EAST COAST OF ENGLAND.

Printed schedules and letters of instruction were forwarded to thirty-seven lighthouses and light-vessels on the East Coast of England, and two stations in the Channel Islands, and returns have been received from twenty-five, against thirty in 1882.

Independent reports have also been received from Heligoland, and certain land stations along the East Coast, namely, Seaton-Carew, Redcar, Flamborough, Spurn, North-East Lincolnshire, Wells (on the Norfolk coast), Northrepps, Great Yarmouth, and the coast of Essex. Making altogether a total of thirty-five reporting stations, against thirty-seven in 1882.

Our best thanks are due to H. Gätke, T. H. Nelson, C. Donald-Thompson, Matthew Bailey, William Eagle Clarke, J. H. Gurney, jun., M. Vaughan, of Haileybury College, Arthur Patterson, and Colonel Russell, for their hearty co-operation and assistance, as well as to the numerous kind and painstaking observers at the lighthouses and light-vessels, whose names are given in the list of stations. Special thanks are due to Mr. Gurney for having inaugurated along the Norfolk coast a parallel system of enquiry, which for a first trial has worked well. In all doubtful cases of identity, where birds are killed against the lanterns, a wing is cut off, and with a label of the date attached these have been forwarded in batches to Mr. Gurney for identification, and with satisfactory results. We cannot too strongly urge upon our observers the advantages of this system, and advise them to adopt it; nothing is easier than to cut off a wing from each victim on any given night, wrap them in paper, or tie them together, with the dates attached, or numbered on the cover, and send them in one parcel by post either to myself or to Mr. Gurney, for identification. It is intended that instructions for doing this will be given in the next issue of schedules in the spring of this year.

The East Coast stations included in this report are as follows, those making returns being marked with a star (*):—

*Longstone L.H. +Thomas O. Hall.
*Inner Farn L.H.Thomas H. Cutting.
*Tees L.V.Henry Harbord.
Coquet Island L.H.
*Whitby High L.H.John Odgers.
*Flamborough Head L.H.Charles Hood.
*Spurn L.H.James B. Smith.
Spurn (Newsand) L.V.
*Outer Dowsing L.V.William Stock & J. N. Utting.
*Inner Dowsing L.V.William King.
Dudgeon L.V.
*Llyn Wells L.V.George Rees.
*Hunstanton L.H.William Westmoreland.
*Cromer L.H.Richard Comben.
*Leman and Ower L.V.John Artis.
*Hasbro' L.H.By Mr. Gurney from G. H. Dunsford.
*Hasbro' L.V.J. Nicholas & B. Darnell.
*Newarp L.V.C. Campbell & W. Rees.
*Winterton L.H.John Watson.
*Cockle L.V.Samuel Pender & C. Prefrement.
Orfordness L.H.
Corton L.V.
*Shipwash L.V.The Principal.
*Languard Point L.H.Owen Boyle.
*Galloper L.V.The Principal: two batches of wings from Mr. Gurney.
Kentish Knock L.V.
Swin Middle L.V.
*Tongue L.V.John Webber.
Nore L.V.
North Foreland L.H.
Goodwin L.V.
*Gull L.V.Francis Harvey & Joseph Jenkins.
*South Sand Head L.V.Joseph Ditcham.
*Eastside L.V.Edward le Gallais.
South Foreland L.H.
Casquets L.H., Alderney
*Hanois L.H., GuernseyCharles Williams.

† For nature of light, position, and distances from the nearest land, see Report for 1880.

SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES.[5]

[5] The sequence and nomenclature are adopted from the 'List of British Birds,' compiled by a Committee of the British Ornithologists' Union. London: John Van Voorst. 1883.

Turdus viscivorus, Missel Thrush.—Great Yarmouth, Oct. 20th, hundreds arriving; 23rd, one shot from flock coming in from sea. Longstone L.H., 30th, several, and at intervals to Nov. 15th, many being killed between these periods against lantern; on Nov. 4th, great rush, coming all night. Great Cotes, N.E. Lincolnshire, Nov. 13th, very numerous, fresh arrivals.

T. musicus, Song Thrush.—Spring, 1883, Farn L.H., Jan. 20th to Feb. 1st, Thrushes with Blackbirds and Fieldfares on island, also through March and at intervals to May 10th, at which date several of each and one Ring Ouzel were seen. Whitby L.H., March 9th, E.N.E., snow squalls, many with Fieldfares and other birds apparently moving south. Flamborough, April 27th, first Thrush struck, and on May 7th four. In the autumn at Farn, Flamborough and Spurn, Sept. 21st, great flight; and at the majority of the east coast stations from Farn Islands to Hanois L.H., Guernsey, up to Nov. 8th; great rushes, with other Turdidæ, Oct. 13th, and all through first week of November. Longstone L.H., Jan. 2nd, 1884, during the snow-storm before daylight, many, with Blackbirds and Redwings, round lantern—perhaps a local migration from north to south.[6] Heligoland, from Sept. 21st, S.S.E., to Nov. 12th; greatest rushes on Sept. 24th, Oct. 13th, 29th, and first week in November.

[6] At the Farn L.H., on Feb. 20th, 1884, and four following days, numbers of Fieldfares, Thrushes, and Blackbirds were seen on the island; wind S.S.W.

T. iliacus, Redwing.—Seaton Carew, Sept. 21st, to Hasbro' L.V., Oct. 30th, great many round lantern, and at several stations between these dates; rushes Sept. 21st, Oct. 29th and 30th. Heligoland, Oct. 3rd to Nov. 6th; greatest flights on Oct. 13th and Nov. 6th.

T. pilaris, Fieldfare.—First at Yarmouth, Sept. 8th, flock of ten to fifteen, 6 a.m., travelling N.E. to S.W., very high,[7] to Hasbro' L.V., Nov. 8th, many round lantern, and Nov. 16th, at Farn L.H., four to S.W. At several stations in large numbers between these dates, but none south of Yarmouth; rushes occurred on Sept. 21st, Oct. 19th (Yarmouth, along coast to S.), 28th to 31st, and Nov. 6th to 8th. Inner Dowsing L.V., Oct. 31st, seven killed, 7 p.m., N.E., and at Longstone L.H., several on same night. Flamborough L.H., Nov. 9th, 1 a.m. to daylight, great many; direction of migration N.E. to S.W. and E. to W. or S.E. to N.W. Heligoland, from Sept. 24th to Nov. 7th; Oct. 28th, great flight overhead, travelling E. to W.; from night of Oct. 31st to Nov. 4th an immense migration day and night, on 6th also large numbers still passing.

[7] In the autumn of 1880 Fieldfares were first seen in Norfolk on Sept. 9th, in 1881 on Sept. 14th, and in 1883 on Sept. 8th. The earliest occurrence in each case for England.

T. varius, White's Thrush.—Heligoland, April 15th, one all day long (Sunday) in the churchyard, and was not obtained.

T. merula, Blackbird.—First at Redcar, Sept. 18th, a few, to Whitby L.H., Nov. 11th, several, and at Tees L.V., Nov. 15th, one overboard; between these dates at a majority of the stations, chiefly those north of the Humber;[8] the first flights young birds, young cocks being greatly in excess. On Oct. 19th, at Spurn, flight of old cock Blackbirds; rushes occurred on Sept. 21st, Oct. 28th to 31st, and Nov. 2nd to 8th. Heligoland, Oct. 11th, some.

[8] At Great Cotes, on Nov. 13th, sharp frost on previous night; the hedgerows in the marsh swarmed with Blackbirds, Missel Thrushes, Redwings, and Fieldfares; the former were young cocks with a few old females. There was an average of one Blackbird to each lineal six feet of hedge.

T. torquatus, Ring Ouzel.—Spring, Hunstanton L.H., April 31st, one male. Inner Farn L.H. May 10th, one. Flamborough L.H., May 7th, one very fine old bird struck. Autumn, at several stations between the Farn Islands and Yarmouth, from Oct. 13th at the former to Nov. 1st at the Spurn, flock at noon, wind N.N.E., light, and Nov. 2nd and 4th, Longstone L.H.; the latter dates all night. Cock Ring Ouzels were tolerably plentiful near the Spurn and Kilnsea during the fourth week in October; rushes on Oct. 13th and Nov. 1st to 4th. Heligoland, Sept. 30th to Oct. 22nd; on the 20th two old males.

Summary.

Rushes
Species.Limit of Migration.Days.Sept.Oct.Nov.
FieldfareSept. 8th to Nov. 13th6721st28th to 31st6th to 8th
Blackbird " 18th to Nov. 15th5921st30th to 31st2nd to 8th
Common Thrush " 21st to Nov. 8th4921st13th2nd to 6th
Redwing " 21st to Oct. 30th4021st29th to 30th—
Ring OuzelOct. 13th to Nov. 4th23—13th1st to 4th
Missel Thrush " 20th to Nov. 15th27—20th4th
Heligoland.
FieldfareSept. 24th to Nov. 7th4524th28th to 31stto 4th
BlackbirdOct. 11th ————
Common ThrushSept. 21st to Nov. 12th5324th13th & 29thfirst week
RedwingOct. 3rd to Nov. 6th35—13th6th
Ring OuzelSept. 30th to Oct. 22nd23—12th, 13th, 15th—
Missel Thrush — — ————

Lines of migration, E. to. W., S.E. to N.W., and exceptionally from N.E. to S.W.

