Part 8

One record in November at Little Ross; and four dates, 17th to 20th December, at Skerryvore and Rhinns of Islay, at which dates there appears to have been some slight movement.

Phylloscopinæ.--Goldcrest, "Gold-Crested Wren," Willow Warbler, "Willow Wren."--In Spring, two solitary Willow Wrens killed at Rhinns of Islay. "Great numbers of different kinds of Wrens on 11th May at Corsewall" [Please send wings. We have only one _true_ Wren in Britain. The Goldcrest and Willow "Wrens" (_sic_) belong to the Warbler group.--J. A. H.-B.]

No records again till September, from 5th to 22d. Goldcrests are given on nine dates; but very few at Rhinns of Islay, Turnberry, Corsewall, and Little Ross.

Many entries in October. A "great flock" of Goldcrests at Little Ross; many struck and killed. Eight also appeared on 4th, 15th, and 8th at same place.

Accentorinæ.--Hedge Sparrow, or Blue Janet.--One on 25th March at Skerryvore, and one at Butt of Lewis (N., fresh breeze, cloudy) on 23d September.

Acrocephalinæ.--Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler.--At Dhuheartach one Sedge Warbler. On September 3d, one ditto at Little Ross, and one same place on 7th October; wind in each case light S.E.

Paridæ.--Titmice.--In April one Titmouse (?) seen on 27th and 28th at Turnberry; and at same place, one on 10th May.

In August a number at Mull of Galloway 22d, and all night of 30th. Occurrences between 22d and 30th, and on 27th at Turnberry. On September 1st and 3d a few at Turnberry, and two or three on 21st and 24th, same place. In October one bird on 6th at same place.

Troglodytidæ.--Common Wren, "Kitty Wren."--Two dates in April at Turnberry; one on 6th May at Skerryvore.

_In Autumn._--Two at Corsewall on 21st, and five on 22d; and three on 20th at Little Ross, and one on 22d of September. In October, single records at Rona, Skye, 15th; Skerryvore, 6th; Rhinns of Islay, 2d; Lochindaul, 8th; and two, same place, on 22d. Latest two on 13th November at Little Ross, and a few other scattered records.

Motacillidæ.--Wagtails.--In March, a pair on 21st at Lochindaul; in May, one Wagtail at Dhuheartach, on the 8th--strong S.W., clear; and one Yellow Wagtail, same place, on 23d--light E. airs.

In August two "Grey Wagtails" [are these grey, or have they any yellow about them?] at Dhuheartach on 27th; and eighty-nine Wagtails on 28th--a rush. A number of entries in schedule for September, ranging from 1st to 24th, at Dhuheartach, Rhinns of Islay, Lochindaul, Mull of Galloway, and Little Ross,--bulking in largest numbers south of Clyde, twenty to thirty, on 1st September,--a rush co-existing with that at Rhinns of Islay above on 28th August. A flock at Little Ross on 27th September--winds S. and E. In October a number on 9th at Lochindaul; and a few entries for Lochindaul, Skerryvore, and Little Ross. Two on 19th December at Rhinns of Islay.

Motacillidæ.--Pipits, Meadow Pipits, Rock Pipits, Titlarks, "Mosscheeper," "Tang Sparrow" (_i.e._, Rock Pipit), "Marsh Pipits" (_i.e._, Meadow Pipits).--One record at Skervuile in February; one in March (20th), same place.

_In Autumn._--All day "Mosscheepers" at Butt of Lewis [are these Meadow or Rock Pipits?], and scattered birds on four dates of Titlarks at Dhuheartach. In October a rush of Titlarks, 5th and 6th, at Skerryvore; but only single or light returns from Dhuheartach at same time; also two only at Skervuile all the month. Two on 19th December at Dhuheartach.

Muscicapidæ.--Flycatchers.--The only records are in August, on 27th, 29th, and 30th, at Mull of Galloway. S.E., fresh, or fog.

