WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND.

Schedules, &c., were sent to thirty-eight stations, the same number as in 1880. We have received filled-in schedules from twenty-six stations, being same as last year.

Generally the returns are light, and the scarcity of birds is accounted for by the reporters, and borne out by comparison of statistics, by the prevalence of westerly gales and winds (see General Remarks). The schedules show the same careful work as in former years.

The dates upon which the various stations have sent us returns are shown in the following list of the stations by the positions of the asterisks preceding the consecutive numbers. Stations added have the dates preceding the names. As will be seen, the work done will compare favourably with the East Coast returns, and also with that of previous seasons.

West Coast of Scotland.

Mainland.

1879,

'80,

'81.

81.

Cape Wrath, Sutherland

400

ft.

D. Sinclair.

82.

Rhu Stoir, W. Cromarty

195

W. Wither.

Outer Hebrides.

83.

Butt of Lewis

170

{ G. Edgar and Alex Thompson.

84.

Stornoway

John Grierson.

85.

Island Glass

130

W. Innes.

86.

Monach Island

{	150	}
	62

J. Youngclause.

87.

Ushenish

176

Peter Carrie.

88.

Barra Head

683

Mainland, Skye, and Inner Hebrides.

89.

Bona, Skye

222

90.

Kyleakin, Rosshire

D. MacCulloch.

91.

Isle Ornsay, Skye

J. Loughton.

92.

Ardnamurchan, Pt. Argyle

180

{93.
{94.

Hynish Signal Tower, Tiree}
Skerryvore, off Tiree }

150

W. Crow.

95.

Dhuheartach, S.W. of Ross of Mull

145

J. Ewing.

96.

Sound of Mull

W. Maclellan.

97.

Conan Ferry, Loch Eil

98.

Lismore Island, Oban

103

Alex. Murray.

99.

Fladda, Easdale

100.

Rhuvaal, Islay

147

David Spink.

101.

Mac Arthur's Head, Islay

128

W. Maill.

102.

Skervuile, Jura

John Ewing.

103.

Rhinns of Islay

159

Andrew Lyall.

104.

Lochindaul, Islay

105.

Mull of Kintyre

297

106.

Sanda, Kintyre Sound

165

107.

Devaar, Kintyre

120

108.

Pladda, Arran

130

109.

Lamlash, Arran

David Waters.

110.

Turnberry, Ayrshire

Andrew Nisbet.

111.

Corsewall, Wigtown

112

Robert Laidlaw.

112.

Loch Ryan, Wigtown

Ralph Ewing.

113.

Portpatrick, Wigtown

James Beggs.

114.

Mull of Galloway, Wigtown

325

N. Morrison.

115.

Little Ross, Kirkcudbright

175

W. A. Mackay.

116.

Point of Ayr, I. of Man

106

James Blythe.

117.

Douglas Head, I. of Man

104

A. Irvine Grant.

118.

Chickens Rock, I. of Man

122

119.

1880, Bahama Bank, Isle of Man (L.V.)

Charles Johns.

120.

1880, Langness do.

It will be seen upon comparing this last with the previous years of 1879 and 1880 that steady interest in the work is being kept up by our West Coast reporters.

Turdidæ.—Song Thrush. Spring: Only one record at Stornoway, where a pair arrived on March 3rd and stayed till 18th.—Autumn: Records at Kyleakin, Dhuheartach, Lismore, and Bahama L.V. Earliest Oct. 5th, at Lismore (a flock all night); latest on Dec. 13th, at Lismore also (mixed with Blackbirds), and a single bird on Jan. 16th at Bahama L.V. Participated to a small extent in a rush of migrants generally Sept. 21st to 23rd, which appeared on both coasts of Scotland. Indications of a small rush Oct. 25th to 27th also. Other records scattered through September, October, November, and December. Blackbird. No spring records. Autumn: At Monach, Sound of Mull, Lismore, Skervuile, Turnberry, Mull of Galloway, Little Ross, Douglas Head. Earliest Sept. 21st, at Mull of Galloway (date of rush also on East Coast q.v.); latest Dec. 20th, at Turnberry (one struck). Rushes: None very apparent, but, taking dates of other species, appear to have mingled with them on September 21st to 23rd at Sound of Mull and Mull of Galloway (which is also date of general rush on the east coast). Also faint indications of rushes at Lismore on Oct. 5th, mingled with Thrushes; and on Dec. 13th to 19th at several stations, as Lismore, Skervuile, and Turnberry. A good many scattered records also at other dates and several stations. Exceptionally numerous were Song Thrushes and Missel Thrushes near Dumfries in October and November, whilst Redwings and Fieldfares were very seldom seen.

