Part 9

Corvidæ.--The returns are from Monach, Sound of Mull, Rhinns of Islay, Portpatrick, and Bahama (L.V.) Earliest at Portpatrick, Aug. 16th, flocks flying round between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., wind light E., and clear (probably only a local movement). Latest at Monach, Dec. 29th, when about a dozen were seen at noon flying south over the island. At Sound of Mull, in October, about two hundred "Daws" are reported flying N.E. on the 9th, wind light E. and clear; and at Rhinns of Islay, on the 10th, flocks of Black Crows (Rooks ?) seen flying W., wind light, clear. At Bahama L.V., on 24th, one flying E. at 7.25 a.m., wind N.W., and showery. But in November there appears to have been a rush; also on Nov. 5th, ten "Crows" seen at Bahama L.V. flying W.N.W. at 8 a.m., wind moderate N.W. by N. (the strength registered is 4); and at the same station, on the 25th, about two hundred and fifty "Crows" were seen flying from E. to W., with a W.S.W. wind, strength 6, and weather gloomy. In my return from Monach I find that six "small black Crows," which may have been either Books or Jackdaws, were seen passing over the island, flying north-west or north, in the direction of the Lews, driven along by a strong S.S.E. gale upon Nov. 20th.

_Note._--In 52° 50′ north lat. and 22° 21′ west long., being 475 miles off the Irish coast, after six weeks' easterly gale and winds, wind E.S.E. for ten hours previous, two Books flew to the barque 'East.' One fell exhausted on deck, and the other into the sea. The former was shown to me by the Captain--Capt. Younoun--on board the 'East' at Granton. The above, as related to me, was upon Nov. 19th; and it may be interesting in connection with this to read the notes supplied by Mr. R. Gray, as given under Thrush. Of a later observation at Monach, on Dec. 29th, I have already spoken.

Starling, _Sturnus vulgaris_.--I have received many returns of this species, as is usually the case in autumn. Commencing at our most northerly stations, I have returns from Cape Wrath, Rhu Stoir, Stornoway, Island Ghlais (or Glas), Monach, Kyleakin, Fladda, Rhinns of Islay, Lochindaul, Corsewall, Point of Ayre, Douglas Head, and Bahama (L.V.) The earliest dates are August; arrive and remain all the season afterwards at Lochindaul; but at Rhinns of Islay, adjoining, arrive in September and remain; resident thereafter. At Corsewall, Aug. 4th, a flock flying south, fresh S. wind. At Kyleakin, Sept. 12th, three, moderate S. wind, and haze. At Cape Wrath, Sept. 14th, twenty young, flying from E. to W. (see remarks on occurrences in Mid-Atlantic, under Thrushes, antea, p. 80); on 17th, a large flock at 10 p.m., wind strong S., with haze and rain; stayed a few days and then left. At Corsewall, Sept. 28th, a flock flying S., strong breeze, clear. Sept. 29th and 30th, a number seen hovering round the lights of Douglas Head Lighthouse at midnight, with Thrushes and Blackbirds, and none seen after daylight came in. At Kyleakin, Nov. 3rd and 5th, forty adult and young rested, wind light N. to light S., clear, and sleet. Also on Nov. 2nd and 3rd, whilst numbers were striking all night till dawn at Corsewall, a large number were flying round Point of Ayre lights, mixed with Thrushes and Blackbirds, and thirty-six were killed; and on same date, one was killed at lantern of Douglas Head: and six killed and fell overboard at Bahama L.V., out of a large flock of mixed Thrushes and Starlings. At Monach, Nov. 6th, one adult rested, wind light N.W., drizzle. At Monach, Nov. 17th, twenty-four young, N.N.E. gale, sleet and snow; left on 18th. At Stornoway, Dec. 19th and 20th, large flocks, wind E., sleet and rain. At Monach, Dec. 27th, a flock of young birds, along with a large flock of Larks, flying about the garden and shores at 1 p.m., wind S., fresh and clear; and again on Jan. 14th, 1881, a great many flocks, mixed old and young, at 10 a.m., flying to and fro between the island and North Uist, apparently being local movements caused by heavy snow in Uist. In 1879, the most northerly record comes from Ardnamurchan, whereas this year, as is usually the case, they are much more general. The earliest date in 1879 was Aug. 14th, at Loch Ryan and M'Arthur's Head, whilst this year it was the 4th, at Corsewall. The latest in 1879 was Dec. 18th, at Skervuile. This year, in December, at Stornoway.

