Part 2

Falconidæ.--Autumn: Whalsey Skerries, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Bell Rock (all insular). Earliest July 28th, at Whalsey Skerries, one Hawk flying N.; latest Dec. 14th, at Isle of May, two "large Hawks." Rush in August and September, at Bell Rock, from which I have twenty-two returns in that time; never so many seen here before. Kestrels, principally at Isle of May, till Aug. 18th; latest Sept. 25th. Sparrowhawk. A rush at Pentland Skerries between Aug. 19th and 28th, or the same birds reappearing: all seen during the daytime, along with all other Hawks. Merlin, one on Sept. 22nd, at Sumburgh Head; another on Oct. 11th, feeding, on Snow Buntings, shot; other two seen. Falcon, one seen flying S.W., at Pentland Skerries, on Oct. 10th. Buzzards one (by description) flying S. at Isle of May, Sept. 27th. "Large Brown Hawks," or simply "Hawks," occurring principally at Isle of May. A rush between Sept. 6th and 19th, with E. winds (see General Notes on weather). A great rush of Hawks, Eagles, &c., took place all over the country at the latter end of September. Amongst others the following are recorded:--Ospreys, Harriers, Common and Honey Buzzards. Especially Fifeshire is noted (_vide_ 'Field,' Oct. 8th, 1881, p. 514). Rough-legged Buzzards are recorded from localities in Forfar, Perth, and Stirlingshire, at similar stations as they usually appear at when their migration takes place, _i. e._, along almost precisely the same lines.

Pelicanidæ.--Autumn: Records from Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May. Earliest July 1st, Gannets pass Pentland Skerries daily in flocks of twelve to forty, or singly, and continue till middle of September, which is the latest record I have. Rush past Pentland Skerries appears to have been on Aug. 19th, when 2300 were counted between daylight and dark, flying chiefly E., and very few going W. On Aug. 4th large numbers at 2 p.m., at Sumburgh Head, fresh breeze, cloudy. At this station Gannets are noted as very scarce all summer, owing, it is believed, to scarcity of herrings.

Ardeidæ.--Spring: Only one Heron recorded at Whalsey Skerries, on May 29th, 8 p.m., S.E. light airs, clear; fog from N.W. after 11 p.m.--Autumn: Records at Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May. Earliest Aug. 16th, at Sumburgh Head, flying N., chased by Gulls, light E. airs; latest Nov. 24th, at Isle of May, one seen, strong S.W., showers; Rush Sept. 3rd to 6th, at Isle of May, during which time eight were seen, all flying S., and four on the 5th, came from N., alighted and remained; wind on 3rd fresh E., and haze; on 5th fresh N.E., clear; and on 6th light W., and haze (see Note, _infra_). Rush also on Oct. 12th, 13th, and 14th, previous to gale of 14th, but statistics scanty. All Herons seen at Isle of May almost invariably fly S. Prevailing winds at Isle of May, W., till gale on 14th from N.N.E.