Saxicolinæ.—Wheatear. Spring records only from Butt of Lewis, Rhuvaal, and Skerryvore; March 9th (a flock), April 1st (at Rhuvaal), and May 6th (at Skerryvore). Autumn: At Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Lamlash, Turnberry, Corsewall. Earliest Aug. 14th at Skerryvore (two seen); latest Oct. 27th, when one seen along with Sparrows and Wrens in garden. Rushes on Aug. 7th at Skerryvore and Dhuheartach (150 at former and numbers at latter). Another appears also at Skerryvore on Sept. 7th during the night. Desultory migration going on between these dates and till Oct. 27th.

Sylviinæ.—Robin. Only one spring record, April 9th, at Skerryvore. Autumn: At Rhu Stoir,[1] Kyleakin, Isle Ornsay, Lismore, Skervuile, Lamlash, Corsewall, Portpatrick, Little Ross. Earliest Aug. 17th, at Skervuile; next earliest Aug. 21st, when a pair, male and female, arrived at Little Ross; latest on Dec. 18th, at Kyleakin. Participated slightly in rush of migrants on Sept. 22nd. No other distinctly perceptible, but scattered occurrences only recorded. One accompanied Hedgesparrows and Wrens. One Chat and one Wagtail in Garden of Lamlash on Oct. 27th. Mr. Service notes the "quick and simultaneous departure of the Silviidæ" towards the end of September in the S.W. of Scotland. It is curious to find that about the same time that birds were pouring into Scotland and England others were starting on their departure. In ordinary seasons the departure of the Sylviinæ is gradual all through September.

[1] Where one bird comes every winter and becomes so tame as to eat out of the hand. It arrived this year on Nov. 30th.

Phylloscopinæ.—Gold Crest. No Spring records. Autumn: At Skervuile, Lamlash. Turnberry, Corsewall, Mull of Galloway, Little Ross, and Douglas Head; in other words, mostly in southwest of Scotland. Earliest on Aug. 21st, at Douglas Head, the southernmost on this list (see W.C. of England stations); latest Oct. 27th, at Corsewall. No great rush, unless at Mull of Galloway on Oct. 24th, when "numbers flew about lantern all night," and at Little Ross "for a few nights" between Sept. 12th and 14th or 15th. Desultory at other dates between times. Mostly observed at lanterns in easterly breezes. Exception at Mull of Galloway on September 21st in S.W. wind, but after twenty-four hours E.S.E. (see Isle of May, East Coast of Scotland).

Accentoridæ.—Hedgesparrow. In spring none, but in autumn, at Rhuvaal, Lamlash, and Point of Ayre, numbers are reported as seen on migration. Earliest Sept. 5th, when a hundred were seen at Point of Ayre; latest Oct. 27th, when a number were seen at Lamlash. A still later date is Jan. 1st, 1882, when one was seen at Rhuvaal. Rushes appear to have occurred at Point of Ayre on Sept. 5th and 22nd, and a few on Oct. 7th mingled with Linnets, and at Lamlash on Oct. 27th.

Paridæ.—"Titmice." One record in spring at Mull of Galloway on April 14th in E.S.E. wind. Autumn: Twice recorded only at Corsewall, and at Little Ross. Earliest July 29th (three), and latest Aug. 2nd, at Little Ross and Corsewall respectively, being slight indication perhaps of a rush on these dates.

Troglodytidæ.—Common Wren. No spring records. Autumn: Pretty general at Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Lismore, Lamlash, Turnberry, and Little Ross. Earliest Sept. 16th (one, resting); latest Oct. 27th, at Lamlash. Rushes on Oct. 5th; a large flock "seen along with Blackbirds and Thrushes all night," and on Oct. 27th a number at Lamlash along with Hedgesparrows, a Robin, a Wagtail, and a Wheatear.