Hirundinidæ.--Swallows, Martins, Sand Martins.--In April 24th--"Swallows first seen" at Corsewall; four at noon at Rhinns of Islay, one with a speckled head, the first seen, on 27th. In May, a rush appears on 7th, and again on 6th to 8th, at Rhinns of Islay and at Lochindaul. A few single records at Dhuheartach, Lamlash, and Little Ross; one at Kyleakin on 26th June--all of Common Swallow.

Autumn movements all September recorded from Rhinns of Islay; "flocks" at Mull of Galloway on 3d; and at Little Ross, "large flock" on 14th. Flocks all day on 4th September at Mull of Galloway, and other notices.

Fringillidæ.--Finches, Linnets, Redpoles, Siskins, Sparrows, Tree Sparrows, Brambling or Mountain Finches, Chaffinches. Bullfinches.--In February one Bullfinch at Kyleakin; snow on island. One Cock Sparrow at Dhuheartach on 27th May; light E., clear; on rocks. One Linnet, same place, June 26th.

In August flocks flying about all day on 22d at Lochindaul, and small flock at Little Ross on 19th. Linnets and Grey Linnets, 2d, 6th, and 13th September, at Butt of Lewis (probably Twites or Mountain Linnets), Rona, Skye, and Little Boss. In October slight rushes between 7th, 8th, 9th, of Linnets. One male Chaffinch at Rhinns of Islay. One Siskin at Butt of Lewis on 29th. Hundreds again in November at Kyleakin, and forty to fifty on 14th and 21st at same place; sixty on 19th December; Grey Linnets at Lochindaul. Occurrences date in October from 4th to 28th in numbers ranging from one to ten (on 5th, 6th, and 8th at Dhuheartach, and on 20th at Turnberry), twenty (on 8th at Rhinns of Islay), and eleven to forty (on 28th at Turnberry). Direction of winds, S. and E. and S.E. throughout. No more records except one bird at Little Ross on 19th November.

Emberizidæ.--Buntings, Snow Buntings.--Almost all the returns relate to Snow Buntings. On the 15th and 17th May a single bird was found on the island at Rhinns of Islay, and one reporter adds the remark, "very late to be seen here." Wind variable, strong.

_In Autumn_ there was a "rush" of Snow Buntings past Skerryvore at or about midnight of the 27th September; wind strong W., haze and rain. No notice of this rush is taken at Dhuheartach or elsewhere. In October only two single records, on 14th at Dhuheartach, and 18th at Rhinns of Islay; and in November light records only at Butt of Lewis, Dhuheartach, between the 15th and 25th (twenty on the latter date). In December, thirty Snow Buntings on 14th at Rhinns of Islay "all day." Not one return from any station south of Clyde. Of Common Bunting or Corn Bunting we have one record in April at Lochindaul, one on 4th October at Skerryvore, and one at Lochindaul on the 1st. The Corn Bunting is not looked upon by us as more than very locally migratory.

Alaudidæ.--Larks.--Of Larks there has been an enormous movement. Absent entirely in April, June, July, and August; scarcely any in May (only two entries on 4th and 9th at Turnberry, with light or strong N.E. breeze).

In September the returns are still very light, indeed almost absent; but in October during the whole month innumerable records. Larks appeared at all the following stations sending returns:--Rona, Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Skervuile, Rhinns of Islay, Lochindaul, Turnberry, Corsewall, Mull of Galloway, and Little Ross; but all notice of them is omitted in schedules from the other stations sending returns, _viz._:--Butt of Lewis, Monach Isles? _q.v._, Barra Head, Kyleakin, Rhuvaal, and Lamlash. [We are thus able to locate the stream with some exactitude.] They appeared to be most abundant at Skerryvore, and at Dhuheartach, "rushes" and "hundreds;" Skervuile, "rush;" Rhinns of Islay (on 2d October), "thousands," and on 5th, "numerous." Then S. of Clyde, "a great rush" at Corsewall; "rush" at Portpatrick (4th October). All these large movements, except where specified, were on the nights of 5th and 6th October.

In November only a few slight movements, 24th, 26th, to 29th at _Kyleakin_ and at _Turnberry_.