Saxicola œnanthe, Wheatear.—Spring, Farn L.H., April 2nd to 24th; many on 14th. Flamborough, 5th, 1.20 a.m., one struck. Tees L.V., May 10th, twenty going from S.E. to N.W. Autumn, Farn L.H., from July 20th, 2 p.m., N.E., several, to Nov. 7th; Llyn Wells L.V., one struck (wing sent to Mr. Gurney). In considerable numbers in September and October, covering the whole coast line; in the former month associated, as usual, with Redstarts. At the Farn and Longstone lighthouses, Sept. 2nd and 3rd, E., great numbers of both crossing, and on 24th with both Redstarts and Snow Buntings. Heligoland, Aug. 6th to 7th, a few, S.E. wind, and on to 20th numerous, all young; 21st to 24th, in astounding numbers; Sept. 10th, enormous rush, and 11th and 12th, less.

Pratincola rubetra, Whinchat.—Heligoland, Aug. 21st, 22nd, and 24th, great many young birds.

P. rubicola, Stonechat.—Spring, Whitby L.H., Feb. 23rd, one. Autumn, same station, Aug. 8th, many to S. Spurn, Oct. 23rd, many. Stonechats have frequented the sheep-folds on the turnip-fields in Lincolnshire throughout the whole of the late mild winter. Heligoland, Oct. 20th, one young bird; Oct. 11th, S.S.W., P. rubicola (indica)? "with coloration just like a young autumn Whinchat, if not lighter, all the breast buff or isabell, the rump also."

Ruticilla phœnicurus, Redstart.—Spring, Hunstanton L.H., April 13th, 4 a.m., S., one male against lantern. Autumn, same station, Aug. 30th, one male, 1 a.m., against lantern. Numerous between Farn Islands and Yarmouth in September to the 24th, associated frequently with Wheatears. Heligoland, Sept. 9th to Oct. 1st; on Sept. 10th enormous numbers, 14th great many, and 17th to 21st also great many.

Ruticilla titys, Black Redstart.—Spurn, Oct. 23rd, one seen (in 1882 at the Spurn, Oct. 29th). Galloper L.V., Oct. 28th, one, young male or old female (wing to J. H. G.); I have no doubt it occurs regularly as an autumn immigrant on our east coast, and may be expected about four weeks later than the Redstart.[9] Heligoland, Oct. 27th, eight or ten.

[9] Messrs. Clarke and Roebuck state, in their 'Handbook of Yorkshire Vertebrata,' p. 19, that "Mr. M. Bailey, of Flamborough, has frequently observed these birds in spring on their arrival on the headland, and has known them killed by flying against the light in thick, foggy weather, with the wind E.N.E. He has also seen them on their departure in September, and has noticed several in October and November."

Cyanecula suecica, Red-spotted Bluethroat.—One, coast of Northumberland late in September; one, Redcar, 21st, on Tees breakwater; one about same time at the Spurn, but not obtained; ten, coast of Norfolk, in same month; and about twenty others seen there by a competent authority, Mr. Power. All obtained were birds of the year.[10] The gizzard of one of these Norfolk birds which I examined was crammed with the broken remains of small beetles having a bright metallic lustre, but the remains were much broken and comminuted.

[10] Mr. Gätke says "the other form, S. leucocyanea, Brehm, comes very rarely so far north as Heligoland, and when it turns up it always does so four to six weeks earlier than the suecica in the spring."

Erithacus rubecula, Redbreast.—First at the Shipwash L.V., Aug. 13th, large numbers associated with Wrens, to Llyn Wells L.V., Nov. 3rd, one killed; the main migration Sept. 10th to Oct. 14th, covering the entire coast-line; rushes on Sept. 21st and 30th, Oct. 6th and 7th. Heligoland, Sept. 24th to Nov. 23rd; rushes on Sept. 24th, and Oct. 3rd to 7th.[11]

[11] At the Spurn, in the autumn, I have seen Redbreasts come in directly from the sea, passing overhead inland; an a clear bright day the orange-red of the breast shows very conspicuously.

Sylvia cinerea, Whitethroat.—Hanois L.H. (Guernsey), Nov. 2nd, E., about lantern all night with Blackcaps. Heligoland, Sept. 10th, enormous numbers; 11th and 12th, less; Oct. 1st, last.

S. atricapilla, Blackcap.—Hanois L.H., as above. Heligoland, Oct. 11th, one young bird shot in garden. S. hortensis, Garden Warbler.—Sept. 24th, some.

Regulus cristatus, Goldcrest.—Spring, Tees L.V., March 29th, one stayed all night, then to E. Farn L.H., April 2nd, several all day. Hunstanton L.H., 3rd and 4th, S., against lantern. Newarp L.V., 14th, three to E. Autumn, Shipwash L.V., Aug. 13th, large numbers; and at most stations between Sept. 2nd and Nov. 9th; rushes, Sept. 21st, Oct. 28th to 31st. At the Shipwash L.V., on Oct. 15th, flights passed westward from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and at 6 p.m. fourteen were killed at lantern; the immigration of Goldcrests has been small compared with the millions which crossed in the autumn of 1882, the period of migration eighty-six days, against ninety-two in the preceding year; line E. to W. Heligoland, Oct. 6th, not many yet; 7th, pretty numerous; 13th and 22nd, some. The Firecrest, Regulus ignicapillus.—Oct. 29th, many; Nov. 2nd, many; 8th, some.

Phylloscopus superciliosus, Yellow-barred Warbler. Heligoland, Sept. 17th, N.E., calm and clear, one.

P. rufus, Chiffchaff.—Heligoland, Sept. 24th and 30th, some; October, first seven days; 11th, early, great many and throughout day; 12th and 13th, less.

P. trochilus, Willow Warbler.—Aug. 14th, some; 18th, 19th, 20th, pretty numerous, all young; 21st, 22nd, and 24th, astonishing numbers; Sept. 9th, some; 10th, enormous numbers; 11th and 12th, less; 24th, less; Nov. 1st, final rush, marvellous numbers.

Hypolais pallida.—Heligoland, Sept. 20th, "first specimen got here," shot by Ludwig Gätke.

Accentor modularis. Hedgesparrow.—Languard Point L.H., March 1st, 12.30 p.m., large flock to E. In the autumn of 1882 there was an enormous migration across Heligoland and on the East Coast of England; this last autumn only five or six are recorded from Heligoland, and none on our east coast.

Acredula rosea, British Long-tailed Titmouse.—Yarmouth, Oct. 25th, about this date several seen, flock of eleven on telegraph wire, and on the 22nd a furze-bush on the "denes" covered with them.

Parus major and cæridulus, Great and Blue Titmouse.—Farn L.H., March 8th, two Tits. Flamborough, April 3rd, one struck. Farn L.H., Oct. 7th, two struck. Galloper L.V., 13th, one Great Tit (wing to J. H. G.). Cockle L.V., 14th, both species. Shipwash L.V., 15th, two Great Titmice (wings to J. H. G.). Spurn, 23rd, Blue Titmouse, a great many. Heligoland, Great Titmouse from Oct. 14th to end of November; Oct. 29th to 31st, a great many; Nov. 15th, same; Blue Titmouse from Oct. 14th to Nov. 2nd; rush, Oct. 29th and 31st. Parus ater, Continental Coal Titmouse.—Oct. 22nd, one.

Troglodytes parvulus, Wren.—Spring, Flamborough L.H., April 3rd, 9.20 p.m., one struck; May 7th, 11.45 p.m., one. Winterton L.H., May 14th, several, 12.30 a.m., S., three killed; 15th, two. Spurn L.H., 24th, "large flock to south." Autumn, Shipwash L.V., Aug. 13th, 2 to 6.30 p.m., in large numbers. Tees L.V., Sept. 5th, one on board three days. Whitby L.H., Oct. 10th, 8 a.m., Wrens to south. Cockle L.V., Nov. 1st, one. Outer Dowsing L.V., 2nd, great rush with others westward. Heligoland, Oct. 31st, for several weeks past daily in great numbers; Nov. 2nd, many; 7th and 8th, very many.

Motacilla alba, White Wagtail.—Heligoland, Oct. 12th and 13th, some.

M. lugubris, Pied Wagtail.—Spring, Whitby L.H., March 31st, two pairs. Farn L.H., April 2nd, one; 4th to 14th, many. Flamborough, April 11th, a pair. Autumn, Cromer L.H., Aug. 12th, one Pied Wagtail (wing to J. H. G.). Tees L.V., Sept. 17th, in flocks, twelve to fifteen. Whitby L.H., Oct. 10th, last seen. Hanois L.H. (Guernsey), Oct. 29th, and on Nov. 1st, all night.