Anatidæ.--Wild Geese. Spring: Records at Whalsey Skerries, Auskerry, and Isle of May. Earliest March 6th, at Whalsey Skerries, eight resting on island for several days, E. gale, and haze; latest April 21st, at Isle of May, large flock flying E., accompanied by Curlews.--Autumn: Records at Whalsey Skerries, Sumburgh Head, Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, Isle of May, and Inch Keith. Earliest "Wild Geese," Oct. 2nd, at Isle of May, thirteen flying W. in line. Earliest "Barnacle," only record, Aug. 12th, at Inch Keith, one flying due N.; latest "Wild Geese," Dec. 23rd, at Isle of May. Immense flock flying N.E., 11.80 a.m., S.W., haze, approaching to fog; and another flock same day, at 12.30 p.m. Besides the above, one "Brent" Goose (?) is noted on Nov. 25th, flying N., with S.W. gale, and showers. Swans.--Spring: Records at Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Bell Rock. Earliest Feb. 27th, at Sumburgh Head, two "Wild Swans," apparently much fatigued, flying S.; latest May 6th, a flock flying N.E. Autumn: Records at Sumburgh Head. Earliest Nov. 12th, at Sumburgh Head, eight flying S.E.; latest Dec. 25th, at Sumburgh Head, two resting on a lock near the lighthouse, where they frequently rest on their way south every year. Note:--If these are the same birds each year, it is interesting as proving the undeviating lines of autumn flight of waterfowl. Eider Ducks.--Spring: Whalsey Skerries only; noted as arriving at breeding haunts on March 9th. Autumn: Records at Whalsey Skerries, Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May. Earliest July 5th, when Eiders left the island at Whalsey Skerries. "The Drakes had left previously," light S., haze, and fog; latest Oct. 20th, at Auskerry, ten Eiders remained all day; they also remain at Auskerry all winter. Rush, largest number recorded at Pentland Skerries on Oct. 8th, when a flock of 100, mostly males, were seen swimming past the island, light S. breeze, and fog; and forty took shelter on Oct. 12th, at 9 a.m., at Whalsey Skerries, S.W. gale and rain; and all left next day. Sheldrake.--Autumn: Having remained here (Auskerry) all summer since end of June, leave in September or October. Records from Auskerry and Pentland Skerries. Earliest Aug. 27th, at Pentland Skerries, one found dead; latest Oct. 5th, at Pentland Skerries, flock flying S.E. Other dates, Aug. 31st, at Pentland Skerries, flying S.; Sept. 3rd, flying about light, not striking. Teal.--One on Sept. 21st, at Isle of May, another at Pentland Skerries, on Oct. 8th. Wild Duck at Isle of May, Sept. 24th, Oct. 4th, and Nov. 21st. Long-tailed Duck at Sumburgh Head, Nov. 12th (about twenty). On Sept. 12th Tufted Ducks were abundant on Loch Leven,--the most abundant species there,--and the young were not able to fly, "some being not larger than a Water Rat." Other species seen were Scaup, Golden-eye, Pochard, Teal, and Mallard (P. D. Maloch, _in lit._).

Rallidæ.--Corn Crake. Spring: One arrival noted at Cromarty on May 19th. Autumn: One in. Isle of May, Sept. 22nd (seldom seen here; _vide_ Notes under Turdidæ); also Oct. 22nd, at Isle of May, and one at Pentland Skerries; the two dates are both dates of rushes of other migrants. The Spotted Crake has been recorded at several land stations, and found to recur at several where it occurred before. Thus one at Aberuthven Wood this season, and one at the same place three years ago (P. D. Maloch, _in lit._).

Charadriadæ.--Golden Plover. Autumn: Whalsey Skerries, Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, Dunnet Head, and Isle of May. Earliest Aug. 3rd, at Pentland Skerries; latest Dec. 23rd. Rushes Sept. 21st and 22nd, at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May; also on Oct. 17th and 18th, at Sumburgh Head and Auskerry. Oystercatcher.--Spring: Arrived Feb. 24th at breeding haunts on Whalsey Skerries; two recorded at Isle of May, on April 12th. Autumn: Records mostly in August, at Whalsey Skerries; left Whalsey Skerries on Aug. 26th; scattered birds seen at Isle of May between 8th and 25th; three records. Lapwing.--Spring: Arrivals in April 1st to 15th, at Whalsey Skerries and Isle of May. Rushes about 1st and 11th, scarcely perceptible. Autumn: Pentland Skerries and Isle of May. Earliest Aug. 27th, at Isle of May; latest Nov. 22nd. Rush past Isle of May, Sept. 22nd; "large numbers," by description, flying high (see Turdidæ). Ringed Plover.--Only date given is Sept. 22nd, at Isle of May, by description (see Turdidæ).

