Muscicapidæ.--_Spring._--Earliest at XXVII. On May 1st and 2d, three _Pied Flycatchers_ arrived at 4 P.M. on 1st, stayed 2d, and others seen till 6th or 7th--a good number; wind S.E., haze and rain. Also on 2d, several all day resting on XIV. (Pentland Skerries). Numbers again on 20th and 21st at same place, and numbers, also including one old male, on 23d, and up to 24th. No other records in spring.

_In Autumn._--One female Pied Flycatcher, at XIV.; light E., and thick haze. On 3d, numbers all day. At XXVII., some on 24th October; strong E., clear. _Spotted Flycatcher_ at XXVII. One seen 11 A.M.; strong S.W., clear.

_Addition to Isle of May, as above._--Red-Backed Shrike (_L. collurio_, L.), May 5th, 9 A.M.; light N.E., clear. Shot;--_in mus._, Isle of May, Curator, J. Agnew.

Hirundinidæ.--_Spring._--Very heavy returns of Swallows, commencing lightly on 10th April; a few seen at N. Ronaldshay; E.N.E., light clear; and on the 19th, at XXVII., one with the remark, "this is early." First seen at XXVIII. B. (Fidra) on 24th. At X. (Auskerry) "flocks remain till 14th June;" came with S.E.S. and N.E. winds. Records numerous from X., XIV., XV., XIX., XXVII., and XXVIII. B. First seen at XIV. on 14th May. No great appearance of a "rush." Seen more or less all June at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May, but no June records from other stations.

_In Autumn._--5th July at XIV., and of Martins 6th to 12th and 16th. One Swallow at Isle of May on 14th. All August Martins and Swallows, and a "rush" of latter at XXVII. on 24th; light W., clear. _Latest._--One Swallow and one Martin at XXVII. on 7th October.

Fringillidæ.--Every month in the year, more or less of different species, as follows, in order of greatest numbers: Grey and Green Linnets in February, March, April, and again in June; and House and Tree Sparrows in May, and odd ones of the former during the other spring months. Chaffinches scarce, and single records in February, March, April, May; one each month, all at XXVII. (Isle of May). Twenty Tree Sparrows in a flock, at XXVII., on 29th May; and daily large flock of Sparrows at Fidra on 16th and 23d. Sparrow "rare" on XIV., seen April 23d.

_In Autumn._--Large flock of Heather Linties (Twites) at Start Point all the month of July. Grey Linnets (or perhaps these are Twites?) at XIV. (Pentland Skerries), 27th July. In August, Sparrows at N. Unst; N.N.W., fog. Grey Linnets (or Twites?) at XIV,, end of August; N.E. Only one record in September at XIV.; none elsewhere, but October bulks larger. Only stations sending any returns are XIV. and XXVII. in October. Movement slack in first week, bulking largest 16th and 17th. Rush of _Chaffinches_, _Linnets_, a few _Redpoles_ on 14th, and a few _Siskins_ on 30th October.

_In November, up to 23d._--Chaffinches at N. Unst on 3d--light N.W., rain--and on 4th at XXVII. Green Linnets at N. Unst on 19th November, and at VII. (Sumburgh Head) on 12th. Numbers on 5th at XIV. all day, fresh W., clear; and also on XXVII., same day, a few; light W., clear. Latest record of Green Linnets, December 18th; but Grey Linnets on 18th January 1886, and Redpoles (three) on 23d, at XXVII.

We have overlooked also a few stray records of "Bramblings" on 6th and 7th April, at XXVII.; strong E. winds.

Emberizidæ.--_In Spring_, Snow Buntings. One seen on February 7th at XXVII., and five on 27th; a number on 20th March at N. Ronaldshay on the island. Gale: sleet--twenty-three struck and seven killed. In April two flying about the rocks at Sumburgh Head on 6th--_the_ latest record of the species in spring.

One _Reed Bunting_ at Pentland Skerries on February 27th; S. gale and haze on island. Few records of Yellow Bunting in February and March, and at XXVII. equally scarce. Only occasional also in April anywhere, and same to June. _Common_ Bunting, first single bird at XIV. on 18th; odd records till June on six dates till that time. Winds prevailing from N.E. through E. to S.E. (very likely local movements).