M. flava, Blue-headed Yellow Wagtail.—Heligoland, Aug. 21st, 22nd, and 24th, astonishing numbers; Sept. 2nd, some; Oct. 13th, some. M. citriola, Sept. 16th, calm and fine, one.

Anthus pratensis, Meadow Pipit.—Heligoland, Sept. 24th, great many; Oct. 1st, astounding numbers. A. cervinus, Sept. 16th, calm and fine, one.

A. trivialis, Tree Pipit.—Heligoland, Aug. 21st, 22nd, and 24th, astounding numbers; Sept. 2nd, some; 9th and 12th, many; 24th, ceased; again, Oct. 12th and 13th, passing.

A. richardi, Richard's Pipit.—Heligoland, Sept. 16th and 17th; on 18th, two shot, 8½ in. long; 21st, some; 24th, some Oct. 11th, two.

A. obscurus, Rock Pipit.—October, last fortnight, common on Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and Norfolk coast. At Heligoland, on Oct. 1st, great many (A. obscurus, var. rupestris.[12])

[12] This, the Scandinavian form of the Rock Pipit, is not infrequent on the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire coast in the autumn.

Oriolus galbula, Golden Oriole.—Heligoland, May, a male; the first in thirty years.

Lanius excubitor and major, Great Grey and Pallas's Great Grey Shrike.—Heligoland, Oct. 5th, six or eight, and in last week in month major, some; none on English coast.

L. collurio, Red-backed Shrike.—Languard L.H., March 16th, one. Farn L.H., Sept. 23rd, one shot on island.

Muscicapa grisola, Spotted Flycatcher.—Spring, Whitby L.H., April 7th, great many small Flycatchers against lantern every night in the week[13] (too soon by four or five weeks for M. grisola), Farn L.H., April 28th, several. Hunstanton L.H., May 17th, 2 a.m., S.W., seven killed. Tees L.V., Dec. 27th, one came on board. Heligoland, Sept. 10th, enormous numbers; 11th and 12th, some; 17th, many; 19th and 20th, less.

[13] Probably this, as well as other entries in the schedules, may refer to various small insect-feeding birds, as the term "Flycatcher" amongst our observers is a very general one.

M. atricapilla, Pied Flycatcher.—Yarmouth, Sept. 15th, one young bird (J. H. G.). Heligoland, Aug. 14th, some, and on to Sept. 20th; on Aug. 21st, 22nd, and 24th, and again on Sept. 10th, in enormous numbers. M. parva, Red-breasted Flycatcher.—Sept. 19th, "one with orange throat."

Hirundo rustica, Swallow.—Spring, Hunstanton L.H., April 5th, one to S.W.; 29th, many. Farn L.H., 20th, two. In May, at Whitby, Flamborough, Spurn, and Outer Dowsing L.V. At Tees L.V., on 10th, great many, S.E. to N.W.; and 11th, 12th, and 13th, all through day in same direction. Autumn, Cockle L.V., July 12th, six to S.; and from Sept. 25th to Oct. 13th, at several stations going south. Last observed at the Spurn by myself, Oct. 24th and 25th; three young birds hawking in the sun beneath Kilnsea cliff. Heligoland, Aug. 21st and 22nd, S.E., "astounding numbers" of Swallows, Martins, and Sand Martins; Sept. 3rd, S.S.W. (No. 9), great numbers; 4th, great flock of Swallows late in afternoon; Nov. 8th, small flights.

Chelidon urbica, Martin.—Tees L.V., June 27th, 28th, 29th, great many to S.W.; and at the Outer Dowsing L.V., on 23rd, two travelling S.S.E. to W.N.W. Last observed at Seaton Snook, Tees, Oct. 2nd.

Carduelis elegans, Goldfinch.—Tees L.V., Nov. 22nd, one on board. Heligoland, Nov. 8th, some.

Chrysomitris spinus, Siskin.—Yarmouth, Oct. 21st, small flights; several taken by the birdcatchers. Heligoland, Oct. 27th, a few.

Ligurinus chloris, Greenfinch.—Spurn, Oct. 23rd and 24th, large flocks near the coast associated with Linnets. Great Cotes, Nov. 16th, small flights.

Coccothraustes vulgaris, Hawfinch.—Inner Dowsing L.V., Nov. 2nd, 9 p.m., one struck lantern; two at same station in 1882. Heligoland, Oct. 31st, Nov. 1st, many.

Passer domesticus, House Sparrow.—Spring, Outer Dowsing L.V., April 1st, 8 a.m., flock going S.E. by S. to N.W.; May 15th, six, and 18th three to W.N.W.[14] Autumn, at several stations from Oct. 11th to Nov. 19th. Shipwash L.V., Nov. 8th and 17th, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m., continuous flights to W.S.W.

[14] All birds, including Crows, Sparrows, Tree Sparrows, Chaffinches, Wrens, Swallows, Martins, Yellowhammers, Larks, Titlarks, and some ducks, passing this station in March, April, May, and June, were steering in westerly directions. The Outer Dowsing L.V. is moored on the edge of the shoal of that name 53 miles E.S.E. of the Spurn.

P. montanus, Tree Sparrow.—Are recorded at Newarp L.V., Oct. 14th, Yarmouth, 14th, and Shipwash L.V., 15th; and at the Goodwin stations in October.[15]

[15] As a rule more Common and Tree Sparrows pass the Goodwin stations than any other on the east coast. These light-vessels, as well as those off the mouth of the Thames, are very uniform in their returns, the birds scheduled being the most abundant and commonest of our immigrants, and it is seldom a rare visitor is chronicled.

Fringilla cœlebs, Chaffinch.—Spring, Newarp L.V., April 13th, all day to E. Farn L.H., 29th, several. Autumn, between Sept. 21st, at Redcar, to Nov. 29th and 30th, at Longstone L.H., immense flights are recorded at the majority of stations along the east coast; great rushes occurred Sept. 21st, Oct. 6th to 14th, and Nov. 1st and 2nd; line of flight E. to W.[16] Heligoland, from Sept. 21st, E. by S., to Nov. 1st, in immense numbers; great rush on Sept. 21st and 22nd, on which latter day they passed in astounding numbers; Oct. 13th, all day passing on; Nov. 7th to 29th, great many.

[16] Chaffinches are recorded as dying on board some of the light-vessels, on which they arrive in an exhausted state. Mr. Patterson, of Yarmouth, says, under date Oct. 13th, "Picked up some dead at high-water mark. I have found numbers occasionally dead, drowned thus, every year. They fare worse in this respect than most small immigrants."

Fringilla montifringilla, Brambling.—Longstone L.H., Sept. 21st, E., several. Cockle L.V., Oct. 11th, and Hasbro' L.H., 13th, two killed (wings to J. H. G.). Heligoland, Oct. 7th, pretty numerous; 13th, all day with Chaffinches; and numerous first week in November.

Linota cannabina, Linnet. Spring, Newarp L.V., April 13th, all day to E. Autumn, Whitby L.H., Aug, 8th, great many to south.[17] Heligoland, Sept. 30th to Nov. 11th; rush on Oct. 13th.

[17] Linnets, Twites, and Redpoles work their way south along the coast; those flocks also which cross the North Sea, after striking land, follow the same route to the south. They often collect in immense quantities in favourite localities, feeding on the seeds of salt-loving plants along the coast.

L. linaria, Mealy Redpole.—Spurn, a few during the second week in February, 1884, and one on 15th near Yarmouth.

L. rufescens, Lesser Redpole.—Yarmouth, Oct. 15th, several about "denes."

L. flavirostris, Twite.—Numerous flocks on Lincolnshire coast in October. Heligoland, Oct. 22nd, hundreds together, and to Nov. 15th; rush, Oct. 26th to Nov. 7th. L. exilipes, Nov. 11th, one.

Pyrrhula europæa, Bullfinch.—Newarp L.V., March 5th, one on board. Outer Dowsing L.V., May 9th, one came on board, and ten to W.S.W.

Loxia curvirostra, Crossbill.—Heligoland, during first week in July, repeated flights from twenty to thirty.

Emberiza melanocephala, Black-headed Bunting.—Heligoland, in May, male and female obtained.

E. miliaria, Corn Bunting.—Heligoland, Oct. 13th, many; Nov. 2nd, many; 7th, many; 23rd, some; "never seen here except in very small flights."

E. citrinella, Yellowhammer.—May 13th, Whitby L.H., great many for several days. Heligoland, Nov. 2nd, many; 23rd, some. E. cirlus, Cirl Bunting.—May, one, "completing with the male obtained many years ago, the only pair."

E. hortulana, Ortolan Bunting. Great Cotes, May 3rd, N.E., very sharp and cold, one seen, apparently an adult female [see Cordeaux, Zool., vol. 1883, p. 253.] Heligoland, Aug. 21st, 22nd, and 24th, "astounding numbers"; Sept. 9th and 12th, great many; 16th and 17th, first old birds. E. rustica, Rustic Bunting, Sept. 24th, one shot by Ludwig Gätke. E. pusilla, Little Bunting, Sept. 24th, one shot; 30th, one.

