Part 6

In 1879 there was scarcity of birds at many important stations, such as Butt of Lewis and Monach Island, Skerryvore and Dhuheartach. In that year westerly and N.W. winds prevailed. In 1880 larger numbers were noted. In that year easterly gales and winds prevailed all through the migratory season. In 1879 migrants were scarce at the more northerly stations, being compressed by the westerly winds more towards the south, but in 1880 they reached much further north, being expanded by the following easterly gales and winds, as we have seen in treating of the east coast of Scotland this year.

The stations visited by the largest numbers of birds are the Bell Rock and Isle of May, both being stations pretty far southward, and Pentland Skerries, a more northern station. We now find also that on the west coast the stations sending fullest numerical returns are also southerly stations, and for the most part are situated south of the Firth of Clyde. Both on east and west coasts all returns coming in from north of Firth of Clyde in west, and north of Firth of Tay in east, except Pentland Skerries, report scarcity of birds as compared with last season (1880), and after November birds were unusually scarce. Writing from North Ronaldshay Mr. Tulloch tells us that birds seldom come so far north during migration, but usually trend more towards the mainland. On the west coast, at Rhu Stoir, very few birds are reported after November in most seasons, and similar reports come from Island Glass and others of the more northerly stations. The great gales from W. and S.W. during November and December made all birds scarce at Monach Island, even Eider Ducks being unusually scarce. At Skerryvore birds never struck lanterns in flocks this year, but only in scattered instances. It will thus be seen that the migratory seasons of 1879 and 1881 most closely resemble each other, as regards our Scottish coasts, whilst that of 1880 was more abnormal, owing to the easterly winds prevailing.

It would almost appear that the great rush of migrants in September on the Bell Rock, and more noticeably on Isle of May, would also account for the collection of birds at stations on the west coast south of the Firth of Clyde, as the dates tally with each other on both coasts, to see which it is only necessary to compare between them under several of the species. I have also independent reports upon the large crowds of birds seen passing south over the Solway Firth at these dates, few of which appear to have been seen north of the Firth of Clyde.[6] Rushes have not been so large, yet they are indicated with tolerable precision by the returns. The extremely regular and open winter has no doubt much to do with this, the temperature in Great Britain having been higher than for many years previous. But these throbs or rushes being distinctly traceable is owing, on the other hand, I believe, to the prevailing wind fully as much as to the severity or non-severity of the weather. Rushes are normal phenomena in the West of Europe, because westerly or north-westerly or southwesterly winds usually prevail there. Regular or more dispersed movements of birds in the West of Europe are abnormal, because easterly winds are abnormal there. In 1880 we had a _spread-fan_ of migration, if I may so express it. In 1879 and 1881, in Scotland, we had a _closed-fan_ of migration. The natural result of the wide-spread fan is continuous streams of migration and no rushes; that of the closed-fan great throbs and rushes, for birds prefer to travel with a beam wind and wait for favourable winds, and do not often voluntarily start on their flight with a following wind. The occurrence of the white-spotted form of Blue-throated Warbler after a succession of tremendous S.E. gales, culminating in the dreadful hurricane of Oct. 14th, clearly shows, I think, that acts of voluntary migration do not take place in following winds. This Bluethroat was caught up and borne away, _nolens volens_, and our Mid-Atlantic notes in 1880 show similar abnormal results from prevalence of easterly gales. It is to be regretted that we have no returns this season from Mid-Atlantic, owing to Mr. Anderson's engagements in the Mediterranean. Even total absence or perfectly negative evidence of birds in Mid-Atlantic would have given us a valuable standpoint as compared with the great mortality of 1880.[7]

[Footnote 6: Mr. R. Service contributes the following:--"The severe gales retarded the migration of the shore birds during October to a great extent, causing them to "accumulate" in our district for several weeks. On October 12th I saw a twenty-acre field completely covered with Lapwings. At the same time, and for about a fortnight afterwards, the number of birds on the Solway banks was most extraordinary. The great majority of these were Bar-tailed Godwits, Oystercatchers, and Knots. Just outside the line of breakers opposite the rocks at Southerness Point, Scaups and Scoters were especially numerous, diving above the mussel beds. As they rose and fell on the crests of the heaving waves these birds formed many an interesting and beautiful group."]

