EAST COAST OF ENGLAND.

Printed forms of enquiry and letters of instruction were sent to thirty-six lighthouses and light-vessels on the East Coast of England, and two stations on the Channel Islands,—thirty-eight altogether, against thirty-six in 1881,—and returns have been received from thirty, a result which is very encouraging.

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-seven reporting stations, against thirty-two in 1881.

I have again to thank H. Gätke, T. H. Nelson, C. Donald Thompson, Matthew Bailey, William Eagle Clarke, H. Bendelack Hewetson, M.D., and J. H. Gurney, jun., for their general kind co-operation and assistance in the enquiry.

Special thanks are also given to all my kind and painstaking observers on the lighthouses and light-vessels whose names are given in the report. While thanks are due to all, it may perhaps be not invidious to mention the very excellent returns received from the Farne Island stations, the Longstone and Inner Farne lighthouses, no less than eleven well-filled schedules having been sent in.

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 report for 1880.

*Longstone L.H.†Thomas O. Hall & James W. Parsons.
*Inner Farne L.H.Thomas H. Cutting.
*No. 5 Buoy, Teesmouth L.V.Henry Harbord.
*Coquet Island L.H.William Evans.
*Whitby High L.H.John Odgers.
*Flamborough Head L.H.Charles Hood.
*Spurn L.H.James B. Smith.
*Spurn (Newsand) L.V.W. Edwards.
*Outer Dowsing L.V.William Stock.
*Inner Dowsing L.V.William King.
*Dudgeon L.V.Thomas Dale.
*Llyn Wells L.V.The Principal.
*Hunstanton L.H.William Westmoreland.
*Cromer L.H.Richard Comben.
*Hasbro' L.V.John Nicholas & B. Darnell.
Leman & Ower L.V...
Hasbro' L.H...
*Newarp L.V.Cornelius Campbell & William Rees (mate).
*Winterton L.H.John Watson.
*Cockle L.V.Samuel Pender & Charles Perfrement.
*Corton L.V.William John Cotton.
*Orfordness L.H.Wm. Wilby Woodruff.
*Shipwash L.V.William Bonken.
*Languard Point L.H.Owen Boyle.
*Galloper L.V.William Littlewood.
Kentish Knock..
*Swin Middle L.V.Thomas Barrett.
*Tongue L.V.John Webber.
Nore L.V...
North Foreland L.H...
North Sand Head L.V...
*Gull L.V.Francis Harvey & Joseph Jenkins.
*South Sand Head L.V.J. C. Leggett & George Woodward.
*East Side L.V.Edward le Gallais & Thomas Rees.
South Foreland L.H...
*Hanois L.H. (Guernsey)Charles Williams.
Casquets L.H. (Alderney)..

SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES.

Mistletoe Thrush, Turdus viscivorus, Linn.—Longstone L.H., Nov. 10th and 11th, N.W. to N.N.E., several each day, with Ring Ouzels.

Song Thrush, T. musicus, Linn.—Spring, 1882: Heligoland, Feb. 21st, Mr. Gätke remarks, "musicus: some in my garden, 25th, S.S.W., several. March 2nd, a few. April 12th, S.S.W., a few; 22nd, pretty numerous; on 23rd, S.S.E. and S., with Ring Ouzels, the two in departing mounting up in the atmosphere till lost to sight; 29th, some also with Ring Ouzels." Cromer L.H., May 14th, two killed against lantern at midnight. Autumn; Heligoland, Sept. 13th, first Thrushes, and at intervals, but sparingly to November;[5] and the whole of this latter month along with Fieldfares almost every night pouring overhead; during daytime rarely any. On the English coast, from the Inner Farne L.H., Sept. 27th, to the Galloper L.V., Dec. 20th, twenty from 8 to 9 p.m., two struck and killed; and at the former station they continued to pass through December, and from Jan. 8rd to 15th in 1883, along with Fieldfares and Blackbirds. The great rush was on the nights of 12th and 13th October, very great numbers being observed at stations from the Longstone L.H. to Galloper L.V., easterly winds, fog and drizzling rain over North Sea.

[5] Mr. Gätke's notes are not continued beyond Nov. 30th.

Redwing, T. iliacus, Linn.—Spring, 1882: Great Cotes, second week in March, returning to coast. Autumn: First, South Sand Head L.V. (Goodwin), Sept. 28th, forty to fifty to N.W. Longstone L.H., Oct. 8th; Spurn, 13th and 25th, adult males; "rush" Oct. 13th. Heligoland, Oct. 18th, S.E., great many; 19th, multitudes passing overhead, and at intervals to Nov. 7th.

Fieldfare, T. pilaris, Linn.—Spring, 1882: Heligoland, Jan. 17th and 18th, W., hazy, great many to E.; Feb. 20th and 21st, small flights, twenty to thirty; March 2nd, great flights overhead. Great Cotes, April 10th, flock, 120 to 150. Autumn: Heligoland, Sept. 13th, S.-S.W., thunder-storm with heavy rain, a very great flight; all through November at night with Thrushes. On English coast. Farne Inner L.H., Sept. 27th, one, and subsequently at intervals to end of the year. Whitby L.H., Oct. 12th, all night; 13th, less. Rush from 11th to 14th December between Farne Islands and Teesmouth, and again 13th to 15th January, 1883, but are not recorded anywhere south of Humber.

Blackbird, T. merula, Linn.—Spring, 1882: Dudgeon L.V., Feb. 8th, 6 p.m., with Larks. Heligoland, Feb. 21st, N.N.W. to N., "some in garden"; 25th, S.S.W., some; March 13th and 14th, a few. Cromer L.H., March 17th, 11 p.m., one struck. Autumn: Heligoland, last week in October to end of November. English coast, first, Hanois L.H. (Guernsey), Sept. 19th, 10 p.m., to Jan. 15th, at Inner Farne L.H. Great "rush," nights of Oct. 10th and 13th; second "rush" Nov. 11th, Spurn L.V., Hanois L.H., 11th, midnight, and 13th all night; third "rush," Farne Inner L.H., Dec. 13th, 14th and 15th, and at same station through December and in less numbers to Jan. 15th, 1883. At Great Cotes during night of Sept. 28th, S.W. to W., rain, great many young cocks came in. Swin Middle L.V., Oct. 6th, from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., about one hundred came to lantern and twenty were killed, all young cocks. Spurn L.V., Nov. 11th, noon, large flock from S.E. to N.W. Spurn, Oct. 25th, adult males.

King Ouzel, T. torquatus, Linn.—Spring: Farne Inner L.H., April 23rd and 24th, one each day. Heligoland, April 22nd, many; 23rd, same; and on 29th, some. Autumn: Heligoland, Sept. 17th, E.-N.E., calm, some; and at intervals to Nov. 7th, an unusually late date, which, however, corresponds with arrivals on English coast; Sept. 10th, at Cromer, to Nov. 10th and 11th, at Longstone L.H., several afternoon of each day. Great rush Oct. 12th and 13th from the mouth of the Tees to Spurn, old cock birds. Were very numerous in the neighbourhood of Spurn all through October, all being mature males.

Common Wheatear, Saxicola œnanthe (Linn.).—Spring: Farne Inner L.H., March 22nd, 1882, 3 p.m., two. Spurn, 29th, many. Heligoland, April 8th, numerous fine old males; 12th, some at lighthouse. At 5th Buoy Tees L.V., April 10th to 29th, several coming from E.S.E. towards land, wind N.E. to N.W. Autumn: Heligoland, June 29th, pretty numerous, young birds of the year. On the English coast, from Aug. 12th, at the Farne Inner L.H., several, to Spurn, Oct. 7th, E., rain, evening, several round lantern. Passed across Heligoland in large numbers in September; some on Oct. 10th, "great old males."

Eastern Pied Chat, S. morio, Ehr.—Heligoland, early in June, a fine adult male shot.

Whinchat, Pratincola rubetra (Linn.).—Great Cotes, August, last week, some number of young birds. Spurn, Oct. 15th, all day. Heligoland, from Aug. 6th, young birds, and throughout month.