Scolopacidæ.--Curlew. Spring: One record at Isle of May, March 4th, four flying N.E. Autumn: Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May. Earliest July 20th to 30th, at Isle of May; latest Dec. 31st, also at Isle of May. Rushes Sept. 22nd, at Isle of May, numbers; and at Pentland Skerries, a few. Maximum of records at Isle of May, but in all not many. Woodcock.--Autumn: Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May. Earliest at Isle of May, Sept. 22nd; latest, beginning of December. Rush Oct. 20th, and for some days previous; also arrival same day of many Redwings (see Turdidæ). Snipe.--Autumn: Pentland Skerries and Isle of May. Earliest Aug. 31st, at Isle of May, one rose off island and flew away S.; latest Dec. 21st, at Isle of May, one seen. Rush scarcely appreciable, but appeared also on Sept. 22nd, at Isle of May. Records mostly of single birds; these two species exceedingly scarce this autumn; severe winter of 1880-81 killed many, and severe spring interfered with breeding. "Sandpipers."--Autumn: Pentland Skerries and Isle of May. Earliest Sept. 22nd, at Isle of May, a number (see under Turdidæ); latest Dec. 17th, also at Isle of May, large numbers. Rushes on these dates at Isle of May. Stragglers: species recognised and named: Dunlins, Redshanks (probably), Common Sandpiper.

Laridæ.--Terns. Spring: Arrived at Whalsey Skerries, Pentland Skerries, and Cromarty (Lesser Tern). Earliest May 28th, at Whalsey Skerries; and at Pentland Skerries, "arrived after hatching!" May 12th, and remained till August; belongs to an autumn movement (?); also at Cromarty, arrived on June 15th, left Aug. 20th. Terns appear irregular in hatching and dates of leaving various stations; but most left all stations in August, and recorded at Isle of May, passing S. Sept. 12th, 22nd, and 28th. Kittiwakes arrived in spring, at Isle of May, March 12th; only other record, in autumn, Sept. 22nd, at Isle of May (see Turdidæ); remained all August there, left end of month. Other species noted--Great Black-backed Gulls, flying S., Aug. 13th; large white Gulls, wheeling round Isle of May, Aug. 25th; Skuas (well described), Sept. 15th; and Oct. 19th and 29th, at Pentland Skerries, where they are "very rare." Note:--Skuas, Pomatorhine Skuas frequented the Hebrides most of the summer; I (J. A. H. B.) saw several west of Lewes, and one near Island of Rum in end of June. Iceland Gull.--A flight in December. Earliest Dec. 1st, at Sumburgh Head; latest 28th, at same place; and on 25th, same place, two, accompanying Swans. Storm Petrels.--At Whalsey Skerries two records, March 29th and June 22nd, in foggy weather, flying about lights. Autumn: Only one record of Fork-tailed Petrel at Isle of May, Aug. 15th, which struck, and was killed and sent to me, of which I now have the skin. Two pairs Common Petrel bred at Auskerry.

Alcidæ.--Razorbills. Spring: Whalsey Skerries and Isle of May, along with Guillemots. First arrivals at Isle of May, Feb. 25th. "Invariably arrive at Isle of May, remain a day or two, and leave again." Second visit March 16th, at Isle of May; arrived on third visit to breed, April 15th, but at Whalsey Skerries not till 30th. N.B. Dates of arrival, and of preliminary visits from all rock bird stations in Scotland, much desired by committee. Autumn: All left Sumburgh Head on Aug. 6th; all left Whalsey Skerries on Aug. 15th. Unusually large rush, flying S., passed Pentland Skerries on Nov. 12th; at this station they pass almost daily, but this is date of general stampede. Hundreds swimming round Isle of May on Dec. 15th, the latest noted record here this year; and Mr. Agnew considers their numbers at this late date quite unusual. Besides the 75 identified species, or thereby, I have innumerable records of species which cannot be recognised by description; and especially numerous are the records from Isle of May, Mr. Agnew being very desirous of learning more about them. He sent me numerous birds for identification; amongst those not sent or recognised, two birds, "never before seen," resemble a Cuckoo in every respect, but smaller; others, called "Redtails" (? Redstarts), came in a flock on June 3rd, and stayed till July 2nd. A great many entries are simply "small birds" from Aug. 16th and 17th, and Sept. 14th to 30th. On Oct. 25th "a few more pretty birds, with red breasts, forked tails, and two black stripes on head." On Oct. 27th, one "pure white down belly and round back, black spot a little above tail, wings on top side a dun black, head and neck same, red legs, bill like a Starling, size of a Plover." Again on Nov. 2nd, two, "the general colour that of a Lark, same size, three dark or black stripes down back, and one white feather each side of tail." It is worthy of remark that these unknown species struck most during easterly breezes (J. A. H. B.) I trust another season to be better prepared to have some of these identified. I have only mentioned them here to draw attention to the fact that probably rare things, like the Blue-throated Warbler (C Wolfi), may turn up. I might easily offer suggestions as to what these unnamed are, but I do not think any practical use would come by doing so.

