Part 5

Scolopacidæ.--Scarcer in spring than in 1883, and no rush appreciable; no records in April, and only stray entries on 16th, 25th, and 30th May. In July various slight records; all local migrations for food, no doubt, even when flocking together; or it may be, beginning to migrate, when in flocks, on 22nd and 24th July; and from that, on to 21st October, flocks on many dates; wind S.E. in September at N. stations up to 20th, or thereby; but in October northerly and westerly, or N.E. gales. When direction of flight is given it is usually East in autumn, distinguishing, of course, between real migrants and only local movements. Fifty Curlews at N. Ronaldshay on 22nd August; remain all winter; and a few shot usually by Mr. J. Tulloch.

In autumn, a considerable migration; a good Woodcock year. Earliest migrants recorded: one at Pentland Skerries, 14th October, moderate E., after a N.N.E. gale; with Snipe, and rush of other species. Latest, about 17th November, at Isle of May; five shot. Rush of Woodcocks between 12th and 17th, at Pentland Skerries; but especially at Isle of May, on 4th (six shot), 11th (four shot), 12th (ten shot). Few records in October, and this migration was delayed by adverse winds during that month.[22] A number are scheduled from N. Ronaldshay, on the island, all day; on 8th November light S.W. and rain, and the remark, "I never saw so many Woodcocks on the island since I came here." All left in a few days. One on 2nd December, at Isle of May; and on 12th and 20th January, 1855. Of Snipe, not many records. Earliest, one at Isle of May, 23rd April; and on 1st May at Pentland Skerries. Three Jack Snipe at same place, 4th July (an unusually early arrival, J. A. H. B.), moderate E., fog. Latest, four at Isle of May, 28th November; and Jack Snipe, one at Isle of May on 25th; few records in October; but indication of a rush in November, with other species, between 16th and 20th. At North Ronaldshay numbers of Snipe seen rising out of all marshy places on 17th November. One Jack Snipe torn open in striking.[23] At Torwood, near this, I saw nineteen Woodcocks shot on 13th December (J. A. H. B.), and many other good bags of Woodcock are on record this autumn and winter. They were, however, unusually scarce in the shooting season. Of Waders, generally, there are many entries, including Redshanks, "Sandpipers," Purple Sandpipers (Isle of May and Pentland Skerries), Turnstones, Ringed Plover and Dunlin (Isle of May), which we do not consider it necessary to detail. The rushes of other species indicate also the details of the above.

[Footnote 22: One Woodcock struck hard on the west side of the dome at Isle of May, flying dead against light east wind, and was found next morning 100 yards to the N.E., and shot by a friend. Its breast was torn open, and much lacerated. It may have struck the side of the dome, and glanced off; but we were in the lantern-room at the time, and it sounded on the W. side. It had evidently dropped after striking outside the balcony, and then, recovering, flew straight for the Pilot House, the white-washed walls of which were reflecting the lantern-light.]

[Footnote 23: Some birds, even in light winds and haze, seem more impetuous than others at the lantern-lights, such as Woodcock and Snipe.--J. A. H. B.]

Sterninæ.--Few records. Terns arrived at Pentland Skerries on 11th May; and at Cromarty the Lesser Tern arrived on 4th May. The Terns left about the 20th August, and the Lesser Terns on the 15th, with light S.W. wind. In September a flock of Terns passed Bell Rock on the 15th, and on the 17th a flock kept round the lantern all night, strong N.W., and disappeared with daylight.

_Note._--The birds called the Laughing Gull, by Mr. Agnew, are the Common Gull (_Larus canus_), not common at Isle of May.

_To Mr. Agnew._--The true Laughing Gull is an American species; and our Black-headed Gull (_Larus ridibundus_) may also be confused with your "Laughing Gull." "Common Gull" is the correct name of the bird you describe and name "Laughing Gull."