Stonechat, P. rubicola,—Spring: Heligoland, Feb. 27th, 1882, two or three; 28th, several; March 1st, one fine old male. Autumn: Great Cotes, first week in September, many young; October and November, old birds, sparingly.

Redstart, Ruticilla phœnicurus (Linn.).—Spring: Inner Farne L.H., April 22nd and 23rd, some with Wheatears. Autumn: Spurn, Sept. 7th, one. Longstone L.H., 14th, N.E., 5 p.m., on rocks. Yarmouth, 22nd, a few; and from Oct. 7th to 13th a few from the Farne Islands southward to Spurn. Have been comparatively scarce compared with the large numbers which accompanied the Wheatears on their southward migration up the coast in the autumns of 1880 and 1881. Across Heligoland from Aug. 10th to first week in October; on the 5th, great many, with Wheatears, wind E., fresh.

Blackstart, R. titys (Scop.).—Heligoland, March 13th to 14th, one; 17th, eight to ten; and to April 8th, daily, some. Autumn: Spurn, Oct. 29th, one, adult female; stomach contained remains of Coleoptera, entire ants, and two large seeds. Migrates earlier in the spring and later in the autumn than the Redstart.

Red-spotted Bluethroat, Cyanecula suecica (Linn.).—Heligoland, Sept. 16th, E.N.E., in great numbers, with Redstarts, Goldcrests, Wheatears, &c.; 20th, S.E., fresh, many; 23rd, very numerous. At Spurn, Sept. 11th, two immature, one obtained. It appears yet to be an open question with ornithologists whether the young of suecica are distinguishable from those of leucocyana in the plumage of the first year; the Spurn bird therefore may be an example of the Central European form, the White-spotted Bluethroat.

Redbreast, Erithacus rubecula (Linn.).—Spring: Heligoland, March 13th and 14th, several; April 8th, 22nd and 23rd, some. Autumn: across island, from Sept. 8th, N., calm, overcast, through October, in large numbers; great rush, Oct. 17th, 18th and 19th; again on 27th and 28th. At Orfordness and Languard Point lighthouses and Ship wash L.V., on Sept. 20th, and from Oct. 6th to 25th between the Longstone L.H. and East Goodwin L.V., in great numbers. Great rush Oct. 8th, and again night of 13th at many stations and in large numbers. At the Galloper L.V., on 6th, with Wrens.

Sylviinæ.—Whitethroat, Sylvia cinerea (Linn.), Hanois L.H., April 16th, 3 a.m., some killed. Heligoland, April 22nd and 23rd, S.S.E. and S., some. Spurn L.H., May 7th, 11 p.m., misty, rain, one killed. Cromer L.H., June 17th, 9.50 p.m., 6 a.m., two and a Wren killed. Autumn: Cromer L.H., July 18th, 3 a.m., S.W., seven stunned. During September and first week in October at several stations during night. Blackcap, S. atricapilla (Linn.), Heligoland, April 23rd, some; 28th, many. Lesser Whitethroat, S. curruca (Linn.), also some. Heligoland, in the autumn. Whitethroats on Aug. 6th, and through September in great numbers to Oct. 7th. Garden Warbler from Aug. 19th to end of September. Blackcap as late as Oct. 27th.

Golden-crested Wren, Regulus cristatus, Koch.—Spring, 1882: Heligoland, March 13th and 14th, several, and on to April 12th. Autumn: the autumn of 1882 will be long remembered amongst ornithologists from the extraordinary immigration of Goldcrests on to the east coasts of Scotland and England. On the east coast of England the migration extended over ninety-two days, commencing Aug. 6th. Cromer L.H., midnight, two stunned against lantern, and a week later at Redcar, Aug. 13th, wind S.W., forty to fifty, at 8 a.m., seen on the breakwater, and forward, at many stations and in immense numbers, to Nov. 5th, Cockle L.V., 5 a.m., one caught against glass. They arrived somewhat sparingly in August and through September, and day after day in enormous numbers in October; in this month they are recorded at twenty-one stations between the Farne Islands and the Hanois L.H., off Guernsey. There appear to have been two great rushes, one on the night of Oct. 7th and morning of 8th, and again on night of 12th and morning of 13th, the latter with the Woodcock.[6] Many also are likewise reported during the month to have alighted on fishing-boats, steam-vessels, &c., in the North Sea. At Heligoland, on Oct. 8th, all the island swarmed with them; they had also been exceedingly numerous there from Sept. 8th, continuing also to arrive and depart throughout October, and on the night from 28th to 29th Mr. Gätke remarks, "a perfect storm of Goldcrests we have had,—poor little souls!—perching on the ledges of the window-panes of the lantern of our lighthouse, preening their feathers in the glare of the lamps; on the 29th all the island swarmed with them, filling the gardens everywhere, and over all the cliff—hundreds of thousands; by 9 a.m. most of them had passed on again." On English coast, Farne Inner L.H., Oct. 8th, "never remember seeing so many at one time." Whitby L.H., 8th and 12th, "great rush." Flamborough, 7th to 14th, "never more seen." Spurn, 7th to 8th, "in turnip-fields, hedges, and everywhere, never more seen." Great Cotes, 8th, great many everywhere, and even on the piles of timber on the dock-quays and timber-yards at Grimsby. Dudgeon L.V., 12th, "flock to W." Cromer L.H., 10th and 12th, latter night "large flocks," and at other stations, too numerous to detail, in large numbers. General direction E. to W., and E.S.E. to W.N.W., winds easterly over North Sea nights of 7th and 12th, with fogs and drizzling rain on latter night. These small wanderers reached the land in a very exhausted state, and great numbers are supposed to have perished in mid-passage.

[6] At this date the stream of Goldcrests extended quite across England, the Irish Channel, and into Ireland.

It is curious that the Fire-crested Wren, R. ignicapillus (C. L. Brehm), has not been observed at Heligoland during the autumn, although generally it is tolerably numerous.

At the Newarp L.V., in March and April, 1883, an immense migration of various birds was observed almost day by day; amongst those on April 14th three Golden-crested Wrens going eastward.

Phylloscopinæ.—Spring: East Yorkshire, Chiffchaff, Phylloscopus collybita (Vieill.), March 13th. Willow Wren, P. trochilus (Linn.), Heligoland, April 22nd and 23rd, some. Autumn: Spurn and East Lincolnshire, first week in September, many; latest. Spurn, Oct. 25th. Chiffchaff also at Spurn on 29th. Heligoland, Willow Wren, Aug. 15th, some, and forward in great numbers to Oct. 19th. Chiffchaff, Sept. 21st, and a great number at intervals to Oct. 27th. Wood Wren, P. sibilatrix (Bechst.), Oct. 27th, one. Yellow-browed Warbler, P. superciliosus (Gm.), Oct. 23rd, W., one; 27th, S.W., one seen.

Acrocephalinæ.—Spring: Spurn, May 29th, 11 p.m., misty, two Reed Warblers, Acrocephalus streperus (Vieill.), killed against lantern; Spurn, Aug. 20th, midnight, three old males killed; Great Cotes, Sept. 2nd, in bean-fields. On Sept. 12th, 1881, two Grasshopper Warblers, Locustella nævia (Bodd.), were killed in the night against the lantern of Spurn lighthouse (omitted in report for 1881). Heligoland, Sept. 19th, one Grasshopper Warbler.

Hedgesparrow, Accentor modularis (Linn.).—Spring: Heligoland, March 12th, some; 13th and 14th, some; 20th to April 12th, daily some. Autumn: At Spurn and in East Lincolnshire great numbers were observed during the first fortnight in September. Spurn, Oct. 8th, most abundant, and on the Lincolnshire side, same date, extraordinary numbers; in some localities, as stack-yards and marsh hedgerows, swarming. Heligoland, Sept. 20th, S.E., beginning to arrive; 22nd, great many; on Oct. 6th and 7th, marvellous numbers; also on 8th, and continuing to arrive and pass forward in very great numbers up to the 29th. It will be seen that their extraordinary abundance at Spurn and in East Lincolnshire on Oct. 8th corresponds with the immense flight at Heligoland at the same period, Oct. 6th, 7th and 8th. At Languard Point, on March 1st, 1883, a large flock was seen at 12.30 p.m., going eastward.