Motacillidæ.—Wagtail. In spring, several in March, and two on April 20th at Butt of Lewis. Autumn: At Butt of Lewis, Monach, Kyleakin, Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Lamlash, Portpatrick, and Point of Ayre. Earliest Aug. 16th, at Skerryvore (one seen); latest Oct. 27th, at Lamlash (see Wren under date and station). Rushes beginning of September, at Lamlash, and other isolated records; same date at Monach, &c. Also "a number" on Oct. 7th at Portpatrick.

Anthidæ.—Pipits. At Dhuheartach and Little Ross in autumn. Single record on Oct. 28th, at Dhuheartach. A rush of "hundreds" at Little Ross on Sept. 6th. Remained about two hours.

Hirundinidæ.—Swallow. Spring: At Butt of Lewis, Monach, Ushenish, Kyleakin, Skerryvore, Lismore, Rhuvaal, Skervuile, McArthur's Head, Rhinns of Islay, Loch Ryan, Little Ross, Point of Ayr, Douglas Head. Earliest April 24th, at Douglas Head (southernmost station in this list); latest June 15th, at Skerryvore. Bushes May 5th, at McArthur's Head (great numbers), and on May 2nd fifty seen at Loch Ryan (possibly the same birds?—J. A. H. B.) A number seen also at Little Ross on May 2nd. At other dates and stations small parties reported, all during May, and to June 15th often mixed with Martins. Autumn: At Skervuile, Lamlash, Turnberry, Loch Ryan, Mull of Galloway, Little Ross, Point of Ayr, Douglas Head, and Bahama Bank. Earliest at Bahama Bank (L.V.) July 5th; and next at Loch Ryan Aug. 5th and 6th; latest Oct. 6th, at Little Ross. An almost continuous rush going on from Aug. 15th at several stations in S.W. of Scotland, and culminating on Sept. 8th in great rush at Little Ross, and less so at Loch Ryan and Point of Ayr. No more records after Oct. 6th. Martin. Generally mixed with the last on migration both in spring and autumn. Stations at Ushenish and Loch Ryan in spring, on May 8th and 2nd respectively, and in autumn at Mull of Galloway on Sept. 28th.

Fringillidæ.—"Linnets," One on May 2nd at Skerryvore. Autumn: At Rhu Stoir, Monach, Skerryvore, Sound of Mull, Lismore, Point of Ayr. Earliest Aug. 23rd (a flock) at Lismore; latest Dec. 22nd. Other dates, Oct. 26th (a flock), at" Lismore. Bushes on Sept. 14th at Little Ross, and a smaller number on 19th at Sound of Mull. It is difficult to say if "Linnets" are always real Grey Linnets, or Twites, or Mountain Linnets, our reporters not distinguishing them. House Sparrows. About two hundred, "supposed to be of this species," rested all night at Point of Ayr on Sept. 16th. Bramblings are reported in considerable numbers from land stations in S.W. of Scotland in beginning of November.

Emberizidæ.—Snow Bunting. Autumn: At Rhu Stoir, Monach; also Kyleakin, Dhuheartach, and Point of Ayr. Earliest at Rhu Stoir, on Oct. 1st, "arrive and stay all winter"; latest on Nov. 15th, at Monach (a few). No rush perceptible. Yellow Bunting. Autumn: One record at Rhu Stoir on Nov. 30th. Snow Buntings reported abundant by middle of October in S.W. of Scotland.

Alaudidæ.—Lark. Autumn at Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Lismore, Rhuvaal, Skervuile, Turnberry, Little Ross. Earliest on Aug. 23rd (a few with Linnets) on Lismore; latest on Feb. 16th, 1882, on Skervuile. Rushes: Sept. 6th, five hundred at Dhuheartach.[2] A straggling migration during October, sometimes with Thrushes, Blackbirds, as on 26th at Skervuile, or Starlings, as at same place and at Lismore. Few in December, January, and February, except "a large flock" on Jan. 16th at Lismore.