[Footnote 7: I may mention here that I have made an endeavour to enlist the whaling captains of Dundee in our service, but have not yet learned whether it has been successful or not. I had copies of the British Association Abstract reprinted in a cheap form, and I sent a bundle to Dundee for distribution amongst the captains. Should Mr. Anderson yet give us any Mediterranean statistics, they can appear as an Appendix to our Report for 1882.]

The lines of migration indicated in my Report of Scotland for 1879 and 1880, and conclusions drawn from statistics of these two years, appear to me to be borne out by those of 1881, as regards the semicircular form of the migration, an account of which I have already given in our last report (_op. cit._, pp. 18, 19).

The subject of heights of lanterns and their colours as attractions for birds has not developed as yet any fresh facts, but, with the conviction that they will yet do so, I still retain the table of heights given. Actual experiment, however, would very likely very soon set this part of the subject at rest (vide General Remarks, East Coast of Scotland Report, 1880, pp. 19, 20). A light-vessel or two placed in an equally favourable position with, let us say, the Isle of May or the Bell Rock on the east coast, or at some point north of Tweed, would, I believe, soon show us whether the preponderance of records south of the Tweed is entirely due to old-established lines of migration, or to the number of light-vessels on the English coast, or partly to both. It would, I think, assist in proving or disproving theories of land-communications which have been advanced and disputed by previous writers. At present we cannot positively state from our present data whether an actual or only an apparent preponderance of birds pass south of the Tweed in autumn. It appears a little curious to find, however, a highway of migration by the Pentland Firth so much further north than the stations mentioned. Writing from North Ronaldshay Mr. Tulloch remarks upon the usual scarcity of birds there, and says "they keep more direct for the mainland"; and he remarks also upon the abundance of birds seen in September and November at Pentland Skerries, where he was lighthouse-keeper for four years. He remarks on the abundance of Mountain Thrushes, Blackbirds, Owls, Woodcocks, Wrens, Robins, and Titmice which occur there when the wind is from the east, and from which station I have a large numerical return this year. This at first sight appears to be a contradiction of what I have said about the bulk of the birds passing south of Bell Rock, but, be it noted, the prevailing winds at Pentland Skerries from August 23rd to September 12th were from points between north and south by east, but never by west, and thereafter, between September 14th and October 10th, they were prevailing south to south-west, but never west or north-west. From October 14th they backed to north-east, and easterly winds again prevailed here on till late in November. The isolated position of the lights at Pentland Skerries, combined with the local prevalence of easterly winds, is perhaps sufficient to account for the large mass of the records. At all events I think the Pentland Skerries returns are deserving, both now and in future, of special attention and study, and I look upon it as a particularly interesting station.

Isle of May stands this year at the head of the list for numerical returns, I having received seven full schedules from Mr. Agnew, principally referring to autumn migration. Next comes Bell Rock, but two out of three schedules refer to spring migration, of which more anon. Then Sumburgh Head and Pentland Skerries, about equal, but the latter rather the larger, both returning three filled schedules, principally autumn migration.[8]

[Footnote 8: Besides several more relating to 1882.]

Regarding the spring migration, the Bell Rock and the Isle of May have hitherto held their place as yielding the largest returns, and very considerable numerical returns are given for 1881. Now, Sandwich Terns pass every spring up north along the coast of Forfarshire, but shoot off from the land again, and do not breed upon much of the suitable lands they pass over. An occasional pair of birds do remain and breed, as is shown by the nesting of this species on Inch Mickery, in the Firth of Forth, this past season, and on a previous occasion at the same place. In the same way we know that Grey Plover, Knot, and Bar-tailed Godwit shoot off the land at Spurn Point, as they are obtained there in full breeding dress, but nowhere to the north of it in breeding plumage, except in isolated cases. The routes of spring migrants, while they are usually more direct than those of autumn migrants, are perhaps more difficult to trace, and our statistics as yet are far from perfect. Since the above remarks were penned I have a well-filled schedule from Isle of May relating to the spring migration of 1882, which, however, will be included in our next Report.

The extraordinarily large migration of raptorial birds is worth a remark here, and it is interesting to find with what regularity and precision such foreign species as the Rough-legged Buzzard recur year after year along certain very clearly defined lines, records of captures constantly indicating this.

It will be seen that the results of our statistics on the Scottish coasts show a "closed-fan" of migration, owing to prevalence of westerly winds, except at Pentland Skerries, where local easterly winds blew at the times of migration in September and November, and on the Scottish coast, from Bell Rock and southward, we had the greatest rushes, whilst further south, on the English coasts, there was an "open-fan" of migration, owing to a prevalence of east winds.

