Part 3

In autumn, in July, all the records are of Rooks, all at one station, _viz._, Pentland Skerries, and in each case birds remaining on island all day; winds moderate N., cloudy or clear, but strong S. on 27th. In August, Rooks again at Pentland Skerries, on island; single birds. The above are probably merely local predatory excursions from the mainland of Scotland. In Sept. eighteen Ravens seen at Sumburgh Head, flying S., light N.E. and clear. In October many more records. At Sumburgh Head twelve to twenty Hooded Crows continually fighting with, four large Hawks, one of which was so exhausted as nearly to allow Mr. D. M. Scott to catch it on the ground. Many single or other light records. The most seen, thirty Jackdaws (the largest flock Mr. Agnew has ever seen on Isle of May), on Oct. 15th, S. to W. winds; also twenty-six Carrion Crows and a few "Hoodies" on 31st at Isle of May. Of these sixteen came from the north at 3 p.m., light S. and haze. In November Carrion and Hooded Crows attended the rush of migrants on 1st, coming from the north. On the 3rd the Isle of May was literally swarming with birds, and on the 9th Jackdaws, two in number, reappeared; light W., clear. In December, at Sumburgh Head, two "large Black Crows" (Carrion Crows?), or, as the natives call them, "Scotch Crows"; strong breeze and hail showers. A very regular local migration of Crows or Rooks takes place day after day past Chanonry from and to Nairn, feeding in the morning and back at night. At Sumburgh Head Grey Crows are seen almost daily. _Land Notes._--Mr. R. Gray writes me that great numbers of Hooded Crows are at present frequenting Tyne Woods on the estate of the Earl of Haddington in East Lothian. They came some time ago in a body, and have been seen feeding on the mud and sands of the estuary, and betaking themselves to the woods at night to roost. These are evidently migratory flocks, which have crossed Heligoland and landed on our east coast without being actually observed in transit.

Sturninæ.--In spring, from Feb. 8th at Pentland Skerries to April 23rd at same place. Only four records in that time.

In autumn, great continuous migration at Auskerry, July 30th, of old and young; light W. One flock on August 7th at Pentland Skerries all day; one flock stayed from March 15th to 24th at Sumburgh Head, and many large flocks also seen to the north of that place at the same time. In October two small Starlings, "one with a crest like a Crested Lark, raised and lowered it at will" [Rose-coloured Pastor?--J. A. H. B.] seen on 6th, light N. wind. Rushes took place on Nov. 1st, especially at Sumburgh Head and Isle of May (see also under Thrush). Latest, Dec. 31st, at Isle of May; but the Starling is resident all the year round at many of our stations.

Alaudidæ.--In spring at Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, and Isle of May. Earliest, Feb. 8th, a single bird at Bell Rock, and several on 9th at Pentland Skerries (see under Thrush at this date). Latest, April 6th, at Sumburgh Head, when they were found increasing, but not observed on arrival. A rush took place at Isle of May on Feb. 11th, 1 a.m. till daylight, light E. and fog, flying south (at least all struck the north side of lantern).[1] Other movements took place, but none of any magnitude; winds S. and W. in Feb., except the 11th, _ut sup._; N.W., S.W. to E. on 20th, in March.

[Footnote 3 1: Do the birds strike in light winds and fog upon the side facing the wind, or on the sheltered side? In heavy gales they strike _hard with the wind_, but touch and strike also on the Shetland side,]

