Part 2

In autumn the migration was pronounced, and confined principally to October and November. Yet the earliest record we have yet received in Scotland in our schedules occurred on Aug. 28th, at Isle of May, of two Song Thrushes, followed by a single record on Sept. 21st; also at Isle of May, "a few Redwings and Ring Ouzels." Again, passing at present over October and November, only one record in December of a solitary Fieldfare on the 5th; and in January, 1884, a flock on the 7th and three birds on the 22nd, during a wild W. gale. The month of October has many entries, and I find the word "rush" opposite the following dates and stations:--At Pentland Skerries and Isle of May, but not at Bell Rock, on 13th-15th, hundreds of Redwings and Ring Ouzels, also Blackbirds and Thrushes, besides many other birds whose names I will give later. Also at N. Unst a few stragglers rested on the 16th, and then flew south, with strong S.E. wind and haze. Again, from about Oct. 28th to Nov. 5th, a great movement, developing into vast rushes, between Oct. 30th and Nov. 3rd, on which latter day a Dipper (_Cinclus_) was seen on the Isle of May; twice fired at for the collection, but escaped. The stations, N. Unst, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Tarbat Ness, Bell Rock, and Isle of May participated (maximum at Isle of May), but also large numbers at Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, and goodly appearance at Sumburgh Head on Nov. 1st. On Oct. 13th-15th wind was S., but shifted to W. at Isle of May. On Oct. 28th and 29th wind was S., light and clear; and on 30th to Nov. 1st still prevailing southerly and westerly. Mr. Agnew states that the rush on 13th-15th was the largest ever witnessed by him at Isle of May with a due S. wind, S.E. being usually the most productive. Having detailed the movements and given dates and circumstances of these rushes, I will now name the other species which participated in them, and refer back to this paragraph afterwards throughout the Report. During the October rush, 13th-15th, Redwings in hundreds; Ring Ouzels, Bramblings, Larks, Woodcock, Short-eared Owl, Yellow Bunting, Eider Ducks in large flocks; Chaffinches, Crows (Carrion and Hooded), Jackdaws (the largest flock ever seen at Isle of May), Bramblings, Tree Sparrows, Blackbirds, Thrushes, and one Missel Thrush; besides, in smaller numbers. Wagtails, Redstarts, Hawks, &c. During the great October to November rush the following participated: Sandpipers, Snow Buntings, Skylarks, as far as N. Unst; and southwards. Lapwings, Grey Crows, Robins (smaller numbers), Linnets, Chaffinches, Starlings. At Sumburgh Head a large migration of Thrushes, with Starlings, Larks, and Linnets; many killed. At Pentland Skerries rush began on 20th, and also at Isle of May, principally _Turdidæ_ and _Emberizidæ_. At Bell Rock, on Oct. 31st--Nov. 1st, rush began at 7 a.m. Mr. Jack writes:--"Immense numbers killed. I have no doubt they were killed in hundreds. What we think were Woodcocks struck with great force. Birds continued flying within the influence of the rays of light till the first streak of day, continually striking hard all night, and falling into the sea. Although we cannot be sure, we think there was a great number of Woodcocks struck and fell into the sea."[1] Species of _Turdidæ_ seven, including _Cinclus_.

[Footnote 1: What a loss of useful food to the lighthouse-keepers, which might perhaps be saved to them by a few long poles and an old herring-net stretched round and outside the balcony. This fact is surely worthy of the attention of the Commissioners and all Directors of our Lighthouse Stations.]

Saxicolinæ.--In spring considerable arrival of at Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, and Isle of May. Earliest (a single Stonechat (_vera_) _S. rubicola_) on March 20th, at Isle of May, with light E. wind and haze. [N.B.--In our Third Report, p. 8, the first record was on 29th of Wheatear, but this record in Mr. Agnew's schedule was entered as "Stonechat." Owing to the confusion existing between the Wheatear and "Stonechat" it is usually almost impossible to know to which the name Stonechat is applied. The true Stonechat is very like a Whinchat, and in no respect resembles the Wheatear, except in the sound of its voice.] The next earliest was of three Redstarts (or Firetails), on March 29th, also at Isle of May, S.E. fresh, haze. Indications of a rush of Wheatears between April 5th and 13th, at Isle of May; and much lighter indications of single birds at same dates at Pentland Skerries. Redstarts scarce; two on April 27th, one on 26th at Isle of May, and a few at same place. These in every instance with light or fresh S.E. winds in April, and light N.E. in May.