Bearded Reedling, Panurus biarmicus (Linn.).—Heligoland, Oct. 9th, S.S.E., later thick and hazy, one, a male.

Paridæ.—Autumn: Heligoland, Blue Titmouse, Parus cœrulæus, Linn., Sept. 20th, beginning; Oct. 23rd, some. Great Titmouse, P. major, Linn., Oct. 7th, a sprinkling; 8th, numerous; 14th, great many. Coal Titmouse, P. ater, Linn., one on Oct. 15th; Paridæ continuing to pass up to 29th. Languard Point L.H., Oct. 29th, one Long-tailed Titmouse. Galloper L.V., Oct. 8th, one Titmouse dead on deck. Farne Inner L.H., Oct. 13th, E.S.E., Great and Blue Titmouse, old males, many. 5 Buoy Tees L.V., 13th, 3 p.m., five on board. Newarp L.V., several on deck, with Goldcrests and Redbreasts. Two "rushes," Oct. 8th and 13th, with Goldcrests.

Common Wren, Troglodytes parvulus, Koch.—Spring: Flamborough L.H., March 18th, W., many round lantern, several struck. Hunstanton L.H., 17th, 3 a.m., S.W., one caught against lantern. Corton L.V., April 14th, one, E. to W. Cromer L.H., June 17th, 9.50 p.m., two struck, one killed. Autumn: Heligoland, Oct. 9th, S.S.E., calm, a great many; 14th, many. Flamborough L.H., Sept. 15th, Spurn L.H., 20th, Galloper L.V., 21st, and Shipwash L.V., 26th, a great many, both during day and night. Oct. 7th to 8th and 12th to 13th, great rushes at six stations from Farne Islands to Galloper L.V.; at the latter on night of 12th many round lantern, and night of 13th, 8 p.m. to daybreak of 14th, with many other birds, Larks, Starlings, Thrushes, and two Robins—altogether many thousands of birds; 160 of various species picked up on deck, and it is calculated one thousand struck and went overboard.

Motacillidæ.—Spring: Heligoland, Feb. 20th, 1882, Pied Wagtail, Motacilla lugubris, Temm., one fine old male, "never so early; once I got one on Feb, 28th"; April 23rd, Blue-headed Wagtail, M. flava, Linn., some; Yellow Wagtail, M. raii, Bp., one; 28th, flava pretty numerous. Inner Farne L.H., March 29th, one Pied Wagtail. 5 Buoy Tees L.V., 28th and 29th, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., great many in flocks of about twenty, flying S.E. to N.W. Whitby L.H., 23rd, many. Autumn: Heligoland, Aug. 14th, White Wagtail, M. alba, Linn., some; Sept. 9th, M. flava, many. Great Cotes, Sept. 2nd, Grey Wagtail, M. melanope, flocks of twenty to thirty in bean-fields; only one old bird seen. Spurn, 7th, several. Heligoland, April 26th, W.N.W., Richard's Pipit, Anthus richardii, Vieill., one, a small male bird; 28th, one male, very pale, but not faded or abraded. Autumn: Heligoland, Sept. 28th, S.W., fresh, A. richardii, a few; Oct. 8th, a few shot. Meadow Pipit, A. pratensis (Linn.), Sept. 7th, potato-fields crowded with them, and up to Oct. 19th a great many; Oct. 17th, marvellous numbers. Tree Pipit, A. trivialis (Linn.), Sept. 19th to Oct. 11th, numerous. Rock Pipit, A. obscurus (Lath.), some with pratensis. Great Cotes, Sept. 2nd, Meadow and Tree Pipits in small flocks in bean-fields. Inner Dowsing L.V., Sept. 12th, fifty Titlarks during day. Farne Inner L.H., Nov. 20th, 2 p.m., sixty to S.W.

Laniidæ.—Spring: Spurn, May 28th. Red-backed Shrike, Lanius collurio, Linn., two, male and female, night of 27th or morning of 28th. Autumn: Great Grey Shrike, L. excubitor, Linn., Spurn, Sept. 18th, one; 19th, one; and several during the first fortnight in October. Heligoland, Oct. 5th, L. major, one, a second during day; 15th, one; 18th, L. excubitor, one, an old male.

Waxwing, Ampelis garrulus, Linn.—Heligoland, Nov. 21st, one female. Seaton Carew, Jan. 5th, 1883, several seen near Middlesborough and Guisborough, some shot. Cleethorpes, near Grimsby, early morning, 15th, one in a garden close to coast; same time, one near Wragby, Lincolnshire; 17th, large flocks, several scores, near Goole, fourteen obtained. Several also in Norfolk near East Coast early in 1883.

Muscicapidæ.—Pied Flycatcher, M. atricapilla, Linn.—Heligoland, June 27th, pretty numerous, young, and forward to Sept. 20th in large numbers; during the latter time with many Spotted Flycatchers, M. grisola. Spurn, Sept. 12th, Pied Flycatchers, a few, very small birds comparatively, measuring one inch less in length than those obtained in 1881. The Common Flycatcher was last observed in North Lincolnshire on Sept. 25th. "Flycatchers" are frequently mentioned as occurring round the lanterns at night; it is, however, impossible to say what birds are intended, as the term is used indiscriminately for many of the small insect-eating birds.

Hirundinidæ.—Swallow, H. rustica, Linn.—Spring: First at Hunstanton L.H., April 13th, several. Heligoland, April 23rd. Longstone L.H., May 1st. Autumn: Heligoland, August to Oct. 31st, with House Martins at the latter date. Sand Martins crossed the island on Aug. 15th, and large numbers of both rustica and urbica from Sept. 13th to 19th. On East Coast of England, Great Cotes, Aug. 12th, dusk, starlight, about one hundred N.E. to S.W.; main body passed up the coast in September, and very few seen after first week in October. The last occurrences are North-East Lincolnshire, Nov. 8th, two at Laceby. Flamborough, Nov. 11th, N., cold, two about lighthouse. Patrington, Yorkshire, on Oct. 27th I saw ten or twelve House Martins hawking in the village street.

Goldfinch, Carduelis elegans, Steph.—Spring: Spurn, April 20th, 11 a.m., six from S. remaining all day. Autumn: Spurn and East Lincolnshire, some in October. Heligoland, Oct. 16th, a few.

Siskin, Chrysomitris spinus (Linn.).—Seaton Carew, Durham, Oct. 19th, one. Spurn, 25th, a few. Heligoland, Oct. 16th and on to 23rd, some.

Greenfinch, Ligurinus chloris (Linn.).—N. E. Lincolnshire, Feb. 5th, 1883, large flocks on stubbles near the coast. Great Cotes, Sept. 7th, large migratory flocks in bean-fields and on stubbles during month, feeding on seeds of Atriplex angustifolia and Polygonum aviculare, showing a decided preference for the latter. Languard L.H., Oct. 23rd, very large flock came in at noon.

Hawfinch, Coccothraustes vulgaris, Pall.—Inner Dowsing L.V., Oct. 20th, S.S.W. [No. 5], two came on board and remained all night, then in the morning left, flying S.E. to N.W. At Heligoland, Mr. Gätke says, "the Hawfinch here is a well-known customer, never in any numbers, but every spring and fall some, betraying itself forthwith by its peculiar call-note, so out of all proportion with its colossal beak."

Common Sparrow, Passer domesticus (Linn.).—From Sept. 23rd, Shipwash L.V., "flights to N.N.W. to Farne Inner L.V.," Nov. 2nd, eight House Sparrows, "seldom seen here." Altogether observed at twelve stations, with one exception, as above, all south of the Humber. Goodwin L.V., Sept. 27th to Nov. 14th, on ten days large and continuous flights to W., and in large numbers in October at other stations.