E. schœniclus, Reed Bunting.—Great Cotes, Nov. 16th, considerable flight. Heligoland, Sept. 20th, pretty large numbers; Oct. 11th, great many; 13th, some; and 31st, many.

Calcarius lapponicus, Lapland Bunting.—Heligoland, Sept. 30th, some.

Plectrophanes nivalis, Snow Bunting.—Spring, Farn L.H., March 7th, two. Cockle L.V., 14th, "Snow-birds" to W. Languard L.H., July 8th, a pair on beach, 6.30 p.m., seen by Mr. Owen Boyle; certainly the earliest record for England of this species. Autumn, first at Tees L.V., Sept. 18th and 19th, one flock each day to S.W., and to Jan. 9th, 1884. Redcar, several flights to W.; a few recorded at stations between the Farn Islands and Yarmouth in September, October, and November; and from Dec. 1st to 29th in great numbers. At Great Cotes, on Dec. 4th, thousands upon thousands, the stubbles near the Humber fairly covered with their enormous flocks; young with a sprinkling of old birds, one to forty. Heligoland, Nov. 6th, early, very numerous passage; 12th and 14th, great many.

Sturnus vulgaris, Common Starling.—With few exceptions are recorded at all our east coast stations, and often in immense numbers, the occurrences being far too numerous to chronicle. The bulk crossed in September, October, and November; less in December; the line of flight and rushes corresponding with those of the Lark, with which species they are very frequently associated. Heligoland, from Oct. 1st to Nov. 12th; on Oct. 6th in "astounding flights, thousands upon thousands"; 12th, "considerable numbers of astounding flights, both overhead and in distance"; 13th, "still passing, astounding numbers all day"; 26th, the same, very high; 27th, "night, from 11 p.m., myriads"; 28th, "immense," and still great many to Nov. 12th. These extracts from Mr. Gätke's notes show the enormous migration of this species across Heligoland in the autumn, and the corresponding rush on to our east coast.

Pastor roseus, Rose-coloured Pastor.—Heligoland, July 16th, old male shot.

Pyrrhocorax graculus, Chough.—Heligoland, April 15th, seen for a whole week, but not obtained.

Corvus monedula, Jackdaw.—Considerable numbers south of Humber throughout the autumn. Heligoland, Oct. 26th, many; 27th and 29th, great flight.

Corvus corone, Carrion Crow.—Spring, Farn L.H., March 8th, seven to W. Autumn, Yarmouth, Oct. 14th, continuous flocks of Carrion and Grey Crows coming in, and again on 27th. At the Inner Dowsing L.V., from Oct. 25th to Nov. 13th, great many; also at other stations in October and November.

Corvus cornix, Hooded Crow.—Migrates in company with his near cousin, the Carrion Crow, as well as in separate flocks.[18] Spring, Farn L.H., May 25th, one Grey Crow on island, where it ate three young Larks; on July 27th Mr. Owen Boyle saw five on the beach off Languard. Autumn, first at Great Cotes, Oct. 4th, to Whitby L.H., Dec. 8th, fifty. Enormous numbers crossed in October and November between the Farn Islands and Shipwash L.V., off the coast of Essex, the main body arriving on the flat coast of Lincolnshire and in Norfolk; great rushes occurred on Oct. 9th, night of 12th, 20th, 27th, and 28th, and on to Nov. 2nd, and also Nov. 7th to 15th; under date Nov. 8th, Hasbro' L.V. reports "continuous flocks of Black Crows and Grey Crows, and Crows with white backs and bellies"; it would be difficult to say what is intended by the latter. Heligoland, Oct. 1st, flights, thirty to forty, to Nov. 12th.[19]

[18] Probably something like one-half of the entries in the schedules record the movements of Crows, Rooks, Daws, Starlings, Larks, and Chaffinches, any detailed notice of which is unnecessary, and could serve no practical purpose.

[19] Under date Oct. 6th, N.E., clear, fresh, Mr. Gätke remarks:—"Across the sea both sides of island (N. and S.), particularly on north side, countless numbers of cornix, sturnus, and all kinds of small birds, all from E. to W. This occurrence happens not rarely; during this ponderous migration there were on the island nearly no birds."

Corvus frugilegus, Rook.—Spring, Newarp L.V., during March and April, many flocks of Rooks and Crows are recorded as going both to the west and east, as if a cross migration was going on to and from the Continent. At the Cockle L.V., March 20th, 24th, and 26th, continuous Rooks and Crows to west. Llyn Wells, April 30th, various flocks of Crows to south-west, and at the same station, on Aug. 3rd and 4th, large flocks to north north-east. Autumn, with scarcely an exception, at all stations between the Spurn and South Foreland, from the last week in September to the end of the third week in November; the rushes correspond with those of the preceding.

Alauda arvensis, Sky Lark.—As in previous years. Larks hare crossed in immense numbers to the east coast; it would be quite unnecessary to give each occurrence in detail, almost involving the necessity of writing a separate report. They are recorded at all stations from the Farn Islands to Gull L.V., off the South Foreland, from Sept. 1st to Jan. 3rd, 1884, and often continuously night and day; rushes took place on Sept. 3rd, 4th, and 21st, Oct. 6th and 8th, 10th to 14th, 27th to Nov. 2nd-14th; and Dec. 27th and 30th; and again Jan. 3rd, 1884. Flocks which come in at daybreak will continue to arrive till 12 or 1 p.m., when migration for the time ceases. Numbers are killed during the night migration against the lanterns of the lighthouses and light-vessels.[20] Heligoland, Oct. 5th to Nov. 8th; great rushes, Oct. 12th; 27th, night from 11 p.m., "milliards" with Starlings; 28th, "immense flight"; 30th and 31st, in all four nights almost continuous flights.

[20] The list of birds killed at the Hasbro' L.V., from Oct. 10th to Jan. 3rd 1884, was 162 Sky Larks, 73 Starlings, 23 Chaffinches, 60 Larks and Chaffinches, 28 Stormy Petrels, 1 Fork-tailed Petrel, 3 Fieldfares, 3 Thrushes, 8 Ringed Plovers, 4 Grey Plovers, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Woodcocks, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Blackbird, 1 Grey Crow, 1 Rook, 1 Lapwing, 1 tame Pigeon, 1 Curlew, 1 Brambling, 1 Redwing (wings sent to Mr. Gurney, but without date). Besides these a large tub and bucket-full various. At Llyn Wells L.V., under date Oct. 17th, Kestrel, Snow Bunting, Chaffinch, 2 Robins, Wren, Goldcrest; on Nov. 4th, 3 Knots, 4 Thrushes, Redwing, 3 Stormy Petrels; Nov. 7th, 8 Chaffinches, 7 Thrushes, Knot, Blackbird, Wheatear, 2 Dunlins, 2 Snow Buntings, Brambling, Jack Snipe, 4 Fieldfares; another date, 2 Chaffinches, 2 Tree Sparrows, Thrush, 3 Stormy Petrels, 2 Snow Buntings, Dunlin; Nov. 2nd, 5 Knots; Dec. 20th, Knot; Jan. 2, Knot; 6th, 2 Knots; 7th, Oystercatcher; also two more Knots and two Dunlins, which had slipped their labels, but which Mr. Gurney thinks belong to Nov. 22nd.

Otocorys alpestris, Shore Lark.—Yarmouth, between Oct. 25th and 28th, six obtained from a small flock. Galloper L.V., October 11th, one, (wing to J. H. G.). At Heligoland the migration of the Shore Lark, commencing on Oct. 1st and ending Dec. 16th, was the most remarkable of the season; Oct. 1st, N.E., small flights; 11th, some flights; 13th, about one hundred; 22nd, flights of hundreds; 26th, flights of thousands, in the forenoon cliff covered; 27th-30th, numerous; Nov. 7th, marvellous numbers; 8th, very numerous; 11th, many flights; 12th, astounding numbers; 14th, numerous; 15th, astonishing, thousands in flights; 16th, few; Dec. 16th, hundreds.

Cypselus apus, Swift.—Hunstanton L.H., May 10th, great many. Whitby L.H., 13th, one. Farn L.H., June 25th, three; the movement southward appears to have commenced on or about this date. Last at Yarmouth, Sept. 8th, several all day. Heligoland, August 21st, 22nd, and 24th, great many.

Jynx torquilla, Wryneck.—Heligoland, Aug. 21st, 22nd, and 24th, immense numbers with Swallows, Martins, Sand Martins, Swifts, Ortolan Buntings, Tree Pipits, Wheatears, Willow Wrens, Pied Flycatchers, and Blue-headed Wagtails; all astounding numbers.

Alcedo ispida, Kingfisher.—Yarmouth, first fortnight in September, twenty-three brought to one birdstuffer. Hasbro' L.V., Oct. 10th, 10.30 p.m., one on deck. Heligoland, Aug. 15th.