WEST COAST OF ENGLAND.

Schedules, &c., were forwarded to forty lighthouses and light-vessels on the west coast of England; from twenty-four returns have been received. The absence of returns is in some cases due to accident, _e. g._, at Caernarvon L.V., Mr. Bowen, the keeper, had been disabled with a broken rib, the result of a fall on board in a gale of wind, and there had been several changes of mates within a short period. In part, absence of reports is accounted for by the situation of the station--_e. g._, at Nash are two lighthouses, and from the western one, Mr. Richards, who last year supplied us with a well-filled schedule, having retired from the service, his successor objected to continue the work on the ground that it is so near to Nash E. On Lundy Island also are two stations close to each other, and last year the two reports therefrom were almost identical in every particular instance. Menai is reported as being out of the track of birds migrating, as also St. Bees. Still we should be glad to hear from these and the other stations that have not reported, and hope that next year all will send in returns, however slight, as "every little helps." Special thanks are due to those who have reported; they have given themselves considerable trouble, which will, however, not be thrown away; and the novelty and interesting nature of the work may in some degree perhaps compensate them for their pains. Mr. Baker writes, from Milford, "It would be a great help if a book could be supplied to different reporters, with a print of the different birds in it." If funds can be raised, we hope in time to & able to supply this want.

To Mr. Thompson we are indebted for a report from a new station, Allonby, on Solway Firth, which promises to be a good one, and which--being the northernmost on this coast--now heads our list.

The numbers of the stations differ from those of last year's report, beginning at 121 instead of 110 (the last included in Report of West Coast of Scotland being 120). The following is the list, those from which returns have been received being marked with an asterisk (*):--

121. *Allonby, L.H. C. Donald Thompson. 122. *St. Bees, L.H.; the tower 55 feet high, on cliffs estimated at 300 to 350 feet. R. E. Pizey. 123. *Morecambe Bay, L.V.; centre of light above sea-level, 36 feet. Henry Clavell, P. K.; Dl. Kneale, mate. 124. *Air, L.H. C. H. Aveston. 125. *Menai, L.H. Joseph Steer, P. K. 126. *Skerries, L.H. J. Garrett, P. K.; H. Knott. 127. *Holyhead Breakwater, L.H. R. Prichard. 128. North Stack, Fog Horn Station. John Harvey, gunner. 129. *South Stack, L.H. W. E. Burgess. 130. Caernarvon Bay, L.V.; centre of light above sea-level, 37 feet. W. Bowen. 131. *St. Tudwal's, L.H. W. Davies. 132. *Bardsey, L.H. Thomas Bowen. 133. Cardigan Bay, L.V. 134. *Bull Point, L.H.; centre of light above high water level, 154 feet. George Knott. 135. South Bishop, L.H. John White. 136. Smalls, L.H. W. Boulton. 137. *Great Castle Head, L.H. W. S. Spicer. 138. *Milford (Low), L.H. Fixed, white; centre of light from ground, 26 feet; Headland 150 feet from sea-level. (Syren fog horn 5 seconds every 3 minutes during fog, snow, or thick weather, about equidistant from each light). G. Baker. 139. Milford (High), L.H. Fixed, white, showing red at entrance to harbour. G. Baker. (These two are looked upon as one station). 140. Caldy, L.H. Centre of light above sea-level, about 250 feet. W. Ebben, P. K. 141. Helwick, L.V. Thomas Cornell, mate. 142. Scarweather, L.V. Henry Jenkins. 143. Nash (Low or W.), L.H.--Wilson. 144. *Nash (High or E.), L.H. Three lights: 1, upper, white, fixed, visible 19 miles; 2, fixed, red, shown from a window below lantern, shown N. of N.W. 1/4 W., which bearing will lead 1/4 mile S. of Breaksea Buoy; 3, a ray of red shown from a window below Breaksea light, extending over an arc between S.S.E. 3/4 E. and S.E. 3/4 S., about 2-1/2 cables southward of Tuskar Buoy. H. T. Nicholas. 145. Breaksea, L.V. 146. *Flatholm, L.H. W. Dale, P. K. 147. *Usk, L.H. Centre of light above sea-level, about 50 feet. Amos Russell. 148. Avon, L.H. William Taylor. 149. *Burnham, L.H. About 100 feet above sea-level. William Lewis. 150. *Bideford, L.H. Low light, white, centre above sea-level 48 feet; Upper light white, centre above sea-level 96 feet. Edwd. Roberts. 151. Lundy Fog Gun Station. John Morgan. 152. *Lundy, L.H. Upper light revolving, powerful white, about 540 feet above sea-level. James Parsons. 153. *Hartland Point, L.H. John Griffiths. 154. Trevose Head, L.H. Fixed, white; upper 180 feet and lower 120 feet above sea-level. W. Bowen. 155. *Godrevy, L.H. Richard Trahair. 156. *Longships, L.H. Red towards shore; lantern 110 feet above high-water mark. William Jones, P. K. 157. Sevenstones, L.V. Daniel Norton. 158. Wolfrock, L.H. W. D. Crask. 159. *Scilly, L.H. White, 150 feet above sea-level. E. L. Davis. 160. Bishop Rock, L.H.