[2] Called in schedules "Shore Larks"? In what respect do "Shore Larks" differ from common Larks? (Query to Mr. James Ewing at Dhuheartach).

Sturninæ.—Starling. Two records in spring at Rhu Stoir and Stornoway, one March 3rd, and the other May 10th. Autumn: At Rhu Stoir, Stornoway, Ushenish, Kyleakin, Dhuheartach, Lismore, Rhuvaal, Skervuile, Lamlash, Corsewall, Portpatrick. Earliest Aug. 23rd, at Corsewall; latest on Jan. 6th, 1882. Rushes inappreciable, but records numerous; if any, perhaps one on Nov. 10th at Mull of Galloway. Occasionally mixing with Blackbirds and Larks (as on Oct. 2nd at Lismore); also with Thrushes.

Corvidæ.—Rook. Spring migration: Uncertain records applied to "Crows," "All kinds," &c., which notes are not exact enough. Autumn: At Rhu Stoir, Dhuheartach, Skervuile, and Portpatrick. Earliest Sept. 9th; latest Nov. 25th, at Skervuile. Flocks seen, but no perceptible rush.

Hooded Crow. Spring: March 4th, at Rhuvaal; Dhuheartach, June 7th. Autumn: Sept. 12th, at Rhu Stoir (two males and two females). Latest Dec. 22nd, at Monach. A rush of "Black Crows" (which may be Carrion or only Rooks) at Lamlash on Oct. 26th and 27th. Raven. One record at Monach, flying N.W. on Sept. 13th.

Cuculidæ.—Cuckoo. Spring: General at stations. At Loch Ryan, May 3rd (two heard); Rhinns of Islay, 15th; Skervuile, 4th; McArthur's Head, 23rd; Lismore, 10th; Isle Ornsay, Skye, 8th: Kyleakin, 3rd; Island Glass, 24th (seen); Stornoway, 9th. In autumn, heard in July often at Stornoway; left about Aug. 1st at Isle Ornsay.

Strigidæ.—"Owl." Only one autumn record at Kyleakin, when one was seen flying south on Nov. 4th, wind S.E. clear.

Falconidæ.—"Hawks." At Skerryvore, and Rhuvaal two "large Hawks" on Feb. 8th (this may belong to latest autumn record). One at Skerryvore on May 15th. Autumn: At Monach, Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, and Little Ross.[3] Earliest Sept. 17th ("Hawk"), at Dhuheartach; latest Oct. 29th, at Skerryvore ("Small Brown Hawk"). Rush daily about Sept. 17th at Dhuheartach, but likely the same birds. "Daily call" at Dhuheartach about Oct. 5th. No really appreciable rush as on the east coast.

[3] The names given are "Hawk," "Game Hawk" at Little Ross, Aug. 21st; "Merlin" at Monach, Oct. 3rd; "Small Hawk" at Skerryvore, Aug. 5th; "Small Brown Hawk" at Skerryvore on Oct. 29th. I include them all here.

Pelicanidæ.—Gannet. N.B. As we have indications of directions of flight in most cases, and as records occur in every month, except October, November, and December, I take spring and autumn together, and trace out the movements of Gannets with extra care. Stations reported from: Cape Wrath, Rhu Stoir, Butt of Lewis, Island Glass, Monach, Skerryvore, Lismore, Rhuvaal, Skervuile, Portpatrick, Mull of Galloway, Little Ross, Douglas Head. Earliest, Jan. 2nd; flying south (autumn ?), at Skervuile; one same day, flying north (?); latest, October; leave Cape Wrath in first week. Last minute record, Sept. 30th, at Lismore, flying south. The greatest movements or rushes as follows:—The first week in March they arrive in all weathers, all day, flying west till midday at Cape Wrath, and return after that till dusk. They are not seen after first week in October. "Great numbers" on April 12th at Mull of Galloway. Intermittent in May, except 5th, at Island Glass, when they were seen all day—about thirty-five in all—wind S.S.E. Between 20th and 30th, at Skervuile, flying in all directions, along with Gulls and sea-birds. In July flocks flying north, on 26th, at Cape Wrath, and continued to do so till end of August. Daily average about forty. Flying past all August; flying north on 13th at Portpatrick all day. Great rush flying north in thousands on 3rd, 4th, and 5th at Rhu Stoir. Small parties or flocks flying south on 5th at Skerryvore, and S.W. at Douglas on Aug. 26th. "Numbers" and "flocks" in September, flying south at Lismore, Skervuile, and Douglas. N.B.—I have been particular here in noting records, as I believe interest attaches especially in the connection of the migration of birds with that of fish.—J. A. H. B.[4]

[4] For an essay on which subject I offered a prize at the late International Fisheries Exhibition in Edinburgh, which was not competed for.