General Remarks.

I have embodied all remarks on both coasts at the end of the Report on the West Coast of Scotland, to which I refer my readers.

EAST COAST OF ENGLAND.

Printed forms of enquiry and letters of instruction were sent to thirty-four lighthouses and light-vessels on the east coast of England, and two stations on the Channel Islands, thirty-six altogether against thirty-seven in 1880, and returns have been received from twenty-five.

Independent reports have also been sent in from Heligoland, Seaton Carew and Redcar, Flamborough, Spurn, North-east Lincolnshire, and Northrepps, making a total of thirty-two reporting stations against thirty-eight in 1880.

My best thanks are due to H. Gätke, T. H. Nelson, C. Donald Thompson, Matthew Bailey, William Eagle Clarke, H. Bendelack Hewetson, M.D., J. H. Gurney, jun., Colonel Russell, and G. P. Hope, for many interesting notes sent in, and for general kind co-operation and assistance in the enquiry.

Special thanks is also given to the various observers on the lighthouses and light-vessels whose names are given in the Report; and it is to be regretted that no less than eleven stations, from causes unknown to the writer, have failed to make returns, more especially as some of these were amongst the best returning stations in 1880. It is much to be hoped that this year the returns will be more numerous and complete.

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

† For nature of light, and position and description of station, see previous Reports.

Longstone L.H.† *Inner Farne L.H. Thomas H. Cutting. *Coquet Island L.H. William Evans. *No. 5 Buoy, Teesmouth L.V. Henry Harbord. *Whitby, High, L.H. John Odgers. *Flamborough Head L.H. Charles Hood. *Spurn Point L.H. James B. Smith. Spurn (Newsand) L.V. *Outer Dowsing L.V. Samuel Sheet. *Inner Dowsing L.V. William King. *Dudgeon L.V. Thomas Dale. *Lynn Well L.V. George Rees. *Hunstanton L.H. William Westmoreland. *Cromer L.H. Richard Comben. *Leman and Ower L.V. Charles Perfrement. *Hasbrough L.V. John Nicholas. Hasbrough L.H. Newarp L.V. Winterton L.H. *Cockle L.V. Samuel Pender. Orfordness L.H. *Corton L.V. W. T. Cotton. *Shipwash L.V. Thomas Randule. *Galloper L.V. John Quested. Kentish Knock L.V. *Swin Middle L.V. Thomas Barrett. *Tongue L.V. Robert Crancher. *Nore L.V. George Ladd. North Foreland L.H. Goodwin L.V. *Gull L.V. { Francis Harvey and { Anthony Collins. *Southsand Head L.V. { J. C. Leggett and { J. G. Fornman. *Eastside L.V. Thomas Rees. South Foreland L.H. Casquets (Alderney) L.H. *Hanois (Guernsey) L.H. Charles Williams.

SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES.

Song Thrush, _Turdus musicus_, Linn.--Spring migration observed at one station only on the east coast. May 2nd, some seen at Inner Farne L.H., with Blackbirds and one King Ouzel, E.N.E., mist and rain. In the autumn occurred at the majority of stations from Inner Farne L.H. to Hanois L.H., off Guernsey: earliest date Nov. 2nd, at Flamborough L.H., several round lanterns during night with Larks and Starlings; latest, Nov. 30th, Heligoland, passing all day with Fieldfares. Greatest number occurred between Oct. 18th and 23rd at Inner Farne L.H., Flamborough Head L.H., and Dudgeon L.V., wind E.S.E., S. Migration extended over about two months, line of flight generally E. to W.