Tree Sparrow, P. montanus (Linn.).—Spring: Heligoland, March 20th, a score; April 24th, daily; and 15th to 20th, some; 29th, "eating off buds of gooseberries in garden." Corton L.V., June 8th, one on board. Autumn: Shipwash L.V., Sept. 22nd, 2 to 6 p.m., large numbers to S.W., to Spurn, Oct. 25th; altogether at seven stations south of the Humber in very considerable numbers in October.

Chaffinch, Fringilla cœlebs, Linn.—Corton L.V., from Sept. 28th, "several flocks during forenoon to W.," to Galloper L.V., Oct. 14th, 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., "many with Larks." Seven stations report Chaffinches, all in October, between the Tees and South Sand Head L.V., Goodwins. Heligoland, Oct. 6th and 7th, enormous numbers crossed—hundreds of thousands.

Brambling, F. montifringilla, Linn.—Heligoland, March 13th and 14th, 1882, one each day; April 8th a few, and on to 28th. Autumn: Longstone L.H., Sept. 21st, 10 a.m., N.E., fresh and stormy, several. Spurn, Oct. 9th, some; 18th, an immense flock of males, extending two hundred yards in length, and flying as closely as a flock of Knots. Teesmouth, 12th and 13th, some. Heligoland, Sept. 4th, E. by N., some; Oct. 19th, great many.

Linnet, Linota cannabina (Linn.).—Scarcely any reported.[7] Lesser Redpoll, L. rufescens (Vieill.), a few in N. E. Lincolnshire, first week in September. Spurn, October, several. Heligoland, Oct. 24th, storm S.W., No. 11, one, "first capture of species on island"; Nov. 7th, S.E., windy and heavy rain, one shot in garden, second specimen. Twite, L. flavirostris (Linn.), Heligoland, scarcely any during autumn. Spurn, Oct. 25th, some small flocks, examples obtained had very pink rumps.

[7] East Coast of Scotland, vast rush in October (9th to 23rd). See J. A. H. B., p. 14 of Report.

Common Bullfinch, Pyrrhula europæa, Vieill.—Hasbro' L.V., Oct. 12th, 4 p.m., two S.E. to N.W.

Common Crossbill, Loxia curvirostra, Linn.—Farne Inner L.H., July 15th, one found near lighthouse, had been dead some days.

Emberizidæ.—Yellow Bunting, E. citrinella, Linn., Hunstanton L.H., Oct. 23rd, 10.30 a.m., great many round lighthouse. Ortolan Bunting, E. hortulana, Linn., Heligoland, April 28th and 29th, some. Meadow Bunting, E. cia, Linn., Heligoland, March 8th, S.S.W., clear, warm and fine, a fine old male, the first after forty years. Reed Bunting, E. schœniclus, Linn., Great Cotes, first week in September, many in bean-fields. Autumn: Heligoland, Aug. 14th, Ortolan Bunting, some; 28th, numerous; first fortnight in October, E. schœniclus, great many daily; 17th, great many, and to end of month.

Snow Bunting, Plectrophanes nivalis (Linn.).—Spring: Heligoland, Feb. 28th, 1882, great many; March 28th, many. 5 Buoy Tees L.V., Spurn, and Inner Farne, in March; large flocks at Spurn on 4th. Autumn: A few old birds in September; 7th and 8th, one each day at Skitter Haven, within the Humber. Young birds first at Great Cotes, Sept. 28th; occurred at stations north of Humber in October, November, and December, to January 2nd. Teesmouth, Dec. 1st, large flocks preceding the heavy snow-storm on 5th. Heligoland, Oct. 24th, S.S.E., strong and increasing, thick, "with thousands of others during forenoon racing past overhead"; night, storm S.W. [No. 11]; 29th, "in great masses in the fields"; and at intervals great numbers to Nov. 21st.

Sky Lark, Alauda arvensis, Linn.—Spring: Heligoland, Jan. 18th, 1882, N.N.W., all night great many, all day thousands upon thousands over island, all to E.; miles out at sea the same; Feb. 8th and 9th, great numbers across island; 10th and 11th, the same with Starlings, all to W.; 15th, S.W., rain, from early morning and all day, thousands from the east. Starlings same, all very high; 25th, S.S.W., early, calm and fine, "flights on flights" to E. by N.; 28th, Woodlark, A. arborea, Linn., "a small party, the first"; March 2nd, a flight. Spurn, March 27th, flocks of Sky Larks all day passing. Autumn: First at Galloper L.V., Sept. 20th, midnight to 4 p.m., "shoals," to Jan. 10th, 1883, at 5 Buoy Tees L.V.; altogether at twenty-nine stations, crossing the whole east coast of England, and in immense numbers both by night and day, direction E. to W., or S.E. to N.W.; Oct. 7th and 8th, great "rushes," again 10th and 13th, and again on 20th; Nov. 12th, and on Dec. 13th to 15th inclusive, in the latter case up the coast from N. to S., as well as directly inland from sea. Larks appear to have been tolerably equally distributed over the whole coast-line, and as usual to have crossed the North Sea in enormous numbers, far outnumbering any other species. At Heligoland, in the autumn, they appear, from Mr. Gätke's notes, to have passed on Oct. 11th, "great many passing above fog," call-notes heard; and subsequently in large numbers to Nov. 21st.

Shore Lark, Otocorys alpestris (Linn.)—Spring: Heligoland, March 20th, eight to ten; April 8th, E. by N., great many flights of twenty or over; 9th, same; 11th, very numerous; 14th, flights of thirty to forty; and to 24th, some daily. Autumn: Oct. 4th, great many; 6th, "some" (that means with us here, say a hundred); and subsequently at intervals to 28th, when they passed by thousands; Nov. 27th, many still passing over. Spurn, Oct. 26th, flock of seven; November and December, tolerably abundant; about eighty shot near Yarmouth in October, the greater portion being male birds.

Starling, Sturnus vulgaris, Linn.—Spring: April 4th, flocks to N. Autumn: First at Whitby, Aug. 3rd, 4th, and 5th, great many near lighthouse to Dec. 15th, at Spurn; altogether at nineteen stations covering the east coast of England, the bulk crossing in October; great rush from 10th to 13th inclusive, from E. to W. and to W.S.W. Heligoland, Oct. 10th, flights of sixty to seventy; 22nd, S. by E., flights of "hundreds of thousands," and great many to Nov. 13th. Rose-coloured Starling, Pastor roseus (Linn.), Sept. 24th, S.E., calm, one young bird.

Common Jay, Garrulus glandarius (Linn.).—Heligoland, Oct. 6th, strong, clear, later stormy, "flights of hundreds"; Oct. 7th, S.E., clear, not warm, blowing nearly a gale, "without interruption thousands on thousands passing overhead like Crows"; 8th, S.E., fresh, clear, "actually still more than yesterday, over the sea north and south of the island, multitudes like a continual stream—never seen such masses"; 15th, eight to ten. Mem.: "Jays requiring strong, dry, clear east wind; Tits and pratensis the same; Chaffinches want east wind strong, but overcast, and cloudy sky." The great abundance of the Jay in our English woodlands has been remarked upon from many districts during the winter of 1882-83; more especially, however, south of a line drawn from Flamborough Head to Portland Bill, Dorset.

Magpie, Pica rustica (Scop.).—Spurn L.H., March 24th, remained in neighbourhood three days. Weybourne, Norfolk, Oct. 16th, arrival of Magpies noticed.—J. H. G.

Daw, Corvus monedula, Linn.—At several stations with Rooks in October and November. Heligoland, Oct. 6th, about one hundred; 24th, towards evening, flights of about five hundred; 27th, one shot from a flock with light grey neck; on this day all birds in great haste, flying as a rule very high; enormous flocks of Jackdaws seen but as the finest dust; of many birds only heard call-notes without being able to see them; wind S., S.E., and E. by S.

