Part 2

_Isle of May._--Joseph Agnew sends eight schedules filled with his usual care, and dating February 3 to November 6, 1886, and kept up till his removal by the authorities to the Monach Isles, off the Outer Hebrides, the electric lighting of the Isle of May being completed, and an electric engineer placed in charge. Under date of April 6, 1886, Mr Agnew writes: "I send you the Turtle Dove. It had been very severely shot before it came here by some one. I did not send it to Small, but made the best of it myself, covering the wounds as well as I could." Under date of October 12, 1886, Mr Agnew writes: "The old carboy is still doing duty yet, and has been emptied two or three times. On one occasion it contained a _cosmic mouse_, but whether it came from Jupiter or Mars, or some other far off world, I do not know." As this carboy was put _in situ_ by ourselves in October 1884, in behalf of the Marine Station at Granton, we would be interested to know whether it has yielded any scientific results. Perhaps Mr John Murray will enlighten us. Regarding the electric light, Mr Agnew writes: "It will be ready in a few weeks, perhaps three weeks. I do not know what effect it will have on the birds. The light will be very intense, and the most powerful light in existence. The room in which the trials are now being conducted has the appearance of a place brilliantly lighted up at night, though it is in the day time. The daylight is made to disappear. If the light were a fixed one, same as the old one, I think it might have a _good_[4] effect, but I am afraid its quick revolving character will be against it. The light has been revolving for the last two months with the oil lamp, and though some birds have come to the lantern, I don't think, considering the numbers of birds, so many have struck as heretofore. But as I am leaving this, I very much fear the reports will be very meagre in future, if there be any at all. The man who succeeds me has been here for a month or more, and he seems to have no notion of the matter, and has never interested himself in it; and besides, he will be very little in the light-room; his principal business will be in the engine-house, though he is to be head-keeper. You may perhaps be able to get him interested in it. The two men, however, whose special duty will be in the light-room, may take up the subject, and do something; but I would say--be very thankful for what you have already got from Isle of May." In a later letter (26th October), Mr Agnew says: "I am now almost convinced that few birds will come near the lantern, the revolutions are so quick, _viz._, eight flashes in the minute. We can see the birds going round with the rays, and though they make a dash at the lantern, before they reach it the light leaves them, and they turn round after it again, and repeat the same. During all last week there was one Redstart, one Starling, and one Robin at the lantern; not a Woodcock has struck this year; the Goldcrests which used to flock about the lantern never come near it; _though they are very numerous on the island_,[5] I have only seen two at the lantern. A fixed white light is no doubt best for attracting birds; the alternate light and darkness baffles them altogether, and the quicker the revolutions are, the worse baffled they become. There has been almost total absence during the past two years of Redpoles and Siskins." On the 19th November Mr Agnew writes: "James" (his son) "shot a Great Spotted Woodpecker on the 12th of this month. It is the first of its kind I have seen here. It came after the great N.-E. gale reported in my last schedule. The wind continued to blow strong from the N.-E. for days after the gale took off. I have sent it to Small to get stuffed and set up. I want to give it in a present to the young lady to whom my son, Joseph, is going to be married at Dunbar." Mr Agnew then continues: "There has not been much worth reporting since I sent you my last schedule (Nov. 6, 1886); the only birds (not resident) were some Wagtails and Common Wrens. I suspect very much you have got the last schedule from Isle of May. I am sorry for that, as you see from the Woodpecker that strange things are always turning up. I am very sorry at leaving the collection here, and I doubt if it will be so well taken care of when I am away."

[Footnote 4: _i.e._, effectual in alluring the birds to it.]

[Footnote 5: Distinctly illustrative of the effect of the quickly revolving light.--J. A. H.-B.]

We have given Mr Agnew's correspondence very fully, as it is the last we shall get from him at the Isle of May, and it would be very ungracious if we did not take this opportunity of once again expressing our warmest thanks for his able assistance and always interesting correspondence. Comparisons are said to be invidious, but we are quite sure none of his fellow-keepers will grudge him the fullest praise which our Migration Committee can accord. Mr Cordeaux says (16th Oct. 1886): "I am much concerned that Agnew is leaving the Isle of May." We do not undervalue the observations of any of our reporters, many of whom have not the opportunities of observation which others have; but we can point to a good many more of the lighthouse keepers, both at the best stations and at the least frequented, who, according to their opportunities, are not far behind Mr Agnew, if at all; and there is ever increasing interest and ability displayed year by year.