In December light again at Dhuheartach, 18th to 27th; but heavy on 18th and 19th at Rhinns of Islay, 1000 and 100; but these may and probably were due only to local migration, influenced by severe weather on mainland.

In January movements also of local importance and not numerous, January being milder and more open on the West Coast than December; but at Portpatrick a great rush is described as going from N.W. to S.E., 11 A.M. to 12, during a snowstorm. This may also, however, be only a local movement still it is interesting as showing the _recognised line of flight_ spoken of by Mr E. Service. In Ardnamurchan small flocks appeared at Kilchoan at once on the advent of a severe snowstorm and S.E. gale of wind--a local movement, of course.

In February many light movements are entered, but none of more than local interest. These occur at Skerryvore, Rona, Skervuile, Turnberry, and Corsewall.

Sturninæ.--Starlings.--A considerable movement. In February a number at Turnberry on 9th, and light returns from Skerryvore, Skervuile, and Turnberry on other dates, and at Corsewall. A few returns in March, none in April, two in May, none in June and July. "Rushes" of old and young in August at Rhinns of Islay on 18th, 19th, and 26th; wind S.W., fresh, or W., light. Rush also indicated on 22d at Lochindaul; odd birds only at Skerryvore; 130 at Lochindaul on the 30th. A few movements in September. South of Clyde--"Great numbers" on 15th at Portpatrick. North of Clyde--Light movements; eleven, twelve, sixteen birds at Kyleakin. In October rushes recorded, especially at Skervuile, Lochindaul, Turnberry, Mull of Galloway, at or about the date of the general great rush of the year, _viz._, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th October. Light returns in November, and a few in December.

Corvidæ.--Rooks, Ravens, Crows, Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows, Jackdaws, Grey Crows.--The _Corvidæ_ generally show movements during January (1887), February (1886), April (Ravens), May (casual Carrion and Grey Crows or Hoodies), June 26th, 27th, 28th, and 29th, "great numbers of Crows" all day at Mull of Galloway. August 18th to 27th, of Rooks, Ravens, Grey Crows, Crows. Great flocks of Rooks on 21st at Lochindaul, as also on 24th September no very heavy entries at any stations, but "dense flock" on 21st October at Lochindaul, and sixty on the 20th same place. Only one Crow seen all November, and that at Butt of Lewis, the only return in all that month. 500 Crows at Rhinns of Islay on 18th December--no doubt a local migration. In January (1887), from 100 up to 500 at same place, 9th, 10th, and 17th--also local, no doubt.

Cypselidæ.--Swift, "Cran," "Black Swallow."--Only one solitary record of one Swift on 27th August at Butt of Lewis. Wind S.W., fresh.

Cuculidæ.--Cuckoo.--Records: At Lochindaul, arrived 6th May. Wind light S., clear, "flying S.W."

Also at Lochindaul, one rested on the rocks at 7 P.M. on the 6th July. Light W., clear.

Strigidæ.--Very few records of any Owls--At Dhuheartach, on 4th May, an Owl rested on the rock. Fresh S. and fog.

At Mull of Galloway a Grey Owl seen on 5th September, and again at same place on 21st October one Grey Owl came to the light in pursuit of some small birds.

Falconidæ.--Eagle, Hawks, Kestrel Hawks, Sparrow Hawks, Buzzards, Game Hawk or Falcon.--[Merlins are not once named, but no doubt some of the "Sparrow-Hawk" entries really apply to the Merlin.--J. A. H.-B.]

In May.--A Kestrel on 5th at Dhuheartach, and a Buzzard on 23d, both flying east, with E. wind. A Sparrow Hawk at Rhinns of Islay.

_In Autumn_, a few records of Hawks, Game Hawk (Rona, Skye), etc., at four or five stations in August, and single birds in September, including Buzzard and Falcon at Rhinns of Islay on 20th. Also single birds at Skerryvore and Dhuheartach, including a "Black Hawk" on 10th October at the former. One record at Butt of Lewis of a Sparrow Hawk on 19th November. There are fewer records of Hawks than usual. One Eagle seen at Rona 2d January 1886.