Carrion Crow, C. corone, Linn.—First at Orfordness L.H., Sept. 23rd, seven to N.E.; and at several stations from Farne Inner L.H. to Goodwin L.V., in October, November, and December; sometimes with Hooded Crows, occasionally in separate flocks. On Oct. 9th, at Spurn, Mr. Hewetson shot a Crow from a flock passing inland, which had a few white feathers under the chin and some of the claws white. Heligoland, Oct. 27th, a small flight.

Hooded Crow, C. cornix, Linn.—Spring: Spurn L.H., March 11th, to S., many all day. Corton L.V., from March 21st to April 14th, large numbers of Rooks and Hooded Crows going from W. to E. Heligoland, March 2nd, flights high over head to E.; March 4th, same; 12th, N.W., clear, great flights to E.; 13th and 14th, same; and to 17th, pretty numerous daily; April 8th, very many high overhead; 9th, same; 11th, great many. Longstone L.H., April 31st, eleven came on island, appeared much fatigued, and then left for land, mod. gale N.N.W. Inner Farne L.H., 16th and 17th, many to W.S.W.; a great many Crows (Rooks?) same time. Autumn: Orfordness L.H., Sept. 19th, first seen, one. In large numbers through October and November at stations from Farne Islands to Goodwin light-vessels; great rush Oct. 11th and 13th. Nothing special to note of migration across Heligoland in the autumn, which as usual was in immense numbers in October and November. As a rule, few Hooded Crows cross south of Languard Point, and few Carrion Crows north of Spurn. Rooks and Jackdaws sparingly north of Spurn, and gradually increase southward; and most plentiful at southern stations.

Rook, C. frugilegus, Linn.—Spring: Heligoland. Feb. 22nd, N.W., a very great flight; 28th, several flights going due E.; March 4th, same; 13th and 14th, less. Autumn: Sparingly north of the Humber, and in large numbers at the southern stations throughout October and November, and on to the middle of December. Immense numbers remain in North Lincolnshire during the winter, feeding in the lowlands on both sides of the Humber, and moving in the afternoon to the high wolds, where at dusk they retire to the great woods to roost.

Raven, C. corax, Linn.—Whitby L.H., May 20th, one, "comes each year about this time."

Common Swift, Cypselus apus (Linn.).—Hunstanton L.H., May 22nd, several. Autumn: Spurn L.H., June 17th, 18th, and 20th, great many to S., sometimes a flock remaining on gallery of lantern at night. Corton L.V., Aug. 1st, many to W. Heligoland, Aug. 14th, S., some.

At the Inner Farne L.H., Aug. 19th, "a very large Swift, supposed to be a foreigner, flying about island." About the end of July an Alpine Swift, C. melba, Linn., was shot by Mr. Wm. Rogerson, of Newcastle, at Alnmouth, Northumberland, and recorded at the time in the 'Newcastle Journal,' Aug. 2nd, 1882, as 9¼ inches in length, and 21 inches between the tips of the wings; and that it was identified by Mr. John Hancock.

Common Nightjar, Caprimulgus europæus, Linn.—Spurn, Sept. 11th, one.

Wryneck, Jynx torquilla, Linn.—Heligoland, April 23rd, several.

Kingfisher, Alcedo ispida, Linn.—Great Cotes, Sept. 1st, several in marshes. Hasbro' L.V., 23rd, 10 p.m., one struck lantern and killed, was flying S.E. to N.W.

Hoopoe, Upupa epops, Linn.—Heligoland, April 23rd, one. Spurn, Aug. 18th, one shot on Kilnsea Warren. Inner Farne, Aug. 29th, one shot on mainland; one also near Yarmouth in October.

Cuckoo, Cuculus canorus, Linn.—Spurn, May 1st. Whitby, 8th. Inner Farne, 11th. One on each occasion.

Striges, Owls.—Long-eared Owl, Asio otus (Linn.), Languard L.H., Oct. 26th, 4.30 p.m., one. Short-eared Owl, A. accipitrinus, Heligoland, scarcely any. On English coast also remarkably scarce; a few during the first fortnight in October at stations from Redcar to Languard Point; appears to have come over at the same time as the Woodcocks, from Oct. 11th to 13th. Hasbro' L.V., Nov. 16th, one "Grey Owl" at sunrise to W.

Falconidæ.—Heligoland, March 4th, 1882, S.E. to S.W. Greenland Falcon, Falco candicans, Gmel., a very fine white bird. Sparrowhawk, Accipiter nisus (Linn.), Sept. 15th, great many over the sea north of the island, none on Heligoland; 19th, following flights of Chaffinches; Oct. 5th, many with Kestrels also, and on to 12th. Sea Eagle, Haliaëtus albicilla (Linn.), Sept. 16th, Nov. 13th, 14th, and 20th, one each day. Peregrine Falcon, Falco peregrinus, Tunstall, Sept. 20th, some, and many young Merlins. Merlin, F. æsalon, Nov. 12th, a very red-breasted old male obtained. Hen Harrier, Circus cyaneus (Linn.), Nov. 20th, one. On English coast. Kestrels, a few in September and October. Sparrowhawks from Aug. 3rd to September, and through October; also Jan. 9th, 1883, Goodwin L.V., one; not unfrequently alight in the evening on the rigging of the light-vessels, leaving again at daybreak. One, caught on the Corton L.V., Aug. 3rd, had a piece of copper wire round one leg. An Osprey was seen near Lowestoft on Oct. 7th; a Honey Buzzard shot at Welwick, near Spurn, on Sept. 15th; and another, Dereham, Norfolk, on Oct. 3rd; a few Buzzards were seen about Spurn in October. Altogether the larger birds of prey have been extremely scarce during the autumn.

Gannet, Sula bassana (Linn.).—Longstone L.H., March 15th, flocks to north from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and to end of month between the same hours; also first week in April between same hours; Oct. 20th to 24th, flocks flying north, old and young, but mostly old birds. Dudgeon L.V., Oct. 8th, eight off light-ship all day. Orfordness, Dec. 6th to 7th, "flocks to W. along shore."

Ardeidæ.—Common Heron, Ardea cinerea, Linn., Aug. 6th, 7 p.m., five to N. Hanois L.H., Sept. 17th, two to W., twenty to S.W. Bittern, Botaurus stellaris (Linn.), Hornsea, Dec. 22nd.

Anatidæ, Geese.—Farne Inner L.H., Feb. 9th, twenty-one Brent Geese to E.S.E. Kilnsea, Spurn, June 5th, eight large Grey Geese to S., flying very low. Longstone L.H., Oct. 15th, nine Wild Geese; one, wounded against lantern and subsequently shot, was a Barnacle Goose, Bernicla leucopsis. Farne Inner, Nov. 13th, three Canada Geese shot from flock of eleven on one of the outlying islands; large flocks of Grey Geese going south along coast early in December.

Swans.—5 Buoy Tees L.V., Aug. 5th, six young Swans in Tees. Newarp L.V., Oct. 26th, three Swans to W. Spurn L.H., Nov. 28th, 9 a.m., ten passed close to lantern. Dudgeon L.V., 24th, fifty all white close past ship to W. Teesmouth, 24th, 9 a.m., six.

Ducks.—5 Buoy Tees L.V., April 25th, twenty-five Sheldrake, Tadorna cornuta (Gmel.), seen in Tees. Inner Farne L.H., May 2nd, one solitary King Eider, S. spectabilis (Linn.), first time seen this season. Longstone L.H., Sept. 4th, Scaup Duck flying N. Large flights of various Ducks seen on east coast at many stations in October to end of the year; direction of flight, however, not sufficiently persistent to permit any deductions; many doubtless were flocks changing their feeding-grounds.

Columbidæ.—Spurn, May 24th, two Turtle Doves, Turtur communis, Selby. Gull L.V., July 9th, 7.30 p.m., twenty Wood Pigeons, C. palumbus, Linn., to N.W. Spurn, Sept. 7th, Turtle Dove, young. Farne Inner L.H., Dec. 20th, 10 a.m., two Wood Pigeons to E.N.E.