Laridæ.--Kittiwakes arrived in great numbers at N. Unst on 13th March, strong S., hail and sleet. Gulls and rock birds arrived in great numbers at Sumburgh Head on 8th March, and again on 24th, light N.E., haze.[24] Kittiwakes arrived first on 16th March at Isle of May, and great many more on 24th, wind from W. to N.E. Great Black-backed Gulls are mentioned at Sumburgh Head and Pentland Skerries on 4th February and 4th March respectively. Three "Bonxies" seen at N. Unst, 20th April, the first arrivals, light E.N.E., clear. Richardson's Skuas, a number at Sumburgh Head, 3rd May, S. gale and snow. Kittiwakes first appeared at (or first record at) Pentland Skerries, 5th May (?). They began to return west, by our records, on 23rd July, several flocks of Gulls, flying W. Skuas, occasional records at Pentland Skerries; are apparently local in August. Kittiwakes all left Isle of May on 29th August, and hundreds of Gulls arrived. Flocks of Gulls all September at most stations, but no unusual numbers noted. "Gulls and Cormorants (J. A. H. B.) were wheeling high in air; not a good sign of the coming weather."[25] Iceland Gulls (called also "Snow Birds," in common with Snow Buntings) first appeared at N. Unst on 1st October, again seen on the 4th. "Gulls," of sorts, abundant at Isle of May by Nov. 17th; and garvies, or "sprats" (_Clupea sprattus_), in vast shoals round the island (see General Remarks). At North Ronaldshay numbers of Gulls seen, and a good many Black-backed Gulls remaining and feeding on the people's turnips! (or slugs or worms, J. A. H. B., 21st December). Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Great Black-backed Gulls, Kittiwakes, Black-headed Gulls, two common Skuas (J. A. H. B.), _L. catarractes_, a few Glaucous Gulls, one Little Gull recorded by J. A. H. B. at Kincardine, on the Firth of Forth. All the above species were frequenting the Firth of Forth, the Kittiwakes and commoner Gulls in hundreds and thousands. Sprats sold at 14_s._, 12_s._ to 8_s._ per ton at S. pier, at Kincardine; fields covered, mud covered, sea covered, air filled with Gulls. No such vast assemblage of Laridæ in Scotland since the invasion of Arctic Gulls in 1872-73 (see Proc. Glasg. Nat. Hist. Soc, Jan. 7th and 28th, 1873). The estuary of the Tay was quite deserted by garvies, or sprats, this season, and few Gulls seen there.[26]

[Footnote 24: See Oldest Inhabitant's remarks on the unusual abundance of Gulls all the season onwards, from 8th March, at this station, in connection with the migration of sprats in winter of 1884--85, and congregation of Gulls in Firth of Forth (_vide_ General Remarks at end of West Coast of Scotland),]

[Footnote 25: In autumn there are a few Shags, or Green Cormorants, at Isle of May; but a colony, or roosting and fishing community of about fifty to sixty Cormorants, occupy the rock-ledges.]

[Footnote 26: Inside the dock at Bo'ness a man filled his boat, which held seven tons, twice in rapid succession. About 350 tons were brought into Bo'ness and trucked off. A much larger quantity I suspect was obtained at Kincardine.]

Procellariidæ.--August, September, October, and November each contain a few records at N. Unst, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May. Earliest, 11th August, at N. Unst, one struck, not killed, fresh S.E., fog; and several struck on 19th. On 14th September several rested all night, from 11 p.m. to daylight, at N. Unst, fresh S.E.; and one next day struck, light S., fog; and one caught at Sumburgh Head same night. On 18th October one found, struck, but not killed; light, variable, rain. In November one struck at N. Unst; on the 16th November, "a young bird, having still the down." I have recorded also a Forked-tailed Petrel (_Thalassidroma leachii_), at Girdleness, on 15th August, 1884 (see Ryl. Phyl. Soc. Proc, 1885, read 21st January, 1885).