Coracias garrula, Roller.—Bradwell, Norfolk, Oct. 9th, one shot. Muckton, Louth, Lincolnshire, Oct. 27th, one also shot.

Upupa epops, Hoopoe.—Longstone L.H., April 29th, one killed against kitchen window, 2.15 a.m., rain and squalls from S.E.

Cuculus canorus, Cuckoo.—Hunstanton and Whitby lighthouses. May 12th, one at each. Farn L.H., 15th, one. Longstone L.H., July 24th, young Cuckoo on rocks. Heligoland, Aug. 19th and 20th, three young.

Strix flammea, Barn Owl.—One at Cromer, on Oct. 6th., seen by Mr. Gurney, and "a large cream-coloured Owl," at Farn L.H., on May 13th, may have belonged to this species.

Asio otus, Long-eared Owl.—Cromer, Oct. 6th, one. Hasbro' L.V. Nov. 4th, one resting on rigging at 7.30. a.m. for ten minutes, and perhaps Whitby, Jan. 3rd, 1884, "one very large Horned Owl seen on cliff top." Heligoland, Oct. 31st and Nov. 1st, pretty numerous.

A. brachyotus, Short-eared Owl.—Spring, Farn L.V., April 25th, 7.45, p.m., "one very large Owl to E.N.E.; very high." Autumn, first at Redcar, Sept. 11th to Dec. 20th. At Llyn Wells L.V., two to S.S.W.; throughout October to Nov. 8th, at eleven stations;[21] rushes Oct. 1st to 4th, 12th to 14th, and first week in November. Heligoland, Oct. 14th and 15th, one each day; 22nd, numerous; 24th, some; 30th, great many; 31st, numerous. Nov. 1st to 4th, "and at night at the lighthouse, many, also our smaller Owl, tengmalmi."

[21] Under date of Nov. 7th, at Happisburgh L.H., an Owl, flying about in the glare of the lamps, was seen to pounce on a Starling and carry it off. Mr. F. Spurr writes, "this latter, a fine Horned Owl, has taken to visit the lighthouse regularly; he takes his post just beneath the strong rays of light, and from thence pounces on the small birds when they are frightened by the glare." He goes on to say that he had seen it perched on the rail of the balcony, when its eyes shone like living coals; just such a light as is visible in the eyes of the night-flying moths when they settle on the pane.

Falconidæ.—Circus, Harrier, Redcar, Sept. 21st, six on Tees Breakwater. Buzzards or "very large Hawks," Spring, Farn L.H., March 10th, "one large Hawk, feeding on Blackbird"; May 18th, large Hawk; June 18th, very large Hawk, driving the Terns from their nesting-place; also on 19th. Autumn, from Sept. 6th to Jan. 12th, 1884, numerous Buzzards, and "very large Hawks" are recorded at ten stations between the Farn Islands and Yarmouth; the majority between Sept. 6th and Oct. 20th. There appears to have been a rush of the larger Falconidæ on Sept. 21st. At the Spurn L.H., on Sept. 21st, two Common Buzzards; 14th, 1 a.m., Honey Buzzard caught against lantern, and another on 17th, shot near Kilnsea. Farn L.H., 23rd, one very large Hawk, "back and wings dark brown, belly greyish white, beak slate-colour." Whitby L.H., Jan. 12th, 8.30. a.m., one very large Hawk, "dark colour, with long, square tail, the largest I have ever seen." Accipiter nisus, Sparrowhawk, numerous through September and to Oct. 14th, and after this in less numbers to Nov. 20th; rush, Sept. 21st, with other Falconidæ. Heligoland, Rough-legged Buzzard, Oct. 12th and 13th, one each day; Nov. 2nd, some; 19th, four to six. Sea Eagle, Haliaëtus albicilla, Sept. 21st, some. Sparrowhawks, from Sept. 21st to Nov. 1st.; Oct. 4th, first old birds. As a rule Sparrowhawks pass late in the afternoon. Peregrine Falcon, Oct. 12th, a few. Kestrel and others, Sept. 22nd, "more than ever, with Sparrowhawks and Merlins."

Phalacrocorax carbo, Cormorant.—Tees L.V., March 7th, flock of twenty-five; 24th, fifty.

Sula bassana, Gannet.—Spring, Farn L.V., Feb. 25th, many going N. Longstone L.H., March 22nd to April 15th, daily to N., and from this date every day till May 30th, never more than nine in a flock; great numbers of young also seen off Farn Islands, Redcar and Whitby, first three weeks, in October, generally moving in northerly directions. Redcar, Oct. 26th and 31st and Nov. 2nd and 10th, great numbers to S.E. Hanois L.H. (Guernsey), Nov. 24th, all day passing.

Ardea cinerea, Heron.—Languard L.H., June 25th, a pair very high to S.W., and several seen off Farn L.H. in August.

Botaurus stellaris, Bittern.—Early in January, 1884, a Bittern was shot near Thornton College, North Lincolnshire, and two others are reported as seen.

Anser, Geese.—Languard L.H., March 11th, sixteen Grey Geese, very high to S.W. Whitby L.H., June 20th, nineteen going N., and on July 8th, 5 p.m., a large flock from N. to S.W. Redcar, Sept. 21st, twelve Grey Geese to E.; and at some stations also in October and November, having probably reference to change of feeding-ground. A large flock of Brent Geese, Bernicla brenta, were seen off the Farn Islands on March 23rd, at 6 p.m., and in the autumn a few on Sept. 26th, at the Tees L.V.

Cygnus, Swans.—At Tees L.V., March 25th, one. Outer Dowsing L.V., 14th, three from N.W. to E.S.E. Spurn, May 13th, three to S.; and on 15th, two in Humber. Llyn Wells L.V., Sept. 16th, three to W.S.W. It is possible all these may have reference to escapes or strays from private waters.

Tadorna cornuta, Common Sheldrake.—Tees L.V., Jan. 13th, flock of three hundred. "Never saw so many together before." Nov. 28th, flock of about one hundred.

Mareca penelope, Wigeon.—Redcar, Aug. 20th, two flocks; Sept. 20th, flock of one hundred Teal at sea. Farn L.H., Dec. 12th, hundreds of Wild Duck, Anas boschas, off island.

Harelda glacialis, Long-tailed Duck.—Farn L.H., March 8th, "flock of fifty to sixty off island." On Oct. 23rd, at Kilnsea, near the Spurn, I shot a mature female Hareld from a flooded meadow. The stomach contained a mass of small red worms and minute stones.

Somateria mollissima, Eider Duck.—Farn L.H., Nov., "hundreds of Eiders, drakes and ducks, with young birds, flying and swimming about the island every day this month." In December six were shot on Breydon Water, Norfolk. The King Eider, Somateria spectabilis, was again, as in the last two years, seen at the Farn Islands, in company with the Common Eider, in April.

Œdemia nigra, Common Scoter.—Gull L.V., Aug. 19th to Sept. 11th, great numbers going S.W.

Columba palumbus, Ring Dove.—Farn L.H., Sept. 24th, one. Stock Dove, C. ænas.—On Oct. 25th, at Kilnsea, near the Spurn, I saw one come in direct from the sea and pitch in a field on the cliff top. Heligoland, C. palumbus, Sept. 30th, some; Oct. 4th, flights, forty to fifty; 13th and 15th, passing on; 31st, many.

Rallus aquaticus, Water Rail.—Farn L.H., Oct. 30th, S., foggy, three at daylight; Nov. 2nd, one at noon, to land; Galloper, 3rd, one (wing to J. H. G.) Hasbro' L.H., Dec. 9th, S.W., one struck.

Crex pratensis, Corn Crake.—Farn L.H., May 1st, 3 p.m., N.E., one; 23rd, 2 p.m., one. Whitby, 11th, first heard. Winterton L.H., Aug. 10th, midnight, one struck. Spurn L.H., Sept. 15th, one; Hunstanton L.H., Oct. 8th, one struck and caught alive.

Œdicnemus scolopax, Stone Curlew.—Heligoland, Aug. 15th.

Charadrius pluvialis, Golden Plover.—Farn L.H., July 27th, five to E., and on Aug. 20th, flock to W.; numerous on island through August and September, moving to and from the mainland. At the Spurn on Aug. 29th, a large flock to N.[22]; and at Wells, Norfolk, Aug. 27th, in small parties on mud. Heligoland, July. 16th, one young bird shot; Aug. 21st to 24th, young birds; 16th and 17th, great flights, all young; 29th, great flights; night Oct. 31st to Nov. 1st, "whole atmosphere gloomy darkness, Curlew, Lapwing, Tringa, Snipe, Woodcock, but no Golden Plover." Dec. 4th, N.E. (No. 8 or 9), snow-storm. Woodcocks and Golden Plover.

[22] The occurrence of a large body of Golden Plovers at the Spurn at this date, passing to the north, is somewhat remarkable in connection with the large flight of the same species seen there, passing in the same direction, on Aug. 22nd, in 1880, and on Sept. 6th in 1881. (Yarrell's Brit. Birds, ed. iv., vol. iii., p. 274).