In autumn, a few records at N. Unst, Isle of May, and Inchkeith. Earliest, Sept. 21st, at Isle of May, a small flock, fresh E., clear. Latest, Nov. 26th, a single bird at N. Unst rested all night. Rushes, 11th to 20th, W., shifting to N. on 11th; W. gale on 19th and 20th. Also rush on 31st and Nov. 1st, along with other species, principally, at Bell Rock and Isle of May. Again a few in January, 1884, up to 17th, light W. winds and haze; and at Chanonry on 24th a flock, with strong squalls and sleet. [3] Emberizidæ.--In spring Snow Buntings began to appear on Feb. 9th,--but this may not belong to spring records,--when a large flock flew about all day on Pentland Skerries. They occurred also at Auskerry, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May. Earliest, as above. Latest, April 12th, at Sumburgh Head, when two were killed. No great rushes evident, but largest numbers passed in March, mostly with northerly or westerly winds. If any rush occurred it was between March 9th and 25th, indicated principally at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May. On 23rd, at Isle of May, a flock flying north. Common Bunting seen at Isle of May on Feb. 12th, and again on April 6th. Yellow Buntings at same place on March 5th and April 7th, in both cases females.

In autumn, as usual, we have numerous records, especially of Snow Buntings, at most stations, _viz._, N. Unst, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Tarbat Ness, Dunnet Head, Bell Rock, and Isle of May. Earliest at Isle of May on Sept. 21st. A rush on 22nd and 27th; fresh E. to heavy S.W. gale on 26th and 27th. Latest records to Jan. 18th, 1884. Bushes in September _ut sup._, a few in October, many all through November, but principally on 13th-15th, 16th, and in lesser degree on 1st and 2nd. Snow Buntings often appear with gales and snow or sleet, but during this month S. and W. winds rather prevailed. They arrived before the great W. gales, which began about the 16th. Of other species we have as follows: Yellow Bunting, "Grey Bunting," "Green Bunting" (? Green Linnet), and Cirl Bunting (one bird sent in spirits was not a Cirl Bunting, but a young male Yellow Bunting). All these are recorded from Isle of May, but no other station, and are distributed almost entirely in October and December; prevailing winds westerly, with stormy weather and gales.

Cuculidæ.--One spring record from Cromarty station: Arrived on April 29th; E., fresh breeze, haze.

One autumn record only, and the only record I have received from any station during autumn migration, _viz._, one young bird at Isle of May on August 23rd, light W., clear. Possibly amongst the many records of "Hawks" at other stations some occurrences of the young brown-coloured Cuckoo may have been included, as they are very like small Hawks in their flight.

_Land Notes._--Cuckoo heard at Dunipace, Stirlingshire, on April 9th, 1883, a very early record. Not heard again till May. Cuckoo recorded from Busby, at Lee Farm, near Sheddens, on April 14th. Cuckoo heard on Tinwald Downs, Dumfries, on April 23rd.

Strigidæ.--In spring a Tawny Owl at Isle of May on April 28th, S.E. fresh, haze; and at Auskerry an Owl (which is probably the Short-eared Owl) came on the 14th, with stiff S.E. and showers, and remained a week. "This Owl visits Auskerry annually in May."

In autumn, in September, one Owl on 28th at Pentland Skerries, strong N.N.E. and showers. In October four single records of Large Owl at Pentland Skerries on 31st and 13th, and of Short-eared Owls at Isle of May on 3rd and 13th. None in December, and one Owl at Pentland Skerries all day on island on 1st; light N.W. showers.

_Land Notes._--Short-eared Owls were reported unusually abundant on Flanders Moss, Stirlingshire, in the autumn; and I saw two as late as the 31st January, 1884, on Latham Moss, in the same county, so that some appear to remain all winter.

Falconidæ.--Spring records in March and April only, March 2nd to April 30th. At Pentland Skerries and Isle of May all single or light entries; wind easterly, except on March 2nd, when it was S.W. and clear, and one Kestrel was seen. The Merlin is twice noted. "Light Brown Hawks twice at Isle of May and Pentland Skerries."