Alcidæ.--Razorbills and Guillemots, and Puffins: February 15th, several "Marrots" first seen, forenoon; strong S., clear; at N. Unst. February 3rd, large numbers of Razorbills and Guillemots arrived at Isle of May; seven killed at a shot. February 7th, large numbers of Razorbills and Guillemots arrived at Isle of May; light W., clear. February 20th, large numbers of Razorbills and Guillemots arrived at Isle of May. February 24th, Puffins innumerable at N. Unst; first seen; light S., clear. February 24th, Guillemots in flocks flying S.E., at Sumburgh Head; first seen. February 27th, Guillemots, continuous flock flying S.E. March 6th, Guillemots and Razorbills, thousands at Isle of May: "They have remained ever since they came, which is unusual; but some days more than others."--J. A. March 6th to 30th, ever increasing numbers of Razorbills and Guillemots; greatest rush of arrival at Isle of May on 30th. April 4th, multitudes, but all left at 4 p.m.; Isle of May. April 8th, multitudes in the morning. April 8th, multitudes, and now remain: "Arrived at night, as is usual when they intend to remain."--J. A. April 22nd, Puffins, which breed at Pentland Skerries, first arrived on 22nd. May 6th, at Pentland Skerries, a flock of Guillemots flying E. May 29th, flocks all day flying E. June 6th, six Guillemots flying W. July 8th, a flock flying E. at Pentland Skerries. September 5th, all rock birds seen last at N. Unst on this date. November 19th, forty or fifty Cormorants seen flying S. at 4 p.m. Query: "Are those the birds which were roosting on Isle of May in September and October, or passing birds?"--J. A. H. B. December 12th and 13th, large numbers; and again on 29th, at Isle of May. Unusually abundant in Firth of Forth, with Little Auks and Puffins, in January, 1885.

Our report on the E. coast of Scotland includes all schedules between February 1st, 1884, and January 31st, 1885, which have come to hand in time.[27]

[Footnote 27: It is important for me to have all schedules dating as near as possible to January 31st in each year returned as filled up to date, as the work of arranging the large amount of material is much simplified if _all_ schedules are to hand as soon after the last entry as possible.]

EAST COAST OF ENGLAND.

Schedules were sent to thirty-eight stations, lighthouses and light-vessels, on the East Coast of England, and returns have been received from twenty-six.

Independent reports have been received from Malmo, Sweden; Stevns Fyr (lighthouse of Stevns), Zealand; and from Heligoland. Also from several land stations on the East Coast, namely Northumberland coast, Seaton-Carew, Redcar, Flamborough, Spurn, Great Cotes (Lincolnshire), Blakeney and Cley, Wells and Cromer (Norfolk), Yarmouth and the Isle of Thanet; altogether thirty-seven reporting stations against thirty-five in 1883. The total number of schedules sent in is seventy, a considerable increase on previous years, and the labour of arranging, tabulating and reporting thereon has been considerably increased.

The schedules received from the light-keepers are very satisfactory; they register an immense amount of special information relating to the passage of migrants in the spring and autumn of 1884; the entries are so numerous, and the mass of materials so large, that it is impossible to give more than the general results of the collected observations.

The notes from land stations, courteously placed at our disposal by independent observers, many of whom are practical ornithologists of long standing and repute, add greatly to the value of the report, and go far to establish the approximate correctness of the details as given in the separate remarks on each species.

Our thanks are due to Frank K. Newton, Professor H. Lütken, H. Gätke, T. H. Nelson, C. Donald Thompson, Matthew Bailey, W. Eagle Clarke, the Rev. H. H. Slater, Philip Lawton, J. H. Gurney, J. F. D. Power, M. Vaughan, and Lord Clifton, for kind co-operation and assistance, either in direct communication or by access to their unpublished field notes, some of which will probably subsequently appear in the Journals and Proceedings of various Natural History Societies.

The greatest number of schedules received from any one station are nine from Mr. Thomas H. Cutting of the Inner Farn Lighthouse, and four from Mr. Owen Boyle of the Languard Lighthouse.