Pelecanidæ.--Solan Geese.--First seen at Skervuile on 15th April. Light N. wind; next at Rhinns of Islay, 100 in flocks, from 4 to 11 A.M. on the 11th May, and great numbers on 27th, flying N. in the forenoon, and again on 31st. E.N.E. wind. In June six seen at Lochindaul, and a few at Little Ross. The migration of Gannets appears to have been quite intermittent and uncertain here and on the N.W. coast.

By August 8th, at Rhinns of Islay, several young seen; and by 15th to 18th in hundreds all day. Intermittent in numbers, 16th (some) to 30th (numbers), and 31st (all day) at Lochindaul. None entered again till 9th and 11th October at Lochindaul.

Ardeidæ.--Herons.--One record in February at Skerryvore, sitting on rock on 13th. Wind fresh W., and rain. One record in July at Rhinns of Islay, flying S.W.; W., clear on 16th. One record in August at Little Ross on 19th. Singles or pairs at four stations, _viz._, Butt of Lewis, Skerryvore, Rhinns of Islay, and Little Ross, on four different dates. Two in October at Rhinns of Islay, and two in December at same place. None of these appear to us at present to have any special significance.

Anatidæ.--Ducks, Geese, Swans.--In Spring two Eider Ducks at Lochindaul, swimming near the shore on 29th March. [It seems worth while to record the appearances of Eiders, owing to their wonderful and yearly increase in the Outer Hebrides within, our recollection since 1870, and earlier.--J. A. H.-B.]

_In Autumn_, at Skerryvore, four seen on 14th, and at Dhuheartach one Drake on 16th, and at Lochindaul one Duck on 30th. On 1st October two at Skerryvore, S.W., strong breeze; and a pair on the 20th at same place. In November two males and three females at Rhinns of Islay on the 4th, and two females and one young male at Skerryvore on 15th.

_Stock Duck or_ Shieldrake.--One on 8th March at Rhinns of Islay, S.E. breeze. Very occasional entries of Ducks (Wild Duck) in April at Rhinns of Islay, from three to ten at a time.

Grey Geese [probably White-fronted.--J. A. H.-B.] on 12th and 25th at Rhinns of Islay. Wind northerly and westerly. One Widgeon at Lochindaul on 16th September. A few scattered notices of Geese, or Grey Geese, in October at Rona, Skye, (six) on 12th, at Rhinns of Islay (Large Goose), and at Kyleakin. In November 40 Geese at Rona, and flocks, 46 to 50, flying S. on 4th at Rhinns of Islay; 100 on 5th, flying S.; wind S.E., fresh. All other lighter records, flying east, with S.W. strong breeze. Barnacle Geese, five on 1st November at Rhinns of Islay rested on island, and one seen on 3d at Butt of Lewis, and five on 18th December at Rhinns of Islay, with "first snow." Also records of Teal (all in October), 40 Brent Geese at Rhinns of Islay on 6th, and 33 and 30 "Wild Geese" at same place on 20th and 21st January 1887.

Columbidæ.--Rock Doves, Turtle Doves, Wood Pigeon, &c.--Two records of seven and fifteen respectively at Rhinns of Islay on 4th and 5th September. One Turtle Dove shot on 25th at (?)

Rallidæ.--Corncrake or "Land Rail," Water Rail.--At Rhinns of Islay, first heard 26th May. At Lochindaul, first heard 20th May. At Kyleakin, first heard 25th May. At Lochindaul, last heard or seen 7th August. At Rhinns of Islay, one on island 29th September. At Rhinns of Islay, one Water Rail killed on 5th. Fresh E.

Charadriadæ.--Oyster Catchers, Plovers, Golden Plovers, Grey Plover, &c.--Oyster Catchers on 15th February at Lochindaul, "first seen this year." Light, clear, and N.E. One Plover at Rona 24th March, and "Sea Pies" at Dhuheartach on 23d May, the only entries in Spring.