Ardeidæ.—Heron. Note.—"Large Black Cranes" are recorded as passing Rhuvaal on Feb. 12th and 16th, wind N. to S. clear; and mod. S.E. clear. I cannot learn what these are.—Autumn: At Monach, Rhuvaal, Douglas. Earliest Aug. 24th, at Rhuvaal; latest Nov. 18th, at Monach, when eighteen were seen—a rush?

Anatidæ.—Bernicle Goose (sp. ?). Spring: Large flock at Monach April 28th, flying N.W. Ditto ? at Stornoway, Ushenish, Lismore (three struck at latter station, two killed, one wounded), flying south. Latest May 3rd, at Ushenish (ten flying north). Autumn: Bernicle Goose (only record here) at Monach, Oct. 20th. "Wild Geese" at Cape Wrath, Rhu Stoir, Butt of Lewis, Ushenish, Kyleakin, Lamlash, Corsewall. Earliest Oct. 6th, at Rhu Stoir (seven ad. and one juv.); latest Dec. 4th, at Kyleakin (four flying east). Rushes inappreciable, equally distributed in small flocks during October (especially latter half) and November. Eider Duck. Spring: Butt of Lewis and Rhu Stoir on April 28th and June 23rd respectively. Autumn: At Butt of Lewis, Skerryvore, Dhuheartach. Earliest Sept. 11th, at Skerryvore; latest Nov. 12th, at Dhuheartach. Others on Oct. 10th at Butt of Lewis, &c. No rush apparent. Wild Duck. Spring: Lismore (in pairs), May 20th. Autumn: "Ducks" Nov. 2nd, at Rhuvaal (three dozen), and at Rhuvaal Dec. 7th (probably the same lot as on Nov. 2nd, q.v.) Sheldrake. Autumn: Only records at Douglas Head in August, flying S. on 21st, and flying S. on 27th. Wigeon. Autumn: At Monach only on Oct. 30th; remained till Nov. 7th, during which time unusual numbers occurred. Date of Nov. 7th strong S.S.E. to W.S.W. winds, gales, and heavy rain. Wild Swans. At Skervuile one Swan remained three days, arriving Feb. 6th, 1881.

Columbidæ.—Rock Dove. Only record: One sighted at Monach, and flew away again about midnight. Fresh east breeze and rain.

Rallidæ.—Corn Crake. Occurred first as follows:—Mull of Galloway, May 5th; Loch Ryan, 4th; Skervuile, 22nd; Kyleakin, 24th; Butt of Lewis, 28th; Rhu Stoir, June 20th.

Charadriadæ.—Golden Plover. Spring (or autumn ?), June 20th, at Rhu Stoir. Autumn: At Butt of Lewis, Rhuvaal, Rhinns of Islay, Turnberry, Corsewall. Earliest Aug. 16th; latest Dec. 30th, at Rhinns of Islay. Rush: Generally large migration at Corsewall on Sept. 17th. Green Plover. Spring: Only record May 10th (two seen) at Rhu Stoir. Autumn: At Butt of Lewis, Dhuheartach, Rhinns of Islay, Corsewall, and Portpatrick. Earliest Aug. 24th, at Dhuheartach; latest at Portpatrick on Dec. 4th (a flock flying N.W.). No appreciable rush.