In the autumn, at Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, and Isle of May. All July records, three in number, at Pentland Skerries, of "Sparrowhawk," "Large Brown Hawk," and "Large Hawk." In August five records, three at Isle of May of Sparrowhawk and "Hawks"; one at Pentland Skerries of "Falcon Hawk"; and one at Sumburgh Head of one Large Brown Hawk. The "Falcon Hawk" is described as "hovering," so is more likely a _Kestrel Hawk_. In September ten records; two at Pentland Skerries, two "Hawks" and one "Game Hawk," and at Isle of May one Sparrowhawk caught at gratings, and a "Hawk." Hawks are usually found attending the rush of small migrants. In October only one record, a Game Hawk at Pentland Skerries; four in November, all at Pentland Skerries. None in December, and five in January, 1884. One bird Mr. Agnew "feels almost sure was a Goshawk, and not a Sparrowhawk." The rush, if any, would appear to be in September, but its faintness precludes us from any feeling of certainty. A late schedule from Sumburgh Head contains record of an Eagle ["Silver-crested Eagle"; probably the Sea Eagle] wounded at Fitful Head by Mr. Birnie. At 11.15 a.m. on January 29th, 1884, this bird landed on the high rocks, half a mile north of the Read. Mr. Birnie says it cannot live long, as it was severely wounded. Mr. Birnie is employed by the landed proprietors to kill all the birds of prey in Shetland. He has killed a large number of Black-backed Gulls, Hooded Crows, Ravens, &c.

Water Birds.

Pelecanidæ.--In entering records of Gannets or Solan Geese I believe the best way is to arrange the data in tabular form. Spring records are only returned from Pentland Skerries; but, considering the central position on the tract through the Pentland Firth, I think all records from there are of use and value, if we desire to arrive at conclusions regarding the movements of this species.

_Spring,_

March 26th, Pentland Skerries, three Gannets flying E.; strong N.E., and clear.

April 6th, Pentland Skerries, one Gannet, 4.45 p.m., flying E.; light W., clear.

May 7th, Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks of Gannets all day, flying E.; strong N., haze.

May 16th, Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks of Gannets all day, flying E.; light N.E., clear.

May 28th, Pentland Skerries, several Gannets all day flying round; strong S., showers.

April 12th, Noss Head, four Gannets flying N.; light N.W., haze.

June 28th, Noss Head, six Gannets flying S.E.; light S., fog.

_Autumn._

July 1st to 15th, Auskerry, at 2 o'clock, flying from N. to S.; light W. breeze.

July 5th, Pentland Skerries, 8.20 p.m., flying E.; mod. E., fog and rain.

July 6th, Pentland Skerries, all day, several flocks flying E.; light S., haze.

July 6th, Pentland Skerries, a few fishing all day round L.; light S., haze.

July 7th, Pentland Skerries, several flocks fishing all day; mod. S.E., haze.

July 8th, Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks all day flying E.; mod. W., clear.

July 15th, Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks all day flying E.; mod. W., clear.

July 16th to 20th to 26th, Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks all day flying E.;[4] light N.W. to mod. N.

July 27th, on to Aug., Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks all day flying E.; N. to S.W.; and all this month, all going E., except several flocks on 22nd flying W.

[Footnote 4: On 16th a few young observed. All flying E., except six seen on the 20th, flying W.]

Sept. 3rd to 15th, Pentland Skerries, fewer, all flying S.W. on 15th; light S.E., wind.

Sept. 5th to 30th, Noss Head, daily, flocks of six to fifty flying N. all day.

Oct. 19th, Noss Head, nineteen at 3 p.m.; strong W., haze and rain.

Nov. 10th, Sumburgh Head, eight flying S., 12 noon; fresh N. breeze, hail.

The annual regularity with which the Solan Geese pass and repass through the Pentland Firth and various other points of observation cannot, we think, fail to develop, by the statistics accumulated, some curious facts in migration. We are thus careful to record these with some minuteness of detail. A late schedule from Sumburgh Head has--"Two on 16th, Sumburgh Head. Eighteen Gannets flying S.W., 12 noon; strong W., showers."

Ardeidæ.--We do not think it will be so easy, in regard to Herons, to arrive at laws regulating their flights; but, in case of development, will on this occasion tabulate their records, though we have not done so before.

_Spring._

March 29th, Pentland Skerries, one flying N., 3 p.m.: S. gale, rain.