_In Autumn._--Snow Buntings returned only from XIV. and XXVII. in October, but in November at IV., VII., VIII., X., XIV., XV., XXVII. all through the month, but not heavily as compared with other years. Rush at VIII. (N. Ronaldshay), with S.E. gale; "flocks" frequent at XIV., XV., not abundant at XXVII. during November. In September, a few odd records only at VII. (Sumburgh Head) and XXVII. (Isle of May). No records later than November 28th. One record of Common Bunting at XIV. on 13th November. No records in autumn of any other species.

_Addition to Isle of May List._--Ortolan Buntings: Two specimens--one shot 12.30 P.M.; light S.E., clear, thick fog and heavy rain all night. Named by Mr Agnew correctly.--J. A. H. B. Mr Agnew adds under 29th May: "There are two Ortolan Buntings, three Tree Sparrows, and one female Redstart on the island since the 23d April."

Alaudidæ.--_Spring Migration._--In February records from XIV. and XXVII. only; one single bird from the former on 14th, but a rush at the latter on 17th, at 1 A.M. Light E., rain and haze; three killed. Continuing in numbers on 18th, four killed and many wounded. Curiously no records from Bell Rock on these dates or in this month. Likely the wind too much due E. Fewer on 26th, but an increase again on 27th. At Bell Rock, however, one bird on 15th, and three on 19th only. Stragglers only from the direct wave. We are more than ever convinced of the influence of the wave from Heligoland _not_ extending much beyond Isle of May and Bell Rock. A new light will soon be on the light vessel of the Carr Rock, off the East Neuk of Fife; and we are in hopes that a good observer will be stationed there, who has had personal experience and knowledge of birds before. On 13th March only one record at Bell Rock; on 11th only two at XXVII. and one at Pentland Skerries.

In April "Crested Larks" are entered, and a previous entry of the same is given on March 11th, both from XXVII. (Isle of May. [We would like to have examined these, and added the _real_ Crested Lark to the Isle of May Museum.] Not many records in April.

_In Autumn._--A few flying round the light on 24th August at N. Unst. Desultory movements at N. Unst in September.

In October about the 15th, 16th, 18th, an appearance of a "rush," or an actual "rush" on 18th at VIII. (N. Ronaldshay), and on 14th at XXVII. (Isle of May). At former 40 struck. E.S.E. wind. At latter "large numbers," with a S.W. gale, sleet. These no doubt are blown _off the land_. Latest date 18th. But reports in newspapers of immense gatherings of Larks near Dundee, St Andrews, and Midlothian and elsewhere, in January and again in March, being only, no doubt, local congregations caused by frost and snow in Scotland.

Sturninæ.--All returns for spring light. Earliest, February 9th at XXVII., and 11th at XIV. From 16th to 20th light returns, flock on 18th. By the 11th March breeding birds had arrived and taken up their haunts on XXVII., and about the same time an odd bird or two were seen resting on rocks of XXVI. (Bell Rock). Wind light westerly. As no records occur at Bell Rock at any other time in spring this year, even these odd birds occurring just at the time of arrivals elsewhere are significant perhaps of the general movement, these birds no doubt having overshot the land. Odd records in April at Fidra; a pair breeding there in May.

_In Autumn._--Earliest movement noticed at XXVII. "Large flocks of young birds, strangers." No records anywhere in September. In October movements noted at IV, (N. Unst) between 11th and 25th. On 11th flocks flying east, with light S.E. wind and haze. Only one record at XXVI. (Bell Rock) on 8th October. Rush decided at XXVII. on 17th, with strong E., rain and haze; two killed. Small movements at IV, VII, (Sumburgh Head), and XXVII. in November, and a few up to end of January 1886.

Corvidæ.--Earliest spring record of Rooks at XIV. (Pentland Skerries). Strong N.W. wind on 28th February. Rooks are recorded from the following stations:--VIII. (N. Ronaldshay), XIV, XXVII. (Isle of May); but all returns are very light indeed. In the first week in March a slight rush apparent at Sumburgh Head of Black and Hooded Crows--on 1st 50, on 6th 18, light N. to N.E.; and a few almost every day at XXVII. at same time. Records of Carrion and Hooded Crows are from VII. (Sumburgh Head), VIII., XIV., and XXVII. Earliest 1st March; latest 29th April. From three or four to eight or ten daily; long straggling migration.