Scolopacidæ.—Curlew. Spring: At Rhu Stoir, Stornoway, Island Glass, Rhuvaal, Little Ross. Earliest Feb. 5th, at Rhuvaal; latest June 19th, at Rhu Stoir and Little Ross (widely separated). No rush appreciable. Autumn: At Monach, Ushenish. Isle Ornsay, Sound of Mull, Lismore, McArthur's Head, Turnberry, Portpatrick, and Point of Ayr. Earliest at Portpatrick, Aug. 2nd: latest on Dec. 16th, at Point of Ayr. Pushes inappreciable, unless at Sound of Mull, sixteen flying S.E. (but hardly a rush). Snipe. Spring: May 18th, three seen at Island Glass. Autumn: At Island Glass and Loch Ryan. Earliest at Loch Ryan, Aug. 3rd; latest at Island Glass on Oct. 10th. Woodcock. Autumn: (Scarce); at Butt of Lewis, Skerryvore, Lismore. Earliest Oct. 28th, at Butt of Lewis. Whimbrel? At Skerryvore six "small Curlew" resting on rock. Note.—Whimbrels unusually scarce this year at Monach. Redshank. Spring: At Butt of Lewis, Skerryvore, and Rhuvaal. Earliest Feb. 5th (in a flock, so perhaps belong to autumn); March 6th, at Butt of Lewis. Autumn: At Rhuvaal, Sept. 12th and 17th. Sandpiper. Spring: June 27th, at Skerryvore. Autumn: At Skerryvore, Lismore, and Little Ross. Earliest Sept. 10th, at Skerryvore; latest Dec. 26th, at Little Ross. (This can hardly be Common Sandpiper so late.—J. A. H. B.).

Sterninæ.—Common and Arctic Terns. Spring: At Rhu Stoir, Stornoway, Monach, McArthur's Head, Skervuile, Rhinns of Islay, Little Ross. Earliest May 10th, at Rhinns of Islay; latest at Stornoway, June 8th (hereafter breeds). Autumn: At Monach (unusual numbers this year), Skervuile, Little Ross, and Douglas Head. Earliest July 8th, at Skervuile; latest at Little Ross on Sept. 2nd.

Larinæ.—Gulls: Black-backed, Herring, and Kittiwake. Spring: At numerous stations, Stornoway, Island Glass, Skervuile. Earliest May 24th, at Skervuile; latest at Stornoway, June 8th. N.B.—The movements of Gulls are most erratic and difficult to tabulate, and I prefer to hold them over at present. Skua. Occurred all summer on west coast of Lewis, as seen by reporter himself in June, frequented harbour of Carloway[5] in Lewis, and was seen inside of Rum. Uncommonly abundant at Island Glass, eight being seen in sight one day. Autumn: August, October; at Skervuile, Aug. 12th, 13th, and 14th; and at Sound of Mull on Oct. 12th and 13th, when some forty were seen; N.W. gale. Iceland Gull. Autumn: At Kyleakin on Nov. 29th and Dec. 20th, both flying S.W.

[5] (i.e., Cairlobhaidh.)

Procellariidæ.—Petrel. Autumn: Only at Lismore, Sept. 17th, S.S.E., haze and rain. Noted as rare at Lismore by Mr. Murray; indeed the first he has seen here in several years.

Pelecanidæ.—Scarts; Cormorants. Spring: Arrived at Cape Wrath to breed in March. Autumn: Flying N.W. on Oct. 18th past Stornoway; at Dhuheartach Nov. 10th; and Skervuile on Nov. 14th.

Alcidæ.—Records in every month, except February and December. Spring: Great numbers. Razorbills flying north on Jan. 7th, at Skervuile. Puffins seen at Butt of Lewis March 3rd. "Rock Birds" in April, all day, flying south at Ushenish, and arrive last week in April; breed first week in May. Hundreds of Puffins flying south on May 10th and 11th at Ushenish. "Auks" flying south at Skervuile. "Puffins" at Dhuheartach on 2nd and on 20th. Auks, Puffins, &c., at Ushenish, Skervuile. Earliest July 31st; latest Oct. 18th, 19th, and 20th, at Ushenish. Rush: Thousands at Ushenish, along with Gannets and Kittiwakes, feeding and flying south all day.

Great Northern Divers.—Spring: At Skerryvore, two seen in June. Autumn: At Sound of Mull two seen feeding, male and feeding; at same place, two on 10th.

General Remarks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[8] Besides several more relating to 1882.

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

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

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