Rallidæ.—Inner Farne L.H., Sept. 12th, Landrail, Crex pratensis, Bechst., killed against lantern during night. Spurn, 18th, one shot.

Crane, Grus communis, Bechst.—Heligoland, April 12th, one, not captured.

Little Bustard, Otis tetrax, Linn.—Heligoland, one shot, first occasion.

Charadriadæ.—Spurn, May 30th, Turnstone, Strepsilas interpres (Linn.), small flock in full summer plumage. Spurn, first week in June, Dotterel, C. morinellus, four seen. The Golden Plover, C. pluvialis, Linn., was first seen at Farne Inner L.H., Aug. 17th; small flocks on island; on the same day also, in Great Cotes marshes, in summer plumage. Yarmouth, Sept. 10th, four, partially in summer dress. Grey Plover, S. helvetica (Linn.), first at Teesmouth, Aug. 10th, two. Spurn, Sept. 7th, first seen; on 16th, three large flocks, many members of each in full summer plumage. 5 Buoy Tees L.V., Oct. 15th and 16th, Grey Plover with Curlew, two to three hundred in flock. Whitby L.H., Nov. 14th, one hundred or more. Immense flocks of Lapwings, Vanellus vulgaris, Bechst., at Farne Islands, Sept. 25th and 26th, and subsequently at many other stations during the winter. Kentish Plover, Æ. cantiana (Lath.), was obtained near Blakeney about Sept. 26th. Heligoland, young Golden Plover commenced passing, Aug. 9th; during July and up to the end of the month, every night, great numbers of Numenius, Totanus, Tringa, and C. hiaticula, &c., crossed; on Aug. 25th, great numbers of Golden Plovers; on the 22nd, S.W., great many Dotterel, C. morinellus (Linn.); again Sept. 4th, great many Dotterel, 11 p.m., passing overhead E. to W., one flight taking ten minutes to pass.

Scolopacidæ.—Red-necked Phalarope, Phalaropus hyperboreus (Linn.), Breydon, Norfolk, Sept. 4th, one shot, two seen. Common Snipe, Gallinago cælestis (Frenzel), end of second week in March, 1882, N. E. Lincolnshire, returning in some numbers. Heligoland, March 2nd, one; April 12th, S.S.W., a few. Autumn: Farne Inner L.H., Sept. 14th, Snipe to W. Orfordness, Oct. 13th, 8 p.m., one killed. Flamborough L.H., Nov. 16th, two struck and killed, strong S.E. gale. Gull L.V., Nov. 3rd, about one hundred to W. Jack Snipe, G. gallinula (Linn.), Longstone L.H., Sept. 21st, E.N.E. to N.E., one killed against S.E. side lantern. Farne Inner L.H., Oct. 12th, two. Woodcock, Scolopax rusticula, Linn., Spurn, Sept. 18th, first Woodcock; the great flight took place on the night of Oct. 12th, wind E., strong, fog and drizzling rain; on the morning of 13th at Farne Inner, 5 Buoy Tees L.V.,[8] Teesmouth, Coquet, Whitby, Flamborough, Spurn, Yarmouth, and Orfordness, in some numbers; specially so at Farne Inner, Teesmouth, Flamborough, and Spurn. Second flight, Teesmouth, Nov. 13th; and at Whitby, 11th; Farne, Dec. 14th; and Coquet, 14th. Woodcocks occurred at Heligoland on Oct. 26th, a few; 29th, twenty to thirty shot; Nov. 11th, some; and 21st and 30th, some. Dunlin, Tringa alpina, Linn., Great Cotes, Aug. 16th, night warm, close, thunder-storm, very dark, heavy rain from S.E., flocks of waders passing over. Dunlin and Kinged Plover. Curlew Sandpiper, T. subarquata (Güld.), Spurn, Sept. 14th, a few. Ruff, Machetes pugnax, Linn., Seaton Carew, Nov. 2nd, two Ruffs and a Reeve. Knot, T. canutus, Linn., Teesmouth, Aug. 11th, one; 15th, three. Great Cotes, 27th, flock of about two hundred. Spurn, Sept. 6th, several; plentiful by middle of month. Spurn L.H., Nov. 15th, 3 a.m., many round lantern. Hasbro' L.V., 16th, 11 a.m., large flocks very high E. to W.S.W. Sanderling, Calidris arenaria (Linn.)., Spurn, May 31st, flocks, some in summer and others in transition plumage. Lincolnshire coast, Aug. 10th, flocks, thirty to forty, old and young together, near Somercotes. Green Sandpiper, Totanus ochropus (Linn.), Breydon, Aug. 15th, plentiful. Common Redshank, T. calidris (Linn.), scarce. Spotted Redshank, T. fuscus (Linn.), Breydon, Aug. 15th, one, immature, shot. Greenshank, T. cancescens (Gmel.), Breydon, Aug. 15th, plentiful. Red-breasted Snipe, Macrorhamphus griseus (Gmel.), Aug. 15th, one shot at Cleethorpes, near Grimsby, a mature bird in moult from the knot-like plumage of summer to the grey of winter. Bar-tailed Godwit, Limosa lapponica (Linn.), Teesmouth, Aug. 13th, 4.30 a.m., five. Black-tailed Godwit, L. ægocephala (Linn.), Aug. 24th, four seen at Breydon, two in summer plumage. Whimbrel, Numenius phæopus (Linn.), 5 Buoy, Tees L.V., April 23rd, one N.W. to S.E. Great Cotes, July 27th, Whimbrel passing, first of the season. Teesmouth, Aug. 1st to 7th, two or three small flocks about; and large flocks to E. early on morning of 16th. Common Curlew, N. arquata (Linn.), Heligoland, April 12th, from 10 p.m. to daylight, hundreds of thousands of Tringa, Numenius, Hæmatopus, and the like flying over. Lincolnshire coast, Aug. 10th, flocks of eight to ten young, on shore near Somercotes. South Sand Head L.V., Sept. 17th, twelve, the first seen, to N.W. 5 Buoy Tees L.V., Oct. 15th and 16th, flocks of two to three hundred passing. Whitby L.H., Oct. 15th, large flock round lantern for several hours, thick and dark. Cromer L.H., Oct. 13th, large flock round lantern. Spurn L.H., Nov. 15th, 3 a.m., many round lantern with Knots. Flamboro' L.H., 16th, many round lantern; and on Dec. 13th, all night with Larks.

[8] At this light-vessel a single bird passed, going west, at daybreak.

Sterninæ, Terns.—Inner Farne L.H., April 20th, Sandwich Tern, Sterna cantiaca, Gmel., heard calling for first time. Longstone L.H., May 3rd, first Sandwich Tern seen on island. Inner Farne L.H., May 2nd, Arctic Tern, Sterna macrura, Naum., seen first time; 4th, both together, flying round their breeding-stations. Inner Farne, Aug. 28th, most of Arctic and Sandwich Terns left their breeding-quarters. Longstone and Inner Farne, Sept. 6th and 7th, both species finally left island.

Larinæ, Gulls.—Heligoland, Jan. 17th, Greater Black-backed Gull, Larus marinus, Linn., hundreds, all old birds; and on 31st, the same, nearly without exception old birds; Kittiwake, Rissa tridactyla (Linn.), same. Whitby, Feb. 12th, Herring Gulls came to the cliffs to breed, in 1881; it was on the 14th. Longstone, March 15th, Gulls coming to nesting-quarters. Whitby, July 16th, young first seen on wing; Sept. 7th, old and young left. Great Cotes, Sept. 28th, Humber-flats covered with various Gulls. Whitby, Oct. 14th, large numbers seen at sea, going S. Spurn, in December, Iceland Gull, L. leucopterus, Faber, mature and immature, obtained.

Stercorariinæ, Skuas.—Farne Inner, Sept. 26th, Skuas seen in attendance on Black-headed Gulls. Teesmouth (Redcar), Oct. 20th, five Skuas to E. Nov. 1st, Longstone, one. Have been remarkably scarce on the coast.