In the above list particulars of colour and height of lights, &c., are given where omitted from list of last year or where there have been alterations. Notes on the spring migration, being but few, have not been drawn up in a distinct report. Next year it is hoped that these may be much fuller and more general.

Altogether about sixty-two species have been noticed on this coast-line, including about fourteen species of Gulls and Water-birds.

To the various observers, and to the Trinity Superintendents, Mr. Davison, Mr. Evans, and Mr. Tregarthen, our thanks are given for their continued interest and kind assistance.

SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES.

Song Thrush, _Tardus musicus_, Linn.; Fieldfare, Turdus pilaris, Linn.--Spring: At Scilly, from Jan. 13th to 25th, large flocks of Thrushes, Fieldfares, Larks, and Starlings remained during the snow. At Godrevy, on 14th, a great number of Thrushes, Starlings, and Lapwings from noon to 4 p.m., fresh E.S.E. breeze, frost and snow. At Air (River Dee), on March 30th, a Common Thrush was seen, at 9 a.m., light N.W. breeze, mist.--Autumn: Earliest date recorded Oct. 24th, when one killed at Godrevy, 1.30 a.m., mod. S.S.E. breeze, mist and rain; latest notice Dec. 24th, at Skerries, one killed, 3 a.m., strong S.S.W. breeze, misty.

Redwing, _Turdus iliacus_, Linn.--Separately noticed at Godrevy only, namely, Nov. 4th, at 3.30 a.m., one killed, fresh S.W. by S. breeze, mist and rain. On Nov. 13th, one killed, 6.10 p.m., fresh S.S.W. breeze, fog. On 22nd, at 2 p.m., one struck, fresh W.S.W. gale, squally and misty.

Blackbird, _Turdus merula_, Linn.--Autumn: First notice Sept. 28th, at Morecambe Bay, "one cock Blackbird in the vicinity." Through October the notices are more frequent and general. At Skerries, South Stack, and at Bull Point, on 25th and 26th, several struck and some were killed. At Bull Point, Oct. 31st, "a female" struck against the W. side of the lantern, 1.40 a.m., light S.E. breeze, cloudy, misty. The only stations reporting occurrences in November are Allonby, where through the month "a good many were about the hedgerows"; and one instance at Morecambe Bay (where none were seen in October), _viz._ on 4th, "a young female in vicinity." The next and last notice is Godrevy, where on Dec. 25th, at 6 a.m., one struck, gentle S.W. breeze, clear.

Wheatear, _Saxicola œnanthe_, Linn.--On Sept. 23rd, at South Stack, between 12 and 2 a.m., several struck and one was killed, light S.E. gloomy, misty. This is the only instance given.

Redbreast, _Erithacus rubecula_, Linn.--Spring: At Great Castle Head, on Jan. 20th, also on Feb. 1st, 4th, and 24th, "two or three Robins and Sparrows" were noticed about 7 a.m., mod. S.S.E., E.S.E., S.W., and N. breezes respectively. On March 1st, at 9 a.m., two Robins and two Magpies, fresh N.W. breeze, gloomy and showery, with snow. Autumn: On Oct. 28th, at Morecambe Bay, "a female Redbreast" in vicinity, 10 a.m., mod. N.N.E. breeze.

Nightingale, _Daulias luscinia_, Linn.--Spring: On April 22nd, at Burnham, "heard at 5 a.m. for first time, being one day later than last year, and in the very same spot."--W. Lewis, P. K.