The east coast stations included in this report are as follows, those making returns being marked with a star (*):--

*Longstone L.H.† Thomas O. Hall. *Inner Farn L.H. Thomas H. Cutting. *Tees L.V. Henry Harbord. *Coquet Island L.H. William Evans. *Whitby High L.H. John Odgers. *Flamborough Head L.H. Charles Hood. *Spurn L.H. James B. Smith. Spurn L.V. *Outer Dowsing L.V. J. N. Utting & W. Stock. *Inner Dowsing L.V. William King. *Dudgeon L.V. John F. Warder. Llyn Wells L.V. *Hunstanton L.H. William Westmoreland. *Cromer L.H. C. H. Overton. *Leman & Ower L.V. John Artis & John Bowen. Hasbro' L.H. *Hasbro' L.V. J. Nicholas & B. V. Darnell. *Newarp L.V. C. Campbell & W. Rees. *Winterton L.H. John Watson. *Cockle L.V. Charles Perfrement & E. Cole. *Orfordness L.H. W. Willey Woodruffe. *Corton L.V. Isaac H. Johnson. *Shipwash L.V. Thos. Rundell Martin. *Languard Point L.H. Owen Boyle. Galloper L.V. *Kentish Knock L.V. Samuel Pender & W. Elsdon. Swin Middle L.V. Tongue L.V. Nore L.V. North Foreland L.H. *Goodwin L.V. J. Rees. *Gull L.V. Francis Harvey & J. Jenkins. South Sand Head L.V. *East Side L.V. Edward le Gallais & W. Nicholls. *Varne L.V. J. Jacobs. South Foreland L.H. Casquets L.H. *Hanois L.H. (Guernsey) Geo. Freeman, C. Williams, & F. G. Cutting.

SEPARATE NOTES ON EACH SPECIES.

_Turdus viscivorus_, Mistletoe Thrush.--Great Cotes, Sept. 23rd, great many young on passage. Redcar, Oct. 4th, 8 a.m. [N.W. 5], flocks coming in. Longstone L.H., Nov. 12th, a few; Dec. 9th, a few; and Jan. 4th, 1855, some. Heligoland, Oct. 7th, one; Nov. 22nd, several along with Blackbirds, Fieldfares, and Ring Ouzels, wind W., strong, with snow squalls.

_T. musicus_, Song Thrush.--Spring, 1884: Farn, L.H., March 6th to May 1st, Thrushes at intervals. Coquet L.H., March 20th, all day. Autumn: Aug. 21st, Spurn, already on the move up the coast; sparingly at coast stations in September, but large numbers throughout October. A rush on to coast from the Farn Islands to Yarmouth between the 18th and 24th of Oct., and again from Nov. 4th to 12th. Great Cotes, Nov. 22nd, a rush. Many also came in at Whitby on Jan. 10th, 1885. Heligoland, Sept. 18th, first, and a few through the month; throughout October, but in less number from the 22nd to 30th, and on to Nov. 10th; great many 22nd and 28th, and a few at intervals to Dec. 24th.

_T. iliacus_, Redwing.--Spring, 1884: Longstone L.H., March 14th, S. misty, several round lantern. Autumn: Spurn, a few in the last fortnight in September. Isle of Thanet, Sept. 30th, first. Between the Farn Islands and Hasborough L.V. at various stations from Oct. 1st to Nov. 15th; rushes on Oct. 21st to 24th, wind S. and S.W., and Nov. 12th, 13th and 15th. Heligoland, Oct. 7th to 18th; 19th, early, flights of hundreds; 22nd and 23rd, great numbers; last on Nov. 16th.

_T. pilaris_, Fieldfare.--Spring, 1884: Last at the Spurn, twenty on May 9th. Autumn: The first at Farn L.H. Oct. 15th, and between this date to Jan. 10th, 1885, at intervals at stations covering the whole east coast. In fact, since the middle of October to the second week in the new year, Fieldfares, Red-wings, Thrushes and Blackbirds, have been coming in at intervals, young birds first, and the old later in the year. Unusually large flights of Fieldfares are recorded at inland stations in December and January. Heligoland, Oct. 14th, first; 19th, early, flights of hundreds; 29th, great many, also caught at night at lighthouse; Nov. 22nd and 28th, great many; also Dec. 1st, 24th, and 30th (S.W. still overcast), on the latter day very large numbers.