Procellariidæ, Petrels.—Coquet L.H., Oct. 14th, 7 p.m., one Stormy Petrel caught against glass and set at liberty again. Languard, 11th, one, 6.15 p.m. Spurn, 29th, one at edge of water.

Alcidæ, Auks.—Common Guillemot, Lomvia troile, (Linn.), Longstone L.H., Jan. 3rd, 1883, Guillemots flying in from sea to island; March 15th, 1882, assembling for breeding on islands; May 15th, Puffins assembling on islands; Aug. 25th, Guillemots and Puffins have left their nesting-quarters on rocks; Oct. 22nd, Little Auk, Mergulus alba, Linn., one seen; Nov. 1st, two young Puffins seen. Inner Farne, April 1st, multitudes of Guillemots flying up to their nesting-quarters; Nov. 18th, several Puffins and Guillemots off islands. Flamborough, Guillemots great many last week in January, towards headland; Feb. 5th, great numbers going N. all morning; Dec. 27th, first seen off coast, are passing and repassing daily in great numbers.

Colymbidæ, Divers.—Inner Farne, Sept. 6th, Great Northern Diver, C. glacialis, Linn., three to N.; Dec, first week, Red-throated Diver, C. septentrionalis, Linn., Black-throated Diver, C. arcticus, Linn., and Great Northern Diver, all three about the islands this week; on 5th, fourteen Great Northern Divers to W. Longstone, Nov. 14th, two young Great Northern Divers off island fishing. Teesmouth, Oct. 31st, flock of Great Northern Divers passed at noon.

Podicipitidæ, Grebes.—October, Sclavonian Grebe, Podiceps auritus, Linn., adult in winter plumage shot in a timber pond at Hull; Red-necked Grebe, P. griseigena (Bodd.), and Sclavonian Grebe, on Humber in October and November.

The Committee are indebted to Professor Chr. Fr. Lütken, of the Universitetets Zoologiske Museum, Copenhagen, for a list of the birds killed against the lantern of the lighthouse of Stevns, on the projecting part of Zealand, marking the limit between the Baltic and the Grönsund Belt, in the autumn of 1882. Professor Lütken, in forwarding the list, remarked that his late lamented predecessor. Professor Reinhardt, made arrangements with a physician, Mr. Antander, residing at the small town of Storeheddinge, seven Danish miles south of Copenhagen, in the neighbourhood of Stevns Klint and the lighthouse of Stevns, for forwarding any birds found killed to the museum, with the following result:—

Stevns Fyr, Zealand, Denmark, 1882.

April14th.Turdus musicus2.
""Saxicola œnanthe2 males.
"15th.Sylvia rubecula1 male.
""Emberiza miliaria1.
"19th.Numenius arquatus1.*
""Turdus musicus1.
""Saxicola œnanthe3 males and 8 females.
""Turdus iliacus1.
"24th.Emberiza passerina1 caught alive.
"29th.Turdus musicus1.
May9th.Sylvia schœnobænus1.
"11th.Luscinia philomela1 alive.†
""Emberiza hortulana1 " †
"12th.Muscicapa atricapilla1.
"18th.Sylvia cinerea2.
""S. phragmitis1.
""S. rufa1.
""S. trochilus1.
Sept.21st.Turdus torquatus1.
""Sylvia rubecula5.
""S. curruca1.
""Ruticilla phœnicurus2.
Oct.10th.Sylvia rubecula1.
"21st.Turdus iliacus2.
""Alauda arvensis4.
""Regulus cristatus2.
""Emberiza schœniclus1.

* Is often seen swarming around the lighthouse at the time of its migration—six or seven on this night flew against the panes without being killed, and two others were caught alive. About forty Redbreasts and Wheatears were caught on the same night, but set at liberty again in the morning. On clear moonlight nights nothing at all is caught or found.

† According to Mr. Antander were not sent to museum.

Mr. Gätke sends the following notes of an extraordinary migration of the Silver Gamma Moth, Plusia gamma, across Heligoland in August, 1882:—

On Aug. 13th, at 1 a.m. till 4, thousands on thousands passed the Heligoland lighthouse, travelling E. to W. From 11 p.m. on the 15th, till 3 a.m. on 16th, millions, like a snow-storm, all belonging to the same species, passed forward in the same direction. Again, on the 18th, from 11 p.m. till 3 a.m. on the 19th, thousands on thousands were observed under the same circumstances. Some scores caught for identification were all in most perfect plumage; no fading or abrasion.

General Remarks.

The observations taken along the E. coast of England in the spring and autumn of 1882 have been such as to confirm the conclusions arrived at in previous reports.

As in 1880 and 1881, the line of autumn migration has been a broad stream from E. to W., or from points S. of E. to N. of W., covering the whole of the E. coast. In 1880 a considerable proportion of the immigrants crossed at the more southern stations; in 1881 they covered the whole of the E. coast in tolerably equal proportions; but in 1882 the stations N. of the Humber show a marked preponderance of arrivals.

Although migration has extended over an unusually long period, commencing in July and continued with but slight intermission throughout the autumn and into the following year to the end of January, yet the great mass of immigrants arrived on our E. coast in October, and a large proportion of these during the first fortnight in the month. From Oct. 6th to 8th, inclusive, and again from the 12th to the 15th there was, night and day, an enormous rush, under circumstances of wind and weather, which observation has shown are most opposed to a favourable passage. During these periods birds arrived in an exhausted condition, and we have reasons for supposing, from the number reported as alighting on fishing-boats and vessels in the North Sea, that the loss must have been very considerable; large flights also are recorded as having appeared round the lanterns of lighthouses and light-vessels during the night migration. From the 6th to the 9th, inclusive, strong E. winds blew over the North Sea, with fog and drizzling rain, and from the night of the 12 to 17th very similar weather prevailed. Mr. W. Littlewood, of the Galloper L.V., moored on the bank of that name forty miles S.E. of Orfordness, reports that on the night of Oct. 6th, Larks, Starlings, Mountain Sparrows, Titmice, Common Wrens, Redbreasts, Chaffinches and Plover were picked up on the deck, and that it is calculated five to six hundred struck the rigging and fell overboard; a large proportion of these were Larks. Thousands of birds were flying round the lantern from 11.30 p.m. to 4.45 a.m., their white breasts, as they dashed to and fro in the circle of light, having the appearance of a heavy fall of snow. This was repeated on the 8th and 12th, and on the night of the 13th 160 were picked up on deck, including Larks, Starlings, Thrushes and two Redbreasts; it was thought one thousand struck and went overboard into the sea. It is only on dark rainy nights, snow or fog, that these casualties occur; when the nights are light, or any stars visible, the birds appear to give the lanterns a wide berth.

Unquestionably the principal feature of the autumn migrations has been the enormous arrival of the little Gold-crested Wren. The migrations appear to have covered not only the E. coast of England, but to have extended southward to the Channel Islands and northward to the Faroes (see [Report East Coast of Scotland], Harvie Brown). On the E. coast of England they are recorded at no less than twenty-one stations, from the Farne Islands to the Hanois L.H., Guernsey. The earliest notice is Aug. 6th, the latest Nov. 5th, or ninety-two days; during the same period enormous numbers crossed Heligoland, more especially in October, and quite up to the end of the month. On the night from the 28th to 29th Mr. Gätke remarks, "We have had a perfect storm of Goldcrests, poor little souls, perching on the ledges of the window-panes of the lighthouse, preening their feathers in the glare of the lamps. On the 29th all the island swarmed with them, filling the gardens and over all the cliff,—hundreds of thousands; by 9 a.m. most of them had passed on again."