In August, flock of Golden Plover at Butt of Lewis on 30th. Stray records at Rhinns of Islay and Lochindaul, and one record of Grey Plover at former on 20th. S.W., fresh and rain.

Slight movement on 2d and 5th September at Rhinns of Islay of Golden Plover, and "large number" on 12th at Turnberry, and a number at Little Ross on 28th. No very heavy records at any time. Flocks in October, but no records of important movements. Three records in December 17th, 18th, and 19th, at Rhinns of Islay. Few records of Oyster Catchers.

Lapwing, Ring Plover, Dotterel.--Very few light movements in February, March, and April of Lapwings. Do. in July (one), flocks on 19th August, and 30 on 30th, 100 at Rhinns of Islay on 14th September, 40 on 24th, "great numbers" at Turnberry on 14th September, 100 on 21st October at Rhinns of Islay, and numbers on 9th at Lochindaul all day, and on 11th and 23d. No records of other species, or of Lapwings, at later dates.

Scolopacidæ.--Woodcock, Snipe, Curlew, Whimbrel.--Whimbrels, or Little Curlew, or "May Fowl," in small numbers rested for four days on the rock at Dhuheartach on 11th to 14th May. No other notice, spring or autumn.

Curlews--February, March, May, single records. In June thirty to forty alighted on hill near Mull of Galloway, and stayed three weeks and left. August--Flocks on 19th at Lochindaul; thirty on 19th at Mull of Galloway; and a flock at Little Ross on 3d. In September many light records; heaviest, fifty at Rhinns of Islay, and a large flock and a small flock on 1st at Little Ross, and a large flock of young Curlews same place on 28th. In October a fair number of records; fifty on 21st at Rhinns of Islay, and a number on 11th at Lochindaul; twenty at Mull of Galloway on 20th.

Woodcock--At Lamlash, on 15th March, two birds at 11 A.M.; E., strong; and on February 1st, one at Kyleakin, 11.30 A.M.; S., with snow on the island.

No more entries till October, when only three in all at Rona (on 8th), S.E., fresh, "first seen;" one at Rhinns of Islay (22d), N.E.; and one at Corsewall (25th), N.E., fresh, "struck and killed." In November, one bird at Mull of Galloway on 19th; and one, on 20th and 21st December, at Rhinns of Islay.

Considering that this was a most remarkable year for Woodcock in Central Scotland, and in the West, in Ardnamurchan, Mull, and many other places, it is remarkable how few have been seen at lighthouses. Here in Stirlingshire thirty-five and twenty-eight were killed on Torwood and Touch in two days. The birds had been quite three weeks in the country. In January 1887, 33½ couple were shot in seven days, and we heard of total bags for the season of 160 to one gun in Ardnamurchan, 400 in Ross of Mull, 260 in north of Mull on one property, etc., etc.

_Snipe._--A distinct "rush" apparent on the great migration night of 5th October, but all other returns light except "numbers all day" at Rhinns of Islay on 18th December. The largest "rush" is recorded at Skerryvore on 5th October, 9.30 P.M. till 3.30 A.M. on the 6th; light S. wind; eight killed on lantern. All other records quite light; and Jack Snipe, only three entries, _viz._, on 8th October at Butt of Lewis, S., fresh; at Skervuile on 6th, light E. and S.; and one killed at midnight of 22d October at Rhinns of Islay. Of Sandpipers, Redshanks, Dunlins, etc., there are only eight records in all in March, May, August (2), September (2), October, and December.

Laridæ.--Gulls we only will mention the more important entries.

Cream-coloured Gulls (Iceland) [or Glaucous Gulls.--J. A. H.-B.] "seldom seen here," at Rhinns of Islay on January 18th, 1887. February 1886--"Iceland" Gull at same place, flying E., noted as "rare," on 3d; light N. breeze. In May a Richardson's Skua at Lochindaul on 28th, and all day there again on 30th July. Thousands of Black Backed Gulls and other Gulls on 14th September at Rhinns of Islay. "Dirty Allens" at Dhuheartach on 31st October, and all November numbers of Gulls at Skervuile. Iceland Gulls at Dhuheartach on 12th December, and again at Rhinns of Islay on 7th.