In autumn a considerable migration, commencing on August 20th; first record at Isle of May--"Stonechat" [one earlier record occurs at same place on July 14th, but it is perhaps difficult to say to what this belongs, as Wheatears breed annually on Isle of May]; one killed at lantern. Fresh N.W. wind, and terminating as far as schedules indicate, by Nov. 11th. In this statement are included Wheatears, "Stonechats," [true Stonechats identified], Redstarts; but there are no records at any stations of Wheatears or Stonechats between Sept. 12th and Nov. 1st. October is, curiously enough, entirely blank of any returns of _Saxicolinæ_, and there are only two records in November. The rushes took place end of August, culminating on the night of Sept. 2nd-3rd, when a great rush of Wheatears, Redstarts, and also Chiffchaffs, Robins and Sedge Warblers, Wood Warblers, and Golden and Grey Plovers took place. The absence of any record of Thrushes or _Turdidæ_ at this date at any of the stations is noteworthy. Mr. Agnew writes:--"The night of Sept. 2nd was very stormy, wind S.E., shifting to N.E., with heavy rain. The birds were all in large numbers throughout the night, except a Blue-throated Warbler, adult, which was solitary." On the 12th, nearly all Wheatears left the Isle of May. On the 4th, at Pentland Skerries, a rush all day with strong N. wind and rain. Indications at Bell Rock very faint throughout. In the vast rush of _Turdidæ_ and other species (see _Turdidæ_ under date) of Nov. 1st, one solitary Wheatear is first recorded, the first notice since Sept. 12th. In all three species of _Saxicolinæ_ with certainty.

_Note._--The true Wheatear, "white on the rump," is intended in the return from Pentland Skerries.

Silviinæ.--In spring, earliest record (Robin) is March 18th, at Pentland Skerries, and with an E.S.E. gale and sleet; and the latest (also Robin) on May 11th, at Sumburgh Head, fresh, S.S.E. A rush of Robins at Isle of May on April 26th, when "large numbers" appeared; fresh, S.E. and haze. Robins disappeared from Cromarty station on March 30th.

In autumn, earliest record at Isle of May on Aug. 16th,--Whitethroat,--when almost a rush might be recorded. On the 23rd again, at same place, large numbers of Whitethroats and Titmice. At Cromarty station Robins reappeared, about a dozen being seen on Sept. 15th, the first since spring. On Sept. 15th, a rush of Robins at Isle of May, and on 22nd. Winds on all these dates easterly, with fog, and on 15th "flying banks of fog." Records also of Blackcap on 10th, and more Blackcaps on 23rd; that on 10th with light W. wind, the others light E. No records in October except at Chanonry, two on 15th, strong squalls and S.W. Small numbers beginning of November, amongst Thrushes, &c., _q.v._ stations; Pentland Skerries, light; Dunnet Head, one record; the latest on Dec. 28th; and Jan. 30th, at Chanonry; light squalls and sleet. Bell Rock and Isle of May (maximum). Blue-throated Warbler on night of Sept. 2nd-3rd. In all three species.

Phylloscopinæ.--In spring a distinct movement of Goldcrests, but nothing to compare with the autumn rush of 1882, though comparing favourably with the spring rush of the same year. Earliest record, April 1st, Isle of May; then singly or in small numbers till 13th, when rather more, along with other species. Latest date of Goldcrests or other Leaf-warblers, April 16th, at Pentland Skerries; one Goldcrest; light N.E., clear. The first Chiffchaff on April 26th; also at Isle of May; wind S.E. and haze; and some again on May 2nd; and Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs on May 15th.

In autumn a rush at Isle of May and no previous records; on Sept. 3rd (see _Saxicolinæ_); on the 2nd a S.E. gale, changing light W., very dark. Scattered records running through 10th, 11th, to 15th, when another rush of Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs, and a solitary Goldcrest on 22nd, with a rush of Robins. Goldcrests did not put in an appearance much before Oct. 10th, when a rush took place that night, with light E. wind and cloudy, again at Isle of May. Mr. D. M. Scott speaks of the "smallest wrens he ever saw," which were seen at Sumburgh Head, on Oct. 28th, which were probably of this species. Stations recording are Sumburgh Head (one record); Tarbat Ness one record on Oct. 30th [some years Caithness gets a large share of Goldcrests]; and Isle of May. Three species.

Paridæ.--A few scattered notices in April and May at Pentland Skerries on April 25th, 27th and 29th, with S. easterly and N.E. wind; rain, haze or clear; and at same place on May 13th. _Note._--Mr. MacDonald distinguishes between "Titmice" and "Tomtits." Titmice are probably Cole Tits, and "Tomtits" Blue Tits, _Parus cæruleus_.