_Jackdaws_ at XIV. on 25th, and 26th two, light W.N.W,, clear; and at same place seven on 8th June and one on 13th, no doubt visitors from either the Caithness coast or from Orkney.

_Autumn._--Similar movements of _Black Crows_ at IV, on 30th July, and at XIV. on 20th, 26th, two or three each time, Carrion Crows and Hooded Crows reported in autumn from IV., VIII., XIV., XXVII., XXVIII. B. (Fidra) in a pretty continuous and steady, though never heavy, stream, massing largest at IV. and at XIV., two, three, four, to once twelve (on 11th September at IV.) being the daily number observed. Dating from 1st record, 26th July, at XIV., to latest record, January 26th, 1886, one bird at XXVII., with easterly and northerly gale. _Rooks_--Infinitesimal movement; only two records, one in June and one in December, both at IV. _Ravens_--Small number. Two at IV. on 22d August, eight at IV. on 5th September, strong E., haze, feeding on rock; and two on 20th October at same place. Four _Jackdaws_ stopped a few days at N. Ronaldshay from the 6th November.

Cypselidæ.--At N. (Auskerry) flocks of Swifts seen on 1st May, with the note "rarely seen till the middle of June, wind N. and N.E., showers." Again seen at XXVII. on June 5th and 17th. We ourselves witnessed a party of Swifts migrating close along the cliff-edge of Holborn Head, on the N. coast of Caithness--"seven seen flying E., swiftly careering above the cliff-edge of Holborn, and crossing in a direct line the Bay of Thurso" (extract from Journal, 28th June 1885). We witnessed also eight evidently still bent on migration, "flying in a bee-line down Strathspey, high in air, at 11 A.M., near Black Boats station. Clouds, heavy rains, showers, and N.W. wind" (_loc. cit._, May 16th, 1885). There is undoubtedly a great highway of migration up and down the valley of the Spey, We have abundant evidence of it.

In Autumn.--One record at IV. Two seen on 11th September, light S., clear.

Jynginæ.--Mr Agnew very ably describes the Wryneck as follows, and it was afterwards identified and added to collection, and the tail, which had been shot away, was recovered afterwards by chance by Mr Wm. Evans, and restored to the specimen. Mr Agnew writes, and we give it as showing how accurately to describe a bird for purposes of identification:

"One bird, total stranger; very like a Partridge in markings; size of a Lark; 4 toes on feet, 2 before and 2 behind; fore toes largest; one of the hind toes not so large as the other; bill about the size of a Pipit's; tongue protruding more than an inch, thickly covered with fine hairs; ¼-inch of the tip horn, sharp as a needle. Don't know what it is unless Ant-eater. Very sorry tail shot away. Sent to Small for the Collection."--J. Agnew.

Cuculidæ.--April 26th, an early date of arrival, flew low from Dirleton woods towards XXVIII. B. (Fidra); light S. breeze. In May, on 10th, at Cromarty, fresh N.E., showers; on 16th at XXVII., fresh W.N.W.; and on 28th at same station, moderate S.W., clear. No autumn records.

Strigidæ.--No spring returns. _In Autumn._--Short-Eared Owls recorded from XXVII. (Isle of May), one of 9th October, 6 P.M., N.W.; one 14th, N.E. gale; and one _shot_ on 31st. The only other record is at IX. (Start Point), when "an Owl made its first appearance on the 6th November."

Falconidæ.--Hawks, Sparrow Hawks, large Hawks, and Kestrel bulk pretty regularly, mostly, however, single birds at XIV. and XXVII. in spring. Many daily records no doubt refer to the same bird seen over and over again, especially when such relate to Sparrow Hawks and Kestrels. Such visits are no doubt only of local origin. "Large Hawks" at XXVII. are not Peregrine Falcons, as such are well known to Mr Agnew, but probably Buzzards or Harriers. One shot on 11th April unfortunately fell into the sea and was not recovered. A "Dark-Brown Hawk" also noted on 11th March at Isle of May.