_T. varius_, White Thrush.--Heligoland, Oct. 3rd, one caught; 23rd, one seen (certain).

_T. migratorius_, Red-breasted Thrush.--Heligoland, Oct. 14th, N.W., windy and rain, one seen in cliff, quite close.

_T. merula_, Blackbird.--Spring, 1884: At the Northumberland stations from March 14th to 20th, many, wind W. and S.W. Orfordness L.H., May 18th, 6 p.m., three struck. Autumn: Great Cotes, Sept. 12th, some young cocks. At numerous stations between the Farn Islands and Hanois L.H., Guernsey, in October, and marvellous numbers in November with the like lateral range; Nov. 11th, 12th, and 13th, an almost continuous rush night and day, with S.E. winds and a low pressure area in Western Europe.[28] Great Cotes, Nov. 26th, first old cocks with yellow bills. Hasborough L.V., Jan. 19th and 20th, 1885, easterly winds, Blackbirds all night. Farn L.H., Jan. 6th to 19th, several on island. Longstone L.H., Jan. 4th, N., rain, passing to land. Migration much in excess of previous reports. Heligoland, first, Oct. 11th, and at intervals to Nov. 5th, up to which date no old cock had been seen; last on Nov. 10th and 12th. The migration of this species at Heligoland is very light compared with the English coast.

[Footnote 28: This rush appears to have, in a greater or less degree, covered the whole of the east coast. At the Longstone L.H., Farn Islands, it is recorded by our observer, Mr. T. O. Hall, as follows:--"Nov. 10th, all kinds of small birds coming all day, one Snipe seen, wind southerly, hazy weather; at 8 a.m., three grey crows to E. 11th, birds still coming, all kinds, or rather the small kind, two Snipe, and one Woodcock. 12th, great rush of Blackbirds, Ouzel, a few Mistletoe Thrushes., Redwings, Lapwings, Grey and Golden Plover, as well as Woodcock and Snipe. This is the greatest rush of the season, and lasted all day up to 10 p.m.; complete absence of Starlings; wind all day from S. to S. by W., after midnight changing to N.W." There was no corresponding rush across Heligoland during the same period.]

_T. torquatus_, Ring Ouzel.--Spring, 1884: Farn Islands, March 23rd to 29th, a few. Autumn: first seen, Sept. 9th, Spurn, some. Redcar, Oct. 24th to 26th, a few. Longstone L.H., Nov. 12th, rush. Migration considerably under average. Heligoland, Sept. 16th, some; 17th, sprinkling; 19th, pretty numerous; Oct. 11th, first old birds; last observed, Nov. 22nd.

_Saxicola œnanthe_, Wheatear.--Spring, 1884: March 19th, Farn L.H., first. Hanois L.H., Guernsey, 28th and 30th, midnight, many round lantern; April 7th, many during morning in two's and three's, to W.; 18th and 21st, the same. Farn Islands and Teesmouth, May 3rd to 17th, many going S.E. to N.W. Autumn: Farn L.H., between August 6th first, to Redcar, Oct. 26th last, great migration along the coast between these dates, from north to south, both of home birds and others which had crossed the North Sea. Spurn, Sept. 13th, "rush," many all day; last Wheatear seen in Great Cotes marshes, near the Humber, on November 7th. Heligoland, August 1st and 3rd, a few; 5th, twenty or so, and then a considerable migration to the 22nd, when the movement for the time ceased, commencing again on the 27th, and was continued through September to the 19th; the first old birds on October 3rd, and again some young on the 12th, when the passage appears to have ceased. Immense numbers covered the island on the 12th of Sept. and three following days, wind E.S.E., clear and fine.

_S. stapazina_, Black-throated Wheatear.--Heligoland, Oct. 2nd, one, probable, not obtained.