_Fidra._--Mr Win. Ross has taken up the subject earnestly, and sends us three excellent schedules, carefully adhering to the columnar arrangement, which is so important to the Members of Committee, who have to transcribe into the ledger, and then write its Report. Attention to this is of infinite service and saving of time in getting the Reports printed. We are much obliged to Mr Ross for the care taken in this respect.

Under date of 4th September, Mr W. Ross writes: "I have to acknowledge receipt of your printed circular, concerning envelopes to contain wings of unknown birds, to be forwarded to you for identification, and labels for marking the same." .... "After Sunday, my last schedule, I continued making jottings, and the 24th of March, from 9 P.M. to daylight, was really interesting. The flocks of birds about the lantern were immense, and so numerous, that in striking the glass they broke the outside glass protector of our thermometer. There has not been anything unusual since that date." [Fidra promises well to be an important observatory, under certain conditions of wind and weather.--J. A. H.-B.]

Later, under date of 18th September 1886, Mr W. Ross says: "Had I known Moths would have been of any use to you, I believe I could have given you a varied, rare, and enormous parcel. Last month it was Moths everywhere, after darkness set in. I had to sweep them down with a towel, some very large and beautiful. Mr Anderson (of Messrs A. & F., Edinr., Advocates?) seems a keen entomologist, and I was describing some of these to him (on the occasion of a visit he paid to Fidra on the 6th September). One beautiful specimen--not a moth, I think--of a size between a daddy-long-legs and dragon-fly, and much the same shape; enormous bronze wings, beautiful vermilion body, black head, with a red (or yellow?) streak (or spot?), and antennas more like a young lobster than anything else.

"Eider Ducks, I understand, used to breed on all the islands about here. But this year a man got a dozen small boats, and hired them out at N. Berwick; the consequence is that the Ducks have entirely left the Craig and Lamb Islands owing to their nests having been plundered. We on Fidra consequently have had a greater number of birds breeding, and found many nests with 6 to 8 eggs; also Terns, and many smaller birds. As we are strictly prohibited from using a gun on this precious island, I can't send you many specimens; but if anything does turn up, I will not fail to send it you."

Later, under date of 1st October, in reply to inquiries, Mr W. Ross writes: "It was the latter half of August that these Moths were so numerous; and though in September there were a few, it was nothing in comparison with the multitudes that occurred the previous month. Some guide such as you suggest" [referring to Johns' "Book of Birds"], "to enable observers to recognise species, would be of immense advantage. I am woefully deficient in this respect, and I am persuaded others are equally so. I hope your Committee will succeed in supplying some reliable book to render assistance in this respect."

Separate Report under Genera and Species.

Turdidæ.--Thrushes.--In February the only returns are from Bell Rock and Isle of May, between the 3d and 20th; earliest at Isle of May on 3d, one Missel Thrush; N.E., light clear. Other species mentioned are Blackbirds, Redwings (along with Larks and Starlings), at Bell Rock, with S.W. fresh breeze. Great many struck and killed. Two female blackbirds at Isle of May on 15th, and possibly remaining to breed. Mavises on 20th at Isle of May, and some Fieldfares; showers of snow.

In March no great movement, and a few records from Pentland Skerries of single or small numbers of Blackbirds, and one Thrush on 10th and 23d. Solitary Redwing on 23d at Isle of May; and numbers of Thrushes at Fidra (XXVIII. B.), flying about all night.

_Spring._--In April scattered birds only up to end of the month at Isle of May of Fieldfares, one Redwing (23d), one Ring Ouzel (21st); but on 19th, at Pentland Skerries, is entered the record (which seems one of some importance): "Ring Ouzels and Song Thrushes a great rush; strong S.E. and haze." And on 26th: "A flock of Fieldfares (mod. S.E., haze), birds which are seldom seen here in spring." Also on the 19th at North Ronaldshay, a station not usually sending large spring returns: "A great number of Thrushes were on the island. Stopped two days;" wind S.E., haze. In May, at Isle of May, one record only of a Fieldfare at the light on the 5th. No more till autumn.