Finches, _Fringillidæ_.--At Rhu Stoir, Sept. 17th, large flocks at 10 p.m., strong S. wind, haze and rain; stayed a few days with Starlings and then left. Crossbills (_vide_ Mr. Anderson's notes on Mid-Atlantic, antea, p. 80). Mr. Robt. Gray afterwards informed me that the two Crossbills captured are of the American species (_Loxia leucoptera_), judging from Mr. Anderson's description. The same species was captured by the late Dr. Dewar on board ship (Royal Phyl. Soc, and 'Birds of West of Scotland'); and at same locality Finches were seen on Oct. 20th, light variable winds, and snow. Only returns in 1879 were from Dhuheartach on Aug. 24th, and Oct. 4th and 8th.

Tree Sparrow.--On Lismore, Nov. 15th, a small flock observed, strong N. wind, clear.

Chaffinch.--Only one record on west coast is given, _viz._, at Bahama L.V., Oct. 11th, when one is recorded flying N.W. at 8 a.m., wind E.N.E., and haze.

Linnets.--Returns from Skerryvore, Lismore, and Point of Ayre. Earliest date Sept. 12th, when a rush appears to have taken place past Point of Ayre between that date and Sept. 29th; principally, however, on Sept. 12th and 20th, when young birds to the number of fifty or sixty--on the 20th mixed with Hedgesparrows--were seen flying W. on both days about 8 a.m., wind light W., clear. They appeared plentiful also on the 28th, but a few only seen on 29th. Again in same locality there appeared to be a rush on Oct. 18th and 24th, when twenty and one hundred Greenfinches were seen, in light and fresh W. wind; and at Skerryvore, Oct. 14th, twelve "Grey Linnets" flew about the rock, wind light E., with haze. On Nov. 13th, a small flock frequented Lismore during the day, wind strong S.W. to W., and rain; and at the same station, Dec. 15th, both Grey and Green Linnets, mixed with Robins, Larks, Thrushes, and Blackbirds, flew about; wind strong N.E., and snow. In 1879, Sept. 9th is the only date given at Rhuvaal and Lamlash.

Snow Bunting, _Emberiza nivalis_.--Records have been kept at Rhu Stoir in the north, and southward at Monach, Dhuheartach, Corsewall, and Point of Ayre. The earliest occurrence was at Dhuheartach on Sept. 19th, when one bird was seen; wind fresh W. From Oct. 1st to 8th, at Rhu Stoir, about forty arrived and stayed till the latter date; wind on day of arrival N.W. gale with sleet. On Oct. 1st, at Monach also, they were first seen, one at 10 a.m.; wind fresh S.S.W. and cloudy. At Point of Ayre from fifty to sixty were seen at 7.30 a.m., mixed with Thrushes and Blackbirds, fresh S.E. wind, clear, on Nov. 2nd and 3rd. On Nov. 6th, at Monach, one at 10 p.m., N.W. wind and drizzle of rain. On Nov. 16th a few seen at 2 p.m. during a S. to N.N.E. gale, and the latest record is at Corsewall, on Jan. 5th, 1881, when one was seen and struck the lantern at 3.30 a.m., light N.E. wind, haze. In 1879 most northerly station, Monach Island. Earliest date same as this year (1879, Monach; 1880, Dhuheartach). Latest date in 1879, Dec. 10th (Corsewall), against Jan. 5th, 1881 (Corsewall), in 1880.

_Note._--The unusually large and sudden immigration of Snow Buntings into Great Britain attracted general attention. From the middle of November onward they were extremely abundant, and they ushered in the severe winter and low temperatures of January, 1881.