Terns arrived on 20th May at Barra Head, and a flock stayed a week at Little Ross and then left, after the 14th June. There are only a few scattered records in autumn. The curious unsettled behaviour of Terns, whether Arctic or Common, is a subject worthy of remark during their breeding season. They often occupy and then abandon their nesting places, apparently without any reason, for it is not always that they leave on account of persecution, though they are much more easily affected by persecution than almost any other sea birds.

Procellariidæ.--Petrels.--In September several all day at Dhuheartach, and have been seen "flying south for a week past." [This is an interesting note as pointing directly to a periodical migration of the Petrels. Of course how much such may have been simply caused by increase or diminution of food supply is at present difficult to determine.--J. A. H.-B.]

In October only two records, but both on 5th and 6th at 11 P.M. and 2 A.M., struck, but were not killed. [They are evidently thus included in the impulse and great migration of this date. It is noteworthy that we have all through our past reports seldom received definitive record of actual migration of the Petrel till now.--J. A. H.-B.]

Colymbidæ.--Divers, Northern Divers, Grebes, etc.--In February, one G. N. Diver on 7th at Skervuile.

In March, one do. on 24th at same place. In April, no records. In May, two at Lochindaul on 7th, and on 10th at Kyleakin. No more records of G. N. Divers till 23d October, when one was seen at Rona, Skye, "swimming round the island." Then, 16th November, at Skervuile, and December 26th at same place.

By collecting careful notes on the appearance, residence on our coasts, and departure from different stations, much might be learned of the reason why some northern species remain to breed some seasons more than others, or remain longer resident into the summer months.

Alcidæ.--Puffins, Guillemots, "Tysties," "Rock Birds," etc., Razorbills.--In April, a flock of 100 Puffins fishing around Rhinns of Islay on 3d, and twelve Tysties or Black Guillemots on 10th, "floating in the sound." In May, Tysties at Lochindaul on the 20th, and Puffins--twenty--flying west on 2d, at Kyleakin. In June, great numbers all day of Razorbills fishing around Lochindaul. In August a few all day on 28th at same place. In September, one young Tystie on 15th at Dhuheartach, "eating fish on the rocks." In October on 19th and 21st _continuous flocks_, 6 to 10 A.M., N., light, clear, flying south. This "rush" of sea birds is almost as sudden and remarkable as that of our land birds this year. A few still found in December at Skervuile. No notices South of Clyde.

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

Schedules and letters of instruction, with stamped envelopes for wings, were sent to the fifty-three under-mentioned lighthouses and light-vessels on the West and South-West Coasts of England, the Coasts of Wales, and the Isle of Man, and returns have been received from the thirty-nine stations marked with an asterisk.

The following is an enumeration of the stations included in this section of the Report:--

No. on Map.

Isle of Man.

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

N. W. England.

*120. L.H. St Bees, Henry Nott. *121. L.V. Selker, Daniel Kneale and George Cumming. *122. L.V. Morecambe Bay, Henry Clavell. *123. L.V. River Dee, S. Work and J. Clague.

North Wales.

124. L.H. Air. *125. L.H. Menai, Joseph Steer. *126. L.H. Skerries Rock, Wm. Jno. Rees. *127. L.H. Holyhead Breakwater, Messrs Prichard, Roberts, and Hughes. *128. L.H. South Stack, W. R. Burgess. *129. L.V. Carnarvon Bay, Messrs Thomas and Hughes. 130. L.H. St Tudwalls. *131. L.H. Bardsey Island, Thomas Bowen. *132. L.V. Cardigan Bay, Messrs Rees and Comben.

South Wales.

*133. L.H. South Bishop, Alfred Frost. *134. L.H. Smalls, George Baker. *135. L.H. Great Castle Head, W. L. Davis. *136. L.H. Milford (St Ann's), Jas. F. Spicer. *137. L.H. Caldy, Wm. Ebben. *138. L.V. Helwick, Messrs Webber and Howells.

Bristol Channel.