_In Autumn._--Earliest record of Blackbird at Pentland Skerries on 9th August. Single records at Isle of May of Common Mavis "migrating" on 19th, and of a Missel Thrush on 30th; W.S.W., clear. _Latest_ record, Fieldfares on 20th to 28th November, "a good many;" at Dunnet Head, "seen all day;" and scattered records through November at Pentland Skerries of Thrush and Blackbird. In September also, quite scattered records of single or very small lots of Blackbirds, Ring Ouzels, Fieldfares, and Mavises, from Pentland Skerries, Isle of May, and Fidra. But in October masses and rushes innumerable from the following stations:--Pentland Skerries (Redwings, 4th to 16th). Isle of May (Blackbirds, mostly females, 7th; Fieldfares, "numbers" on 18th, N.E. gale; Blackbirds, all males, on 21st, wind from E. to S.W.; Redwings, rush on 28th, S.E., fresh; also of Fieldfares and Ring Ouzels and Blackbirds). Again, at Pentland Skerries, great numbers of _Turdidæ_ on 29th, of all kinds. Greatest rush at Pentland Skerries of Redwings and Song Thrushes (along with Goldcrests and Chaffinches, Robins, a few Ring Ouzels, and Woodcock); strong S.E. gale and rain. At Bell Rock, Redwings (without other species in any numbers), 22d to 26th October every night in numbers; wind from light W. to E. and N.E. All through October indications, more or less pronounced, at the following stations:--N. Unst, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Noss Head, Bell Rock, Isle of May, Fidra.

From the above notes the migration of _Turdidæ_ appears to have been unusually compressed and sudden.

Saxicolinæ.--Chats.--_In Spring._--In March earliest two Redstarts ("the first seen here") at N. Unst; S.E. and fog. Wheatears at Isle of May on 24th and 26th, but only straggling birds. In April, solitary record on 1st at Pentland Skerries. Two on 27th at Bell Rock, and same date at Isle of May; and Redstarts ("mostly males") intermittent all April. In May, at Isle of May, Redstarts ("mostly females") on 3d, and intermittent up to 19th; also Wheatears, Whinchats (numbers on the 8th, and rush or great numbers on the 18th all day); W.S.W., strong. In June a single solitary record of a Stonechat (? Wheatear) from N. Unst.

_In Autumn._--Few records in August; but on 31st numbers of Wheatears at 10 P.M. at the lantern. Latest records of _Saxicolinæ_, 24th October at Pentland Skerries; and next last there also on the 22d, of Redstarts, both females; and on 26th of a Stonechat at N. Unst (? Wheatear). At Isle of May on 5th, and at Fidra, "numbers all day" on the island, of "Stonechats" (_vera_ at Isle of May? Wheatears? at Fidra). A not very great or decided rush in September, principally noticeable at Isle of May and Fidra, of "Stonechats."

Silviinæ.--Robins, Whitethroats.--_In Spring._--A great rush of Robins, with fresh S.E. haze, at Pentland Skerries, on 19th April. "Good numbers" at Isle of May, on 23d; also Whitethroats remained all night at Isle of May, on 28th April. A rush took place of the latter at same station on May 3d; "swarming" and culminating on 18th (one Willow Wren--_Phylloscopus_--appearing with others on 19th). No Robins are; noted in May anywhere.

_In Autumn._--A solitary Robin on 24th August at Cromarty (very likely a local resident). A few odd birds in September. One Whitethroat and three Robins, all on different dates, at Isle of May and Fidra; the Whitethroat on the 1st at Isle of May. Rushes all in October, and returns sent from the following stations, all of Robins:--N. Unst (1 Robin); Sumburgh Head, 1; Pentland Skerries, Isle of May, and Fidra. Rushes mostly at Isle of May and Fidra about 24th to 29th, and winds prevailing easterly and south-easterly. No records in November. A solitary record in December of two Robins at N. Unst, and one on 7th January 1887 at Dunnet Head. Migration of Robins scarcely discernible in spring; and short, sharp, and decisive in October. Of Whitethroats large. Local, _viz._--at Isle of May; indicated at N. Unst in spring; and only one record in September at Isle of May.

Phylloscopinæ.--Goldcrest (or Gold-crested Wren), Chiffchaff, Willow Wren, Wood Warbler.--_In Spring._--At Fidra numbers of Goldcrests flying about on 24th March; wind S.W., light breeze. The only other spring record of this species is on the 27th March at Pentland Skerries--a single bird; mod. W., clear. This appears to have been a sudden departure, probably general, but not coming much under notice. Of the same species we have not another spring record.

Of Chiffchaff.--[The difficulty of determining Chiffchaffs and Willow Wrens at any time, but more especially in autumn, even to an expert, must in great measure militate against almost any records of "Chiffchaff" at Isle of May. Yet there can be no doubt that it has occurred there, certainly in October 1884; and on one or two more occasions certain. There are many records of "Chiffchaff" at Isle of May; but it is impossible to say which are correct identifications, and which are really immature Willow Warblers. That the Chiffchaff does occur is undoubted, but to what extent is yet uncertain. Henceforth, until certainty can be arrived at, we will only mention Chiffchaffs in inverted commas.--J. A. H.-B.]