Goldcrest, _Regulus cristatus_, Koch; Chiffchaff, _Phylloscopus collybita_, Vieill.--Spring: On May 2nd, at Nash E., 200 Chiffchaffs were counted from 1 a.m. to sunrise, light E. air, haze; 196 were killed. Autumn: On Oct. 26th, at South Stack, a few Goldcrests from 12 to 4 a.m., one killed, gentle E. breeze. The same day, at Morecambe Bay, one (cock) Goldcrest flew on board, struck the deck-house and fell on deck, but was not killed; and at Nash, the same day, 12 to 18 Chiffchaffs passed at 4 a.m., and 6 were killed, light E.N.E. breeze, rain. On Dec. 31st, at 3 a.m., one Goldcrest struck at South Stack, light S.W. breeze, cloudy. From Flatholm, Mr. Dale reports "Gold crested Wrens and Chiffchaffs not so numerous as usual in the autumn." Taking the whole family of the Turdidæ, the chief movement as observed on the west coast occurred the latter end of October: this, we find, agrees with a general movement of the family noticed on both coasts of Scotland, and also a rush from E. to W. observed on the English east coast. On Oct. 14th was "a whole gale" from the E., after which the winds continued E. and S.E. to the end of the month--the force when noted ranging from 2 to 7. With the exception of the Redwing, and excepting the note of Blackbirds and of Robins seen at Allonby, there has scarcely been an instance recorded of any of the family seen throughout November. There is an absolute absence of Fieldfares, and the scarcity of the family generally is remarked on from many stations. Thus, from Allonby, Mr. Thompson writes (Nov., 1881), "No Fieldfares seen in this part, which is very unusual." At Skerries, of Blackbirds, Thrushes, Fieldfares, &c., "very few are now seen." At Lundy, "till January," Mr. Parsons writes, "we had no birds on the islands, only now and then a Blackbird or Thrush." At Usk, Blackbird and Thrush seen occasionally. And from Nash E., Mr. Nicholas, P.K., writes in October, "Blackbirds and Thrushes have been very scarce since the gale and snowstorm of Jan. 18th last," and "not one Thrush has been seen here since January." Note:--At Bardsey, however, Mr. Bowen says of Blackbirds, Grey-birds (?), Jackdaws, House and _Common (?)_ Sparrows, and Starlings, that they are resident. Does this mean that they are seen all the year round; even so, is there no increase and decrease in the number noticeable, and if so, when? Are _Grey_-birds the Grey-backed Crows? What is the difference between "House" and "Common" Sparrow? Does the latter mean the Hedgesparrow, or is one the Tree Sparrow? If there be any doubt, a specimen, or the skin, head, or wings sent through the post would serve to identify the species.

Wren, _Troglodytes parvulus_, Koch.--Autumn: First notice Sept. 4th, at Skerries, at 2 a.m., several struck the glass and remained till daybreak, light S.S.W. breeze, hazy. On 24th, at South Stack, a few struck between 9 and 10 p.m., W.N.W., fog. And on Sept. 30th, at Bull Point, one struck N.E. side of the lantern, with a mod. S.S.E. breeze, hazy (not a following wind). On Oct. 23rd, at Skerries, Wrens with Linnets were flying about all day; and--the latest notice--on 26th, one passed Morecambe Bay L.V. at sunrise, flying N.

Wagtail, _Motacilla (?)_.--Spring: On Feb. 10th, at Great Castle Head, four Dishwashers at 5 a.m., strong S.S.W. breeze, showery and foggy.--Autumn: The first notice at Nash E., on Aug. 21st, "thirty to forty Wagtails passed S.W.," 6 a.m., mod. S.S.E. breeze, very clear. They are not again noticed till Sept. 8th, at Bull Point, when about two dozen "Dishwashers and Linnets" passed inland, 6 a.m., S.S.W., calm, clear. On the 19th, at Morecambe Bay, three Wagtails flying S.W., 7.30 a.m., gentle N.W. breeze; and on the 25th, "one" flying about the ship in the forenoon. On Oct. 5th, one flying S. by E., mod. N.E. by N. breeze; and on 7th, one flying N.W., light S.S.W. breeze. This is the last recorded, except at Allonby, where, Mr. Thompson writes on 20th, "Wagtails are common in these parts."