Sky Lark, _Alauda arvensis_.--A good many returns from the following stations:--Rhu Stoir, Kyleakin, Dhuheartach, Skervuile, Rhinns of Islay, Turnberry, Corsewall, and Bahama L.V. The earliest, Sept. 30th, at Corsewall, at 9 p.m., when two were seen, which remained till dawn on the lantern along with Golden-crested Wrens. The latest at Turnberry on Jan. 4th, 1881, when one struck at 8 p.m., light N.E. wind with haze. In October, on the 1st, at Skervuile, some were seen mixed with Thrushes and Wrens; winds variable and light, with haze. On the 3rd, at Turnberry, two struck, and one killed between 10 and 11 p.m., wind light E. and clear. On 12th, at Bahama L.V. a flock seen flying W. at 9.20 a.m., wind light N.E., with haze. On 13th twenty seen at Dhuheartach at 1 a.m., wind light N., cloudy. On Dec. 27th a large flock was seen flying about the garden and shores at Monach along with young Starlings and two Blackbirds, at 1 p.m., wind S., fresh breeze, clear. In 1879 the most northerly station was Dhuheartach. Earliest date in 1879, Sept. 19th; latest Dec. 6th; but it must be remembered in this and all such comparisons that in 1879 our returns' were sent in sooner than in 1880.

_Note._--Local migrations of large extent, brought on by heavy falls of snow and consequent scarcity of food, have been frequently noted this season. When crossing the Firth of Forth on the 15th December I saw many large flocks of Larks, both in the morning and afternoon, flying steadily from N.N.W. to S.S.E. or N.W. to S.E. Many Larks were afterwards seen feeding near Leith, and notice of the fact sent to the papers by another witness. The line of flight, as I have said, was from N. of West to S. of East. I note the fact as having significance, even in a local migration, at this locality.

Rock Pigeon.--July 10th, sixteen Rock Pigeons at Island Ghlais, flying S., 8 p.m., light N., haze and showers, refers probably to a local migration. At Skerryvore two "wild pigeons" (Rock Doves?) seen during calm hazy weather on June 24th.

Lapwing, _Vanellus cristatus_.--At Rhuvaal, Lochindaul, and Portpatrick. Aug. 4th, at Lochindaul, large flocks seen all through the month after this date: resident. Sept. 1st, two killed at Rhuvaal, 11 p.m., strong S., haze. Sept. 9th, flocks flying S. at 9 a.m. at Portpatrick; wind S.E., hazy. Sept. 15th, Lochindaul, flocks all day; strong N. wind, clear. One at Monach on Dec. 27th, wind S., flying S. More northerly in 1879, _viz._, Rhu Stoir and southwards. Earliest date Aug. 20th; latest Dec. 11th.

_Note._--In Ireland Lapwings began to assemble on the shores by July 22nd, as observed by Mr. Warren.

Golden Plover, _Charadrius pluvialis_.--Only two records this year from Island Ghlais and Point of Ayre: Dec. 3rd, twenty to thirty at 9 a.m. flying S.W., light airs, showers, at the former; Jan. 12th, 1881, at the latter, a flock flying E., wind strong E., clear. Two or three flocks were seen upon Monach on Dec. 27th, at 1 p.m., flying along to shore, wind S., fresh breeze. A considerable movement appears to have been observed at Monach on this date. In 1879 three stations, most northerly being Skerryvore. Earliest date July 27th, at Portpatrick; latest on Oct. 18th, at Skerryvore.

Ringed Plover.--On Aug. 13th twelve "Dotterels" arrived upon Dhuheartach. These remain on the rock all winter, unless driven off by severe weather.

Heron.--Two Herons seen at 2 p.m. at Rhu Stoir, N.W. gale, snow showers. At Monach four Herons rested on the shore on Oct. 28th, about 2 o'clock, wind strong N.E., with snow showers; they had left by next day. Common and of daily occurrence at Kyleakin.