"Chiffchaff"--a single record at Isle of May on 12th April, and Willow Wren very numerous on 19th May. One "Chiffchaff" also noted on 5th May.

_In Autumn._--Goldcrests numerous on October 24th at Isle of May; and numbers at Pentland Skerries, from 17th to 27th, all day long. Seems to have been pretty general, as it is spoken of at Noss Head, also on 24th; at Inchkeith, in small numbers, 7th, 8th, and 9th (light E. breezes). Numbers all day on Fidra on 8th October, and also at Sumburgh Head on 7th and on 20th, and at Girdleness on the 21st. Numerous at Isle of May up to 30th.

"Chiffchaff"--a solitary record of one at Isle of May on 27th August. A great number (rush) of Willow Warblers at Isle of May on 1st September--light W., fog--along with Sedge Warblers. "Chiffchaff" is also recorded from North Unst by Mr Charles Youngclause--light N.E., haze--a single bird. Numbers again of "Chiffchaffs" at Isle of May on 19th. Those who have their doubts about the occurrence in any number of the Chiffchaff (_vera_) can read the above together with the entries of _Willow Warbler_.

The migration of _Phylloscopinæ_ is thus compressed into October, with one rush in September of Willow Warblers, which appears to have been preceded by one example of "Chiffchaff" four days before. In preceding spring very pronounced on 18th and 19th May at same station, Isle of May, of Willow Warblers.

Accentorinæ.--Hedge Sparrows.--_Spring._--Only two records on 12th April at Isle of May (resident all winter); and at Pentland Skerries on 19th, two--S.E., haze; and on 18th May, at Isle of May, a brood of young "now flying." _In Autumn_--only record at Pentland Skerries, one seen all day--light S.W.; "seldom seen here."

Acrocephalinæ.--Sedge Warbler.--No spring notice. In Autumn--only two in August at Isle of May. Sedge Warbler, one, on 20th--calm, clear; and on 23d, two--light S.E. wind; but large numbers (in company with Willow Warbler rush) at Isle of May on 2d September. The Willow Warbler rush came on the 1st, the Sedge Warblers on the 2d; the former at 2 A.M. of that day--light W., fog; the latter at 11 A.M. of the next day--light W., and clear.

Troglodytidæ.--Wren.--Nests on Fidra. No spring records.

_In Autumn._--At Dunnet Head two--strong W. breeze--"young birds," on 31st August. And at Inchkeith, Firth of Forth, one caught on lantern, wind light south. [The above are the only records in August,--what connection appears again between N. of Caithness and Firth of Forth?--J. A. H.-B.] No more movements on record till October. "Great numbers" at Isle of May on 21st and 24th. No other records, except at Pentland Skerries--a single bird on the 28th. Latest record, one bird at N. Unst on 22d November.

The above notes tend to accentuate, along with many other parallelisms, what we already consider the chief routes across Scotland (see last Report, p. 23).

Motacillidæ.--Wagtails.--_In Spring._--Earliest record is on 24th March of Wagtails at Isle of May, two seen--light to fresh S.E., and haze. A few scattered records in April, on 13th and 19th, at Pentland Skerries. One record at N. Ronaldshay on 6th May, and one on 20th at Pentland Skerries. Nests found on Fidra, 15th June. Whereas in 1885 Report Wagtails were recorded in every month except July, this season we find all the following blank of records:--February, March, April, July, November, and December (see Autumn).

_In Autumn._--Records bulk largest in September, both in number of records (6) and bulk of numbers (rush of old and young on 3d and again on 15th at Isle of May, and a few from 8th to 11th at Pentland Skerries, and a few from 8th to 9th resting all day at N. Unst). Again in October, a few (5) records of smaller numbers, 3d to 24th, at N. Ronaldshay, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May.

Motacillidæ.--_Anthinæ._--Pipits, OR "Mosscheepers," "Titlarks."--_In Spring._--Earliest record at N. Unst, 7th March, of "Mosscheepers," N.W., fresh, and again one on 21st. On 20th and 23d March, Meadow Pipits, a few at Isle of May, calm, clear, and S.E., fresh haze. A few again at N. Unst on 23d, "Mosscheepers." No records in May or June. _In July_--young "Mosscheepers" seen for first time on 6th. In August, on the 27th, accessions to the numbers breeding on Isle of May, probably the young hatched off and on wing. In September, accessions of both Rock Pipits and Meadow Pipits by 15th, at Bell Rock, and Rock Pipits numerous on Isle of May on 20th. Numerous to 29th October. No other records.