_In Autumn._--In August many local visits paid to flights of small birds at most insular stations sending returns, especially at IV., X., XIV., and XXVII. Falcons, Hawks, "large and small," few in September, none in October recorded, and a few in November. In former years three Eagles used to be seen regularly; are now believed to have been killed out at IV., and we know that orders and rewards have been given to the gamekeeper there for their destruction, as well as all "vermin."

Pelecanidæ.--Solan Geese.--Commencing in spring on 26th March, three seen flying east at XIV, strong N. wind. We may state here that winds seem to affect their passage very little at all times. Began to appear flying N. past VIII. (N. Ronaldshay) on April 18th, and flying east past XIV, 14th, 15th, and 20th--winds S.W. to S.S.E., and back to S.W., on the three dates respectively. An April "flock," and "flocks all day," by the 26th. Before that, usually in afternoons, and not in forenoons. In June "the number of Gannets flying, usually N. past VIII., increasing;" 10th, 19th, 20th, 25th, "flock," "flocks," "several flocks," "three." July to September, constant in "flights" of two to twelve. On September 4th, in haze and fog, flying N. past XIV., and always N. past VIII. Going E. still in October, few in November, and two records in December "seen fishing."

Ardeidæ.--At XIX. (Cromarty) seen on shore, 8 P.M., calm, haze. Two records in April at Cromarty and Fidra (XXVIII. B.); one in May at XXVII. (Isle of May); two in July--12th and 22d--flying N.E. at XIV.; three to six records in September at XIX. (Cromarty) and XIV.; one in October at XXVII.; and two records at XIV. and XXVII.

Anatidæ.--_In Spring._--Between 2d and 19th February, a flock of "Barnacle Geese" seen almost daily flying E. at different hours of forenoon and afternoon; and on 6th and 25th two flocks. Wind usually N. and E., except on 8th, 9th, and 10th, when it was westerly. The above at XIX. (Cromarty). I heard from other sources of the unusual quantities of Brent Geese in the Cromarty Firth and elsewhere on the East Coast this season--_i.e._, 1884-85--and also in 1885-86. The Geese at XIX. continued to be observed on April 10th and 14th, 1885, but not later.

Of _Swans_, only one record at VIII. (N. Ronaldshay), when six seen.

Of _Eider Ducks_, two flocks at XXVII.--light S.E., clear--on 2d March; and by 16th April most of the Eiders left. On 4th April flock of fifty males and females, about equal in number, at XXVII. This lot left on 6th; numerous again on 20th; but breeding birds and a few about XXVIII. B. (Fidra) on 26th April. In May, on 7th, 10th, and 16th, three males and three females all day about island, and continued till 21st--breeding, no doubt. Long-Tailed Duck, 3, 2 [male] and 1 [female], at XXVII. on 26th February 1885 (only record). A few Wild Ducks at XXVIII. B. on 28th April. "Stock Ducks."--Two at XIV. on 2d May, where they breed. Three "King Ducks" are noted at Isle of May, and the note "different from Eider" added on 31st May 1885, and "had a white spot on the black wings." (?)

_In Autumn._--We have records of Swans, Teal Duck, Stock Ducks, Ducks, Eider Ducks (or Dunters), Wild-drake, Barnacle Geese, and Widgeon. Stations returning are--VIII. (North Ronaldshay), returning "number of Ducks of different kinds, as Widgeons, Teal," and Eider Ducks "made appearance in great numbers" on 10th and 15th September respectively. At XIV., by far the largest returns of Ducks of sorts greatest in September. XIX.--"Barnacle" (?) Geese on 18th October.

At XXVII., record of Eiders, "all young birds except one old male," on 2d December; and latest record at XIV. of a flock near the rocks on 27th.

Columbidæ.--At XXVII. (Isle of May), a Turtle Dove shot on the 29th May--wind W., light, clear. "This bird had been severely wounded before."--J. A. A vast rush of Wood Pigeons is noted at XXVII. on November 29th, flying S.W. in countless thousands, making a rushing noise like a railway train. The wind after the great S.E. gale.[5]

[Footnote 5: Shifted to W., and on the 29th inclined to N.W., but shifted back at night to N.E.]