Not less remarkable was the great flight of the Common Jay past and over that island early in October, on the 6th, 7th, and 8th; thousands on thousands without interruption passing on overhead like Crows, N. and S. of the island too, multitudes like a continual stream, all going E. to W. in a strong south-easterly gale. It would have been an interesting fact if we had been able to correlate this migration of Jays with any visible arrival on our English coast, but in none of our returns is any mention made of the Jay. Mr. Matthew Bailey, of Flamborough, told me that on one evening early in October (the exact date he was not able to give) he had observed at dusk large flights of birds, about the size of Jackdaws, coming to land, and was struck with the good headway they seemed to make against a strong wind. It was too dark, however, to make out what they were. Subsequently I have received numerous notices speaking of the extraordinary number of Jays seen during the winter in our English woodlands. This seems especially to have been the case south of a line drawn from Flamborough Head to Portland Bill, in Dorset.[9]

[9] Common Jay. Additions and unusual numbers observed at Arden, on Loch Lomond side, subsequently reported by James Lumsden, Esq., is the only report of Jays I have got in Scotland.—J. A. H. B.

Extraordinary numbers of the Common Hedge Sparrow (Accentor modularis)—"the dunnock" of the English schoolboy, the "blue Janet" of Scotland—passed over Heligoland in October, more especially on the 6th, 7th, and 8th; and it is curious that on the 8th of the same month they swarmed in astonishing numbers, both at Spurn and in N.E. Lincolnshire.

The Woodcock arrived on the east coast on the night of Oct. 12th, or early morning of the 13th; wind E., strong, fog, and drizzling rain. On the morning of the 13th they are recorded from nine stations, covering 250 miles of coast-line, from the Farne Islands to Orfordness.[10] It is fair to suppose that this, the "great flight" of the season, did not start from the same locality, but from various parts of the opposite coast of Europe,—places widely apart. Both previous and subsequent to their passage the weather had been much of the same character over the North Sea. Why they should start simultaneously on this special evening, and how they managed to "keep touch," to use a military term, during a passage of several hundred miles across a stormy sea, in fog and drizzling rain, so as to arrive about the same time at their Tel-el-Kebir on our English sand-hills, is one of those points in the phenomena of migration which will probably take some time and more extended observations, especially on the opposite coast-line, to clear up.

[10] I Also "great flight" same time, Isle of May. East coast of Scotland report.

An interesting entry in one of the returned schedules, that from the Inner Dowsing L.V., placed seventeen miles E. of Sutton, on the Lincolnshire coast, is that of two Hawfinches, which came on board on the evening of Oct. 20th, a strong S.S.W. wind blowing, and remaining all night, left again at daybreak, their course being from S.E. to N.W., the course followed by a large proportion of our immigrants. As far as we are aware this is the first notice of Hawfinches having been seen at sea. At Heligoland, Mr. Gätke says the species is a well-known customer, never in any numbers, but every spring and fall some, betraying itself forthwith by its peculiar call-note, so out of all proportion with its colossal beak.

There are some birds occurring on our east coast year by year with tolerable regularity, which, during the autumn of 1882, have been remarkable for their scarcity. This has been the case with all the large raptorial birds, and especially with the Short-eared Owl, and Common Linnet and Twite. Their absence on migration has also been remarked upon in Heligoland. The Short-eared Owl also appears to have been specially scarce on the east coast of Scotland. (See East Coast of Scotland Report.)

Our returns show very clearly that the spring lines of migration, followed by birds leaving our shores, are identically the same as those followed in the autumn, but of course in the reverse direction from W. and N.W. to E. and S.E.

As this is the fourth report issued by the Committee, we may, perhaps, with the mass of facts at our disposal, be expected to draw deductions, which, if they do not explain, will serve at least to throw some light on the causes influencing the migration of birds. We might reasonably reply that the work undertaken by us was not to theorise, or attempt explanations, but simply to collect facts and tabulate them. This we have endeavoured to do in the shortest and simplest manner consistent with accuracy of detail. There is, however, one circumstance which can scarcely fail to present itself to those who have gone carefully into the reports issued by the Committee, namely, the marvellous persistency with which, year by year, birds follow the same lines of migration when approaching or leaving our shores: the constancy of these periodical phenomena is suggestive of some settled principle or law governing the movement. It is clearly evident, from the facts already at our disposal, that there are two distinct migrations going forward at the same time; one, the ordinary flow in the spring and ebb in the autumn, across the whole of the western Palæarctic regions, which of course includes the British Isles, of a great migratory wave moving to and from the nesting-quarters of the birds in the coldest part of their range, N.E. in the spring and S.W. in the autumn. Quite independent of this there is a continual stream of immigrants, week by week and month by month, to the eastern shores of these islands, coming directly across Europe from E. to W., or more commonly from points S. of E. to others N. of W., and the reverse in the spring. These are mainly composed of those common and well-known species which annually make these islands their winter resort, and take the place of our summer birds: they come in one broad stream, cutting the line of ordinary migration at nearly right angles; one flank brushes the Orkneys and Shetlands, pouring through the Pentland Firth, even touching the distant Faroes; the southern wing crosses the Channel Islands, shaping its course in a north-westerly direction to the English coast. In our explanation of the causes which first induced, and perhaps still influences, this E. to W. migration, we must probably go back a long way in the history of the world, when the distribution of the land and water of continental Europe was very different to what it now is; when there was no North Sea, and the western coast-line of Europe was represented by what is now known as the hundred-fathom line off' the West of Ireland, a coast which on the one side touched Scandinavia, and on the other was linked with the Spanish peninsula. Great as is now the contrast between the winters of Central Russia and those of these islands, the difference would then be much more marked,—arctic cold on one hand, and semi-tropical warmth on the other.[11] It requires then no stretch of imagination to believe that great flights of birds would on the approach of winter be driven before the intense cold of Eastern and Central Europe to seek refuge and find food in the warm regions of the west, regions which then would feel the full effects of the warm equatorial currents, and enjoy an almost perpetual summer. This movement once begun would, by the very necessities of existence, and in time by an hereditary instinct, be continued. Gradually the land now occupied by the North Sea has been withdrawn from beneath the migrating flocks; year after year the middle passage became wider and more difficult; yet the habit once formed would be continued, and hereditary instinct, or whatever other name we choose to give it, supply the rest.

[11] There are ninety species of plants, all told, common alike to Southwestern England and Ireland, and to the Pyrenean and Italian region. They represent an old flora no longer adapted to the country,—a flora of warmth and sunshine,—and now dying out under the advance of hardier, more vigorous and congenial species. They may be regarded as the last floral relics of the submerged land, that semi-tropical western land whose plants and flowers are not of Scandinavian origin, but derived from Southern Europe.

Mr. Wallace has told us how, in the Eastern Archipelago, comparatively narrow, and probably very ancient, straits of water divide and wholly separate distinct races of birds; and we have instances of this in Europe, where species, common on the opposite coast of the Continent, rarely or never occur in the British Islands.

Small birds, like the Goldcrest, do not cross great breadths of water from choice; they doubtless would prefer a migration over land, from field to field, or hedge to hedge; or at the most closely following some old established coast-line. Why, except on some such hypothesis as stated, should they attempt the North Sea, not alone at the narrowest part, the straits of Dover, or from Ostend to the coast of Kent, but in the very widest parts also, from the Elbe to the Humber, or Danish coast to the Pentland Firth and Scotch islands? What impels our autumn visitants, the young weeks in advance of their parents, to launch westward across what, for anything they can possibly know to the contrary, may prove an Atlantic, an ocean without a further shore?

There are doubtless several causes, working separately or together, which influence migration, and we must not look for an explanation of the phenomena attending these great periodical movements to one cause only, for by doing this we lose sight perhaps of other equally powerful incentives. I have spoken in previous reports of the probability of birds following ancient coast-lines once linking now distant lands, impelled by what we call, for want of a better term, hereditary instinct, that is, an instinct derived through ancestors. It is, perhaps, an open question whether the young, which undoubtedly arrive in the autumn weeks in advance of the great mass of old birds, depend entirely on this, or whether they are in any way dependent on guidance and direction. It is a curious fact, which we have frequently remarked, that the very earliest of their kind are frequently a few old birds,—flocks of young, too, often contain a sprinkling of old female birds,—such as may be supposed have made the journey before; but it must be also borne in mind that on dark or even starlight nights, when these movements mostly take place, any guidance, even that of call-note, would be futile at any but a very limited range.