In autumn, in September, a few at Isle of May, on 4th, 5th, 18th, 19th; on the 4th and 19th, travelling with "Stonechats"; also at Isle of May; winds westerly and northerly. In October, one record at Inchkeith; wind light S.W., which seems the usually chosen wind at this locality for birds migrating. In November, on the 18th, one bird, which is either a Cole Tit or a Great Tit, at Isle of May.

Acrocephalinæ--Accentorinæ.--A Solitary record of one Sedge Warbler, at Isle of May, on May 17th, constitutes the whole spring returns.

In autumn, only two records in all; one at Isle of May on Sept. 12th, of one Sedge Warbler, with light S.E., haze and rain; and the other on Oct. 11th, at same place, of a Hedge Sparrow ("Blue Janet" of Schedule). One species of Marsh Warblers, and one probably _Saxicolinæ_.

Troglodytinæ, Common Wren.--On April 9th, one struck and killed (No. 66, in spirits); light W., clear!

In autumn, on Aug. 18th, at Sumburgh Head, a few remained two days; light W. and haze. Wrens not in large numbers accompanied rush of other migrants on Sept. 22nd and 23rd; fresh E. and very dark, at Isle of May. In October, one record at N. Unst, resting at 10 a.m.; S.W., light and haze ("a rare visitor.") It would be interesting to know if this was one of the large-footed form found in Faroe (_T. Faröensis_), or our common species.[2] In November, a few on 7th at Isle of May; and at Tarbat Ness, one on Oct. 27th; in November, three seen at Sumburgh Head, with strong breeze and hailstones.

[Footnote 2: This I hope to be able to decide next year, should any turn up at this station.]

Motacillidæ.--In Spring, at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May. Earliest, March 2nd, at Isle of May; light W., clear; with a rush of other migrants. Five seen on March 30th--"the most ever seen together in spring," at Isle of May, "by Mr. Agnew;" a gale from the S. the previous night, but wind westerly when seen; these birds flying north. Other records are with E. or S.E. winds, on 19th, 20th and 23rd. In April, two records at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May, on 3rd and 25th.

In autumn, records from Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock and Isle of May. Earliest, July 13th, at the first-named station, and again on 28th, with fresh N. wind and haze or rain. Scattered records in August, mostly at Pentland Skerries, with northerly winds; but two records, one with light S. and clear, and the other, Aug. 18th, with fresh W. and cloudy, when thirteen were counted. In September, a flock at Bell Rock on 1st; a few on 2nd, at Pentland Skerries; a number on 11th, with Robins, at Isle of May. In October, one record at Isle of May, on 10th, light E., haze; and the latest record at Isle of May, one bird on 7th. The Wagtails on Oct. 10th are described as very light-coloured, but from the good description it is easily seen that they are immature birds of probably the Pied Wagtail. But it is desirable to watch for _very light_ or _light-backed birds_ at Isle of May and elsewhere, and especially at Bell Rock, _during the spring_ migration, as such may prove to be the continental White Wagtail.

Anthidæ.--In spring, the Rock Pipits resident at the Isle of May received considerable additions to their numbers on March 19th, and Meadow Pipits arrived in small numbers on 21st, which is an early date. On April 3rd, both had much increased in numbers. "Moss-cheepers," _i.e._, Meadow Pipits, are also noted at Bell Rock, on April 27th.

In autumn the movement was never great. Noted at Bell Rock, and, curiously enough, _not_ at Isle of May, nor at any other stations. Duration: Aug. 9th--light S. breeze, fog, one resting--to Nov. 1st, when one was noted along with the vast rush of other migrants (see _Saxicolinæ_). Indication of the rush very faint about Sept. 1st, when a flock rested on the Rock; a few more seen on 16th, 19th and 22nd; winds light S.W. on 1st, light N.W. on 22nd, and E.N.E. on 19th; calm on 16th. On Oct. 9th also a flock flying with "Bullfinches." [These latter may, Mr. Jack thinks, be named wrong, and may be either Crossbills or Hawfinches.]

_Land Notes._--A Waxwing, _Ampelis garrula_,--a male in full plumage,--was found at North Unst, of which Mr. Garrick writes me that it had been kept too long and could not unfortunately be preserved. Two very fine old Waxwings were shot at Kinneil Woods, near Borrowstonness (or Bo'ness), by Mr. D. Nichol, gamekeeper to Mr. Russell, Dundas Castle, on Jan. 18th, 1883.

Laniadæ.--A male killed at Helensburgh (Dumbartonshire), shot by Major Allan Colquhoun, Feb. 3rd, 1883.