Squatarola helvetica, Grey Plover.—Spurn, June 7th, 11 a.m., N.E., flocks along coast. Hasbro' L.V., Nov. 1st, four killed. Tees L.V., Dec. 13th, large flock.

Vanellus vulgaris, Lapwing.—Spring, Cockle L.V., March 8th, large flocks to S.W. Autumn, Yarmouth, Oct. 6th, large flocks in afternoon from sea; 30th, Hasbro' L.V., great rush; Whitby L.H., Nov. 15th, 16th and 17th, flights each day, south-westerly gale; also at Hunstanton L.H. on 16th, to S.W., from daylight to noon.

Strepsilas interpres, Turnstone.—Yarmouth, Aug. 11th, young birds to S. Farn L.H., 14th, large flocks at noon. Redcar, 31st, large flock near Teesmouth, fresh arrivals.

Hæmatopus ostralegus, Oystercatcher.—Llyn Wells L.V., Jan. 7th, 1884, one killed (J. H. G.).

Phalaropus hyperboreus, Red-necked Phalarope.—Yarmouth, Oct. 24th, one shot.

Scolopax rusticula, Woodcock.—Flamborough L.H., April 6th, struck and killed. Two or three occurred at Teesmouth (Redcar), last week in August, and a few in September. At Seaton Snook and Flamborough on Sept. 21st. The "first flight" was on the Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Norfolk coasts, on the night of Oct. 21st, wind N.E. The "great flight," or rush, on the nights of Oct. 28th and 29th, covering the whole of the E. coast, from the Farn Islands to Yarmouth, the bulk coming probably into the Humber district. A friend wrote me he had shot eighteen on the morning of 29th, and might easily have doubled this number if he had started early enough. From the 2nd to the 10th of November stragglers continued to arrive between the Farn Islands and Yarmouth. Heligoland, Sept. 22nd, first; Oct. 22nd, one hundred caught or shot; 28th, astounding passage of Larks, Starlings, Peewits, Snipes and Woodcocks; Oct. 30th, twenty to thirty shot; 31st, ten to twenty shot; 31st to Nov. 1st, thirteen caught, a few stragglers to December 4th.[23]

[23] Mr. Clubley, of Kilnsea, near the Spurn, who during his life has probably shot more Cock than anyone living on the east coast, says that a S.E. wind always brings large grey or light-coloured Woodcocks, a N. wind small and red-coloured birds—that is, Scandinavian birds. This rule seems to hold good on other parts of our east coast. See also remarks by Mr. J. Harvie-Brown.

Gallinago major, Great Snipe.—N. E. Lincolnshire, Oct. 2nd, one shot; Yarmouth, same date, one.

G. cælestis, Common Snipe.—Yarmouth, Aug. 11th, several. Great Cotes, Sept. 25th, first considerable flight, wind S.E. night of 24th, with gale and heavy rain. Hasbro' L.H., Nov. 8th, two struck and killed. Heligoland, Oct. 22nd, great flight; 28th, night, immense.

Limnocryptes gallinula, Jack Snipe.—Farn. L.H., Sept. 21st, S.E., noon, two. Galloper L.V., Nov. 3rd, one (J. H. G.) Llyn Wells L.V., 7th, one (J. H. G.)

Tringa alpina, Dunlin.—Languard L.H., March 10th, 7.40 a.m., very large flock, very rapidly to N. T. minuta, Little Stint, Bridlington, Aug. 3rd, two seen (W. E. C.), and at Yarmouth, second week in September, three.[24]

[24] The first great rush of Tringæ across Heligoland was Aug. 6th and 7th; 14th also, all sorts; and on 21st and 22nd, same; again on night of Oct. 31st, and morning of Nov. 1st.

T. subarquata, Curlew Sandpiper.—Essex coast, August 1st, Colonel Russell shot three from a flock of Oxbirds; they were in partial moult; another was seen.

T. striata, Purple Sandpiper.—Farn L.H., May 15th, 6 p.m., S.S.E., very large flock flying over island; and at the same station, on Nov. 28th, very large flocks of Turnstone, Purple Sandpiper and Redshank. Yarmouth, Oct. 5th, five seen.

T. canutus, Knot.—Spurn, June 13th, flock arrived from S. The first Knots in the autumn were seen at Yarmouth and Redcar on Aug. 11th, and by the end of the month were tolerably numerous along the east coast. Llyn Wells L.V., Sept. 22nd, N.N.E., large flocks to S. all day; at this station also, from Oct. 20th to Jan. 6th, 1884, twenty-eight were killed against the lantern.[25]

[25] The Knot at Blakeney is always called "Knet"; Godwit, a "Pick"; Dunlin, "Stint"; Whimbrel, "May-bird"; Turnstone, "Dotterel"; Ringed Plover, "Oxbird." On the Essex coast the Whimbrel is a "May-bird" or "Titterel," the latter from its cry; Godwits are "Pream;" Knot, "Marl"; Dunlin, "Oxbird"; Ringed Plover, "Stone-runner." At Spurn the Knot is a "Plover-knot," but on the Lincolnshire coast simply a "Knot". Local names, common to both sides of the Humber, are, Turnstone, "Dotterel"; Common Dotterel, "Land Dotterel," "Spring Dotterel"; Grey Plover, "Pigeon," or "Buffel-headed Plover"; Dunlin, "Stint," or "Tommy Stint"; Ringed Plover, "Sand-runner"; Whimbrel, "Curlew-jack"; Godwit, "Curlew-whelp." On the Durham coast the Knot is both a "Dunlin" and "Grey Plover"; Dunlin, a "Stint"; Sanderling, "White Stint"; Whimbrel, "Curlew-jack"; Lapwing, a "Tyafit"; Godwit, "Goodwin." The local names of birds vary so in different districts that they frequently become very puzzling to the members of the Committee; it would greatly assist their labours and facilitate enquiry if any fellow-worker would take the trouble to compile a glossary of local names of our British birds. The investigation might be rendered easy by sending printed forms to the best known ornithologists, in their respective districts. The results could not fail to be both useful and interesting.

Machetes pugnax, Ruff.—Yarmouth, second week in September, five ruffs and one reeve.

Calidris arenaria, Sanderling.—Flamborough, Aug. 3rd, old male in summer plumage (W. E. C.). Yarmouth, 11th, Knots and Sanderlings on beach. Spurn, Oct. 23rd, a few.

Totanus glareola, Wood Sandpiper.—Bridlington, middle of August, a young bird was shot on South Sands (W. E. C.). Spurn, middle of September, three, all immature, taken to Mr. P. Lawton, of Easington.

T. calidris, Redshank.—Outer Dowsing L.V., May 9th, one "Red-legged Sandpiper" on deck, then to W. Wells, Norfolk, Aug. 28th, numerous; one hundred or more in a flock. Tees L.V., Sept. 23rd, large flock. Farn L.V., Nov. 28th, very large flocks with Purple Sandpiper and Turnstone on rocks. T. fuscus, Spotted Redshank, Breydon, Oct. 20th, one shot.

T. canescens, Greenshank.—Wells, Norfolk, Aug. 27th, "comparatively numerous." Yarmouth, Aug. 9th, four shot, all immature. Sept. 2nd, two.

Limosa lapponica, Bar-tailed Godwit.—Redcar, July 28th, and forward to Aug. 27th, in some numbers.

Numenius phæopus, Whimbrel.—Redcar, July 18th, N.E. light, first passing over, very high. Yarmouth, Aug. 1st, all day. Redcar, 8th, S.W. strong, two large flocks of fifty; 23rd and 24th, rush, and at intervals to Sept. 10th.

N. arquata, Curlew.—Farn L.H., March 11th, 5 to 6 p.m., four to five hundred to island from mainland in flocks from five to thirty. Whitby L.H., June 20th, great many night and day. Winterton L.H., Sept. 10th, 12.30 a.m., one caught beating against lantern, great many during night to W. Farn L.H., Nov. 17th, large flock to E. Hasbro' L.V., Jan. 3rd, 1884, one killed. Heligoland, Oct. 30th and 31st, great many with Tringa and Scolopax, Limosa and Vanellus; and night of 31st, great rush.

Sterninæ, Terns.—Spurn, May 4th, all day to north. At the Farne Islands the Arctic Terns, Sterna macrura, returned to their nesting quarters on May 20th, and left again on Aug. 3rd, only a few being seen after that date. Yarmouth, Aug. 7th to 10th, Black, Common, and Arctic Terns along shore, and through the month to 31st; in shore only when wind is westerly, in flocks of ten to fifty, nine-tenths being young; it is the westerly winds which bring in the herring "syle," on which the Terns feed. The Sandwich Tern, Sterna cantiaca, arrived at the Farn Islands between April 15th and 23rd, leaving again on Aug. 3rd. At Languard Point, Mr. Owen Boyle saw on June 1st, 4.45 a.m., a pair of Roseate Terns; 7th, four Sandwich Terns; 15th, four Lesser Terns; and on 23rd, four Common Terns. At Redcar, on Sept. 5th, 6th, 7th, and 10th, many flights were heard passing over in dark.