June 13th, Isle of May, one flying S., 5 p.m., in company with Gulls, which is rare.

June 24th, Isle of May, one flying S., 5 p.m.; light W., clear.

_Autumn._

Aug. 26th, Isle of May, one flying W.; light W., clear.

Sept. 12th, Pentland Skerries, four flying about island (rare); light S., clear.

Oct. 15th, Pentland Skerries, one rose off rocks, 4.15 p.m.

Oct. 23rd, Isle of May, one; fair W., clear.

Nov. 1st, Pentland Skerries, one flying S., 7.50 a.m.; light N.W., cloudy.

Jan. 29th, Sumburgh Head, six (one shot); fair W., clear.

There was a very large movement of Herons in 1882, principally in October and November (see Report, 1882, p. 18).

Anatidæ.--Very few records either in spring or autumn. Spring: none. Autumn: Swans on Aug. 15th, at Tarbat Ness, two from the N., flying S.E. at 1 p.m.; N. strong, and clear. The only other records are in October, a large flock flying E. past Pentland Skerries at 12.20 p.m., with light W. and showers, "very rarely seen here." On 19th, Ducks (sp.?), three flying W. over same station at 10.30 a.m.; strong N.W. wind. On 13th, Eiders at Isle of May in large flocks, both males and females, all day; strong due S.; left at night. At Chanonry, local movements of Grey Geese and Grey Ducks to and fro in stormy weather, or from feeding to nesting ground. At Sumburgh Head, twenty-eight wild Geese flying S.; strong S.W., and snow on 25th; and on 28th sixteen wild Geese, also flying S.; gale from N.W. _Land Notes._--At Kirkwall, twenty-five wild Swans frequented the Loch of Banks, and are described as being "very tame" ('Scotsman,' 27, iii., 83). A very large flock of Pink-footed or Bean Geese, probably the former, seen flying very high towards S.E. and crying, at Kippen on March 23rd. Fully 150 Wild Geese remained on Flanders Moss all spring after this date, and were seen last on April 23rd.

Columbidæ.--In spring, few records at Pentland Skerries and Bell Rock. On Feb. 19th, at former station, three Rock Doves flying E., 7 a.m.; S.W., fresh, clear. On March 4th, two Rock Doves at same station, seen at 3 p.m.; light variable, and haze. On April 20th, one Wood Pigeon at same station flying S.E.; fair S.S.E., fog. On May 12th, one Woodpecker flying S.W. past Bell Rock, 1.12 p.m.; strong S.W.; and on 28th, a few Rock Doves at Pentland Skerries; strong S., and fog.

In autumn only two records; one at Pentland Skerries, twelve Rock Pigeons, on July 23rd, on island; light N., haze and rain; and on Sept. 16th, one Wood Pigeon at 2 p.m., at Bell Rock, flying S.W.; light S.W. breeze.

_Land Notes._--A male _Columba œnas_ (Stock Dove) was shot at Garden, in this county (Stirlingshire), on March 15th, 1883. This species has been rapidly extending its range of late years in Scotland. See my paper on the Stock Dove (Ryl. Phyl. Soc. Edinb., 1883, p. 241, Feb. 21st). In 1884 at least four pairs are breeding in the Vale of Menteith.

Rallidæ.--Spring records meagre. One heard at Isle of May April 28th, marked "rare here." One heard at Pentland Skerries on May 6th, 5.50 p.m.; mod. S.S.E., clear. One heard first time at Cromarty station on May 20th; strong E., clear.

No autumn records this season.

Charadriadæ.--Spring records meagre. April 18th, at Pentland Skerries, three Golden Plovers at 5 p.m.; S.S.W. May 15th, at Auskerry, large flocks of Plovers all day; light E., and showers. May 17th, at Isle of May, one Oystercatcher; W., very fine.