Redwing, _Tardus iliacus_, Linn.--First at Cromer L.H. on August 1st, 3 a.m., five killed; last at Inner Farne, Nov. 1st, all day with Thrushes. Great rush, Oct. 18th to 22nd. Migration extending over three months.

Fieldfare, _Turdus pilaris_, Linn.--First, Cromer L.H., Sept. 14th, 1 p.m., fog and rain, two killed; last, Heligoland, Nov. 30th, great many passing; also same date at Inner Farne L.H., two flocks to W.N.W. Oct. 19th, at Teesmouth, before daybreak, several were heard "chuckling" high overhead by fishermen going out to sea, flying S.W. to W., wind E., strong rain. The Fieldfare has been most exceptionally scarce on the English coast during the autumn and winter.

White's Thrush, _Turdus varius_, Pall.--One early in January, 1882, at Waplington Manor, near Pocklington, Yorkshire. (Zool., 1882, p. 74.)

Blackbird, _Turdus merula_, Linn.--Spring migration observed at Cromer on Jan. 29th (1881), 4 a.m., fog, two at lantern; and also, Feb. 5th, six at midnight, three killed. At Inner Farne L.H. they were seen in some numbers at 8 a.m., on May 22nd, with Thrushes. No Blackbirds crossed Heligoland in the autumn. On English east coast they were noted at several stations from Inner Farne L.H. on Oct. 2nd to the 28th at Hanois, several striking there at 10 p.m. A great rush at several stations from Oct. 21st to 25th inclusive, wind E.S.E., strong. During the first week in November large numbers were observed in North-east Lincolnshire, direction of flight E. to W. and S.W., and E.S.E. to N.W.

Ring Ouzel, _Turdus torquatus_, Linn.--Inner Farne L.H., one, May 2nd. In the autumn, at the same station, Oct. 3rd, one; and at several stations from Oct. 23rd to 25th, when there was a rush. None are recorded after this date, except one at Inner Farne on Nov. 30th. Migrate like the rest of the Turdinæ, both by day and night, and in the same direction.

Common Wheatear, _Saxicola œnanthe_ (Linn.).--In spring of 1881, first at Hunstanton L.H., March 25th, several all day, and four days later at Inner Farne, 9 a.m., N.N.E. (four), snow, several; many, same station, first week in May. In the autumn, first at 5th Buoy, Tees L.V., on Aug. 18th, great many, and subsequently, up to end of first week in September, large numbers at several stations observed passing along east coast southward. At Spurn, on Sept. 14th, passed in thousands, and still far from scarce on 17th. From Heligoland Mr. Gätke reports, under date Sept. 3rd:--"Numbers of small birds at the lighthouse from 3 a.m., at which hour the weather moderated with a change from N.E. to E. by S.; all day multitudes of _phœnicurus_, _trochilus_, _luctuosa_, _E. hortulana_, _A. arboreus_ and _pratensis_, _S. œnanthe_. Night, from 3rd to 4th, great numbers of above caught at lighthouse: among forty-nine _œnanthe_, but three old; amongst forty-seven _phœnicurus_, eleven old."--"Mem. _Trochilus_ turned up after midnight; _phœnicurus_ and _œnanthe_, multitudes of young males, early in the night (later also); but the few old birds appeared later after midnight."--Spring migration, 1882, March 19th, Spurn, several seen.

Whinchat, _Pratincola rubetra_ (Linn.).--First week in September, many, with Wheatears in the North-east Lincolnshire marshes.

Stonechat, _Pratincola rubicola_ (Linn.).--Great numbers at Whitby L.H. on April 3rd. In the autumn, first on Northumberland and Durham coast, Sept. 8th and 9th, and Spurn, Sept. 15th; last, at Inner Farne on Oct. 26th, E.S.E. (three), two seen.