Muscicapidæ.--Flycatchers.--_In Spring._--On 21st and 22d March Spotted Flycatchers, single records at N. Unst. In April, the only record is on 19th at Pentland Skerries, when "a rush" is recorded. Fresh S.E., haze (Pied Flycatchers), and on 21st May one ditto all day there.

_In Autumn._--Only one record in all of a single Spotted Flycatcher on Fidra, on 7th. Light S.E., fog.

Hirundinidæ.--Swallows, Martins, Sand Martins.--_In Spring._--Many records of arrivals in May and June, as follows:--

May 2. N. Ronaldshay, Flying W., 2 Swallows, Light W.C. " 3. Bell Rock, Resting on rock, 1 do., S.S.E., Light, " 4. Isle of May, 1 Martin, S.W., Light. " 7. Pentland Skerries, "First seen," Swallows, N.W., Haze. " 8. Isle of May, "All day," 1 Martin, S.E. " 19. Do. A few, 1 do., " " 22. Dunnet Head, 3 Swallows, S.S.W. " 26. Cromarty, "Arrived," 3 do., Light W. June 5. Sumburgh Head, Flight W. " 1. Isle of May, First, Swallow, S.E., Light. " 12. Sumburgh Head, "All day," 3 do., S.S.E.

_In Autumn._--From 23d to 31st August a considerable movement (40 seen) at Isle of May on 30th; and on 2d September, "Swallows departed" at Pentland Skerries. 1 Swallow seen at N. Unst on 23d August, and 6 Martins flying about top of cliffs for six days previous to 30th August at Dunnet Head. A rush again at Isle of May on 27th, 28th, and 29th September, especially on latter two dates. Wind S.E. on 29th, shifted from W. Gale and clear day before. No later records.

Thus Autumn migration compressed into 30th August and 2d September, and again, 28th and 29th September.

Fringillidæ.--Finches, Linnets, Redpoles, Siskins, Sparrows, Chaffinches, "Grey Linnets," Tree Sparrows, Lesser Redpole.--_In Spring._--1 Chaffinch at Pentland Skerries on 9th February. At Isle of May "considerable numbers of Redpoles." "Lots died." S.E. to W. In March a few single records of Chaffinch at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May, and "numbers flying about all night" at Fidra. In April, Siskins "first seen" at North Unst (a new species to the locality?) on 11th. At Isle of May, Chaffinches and Grey Linnets on 21st, and 2 to a dozen pairs of Sparrows on 30th. At Pentland Skerries, on May 22d and 23d, Grey Linnets and Redpoles (? Twites).

_In Autumn._--Earliest, 26th August, Linnets, "young birds." Again, Siskin (one) at N. Unst on 10th September. Strong W. wind. Linnets at same place (Twites?), 18th, 20th, and 30th. A flock at Pentland Skerries (Linnets, _vera_?), and Linnets at Fidra, 20th, 25th, and 27th. Tree Sparrows on 15th at Isle of May. Greatest body of _Fringillidæ_ in October, but on the whole, unusually light returns anywhere. Tree Sparrows at Isle of May on 29th October. A few records in November only at N. Unst and Pentland Skerries, of Linnets (?) and Chaffinches.

One of the lightest schedules of _Fringillidæ_ we have had.

Emberizidæ.--Buntings, Snow Buntings, Common Buntings. Yellow Hammers.--_In Spring._--Snow Buntings (2) at N. Unst; snow. In March one ditto, 25th, and as late as April 19th one bird. [These are no doubt late stragglers of last year's migration.--J. A. H.-B.] No more records till September.

_In Autumn._--Large flock of Snow Buntings at Dunnet Head on 23d, and small numbers at N. Unst on 19th, 20th, and 23d. The first seen at Pentland Skerries this season was on the 1st October, fresh S. haze; and four again on the 12th. Not numerous anywhere all this month. Bulked largest in November and December; few at N. Unst; flocks at Pentland Skerries on four dates of 4th to 17th, and a good number at Isle of May on 6th. Flocks at Isle of May in December, and a few at Sumburgh Head and Pentland Skerries. Yellow Hammer only once mentioned at Isle of May on 10th February--a single bird. Common Bunting, single birds, on 8th, 15th, and 27th March, at Pentland Skerries; once in April at same station; once in July ditto; very few records in September, same station; and in October, same station. None later, nor at any other station.