Larinæ, Gulls.—Whitby L.H., Feb. 15th, Herring Gulls returning to cliffs; July 18th, first young on wing; Aug. 14th, Gulls, old and young, left the cliff. Farn L.H., April 14th, Lesser Black-backed Gulls returning to nesting quarters. Yarmouth, Aug. 10th, Gulls, mostly young, along shore feeding on "syle," five to thirty in flock. Flamborough, Sept. 12th, great many Gulls all day to south. Spurn, Sept. 24th, two hundred Herring Gulls to south. Cockle L.V., Oct. 25th, great many large Gulls, young and old, E. to W.; Nov. 17th to 23rd, 9.30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Great Black-backed Gulls from W. to E. Farn L.H., Nov. 8th to 30th, very large number of Black-headed Gulls fishing round island at flood each day; Dec. 8th, two "Bass" Gulls; 12th, one. "These Gulls are all cream-colour. I am not sure if they are the Glaucous, so have given them the local name." At Heligoland, young Glaucous Gulls, L. glaucus, were repeatedly seen about island in December; and during the last week in January, 1884, hundreds of Black-headed Gulls, L. ridibundus, frequented the plateau of cliff, which Mr. Gätke says is a "very exceptional" circumstance there. Xema sabinii, Sabine's Gull, an immature example was shot on. Oct. 28th, the second example which has been obtained there; and on Nov. 10th a second young bird was seen by Aeuckens, the birdstuffer.

Stercorariinæ, Skuas.—Redcar, Aug. 25th, two; Teesmouth, 27th, Richardson's Skua, S. crepidatus. Farn L.H., Sept. 17th, several chasing Gulls. Yarmouth, 20th, many. Heligoland, Oct. 27th, S. pomatorhinus, one.

Procellariidæ, Petrels.—The Stormy Petrel, P. pelagica, occurred at Yarmouth, Oct. 2nd, and Spurn on 23rd, shot in each case from beach. Hasbro' L.V., 27th, seven caught on deck, on 31st ten, and between Oct. 27th and Nov. 4th several were taken at various stations at sea off the east coast. One Fork-tailed Petrel, P. leucorrhoa, from Happisburgh (Hasbro') L.V. in October. A Shearwater was seen at Farn L.H. July 20th, 6 a.m., going north; and at Spurn L.H. on Aug. 5th, 2 a.m., a Manx Shearwater, P. anglorum, was killed against the lantern. Breydon, Sept. 5th, one shot. In the latter part of the same month two Sooty Shearwaters, P. griseus, were obtained in Bridlington Bay, and taken to the shop of Mr. Jones, birdstuffer, where they were seen and identified by Mr. W. E. Clarke.[26]

[26] 'Zoologist,' 1884, p. 180.

Colymbidæ, Divers.—Tees L.V., March 28th, one Great Northern and two Red-throated Divers off the light-ship, in company with two Grebes, twelve Sheldrake, and six Brent Geese. Redcar, Sept. 2nd, four or five Red-throated Divers; and on 20th several lots of both. Breydon Water, Oct. 16th, adult Red-throated Diver. At the Farn Islands, last half of October and in November, many Great Northern Divers about islands; Jan. 15th, 1884, several Red-throated Divers about island.

Podicipidæ, Grebes.—Bridlington, latter part of August, Red-necked Grebe, P. griseigena, shot, in full summer plumage. Spurn, Nov. 2nd, a few pairs of Little Grebes, Tachybaptes fluviatilis, on ponds; and on Jan. 6th, 1884, three Great Crested Grebes, P. cristatus, on the sea off point.

Alcidæ, Auks.—At Flamborough, in February, 1884, great numbers of Razorbills, Alca torda, all returned to their nesting quarters on the cliffs, an unprecedented circumstance there; and large numbers of the Common Guillemot were reported by the fishermen as seen at sea off the headland. At the Farn Islands, March 22nd, 1883, Guillemots had come to their nesting quarters, thousands arriving on April 1st. Puffins on the 15th. On January 10th and 28th, 1884, on each day a Black Guillemot, Uria grylle, was shot from the island. The Little Auk, Mergulus alle, shot there on Dec. 29th; and on Feb. 4th and 5th, 1884, a great many were seen flying and swimming about the islands, more than had ever been seen before.

The Committee are again indebted to Professor Chr. Fr. Lütken, of the Universitetets Zoologiske Museum, Copenhagen, for a list of the birds killed or taken against the lantern of the lighthouse of Stevns, on the projecting part of Zealand, marking the limit between the Baltic and Oresund, in the spring and autumn of 1883. The list has been drawn up by Mr. Autander, a physician living in the neighbourhood of the lighthouse. In forwarding the list to Professor Lütken he states there has been in this year only a few nights in which any number of birds have been killed, in consequence of the sky being generally clear during the time of the migration.

Stevns Fyr (Lighthouse of Stevns ), 1883.

Night to—

April6th.Saxicola œnanthe2, male and female.
""Regulus cristatus2 males.
""Erithacus rubecula1 male.
"12th.Turdus viscivorus2.
""T. merula4.
""T. musicus10.
""Alauda arvensis6.
""Regulus cristatus1.
""Saxicola œnanthe4.
""Erithacus rubecula2.
"13th.Scolopax rusticula1 male.
""Columba palumbus1.
""Sturnus vulgaris1.
""Emberiza citrinella1.
""Fringilla cœlebs1.
""Saxicola œnanthe1.
""Troglodytes parvulus2.
""Alauda arvensis2.
""Turdus musicus8.
""Erithacus rubecula15.
Aug.4th.Tringa alpina1 male.
"26th.Jynx torquilla1 male.
Sept.3rd.Sylvia trochilus3.
""Luscinia phœnicurus1 male.
""Muscicapa grisola1 male.
""M. atricapilla1 female.
""Columba ænas1 female.
""Lanius collurio1 young male.
"5th.Querquedula cracca1 male.
""Motacilla alba1 young male.
""Luscinia phœnicurus6.
""Jynx torquilla1.
""Sterna argentata1.
""Erithacus suecicus1.
""Sylvia schœnobænus1.
""S. cinerea2.
""S. hortensis5.
""S. trochilus2.
""Motacilla flava1.
""Saxicola œnanthe2.
""S. rubetra1.
""Muscicapa atricapilla4.
""†Locustella fluviatilis1.
"6th.Podiceps minor1 young male.
Oct.1st.Turdus musicus2.
"4th.Sylvia atricapilla1.
"11th.Turdus musicus8.
""Sturnus vulgaris1.
""Alauda arvensis2.
""Sylvia rufa2.
""Fringilla montifringilla6.
""Emberiza schœniclus11.
""Erithacus rubecula25.
"20th.Fringilla montifringilla1.
"26th.Coccothraustes vulgaris1 male.
Nov.1st.Emberiza citrinella1 male.

† Determined at the Museum; not before found in Denmark.

Since the completion of the Report a schedule has been received from the Leman and Ower L.V. moored forty-eight miles E.N.E. of Cromer, on the coast of Norfolk. From Feb. 11th to May 8th, Skylarks, Black Crows, Rooks, Wild Ducks, Starlings, and Goldcrests, are recorded as going in westerly directions; a like anomalous direction was maintained during the same period at the Outer Dowsing, Newarp, Cockle, and Llyn Wells light-vessels by birds passing these stations. On May 8th a great many Goldcrests came from the south at 11 a.m., and then went west. Sept. 11th, great numbers of Goldcrests going from S.E. to W.; and on Oct. 28th with Redbreasts and Wrens from S. to N.W. Between Oct. 27th and Nov. 1st two hundred and eight birds were killed or taken on the vessel, including seven Grey Crows, Larks, Redbreasts, Wrens, Goldcrests, Starlings, Sparrows, Chaffinches, and two Woodcocks; these birds were travelling from S., S.E., and E. to N.W., N.N.W., and W.

Wings from Galloper L.V. by Mr. Gurney. Oct. 10th, Tree Sparrow and Chaffinch; 11th, Shore Lark; 13th, Great Tit; 27th, Chaffinch; 28th, Blackstart (young male or old female?), Thrush; 30th, Meadow Pipit; Nov. 3rd, Jack Snipe and Water Rail.

On April 9th, 1884, I received from Mr. Gurney the wing of a Dabchick (Little Grebe), which struck the lantern of the Hasbro' lighthouse at 11 p.m. on the night of March 30th. The force was so great that the bird was split from the neck along the entire length of body; and on April 8th a Hoopoe was killed against the North Hasbro' L.V., and the head, wings, and legs sent to Mr. Gurney by Mr. B. V. Darnell, mate of that vessel. A Hoopoe was also taken alive on April 10th, on board a Grimsby smack when one hundred miles E.N.E. of the Spurn, wind blowing strong from E., and had been for some days.