Redstart, _Ruticilla phœnicurus_ (Linn.).--The migration of the Redstart seems so inseparably connected with that of the Wheatear that it is difficult to disconnect the two. On May 1st one killed at Hunstanton L.H., 11 p.m., S.W., o.m. In the autumn, in August, September and October, at many stations, the main body passing south in early part of September with the Wheatears. On the 4th they were observed in great numbers along the line of sandhills, near the entrance of the Humber, generally young of the year, only four old males being seen. At Heligoland, in August and first half of September, a great many passed, and on 17th immense numbers; on 10th with _M. luctuosa_. At Teesmouth (Redcar) a considerable flight came in on Sept. 22nd, during night or early morning, wind E., gales and very stormy; all were young birds, males and females; last observed at Inner Farne on Oct. 23rd, E.S.E. (seven). The latest immigrations were associated with Redbreasts.

White-spotted Blue-throat, _Cyanecula leucocyana_ (Brehm.)--On Sept. 3rd an immature bird was shot by Mr. Power at Cley, Norfolk. Another, also immature, is recorded by Mr. J. A. Harvie Brown, in the Report from the east coast of Scotland, captured at the Isle of May lighthouse on the night of Sept. 22nd.

Redbreast, _Erithacus rubecula_ (Linn.).--March 5th, daybreak, at Whitby L.H., many Redbreasts. The first occurrence in the autumn, September 5th, at the 5th Buoy, Tees L.V., when one came on board. At the Leman and Ower L.V. large numbers passed to W. with Wrens on Sept. 22nd. Same date, and to the 25th, many at the Inner Farne L.H. Whitby on 20th. Also occurring at several stations through October in considerable numbers, as far south as the Inner Dowsing L.V. Very large numbers at Spurn, from October 2nd to 8th; on the 3rd so worn out with a N.E. gale they might be caught by hand. Some crossed Heligoland on Oct. 24th. Migration extending over two months.

Whitethroat, _Sylvia rufa_ (Bodd.); Lesser Whitethroat, _S. curruca_ (Linn.); Blackcap, _S. atricapilla_ (Linn.); Garden Warbler, _S. salicaria_ (Linn.).--One common Whitethroat killed, Cromer L.H., Feb. 21st, 1881, N.E. (4), o.m. Spurn, Sept. 3rd, Warblers of all kinds abounded. Greater and Lesser Whitethroats, Blackcaps, and Garden Warblers:--At Teesmouth (Redcar), Sept. 22nd, several, E. gale and rain. Spurn, one male Blackcap on Oct. 8th. Some Whitethroats passed Heligoland on Oct. 24th. On the English coast the migration of the _Sylvianæ_ is carried on during August and September; the main body passing south with great regularity in the first week in the latter month.

Goldcrested Wren, _Regulus cristatus_, Koch.--Spring migration on March 19th. Cromer L.H., two killed against lanterns, 3 a.m., W. (four), b.c.m.; and at Hunstanton, April 14th, 2 a.m., one, with a Flycatcher, killed. In the autumn Goldcrests first observed at Hanois L.H., Sept. 1st, midnight, o.m., along with Whitethroats; several killed. Subsequently throughout October, both by day and night, at stations from the Inner Farne L.H. to the Tongue L.V., off the Thames. A great many Goldcrests crossed Heligoland from Oct. 18th to 24th, E., clear, fine, but fresh. The arrival of Goldcrests at Spurn as early as Sept. 5th, associated as usual with Woodcocks and Short-eared Owls (three widely separated species, which are, however, inseparably connected in their migrations), is remarkable, as being one month in advance of their average time. On the Suffolk coast, in great numbers from Oct. 12th to 17th.

Willow Wren, _Phylloscopus trochilus_ (Linn.).--At Spurn, last week in August, immense numbers of Willow Wrens passed on migration along sandhills.

Long-tailed Titmouse, _Acredula caudata_ (Linn.).--Heligoland, Oct. 22nd, S.E. gale, some; _Parus ater_, Linn., a few; _Parus borealis_, De Selys, Nov. 10th, one seen, but not obtained.

Great Titmouse, _Parus major_, Linn.--Oct. 7th to 17th, many in N.E. Lincolnshire.

Blue Titmouse, Parus cæruleus, Linn.--Inner Farne L.H., Oct. 20th, E.S.E. (five), many.