Rallidæ.--Spring records are:--

Heard at 4 A.M. at XIX. (Cromarty) on 19th May--light E., clear.

Heard by Keeper at XIV. (Pentland Skerries) when over in South Ronaldshay on 15th May. Heard on XIV. (Pentland Skerries), one pair, on 21st--wind S.E. They breed there.

One at XXVII. (Isle of May) on 14th, and again on 20th May.

No autumn records.

Charadriadæ.--A flock in February; probably belonged to last year's migration, and can hardly be admitted as spring movement at XIV. Oyster-Catcher--two entries in March and April; the former at XIV., where two arrived; and the latter at XXVII., where three were seen on the 13th April.

_In Autumn._--Golden Plover arrived 5th August, and usually remain all winter. Odd birds at XIV., also in August. On 6th September, single record of a Golden Plover; single ditto in October at XIV. Straggling records of little real use in tracing facts in November, when, however, they do _bulk_ largest. Odd notices in December and January 1886.

Other species noted are Green Plover (very few records), Ring Plover (November, only one entry), Oyster-Catchers (only taken notice of at XIV.--a flock in September), and "a number all day" at 28th November at XIV.

_Addition to Isle of May List and Collection._--Dotterel--One obtained, 3d May 1885 (See remarks under Diary of Stations), _in mus._, Isle of May.--Curator, Jos. Agnew.

Scolopacidæ.--_In Spring._--Snipe, Curlew, Woodcock, Jack-snipe are the species noted. Stations are XIV. and XXVII. only. Earliest Snipe record at XIV. on 16th February (may belong to last season's movements); "a number," and on 19th "a large number all day on island;" variable, clear. No March records, and only one of Snipe in April at XXVII.; S.E., light, clear on 18th. Jacksnipe--one at XXVII. on 5th April, and one at same place on 1st May; S.E., light clear on former date. _Curlew_ on XIV., rose off rocks; snow on ground on 19th February. Several records flying over island at XIV., in April, with various winds, and ditto in May, and "passing XXVII. at night on 22d May." Woodcock-Two records, one at XXVII. on 5th April--E.N.E., haze--rose off island; and one at XIV. on 11th--E.N.E., haze--rose off island.

_Autumn._--There are many entries in each month, as follows:--

{ July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. 1886. 1. { 11 entries. 8 10 15 17 9 2

These are composed principally of the following species, in order of their abundance:--

{ Curlew-- 2. { July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. 1886. In all. { 10 entries. 7 9 3 3 1 0 33

{ Woodcock-- 3. { July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. 1886. In all. { ... ... ... 4 6 5 1 16

{ Snipe-- 4. { July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. 1886. In all. { ... 1 1 ... 2 1 1 6

{ Jacksnipe-- 5. { July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. 1886. In all. { ... ... ... 1 2 2 ... 5

The stations returning in order of heaviest schedules and number of entries, as follows:--

{ July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. { XIV. 6 6 8 6 9 2 ... 37 { XXVII. 3 ... 2 6 5 6 2 24 6. { VIII. ... ... ... 1 2 ... ... 3 { X. ... ... ... 5† ... ... ... 5 { XV. ... ... ... ... ... 1 ... 1 { XXVI. ... ... ... ... 2 1 ... 3

† Some woodcock.

The records of VIII., X., and XV. refer entirely to Woodcock. The above tables we use in this place, as possibly affording a guide for future work in reducing our past seven reports to system. Under Table I. gives the time of year and comparative abundance of birds in each month. Table II. to V., comparative numbers of each species in each month. Table VI. gives relative faunal value of each station in each month. When decided "rushes" are noted, the word can be written in under the number of entries. Earliest and latest records may be given in footnotes to Table VI., or thus:--

Curlew Earliest, 3d July, at XIV. Latest, Dec. 6th, at XIV. Woodcock " 15th Oct., at VIII. " Jan. 21st, at XXVII. Snipe " 1st Aug., at XIV. " Jan. 13th, at XXVII. Jacksnipe " 31st Oct, at XXVII. " Dec. 11th, at XXVII. Whimbrel " 8th July, at VIII. (Only record). _Rush._

The winds in autumn prevailed as follows:--