Autumn records almost equally meagre. July 13th, at Pentland Skerries, one Golden Plover; fair N., light showers. Aug. 8th, at Pentland Skerries, one Golden Plover; strong S.E. Aug. 14th, at Pentland Skerries, one Golden Plover; light S.E., showers. Sept. 6th, at Isle of May, six Golden Plovers; strong W., clear. Oct. 26th, at Pentland Skerries, one "Silver Plover" (? Knot) killed at lantern; strong W., showers.

Of Lapwings, records are almost equally scanty. In spring, on Feb. 17th, a flock all day at Pentland Skerries; light S. breeze (see Thrush). In March, along with the rush of other migrants on 2nd at Isle of May; strong W., clear; and a number on 3rd. Lots of sixteen and twenty on the 10th and 20th of same month; light E. and S.E., fog, rain, and haze.

In autumn five Ringed Plovers stayed for some days on Isle of May on and after Aug. 28th; came with light W., and clear--the only record given of any Charadriadæ in autumn. At Chanonry, numerous records of Lapwings lighting on the point, or passing in stormy weather or in strong breezes, in Sept. to January, 1884. A late schedule from Sumburgh Head has a record of Lapwings on Jan. 24th, with the remark, "I believe they have never been seen here at this season of the year before."

_Land Notes._--Lapwings seen in pairs on March 4th at breeding stations in Stirlingshire.

Scolopacidæ.--Spring. Curlews first heard at Pentland Skerries on March 2nd, when heard at 2.15 p.m.; mod. N.W., fog. Last on June 29th (but probably belongs to autumn) at same place, when a flock flying S.; light S., clear. A rush between April 7th and 15th, a few flying south between these dates at Isle of May,--scarcely an appreciable rush,--and one record in May.

In autumn, not a great many records of Curlews. Earliest July 4th, at Pentland Skerries, and on 15th and 29th at same station; also in August, and at same station a few records, most probably local movements. An apparent slight indication of a rush of Curlews in September at three stations,--Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May,--young and old; and up to 23rd, at Isle of May, numbers daily. Fewer in October, and occasional records up to January, 1884.

Of Snipe, a few scattered records in spring, in March and April. March 2nd to 9th, at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May; and April 12th and 26th, at same stations, winds mostly westerly; but on March 8th E.N.E., gale and snow.

In autumn, not abundant either, and scarcely require details. Occurred in July, August, October (a large flock at Sumburgh Head on 18th; gale and sleet showers), and December. In July, at Pentland Skerries only; in August, ditto; in September, not at all. In October, at Sumburgh Head and Pentland Skerries (and a Jack Snipe at Isle of May). December, at Sumburgh Head (a large number all day on 3rd); strong breezes, snow-showers; and a Jack Snipe at Pentland Skerries on 24th.

Woodcock.--In spring, one record on April 7th, at Bell Rock, flying about the rock.

In autumn, Oct. 13th and 14th, two single birds at Isle of May and Pentland Skerries; and on Nov. 1st and 13th, at Isle of May, N. Unst, and Shetland. The one on 1st accompanied the rush of other migrants. On Oct. 13th six were shot on Isle of May; wind due S., an unusual wind for migrants to arrive at Isle of May. At Chanonry, many local records of "Whaups" (Curlews)--probably the same flock of forty or fifty--appearing in stormy weather.

_Land Notes._--On the night of March 26th, at Dunipace, whilst standing at the front door (night bright and starry, and frost), a large flock of birds crossed overhead, flying south. The cries were difficult to make out, but belonged either to Whimbrels or other species of wader. The subject of the sounds of bird-cries at night would form good matter for explanation by those who have constant opportunities of hearing them. Wind N.E. up to March 27th, when a S.W. gale, shifting to S., with heavy rain. About fifty Curlews were seen at Caldarvon, west of this county, on March 11th, and three pairs on 17th (auct. Jas. Lumsden).

Scolopacidæ (Waders).--Earliest spring migrants were Sandpipers and Redshanks at Pentland Skerries on Feb. 9th (time of migration of Thrushes, _q.v._); and on 17th, ditto. On April 27th a Purple Sandpiper at Isle of May (No. 57 in spirits).