Curlew, _Numenius arquatus_.--Of this species we have many records, and it does not seem easy to distinguish between migration data and residence. However, I give the leading points for further comparison. They occurred, or are recorded, at Cape Wrath, and thence south at Island Ghlais, Monach, Kyleakin, Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Rhuvaal, Skervuile, Lochindaul, Portpatrick. Point of Ayre, and Bahama L.V. They seemed to fly in all directions, indicating to a great extent only local migration. From April and May, on through June and July, and all the autumn months they occur rather distinctly as resident, or as passing flocks, and it seems almost impossible to separate the movements in the end of summer which should be assigned as part of the spring migration from those in the beginning of autumn which more rightly belong to the autumnal migration. As will be seen, however, I have attempted to do so, assigning all June records to the former and July records to the latter. The earliest record, then, in autumn stands as July 15th, when forty were seen flying W. at 4.20 p.m. at Island Ghlais, wind light N., clear. The latest recorded are on Dec. 25th, 26th and 27th at Rhu Stoir, flying south; winds N. or light and variable with showers. The general courses pursued were southerly or from N.W. to S.E., or from N.E. to S.W., some flying direct W., however, and others direct S.; but at Portpatrick, on Aug. 19th and 23rd, flocks were seen flying north and also south, indicating a local migration. On Aug. 19th the wind was light S., haze, and on 23rd light E., clear. Numbers passed Dhuheartach between Aug. 12th and 17th, all going in southerly directions, from S. to S.W. and S.E. On Monach they were unusually abundant this year all September, and more than a dozen were shot. "Bushes," so far as such data are of value, appear to have taken place in August, 12th to 17th, or even later,--say to 23rd,--and locally, at Lochindaul, on Aug. 4th and 5th, and in September, as 10th and 25th, at Dhuheartach, and "unusually abundant all September on Monach." In November, on the 3rd, at Bahama L.V., Curlews were flying round the vessel all night. On Aug. 15th four seen circling round Dhuheartach in calm, clear weather, and on the 18th two seen flying south in light W. wind and haze. On Nov. 2nd, at Douglas Head, one was killed on lantern at 10.30 p.m., wing strong S.E. and haze. On Nov. 6th one "Sandpiper" was killed at lantern at Island Ghlais in a fresh W. breeze. In 1879 most northerly station was Island Ghlais; this year much more general. Earliest date in 1879, Aug. 3rd; latest Nov. 20th.

Snipe.--I have returns only from three stations, Island Ghlais, Kyleakin and Douglas Head. The earliest at Kyleakin, Oct. 11th, when two appeared in light E. wind and rain; at the same station, Nov. 16th, one was killed on lantern at 2 a.m., in light S. wind and haze. At Douglas Head, Nov. 18th, one killed at midnight in snow, N.E. breeze. At Island Ghlais, Nov. 27th, one was killed during a W. gale and haze and rain.

Woodcock, _Scolopax rusticola_.--Commencing in the north we have records of occasional birds at Cape Wrath, Rhu Stoir, Island Ghlais, Kyleakin, Ardnamurchan, Lismore, and Point of Ayre. The earliest occurrence is noted at Island Ghlais, Sept. 23rd, seen half a mile from lighthouse. Then we have occurrence at Point of Ayre, where one was killed at the lantern on nights of Nov. 2nd and 3rd, at 7 o'clock, light S.E. wind, very foggy. At Lismore, Nov. 20th, one seen at 11 a.m., light N.W. wind, clear. The rush appeared most conspicuous from Dec. 10th, when one was killed at Ardnamurchan, at 5.30 a.m., in strong W. wind, with thick rain; at Kyleakin, Dec. 11th, when two were seen at 2.30 p.m., moderate N.E. wind, snow lying on the ground; and at Rhu Stoir, Dec. 25th, 26th and 27th; on 25th, three, flying south, light N. wind, snow; 26th, one, variable, and light showers of snow; 27th, two, light, variable and clear; lastly, at Rhu Stoir, Jan. 12th, two, light S.E. wind, clear.

_Note._--Northernmost Station, Island Ghlais, 1879. Earliest record, Oct. 11th (Rhinns of Islay), 1879; latest record, Dec. 12th, 1879. So long ago as the date of the "Lays of the Deer Forest," 1848, numbers of Woodcock are recorded as settling about the lamps of the northern lighthouses, and evidence is given from Cape Wrath (_loc. cit._, 'Notes,' vol. ii., p. 262).