_Pratincola rubetra_, Whinchat.--No English notes. Heligoland, August 15th, some on cliff; 17th, great numbers; 18th and 19th, the same, and on to the end of the month, through September to the 18th, when the migration ceased; astounding numbers with others on the 14th and 15th Sept.

_P. rubicola_, Stonechat.--Spurn, August 29th, considerable immigration of young birds; Sept. 26th, many old. In North-east Lincolnshire we have had a sprinkling of old birds about the sheep-folds in turnip fields all through the winter.

_Ruticilla phœnicurus_, Redstart.--Spring: Farn Islands, April 7th, one; 29th, S.E., many. Malmo, Sweden, May 5th, two or three in garden. Autumn: Spurn, Aug. 25th, first, to Thanet, Oct. 5th, last on passage up coast; rushes on Sept. 4th, 11th, 12th, and 17th. Heligoland, August 11th, first, young birds; enormous passage on 20th and 21st, easterly, hot and fine; through September, and an astounding rush from the 12th to the 15th; last, Oct. 1st and 2nd.

_R. titys_, Black Redstart.--One, as reported by Mr. Gurney, shot at Blakeney, about the middle of October, by Mr. Seebohm. Heligoland, Oct. 23rd, some; 25th, less. Three to four weeks later in migration than Common Redstart.

_Cyanecula suecica_, Arctic Bluethroat.--Cley and Blakeney (as observed by Mr. F. D. Power), September 8th, W.N.W., one; 11th, E. to N.N.E., one shot showing red spot fairly well; 12th, E. to N., eighty to one hundred, also many Redstarts,--examples obtained were immature, and in the proportion of six males to one female; 13th, E.N.E., about four dozen left on banks; 15th, E., eight or ten; 16th, S.E., and later N.E., four or five. Spurn, Sept. 15th, two seen, one shot; 18th, three shot and others seen. Isle of Thanet, Sept. 15th, two seen on some arable land by Lord Clifton. Heligoland, Aug. 31st, some young; Sept. 1st and 3rd, pretty numerous; 9th and 10th, very many; 11th and 12th, very great numbers, and less to 18th; 19th and 20th, many. It is interesting to compare these dates with the arrival on the English coast.

_Erithacus rubecula_, Redbreast.--Spring: Farn Islands, March 11th, several. Longstone L.H., April 28th, E.N.E., two. Autumn: At several stations between the Farns and mouth of Thames; first at Shipwash L.V. August 14th, large numbers at noon to W.; the last at Hasborough L.V., Nov. 12th, one at night on deck. Heligoland, Sept. 19th, a few; 21st, great many, and on to the end of month, and at intervals through October to November 12th, rush, if any, Oct. 12th. Migration appears to have ceased at the same date both on English coast and at Heligoland.

_Sylvia cinerea_, Whitethroat.--Heligoland, Aug. 19th, young, the first, very red; 21st and 23rd, a few; Sept. 11th, some.

_S. atricapilla_, Blackcap.--Spring: Farn L.H. April 29th, several. Autumn: Thanet, Sept. 3rd to 5th. Heligoland, Oct. 12th, a few.

_S. hortensis_, Garden Warbler.--Spring: Malmo, Sweden, May 14th. Autumn: Thanet, Sept, 3rd to 13th. Spurn L.H., 17th, S.E., one struck and killed, several seen on following day; many Redstarts, Pied Flycatchers, and Bluethroats, also arriving on night of 17th. Heligoland, Aug. 27th, a few (no _curruca_); Sept. 1st and 9th.

_S. nisoria_, Barred Warbler.--Spurn, Aug. 28th, one, a female of the year, obtained by Mr. Slater (See 'Zoologist, 1884, p. 489). Cley, Norfolk, Sept. 4th, N.E., one, which was also an immature female, shot by Mr. F. D. Power.[29]

[Footnote 29: This makes the third occurrence of the Barred Warbler in the British Isles. The first is recorded near Cambridge by Professor Newton, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1879, p. 219.]