Autumn. Earliest July 20th, at Pentland Skerries, Redshanks; and a few records of these and Sandpipers to 31st. In August a few records of the same, and one Turnstone (identified) (No. 60 in spirits). In September great flocks of Sandpipers flew in rays of light at 9 p.m.; light E.N.E., and fog. In end of October and beginning of November Sandpipers and Red-shanks participated in the rush of migrants at that time at Pentland Skerries especially; light S.W. Large numbers on 5th; strong N.W., and showers; and numbers up to 21st, all day; strong N.W. In December, rushes on 12th; N.W. gale, snow; and up to 21st, very likely local movements.

Sterninæ.--Records of either migration very scanty. First seen in spring was at Pentland Skerries on May 13th, at 3.30 p.m.; light S.W., haze; and again at same place two seen flying north on June 20th. On June 3rd, at Sumburgh Head, two; fresh W., cloudy. Lesser Terns arrived at Cromarty on May 23rd.

In autumn, first record Aug. 7th, at Pentland Skerries, when those breeding there all left, except one or two, with fresh N.W., clear. At Bell Rock, on Sept. 19th, a flock kept flying round the rays of light all night (_i.e._, 19th-20th); light E.N.E.; and on Sept. 27th one immature bird appeared after a heavy gale from W. the previous night. The above, I think, is the first occurrence I have of Terns flying round and round within the rays of light of a lantern. Lesser Terns disappeared from Cromarty on Aug. 26th; S.W., strong, clear.

Laridæ.--In spring, large numbers arrive about March 1st for breeding purposes at Pentland Skerries, and leave about the middle of August. On March 21st, at Isle of May, Kittiwakes arrived in large numbers at 9 a.m.--their first appearance; wind fresh E.S.E., cloudy and cold; and by April 3rd had steadily increased in numbers. At Auskerry, May 18th is given as first appearance of "Sea Maws"; strong N.W., and haze; and a Black-headed Gull was seen, with light N.E. and clear, at Pentland Skerries. At same station, record of two Black-backed Gulls on June 27th; fresh S.E., and haze completes spring records.

In autumn, at Pentland Skerries during July the daily movements of Gulls may be worth reproducing in detail. All the July records I have are from this station, and also all the August ones.

1883, July 12, Pentland Skerries, one "Chaser" flying N.W., 2.15 p.m.; light E., haze.

July 18th, Pentland Skerries, three Black-backed Gulls flying N., 2.30 p.m.; mod. N.W.

July 23rd, Pentland Skerries, one "Chaser" flying W., 10.20 a.m.; light N.

July 25th, Pentland Skerries, continuous and large flocks of Herring Gulls flying round all day; N., clear.

July 28th, Pentland Skerries, three "Chasers" (one flying E. at 3 p.m., and one flying S. at 5 p.m.); mod. S.W., clear.

July 29th, Pentland Skerries, one "Dirty Allan" seen. Aug. 6th, Pentland Skerries, large flock of young Gulls on rocks all day; light S., clear.

Aug. 7th, Pentland Skerries, large flock of young Gulls on rocks, 3.30 p.m.; fresh N.W.

Aug. 20th, Pentland Skerries, one "Chaser" flying S.E., 12.50 p.m.; strong S.E., haze.

On 15th, at Dunnet Head, Gulls leave breeding-places in cliffs. Our correspondent includes both "Chasers" and a "Dirty Allan," both of which names I held as applicable to the commonest species of Skua; but here they seem to be divided, as applying to two different species, probably Richardson's (common) Skua and the Pomatorhine Skua.

"Dirty Allans" are again recorded from Isle of May, along with a rush of small birds on Sept. 23rd; and in this case I doubt not Mr. Agnew applies the name to Richardson's Skua. This is the only September record. In October only two records at N. Unst; two pairs of Iceland Gulls stayed two days, coming on the 4th with fresh N. and clear; and two pairs more on 21st hovering round at 11 a.m.; fresh N., clear.