Wild Goose.--At Portpatrick, Aug. 6th, one was seen flying S.E., in light E. breeze; at the same station, Jan. 13th, ten were observed flying S., with a strong N. breeze. At Point of Ayre, Jan. 11th, about twenty were seen flying S., with light N.E. breeze. At Monach, Nov. 30th, eight were seen at 8 p.m., flying westward, and settled on some rocks off the island, wind S.E., fresh, rain; and Jan. 9th, 1881, fifteen at 9 a.m. flying northwards, wind S., light, clear. At Douglas Head, Dec. 17th, eight Geese were seen flying from E. to W. at 12 a.m., calm, clear. At Butt of Lewis, Jan. 6th, six Wild Geese at 9 a.m., light S.W. wind, clear; came to the village about a mile off, stopped two days; left, going S. At Island Ghlais, Jan. 4th, fifty Wild Geese flying S., 1 p.m.; wind N., fresh, clear. At Rhuvaal, Dec. 12th, six dozen seen, after stormy weather, in light S.W. breeze.

_Note._--On Jan. 29th, 1880, four dozen, old and young, resident on Islay, were by Feb. 15th, 1880, reduced to about two dozen. It is recorded in the Wernerian Societies Memoirs, in a report from the light-keeper at Lismore lighthouse (which report was not published in full), that most birds of a flock of Brent Geese were killed against the building, and that one bird passed through quarter-inch glass "like a shot" (Mem. Wern. Soc, read Jan. 24th, 1835).

Swan, _Cygnus_.--At Rhu Stoir, Dec. 25th, 2 p.m., flying S.E., light N. wind, snow storm. (At Loch Inver, Jan. 1st, 1881, two seen at a loch there.) At Butt of Lewis, Jan. 16th, two, stayed four days at a village four miles off and left on 20th or 21st, flying S.; wind N.E., sleet.

Ducks, _Anatidæ_.--At Monach, Skerryvore and Dhuheartach. At Dhuheartach, Oct. 12th, nineteen Eiders--sixteen males and three females, noon, fresh N. wind, clear; engaged in fishing. At Monach, Oct. 27th, two flocks of Eiders, male and female, 3 p.m., wind N., cloudy; "first arrival here from breeding-grounds." At Dhuheartach, Oct. 28th, forty fishing round, light N.E. wind; Oct. 29th, the same flock. These remain all the season, usually arriving about Oct. 12th, but they do not land here; later in arrival this year.

Great Northern Diver.--At Monach, May 25th, two--male and female--Great Northern Divers seen, wind S.W., fresh, clear. These birds are seen at intervals all through the year, three being the largest number Mr. Youngclause has seen at one time; he has shot three during the last five years.

Red-throated Diver.--At Monach, May 22nd, twelve were seen feeding in pairs along the shore; wind N.W., fresh, showers.

Rock Birds, _Natatores_.--Razorbills, Guillemots, Puffins. In speaking of these I believe the simplest way will be to take the spring and autumn migration together, and I here simply write down the results as they appear in the schedules. Cape Wrath, April 20th, about 1000 Razorbills, 2000 Puffins, and 2000 Guillemots arrived to breed; wind S., showers. Aug. 29th, about 2000 Razorbills, 4000 Puffins, and 4000 Guillemots left; wind S.E., clear. Or in other words, about twice as many left in autumn as came in spring. "These birds have building cliffs about three miles east of the Cape. The time of the day they come is not known, nor the directions in which they come and go. They come in one night, and go in one night." At Island Ghlais, July 10th, about ninety Puffins, 4 p.m., flying S., haze, doubtless a local migration for food; July 11th, about 200 Puffins, 1 p.m., wind N., flying S.W., clear; July 22nd, numbers feeding on herring-soil in shore; Aug. 9th, numbers feeding on herring-soil in shore. At Ushenish, May 30th, numbers passing; local migration, strong S. wind. At Kyleakin, May 10th, numbers of Guillemots passing E. all day; strong E.N.E. wind. At Skervuile, July 21st to 27th, Marrots seen. Those seen at Island Ghlais are almost undoubtedly bred at the Shiant Isles (see former Report, 1879).

_Note,_--I have no return this year from Dunnet Head, owing to the absence of Mr. Geo. Maclachlan, the new keeper not having sent me one, which I much regret.