Hirundinidæ.--In spring, _i.e._, till end of June, records reach me from Sumburgh Head, Auskerry, Pentland Skerries and Isle of May. (It is often difficult to draw the line in the case of _Hirundinidæ_, between spring migration, local flights, and autumn migration. This year, however, they are tolerably distinct, as I have no records during the whole of July). Earliest spring record is at Sumburgh Head, on April 21st, a single bird, and the next is at Isle of May on April 26th; winds in both cases S.E., and two more on 28th. No more till May 14th, with S.W. wind at Isle of May. Occasional light returns all through May, at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May; winds easterly at former, and westerly at latter. _Note._--None breed at Isle of May. No rush distinguishable. In June the dates are 5th (at Sumburgh Head and at Pentland Skerries), Sand Martin; 10th, four seen at Sumburgh Head, and 13th, 14th, 17th and 26th, at different stations; winds from all directions between S.W. at Sumburgh Head by N. to E. Swallows arrived at Cromarty on May 13th; first seen.

In autumn, the movement, as far as I can judge, extended through August and September, and lingered into October, the latest record coming from Sumburgh Head on Oct. 6th. A rush is indicated by the returns on Sept. 8th and 15th at Isle of May, when "considerable numbers," "large numbers," and on the 19th, "some," are the data. Wind light W. on 8th, and easterly the other days. The directions of flight of Swallows recorded in August vary considerably. Thus, at Pentland Skerries, one Martin flying E.; strong S.E. and rain, on Aug. 8th; one Swallow, "flying around," on 9th; fresh E., showers, and "flying W."; on 20th light S.E. and haze. At Isle of May, five Swallows flying S., light S.E., haze on 22nd, and flock "flying S." on 30th; light S.E., haze. Swallows left Cromarty on Sept. 8th; last seen.

_Land Notes._--Swallows seen by me in some numbers at Kirkmichael House, Dumfries, on evening of April 13th, flying over the artificial ponds. Also seen at Morningside by A. B. Herbert, on 15th. I have the following notes from Dr. John Grieve, at Bridge of Allan, which locality is famed in spring for the shelter afforded from east winds. Dr. Grieve's notes refer however to autumn notes. In 1880 Swifts left the Bridge of Allan on Aug. 10th. In 1879 Swifts left between 8th and 17th, and in 1882 on the 8th. "Previous to leaving they always chase one another round the houses until two days before leaving; then they appear to keep to higher air." In 1881 two were seen on May 3rd, being the first arrivals. In 1880 about 200 "Martins and a few Swallows collected on two houses in Bridge of Allan on Aug. 22nd, and similar congregations took place in smaller numbers on 27th to 31st, and on Sept. 8th. On Oct. 4th, frost; and in afternoon some twenty-five seen. On Oct. 6th, five to one hundred seen hawking over the wood behind Bridge of Allan. On 8th, six seen. On 8th, hard frost and fog; four seen flying about _in silence_; next morning, hard frost. On 20th, 15° frost; on 21st, 6°; 22nd, 10°; and 23rd, 2°. But on 23rd two Swallows seen. These were the last that year." In 1882 great numbers of Swallows and Martins were seen flying eastward, outside the cliffs of Beachy Head on Oct. 4th, and a good many remained along the undercliff of the Isle of Wight at Ventnor.

The above notes by Dr. Grieve are quite to the point, and if we could continue to receive land notes such as these from all parts of the country they would be sure to prove most useful, even if confined to one or two species of regular migrants.

Fringillidæ.--Both in spring and autumn, one of the features of the 1883 migration is the number of records of Finches (also of Thrushes, and to a less extent of Buntings), whilst Thrushes--of sorts--and Finches, seem usually to travel together; there seems, if we may so call it, more uniform action in the formers' movements in 1883. The Thrushes' movements are more compressed: those of Finches more extended in time; or, in other words, the spring and autumn migrations of the _Turdidæ_ are more strongly defined than those of the Finches. Thrushes (including Blackbirds and all species) are totally absent during June and July (not including residents of course), and almost absent during August and September, and again the same in December and January (1884). But, though the migrations of the Finches are easily defined, still they do spread out more over the whole year, and, with the exception of July, occupy considerable space in the schedule. These remarks are intended to apply only to 1883, not as a general statement.