At Heligoland, on the night from Aug. 6th to 7th, S.E., a considerable flight of the Silver Gamma Moth, Plusia gamma, but nothing to be compared with the perfect snow-storms of this moth which passed in the autumn of 1882, all going west. On Oct. 11th, S.S.W., there was a considerable flight of Hybernia defoliaria, the Mottled Umber Moth, mixed with Hybernia aurantiaria, the scarce Umber; and also during the nights of the last week in October repeated flights of these moths. With reference to the great flight of Plusia gamma in 1882, a notice of which appeared in our last Report, 1882, p. 47, Mr. Charles Williams, of the Hanois L.H., Guernsey, sends this note:—"Seeing Mr. Gätke's remarks in your Report about the Gamma Moth, I beg to say that they were here in June or July."

At the Tees L.V., Nov. 18th, "a large Seal came quite close to vessel, largest I've ever seen." As the Common Seal is well known at the mouth of the Tees, this probably may have been the Grey Seal, Halichœrus gryphus.

From Flamborough comes the announcement that, on Feb. 18th, that rare fish, the Ribbon or Oar-fish, Regalecus banksii, was found alive amongst the rocks on the south side near the Head; it measured thirteen feet three inches in length, sixteen inches in depth, and five and a half inches in thickness; it was supposed to have been brought in by the tremendous easterly swell of the last few days. It was purchased by Mr. Whittaker, of Scarborough, for thirty pounds.

General Remarks.

The observations taken on the East Coast of England in 1883 have been such as to generally confirm the conclusions arrived at in previous Report, having special reference to directions of flight and lines of migration.

The winter of 1883-84 has been exceptionally mild, and there has been an almost entire absence of severe frosts and lasting snow-storms; the prevailing winds in the autumn W. and S.W.—such as we know are specially favourable for the passage of the North Sea by great flights of birds, and their direct movement inland without alighting to rest or recruit themselves in the east coast districts. Our land stations report a great scarcity both of land and sea-birds; this has not, however, been the case at sea stations—that is, light-vessels situated off the coast at distances varying from five to fifty miles; here the stream of migration, so far from showing any abatement, has flown steadily on in a full tide, and, judging from the well-filled schedules that have been returned, there appears to have been a decided increase in the migrants passing these distant stations—due, perhaps, in some measure to increased interest and improved observations. Mr. Wm. Stock, of the Outer Dowsing L.V., remarks that he had never before seen so many birds past that station. The rush also over Heligoland during the autumn was enormous. Migration is more marked there than on the English coast; there was a great movement of various species passing forward on the 6th and 7th of August, and again on the 14th, and more pronounced still on the 21st and 22nd.

The first great rush of birds on the English coast was on Sept. 21st, and two following days; and a similar great movement or rush is indicated in Mr. Gätke's notes from his island outpost, as well as on our more distant light-ships. The prevailing winds on the North Sea on Sept. 21st were moderate north-easterly and easterly off the coasts of Denmark and Holland, blowing strong easterly on to our northern coasts north of the Humber, with southerly and south-westerly off the southeast coasts, causing cross-currents over the North sea. Whatever then was the impulse, atmospheric or otherwise, which induced such an immense rush of various birds at this time, it was one which acted alike, and with precisely the same impulse, on the Sea Eagle and tiny Goldcrest.

The second great rush was on the 12th and 13th of October, a similar movement being recorded at Heligoland. Then again from the 27th to the 31st, and somewhat less through the first week in November, the passage across Heligoland, as well as the rush on our east coast, was enormous. Speaking of the nights from the 27th to 31st inclusive, Mr. Gätke says, "This was the first move by the million; for four nights there has been a gigantic feathery tide running." During this time there were variable winds over the North Sea, but generally easterly and south-easterly on the Continent; but strong west winds and squalls prevailing generally on the 5th and 6th of November. With the outburst of some severe weather during the first week in December a considerable local movement is indicated along our coast from north to south, culminating in the enormous rush of Snow Buntings into Lincolnshire about the end of the first week in that month. A careful perusal of the Report will show how generally the rushes across Heligoland correlate with those observed on our east coast, although not always confined to the same species in both localities.

A somewhat remarkable and very anomalous movement of migrants is recorded in the schedules from some of the light-vessels off the Lincolnshire and Norfolk coasts in the spring of 1883. In February, March, April, and May, birds passing the Leman and Ower, Llyn Wells, Outer Dowsing, Newarp, and Cockle light-vessels were as a rule coming from easterly and passing in westerly directions. Had this movement been noticed at one station only we might perhaps have been inclined to doubt the accuracy of the return, but the fact of five light-vessels having no communication with each other reporting the same circumstance proves the correctness of the observations. A summary of the spring quarter at these stations shows:—

Outer Dowsing L.V., March 31st to May 18th, Sparrows, Chaffinches, Wrens, Rooks, Larks, Tree Sparrows, Linnets, Titlarks, Bullfinches, from E., S.E., E. by S., and N.E. to W, N.W., W.N.W., and W.S.W.

Llyn Wells L.V., April 30th, various flocks of Crows to S.W.

Newarp L.V., March 17th to April 15th, Crows on six days to W.

Leman and Ower L.V., Feb. 18th to May 8th, Skylarks, Starlings, Titlarks, Goldcrests, E. and E.S.E. to N.W.

Cockle L.V., Feb. 22nd to March 31st, Black Crows, Ducks, Jackdaws, Starlings, Larks, Lapwings, "Snow-birds" to W. On March 20th, 24th, and 26th, Black Crows or Rooks continuous from 5.50 a.m. to 11 a.m., E. to W.; and on 31st also continuous from morning to night in the same direction.

All these entries show a great immigration to our coast from the east in the spring months, and on precisely the same lines and directions as are travelled by these birds in the autumn.

An interesting feature of the autumn migration is the occurrence of a flight of the Blue-throated Warbler, Cyanecula suecica; twelve altogether were obtained, all being birds of the year, and nine of these on the coast of Norfolk, besides about twenty others seen by competent observers.

Very few Goldcrests, compared with the enormous flights of the previous autumn, have crossed, and the same scarcity is observable in the Heligoland return. Curiously enough, the Hedgesparrow, Accentor modularis, which migrated in such immense numbers in the same autumn, has been almost entirely absent. About half a dozen are recorded at Heligoland, none on the East Coast of England.

The intermittent migration of some birds, as the Jay, Shore Lark, Goldcrest, Hedgesparrow, Siskin, and Mealy Redpole, indicated by their extraordinary abundance in some years, and partial or entire absence in others, is perhaps suggestive of local causes influencing and regulating their movements, such as a succession of favourable breeding seasons, scarcity or failure of food, sudden meteorological changes; these acting separately or in combination, would be sufficient to compel the migration of large bodies of birds from centres or localities, where, under normal conditions, they would either have remained or some part only migrated. In this manner whole districts may become denuded for a time of their feathered inhabitants, and the balance become again rectified by a return movement in the spring, or from the surplus supply bred in other districts.

Of the enormous immigration which crosses our east coast in the autumn, either to winter in these islands or passing across them, a small proportion only appear to return by the same route. Spring returns from lighthouses and light-vessels show birds then move on the same lines as were followed in the autumn, but in the reverse direction. Yet these return travellers do not represent anything like a tithe of the immigrants which, week by week and month after month in the autumn, pour in one great tide on to the coast.

What is called the "first flight" of the Woodcock arrived on the Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and Norfolk coasts on the night of Oct. 21st. The "great flight" or rush, which covered the whole of the east coast from the Farn Islands to Yarmouth, was on the nights of the 28th and 29th. These two periods correlate with the great flights of Woodcocks over Heligoland.

We are again indebted to Professor Ch. F. Lütken, of Copenhagen, for a list of the birds killed or taken alive against the lantern of the Stevns lighthouse, at the entrance of the Oresund, in Zealand. The list is specially interesting, as it names so many of the Heligoland birds. The occurrence of Locustella fluviatilis on Sept. 5th is the first recorded example for Denmark.

The Roller, Coracias garrula, occurred in October in two localities, one in Lincolnshire, the other in Suffolk. Two examples of the Sooty Shearwater, Puffinus griseus, were obtained in Bridlington Bay in the end of September. Altogether there has been a very marked absence along our east coast of rare and casual visitants; Heligoland, however, retains its pre-eminence for rare wanderers, and Mr. Gätke's list for 1883 includes Turdus varius, Pratincola rubicola var. indicus, Phylloscopus superciliosus, Hypolais pallida, Motacilla citriola, Anthus cervinus, A. richardi, Oriolus galbula, Lanius major, Muscicapa parva, Linota exilipes, Emberiza melanocephala, E. cirlus, E. rustica, E. pusilla, Pastor roseus, and Xema Sabinii.

Note.—At page 47, under the head "Coracias garrula, Roller," the locality of Bradwell is erroneously given in Norfolk, instead of Suffolk (2½ miles S.W. of Great Yarmouth). Mr. Gurney writes that, on June 6th, 1884, a Roller was shot at Gresham, near Cromer, and that before this Norfolk has not produced one for about thirty years.