Gulls.--At Cape Wrath, April 12th, 300 "Sea Gulls" arrived here for breeding on the cliffs below the lighthouse, between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., wind E., clear; July 12th, from 300 to 800 Sea Gulls leave and passed to W., between 3 a.m. and 10 p.m., wind E., haze and rain; April 20th, 200 Kittiwakes arrived; Aug. 29th, 600 Kittiwakes left, wind S.E., clear. At Island Ghlais, July 22nd, 500 to 600 Gulls and Kittiwakes, Puffins, &c., feeding, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; wind S., light, clear; probably from Shiant Isles. (See Mr. Anderson's notes on Gulls in Mid-Atlantic, under Thrush, _antea_ p. 80). At Sound of Mull, Aug. 13th, 200 Kittiwakes, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., flying N.W. in flocks of twenty to thirty; light W. wind, clear. At Rhuvaal, March 1st, about four dozen, 10 a.m., S.W. wind to gale, rain and sleet; May 1st, about one dozen, 9 a.m., S.W. wind, clear; Oct. 13th, twelve, flying S., 7 a.m., variable, light, haze; Nov. 1st, Gulls (and Curlews), 9 a.m., W. wind, clear. At Skervuile, June 8th, one Black-headed Gull, 9 am., N.W. wind, light breeze, rain, "not often seen here;" July 17th, "Boatswain Bird," 10 p.m., first seen, also Kittiwakes; July 21st to 27th, "Boatswain Gulls" seen; Aug. 2nd, great numbers of ditto seen. At Corsewall, Nov. 1st, one Kittiwake seen, 9.45 p.m.; fresh E. breeze. At Stornoway, July 21st, a flock, apparently migrating, flying N., 9 p.m., light N.E. wind.

Terns.--At Monach, Aug. 15th to 20th, great flocks were congregating previous to departure; winds light, clear; and by 20th all were gone, except a few detained by late young ones (see spring migration, under Tern). They are also reported to have left the neighbourhood of Stornoway lighthouse by Aug. 15th. On Aug. 26th, sixteen "Sea Swallows" arrived at Bahama light-vessel, at 2.20 p.m., in hazy weather; wind light S.E. by E.

Gannet, _Sula bassana_.--In the same way I give the data as shown in the schedules. At Cape Wrath, April 14th, 800 to 900 flying E., for breeding at Souliskerry, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; wind E., clear. At Douglas Head, April 18th, one, light N.E. wind, clear; July 14th to Aug. 28th, 60 to 900 daily, flying W., 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. _Note._--I am informed by Mr. Gray that Mr. Anderson traced the Gannet as far south as the latitude of South Spain, where one day the ship passed through acres of them; they seemed dead beat, as if after a toilsome flight during a succession of autumn gales. At Rhu Stoir, July 1st to Aug. 31st, large flocks going N. daily along the coast, largest numbers about end of July; generally passing between 7 and 9 p.m.; none seen going south. At Butt of Lewis, April 13th, three Solan Geese seen, 9 a.m., the first seen; May 20th to Sept. 15th, increased daily till May 20th, and then on till middle of September, it would be impossible to count them from dawn till dusk: they passed in long strings of fifty to sixty in a flock at not more than a quarter of hour's interval between the flocks; they all flew west. A number (about one-fifth of the whole) fly east, and take no notice of the others in their flight; these are single birds: not one seen after Oct. 15th. At Island Ghlais, July 12th, 150 Solan Geese "flying S. and N.," 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., light airs, W., clear; July 13th, 200 "flying S. and N.," 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., fresh N. wind; July 15th to 31st, 1600 to 2000 flying both N. and S., variable; daily average about 100. (_Note._--The expression "flying S. and N." probably means _from S. to N._) At Skervuile, March 1st, at 8 a.m., S.W. gale, rain and sleet; Oct. 26th, last seen 10 a.m., fresh N.E. wind, clear. At Lochindaul, May 14th, one seen fishing, wind E., clear, dry.

Cormorants.--At Cape Wrath, April 16th, thirty "Scarts" arrived, 10 a.m., E. wind, showers. At Stornoway, Sept. 14th, seven flying S.W. at noon, light S.W. wind, clear; Sept. 21st, flock of ditto at 2 p.m., light W. wind, flying S.W., raining; Oct. 26th, flock of ditto flying W., 11 a.m., N. gale, snow; Dec. 24th, flock of ditto flying S.E., N. wind, fresh, snow. The above probably refer to local migrations.