In spring, records come from five of the stations giving returns, _viz._, Sumburgh Head, Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock and Isle of May. The earliest, two Green Linnets at Isle of May, on Feb. 17th (the only record of that month). Again, at Isle of May, Tree Sparrows and Chaffinches on March 2nd--single birds. Latest, June 22nd, at Pentland Skerries--four "Linnets." These are probably Twites or else Grey Linnets. During April, between 1st and 5th, there was a rush of Grey Linnets with light W. wind, clear, along with other species; and during the month there are lighter movements recorded of the following species:--Chaffinch, Sumburgh Head; Common Sparrow, Pentland Skerries; Green Linnets, Isle of May; Bramblings, Tree Sparrows and Bullfinches. Wind at Sumburgh Head light S.E., but elsewhere generally light W. and usually clear. In May a small flock of Sparrows at Auskerry, from the 14th to 31st; one Brambling, one Chaffinch, one Green Linnet, between 10th and 15th, with fresh N.N.E. wind.

In autumn, at North Unst, one flock, Oct. 17th; S.E., light, haze; Sumburgh Head, considerable migration in October--November with other species (see Thrush). Pentland Skerries, small indication as compared with more southerly stations; Chanonry, light; Tarbat Ness, full migration; Bell Rock, rush; and Isle of May, rushes. Earliest, Aug. 5th; numbers of small flocks; wind light W. at Isle of May. Latest, Dec. 26th, at Isle of May. Rushes:--General rush of migrants, Sept. 22nd, at Isle of May, in which Bramblings participated; Oct. 13th, at Tarbat Ness, Bramblings, wind due S.; also rush of same, 15th and 16th, same place; and rush also of Tree Sparrows, Chaffinches, "Green Buntings" (? Green Linnets), and Linnets, at Chanonry; strong breeze and showers; movements all through October of these same species; also Linnets at Pentland Skerries; Siskins ("Sisting" of schedule), one flock, old and young, on 7th, at Tarbat Ness, and again five on Oct. 29th. Light S., haze, on 30th at Pentland Skerries--date of principal rush,--but westerly gales at Tarbat Ness on 29th. At the time of rush between Oct. 13th and 16th, at Tarbat Ness, the wind began at due S.; 14th, strong S., and to noon on 10th; then to W. and west gale at night of 15th. West gales continued to end of month. By Nov. 1st to 3rd a vast rush at Bell Rock and Isle of May, and also at Sumburgh Head. By the 5th, rush all over and almost all left. Pentland Skerries did not appear to participate largely in this rush. The species are chiefly Chaffinches and Bramblings, also Green Linnets, Gray Linnets and Sparrows. Prevailing winds westerly. In December, fewer records at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May. Winds prevailing N.W. and W. At Dunnet Head "Linnets" are reported present all the year round. In January, 1884, one or two light records of Brambling and Greenfinch at Isle of May. Latest, Jan. 12th. _Note._--Mr. Gilmour, Pentland Skerries, writes he was not sure of the Chaffinches at that station, when he took up the keeping of the records, and that they may prove to be Snow Buntings, which is very likely. Mr. D. M. Scott, at Sumburgh Head, writes under date of Oct. 11th, "a number of small birds killed on balcony: picked up four Green Linnets and two Chaffinches. I discovered to-day what becomes of them after being killed. In a hole of a stone dyke I found a large number of wings and legs of small birds, taken there by Weasels" (_i.e._, _Mustela erminea_, which was introduced to Shetland. The Common Weasel, _Mustela vulgaris_, is not an inhabitant of Shetland). If Mr. Scott would in future collect all the wings and send them to me by post, they would be useful in identifying species; or, at any time, if a rare bird occurs, the name of which is not known, the wings, might be sent (see addition to letter of instructions, issued 1884). Mr. Agnew notes that he had never before witnessed such a large migration at Isle of May, with a due S. wind, as that of Oct. 13th, 14th, and 15th. Chaffinch was heard singing on Feb. 28th at Dunipace.

Corvidæ.--I have records every month in the year but June. In January, 1884, one Hooded Crow flying north, W.S.W. gale, clear. In February, 1883, records of Grey Crows, Jackdaws (at Isle of May, "very rare" on 13th and 14th, light S. and S.W., shifting to N). Rooks (at Isle of May, on. 19th, a single bird). In March, Rooks (at Pentland Skerries a flock all day, fresh S.E., cloudy), and one Hooded Crow (on 19th at Isle of May, light, S.E.). In April, at Sumburgh Head, Bell Rock, and Isle of May, Rooks and Carrion Crows and one Hooded Crow; prevailing winds S.E., clear. One Black Crow flying north at Noss Head, with light N.W. and clear. In May two records only at Sumburgh Head on 3rd, and at Pentland Skerries, on 11th, of Rooks (two flying W., fresh W. breeze and clear).