EAST COAST OF ENGLAND.
Schedules were sent to thirty-eight stations, lighthouses and light-vessels, on the East Coast of England, and returns have been received from twenty-six.
Independent reports have been received from Malmo, Sweden; Stevns Fyr (lighthouse of Stevns), Zealand; and from Heligoland. Also from several land stations on the East Coast, namely Northumberland coast, Seaton-Carew, Redcar, Flamborough, Spurn, Great Cotes (Lincolnshire), Blakeney and Cley, Wells and Cromer (Norfolk), Yarmouth and the Isle of Thanet; altogether thirty-seven reporting stations against thirty-five in 1883. The total number of schedules sent in is seventy, a considerable increase on previous years, and the labour of arranging, tabulating and reporting thereon has been considerably increased.
The schedules received from the light-keepers are very satisfactory; they register an immense amount of special information relating to the passage of migrants in the spring and autumn of 1884; the entries are so numerous, and the mass of materials so large, that it is impossible to give more than the general results of the collected observations.
The notes from land stations, courteously placed at our disposal by independent observers, many of whom are practical ornithologists of long standing and repute, add greatly to the value of the report, and go far to establish the approximate correctness of the details as given in the separate remarks on each species.
Our thanks are due to Frank K. Newton, Professor H. Lütken, H. Gätke, T. H. Nelson, C. Donald Thompson, Matthew Bailey, W. Eagle Clarke, the Rev. H. H. Slater, Philip Lawton, J. H. Gurney, J. F. D. Power, M. Vaughan, and Lord Clifton, for kind co-operation and assistance, either in direct communication or by access to their unpublished field notes, some of which will probably subsequently appear in the Journals and Proceedings of various Natural History Societies.
The greatest number of schedules received from any one station are nine from Mr. Thomas H. Cutting of the Inner Farn Lighthouse, and four from Mr. Owen Boyle of the Languard Lighthouse.
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. | William Evans. |
| * | Whitby High L.H. | John Odgers. |
| * | Flamborough Head L.H. | Charles Hood. |
| * | Spurn L.H. | James B. Smith. |
| Spurn L.V. | ||
| * | Outer Dowsing L.V. | J. N. Utting & W. Stock. |
| * | Inner Dowsing L.V. | William King. |
| * | Dudgeon L.V. | John F. Warder. |
| Llyn Wells L.V. | ||
| * | Hunstanton L.H. | William Westmoreland. |
| * | Cromer L.H. | C. H. Overton. |
| * | Leman & Ower L.V. | John Artis & John Bowen. |
| Hasbro' L.H. | ||
| * | Hasbro' L.V. | J. Nicholas & B. V. Darnell. |
| * | Newarp L.V. | C. Campbell & W. Rees. |
| * | Winterton L.H. | John Watson. |
| * | Cockle L.V. | Charles Perfrement & E. Cole. |
| * | Orfordness L.H. | W. Willey Woodruffe. |
| * | Corton L.V. | Isaac H. Johnson. |
| * | Shipwash L.V. | Thos. Rundell Martin. |
| * | Languard Point L.H. | Owen Boyle. |
| Galloper L.V. | ||
| * | Kentish Knock L.V. | Samuel Pender & W. Elsdon. |
| Swin Middle L.V. | ||
| Tongue L.V. | ||
| Nore L.V. | ||
| North Foreland L.H. | ||
| * | Goodwin L.V. | J. Rees. |
| * | Gull L.V. | Francis Harvey & J. Jenkins. |
| South Sand Head L.V. | ||
| * | East Side L.V. | Edward le Gallais & W. Nicholls. |
| * | Varne L.V. | J. Jacobs. |
| South Foreland L.H. | ||
| Casquets L.H. | ||
| * | Hanois L.H. (Guernsey) | Geo. Freeman, C. Williams, & F. G. Cutting. |
SEPARATE NOTES ON EACH SPECIES.
Turdus viscivorus, Mistletoe Thrush.—Great Cotes, Sept. 23rd, great many young on passage. Redcar, Oct. 4th, 8 a.m. [N.W. 5], flocks coming in. Longstone L.H., Nov. 12th, a few; Dec. 9th, a few; and Jan. 4th, 1855, some. Heligoland, Oct. 7th, one; Nov. 22nd, several along with Blackbirds, Fieldfares, and Ring Ouzels, wind W., strong, with snow squalls.
T. musicus, Song Thrush.—Spring, 1884: Farn, L.H., March 6th to May 1st, Thrushes at intervals. Coquet L.H., March 20th, all day. Autumn: Aug. 21st, Spurn, already on the move up the coast; sparingly at coast stations in September, but large numbers throughout October. A rush on to coast from the Farn Islands to Yarmouth between the 18th and 24th of Oct., and again from Nov. 4th to 12th. Great Cotes, Nov. 22nd, a rush. Many also came in at Whitby on Jan. 10th, 1885. Heligoland, Sept. 18th, first, and a few through the month; throughout October, but in less number from the 22nd to 30th, and on to Nov. 10th; great many 22nd and 28th, and a few at intervals to Dec. 24th.
T. iliacus, Redwing.—Spring, 1884: Longstone L.H., March 14th, S. misty, several round lantern. Autumn: Spurn, a few in the last fortnight in September. Isle of Thanet, Sept. 30th, first. Between the Farn Islands and Hasborough L.V. at various stations from Oct. 1st to Nov. 15th; rushes on Oct. 21st to 24th, wind S. and S.W., and Nov. 12th, 13th and 15th. Heligoland, Oct. 7th to 18th; 19th, early, flights of hundreds; 22nd and 23rd, great numbers; last on Nov. 16th.
T. pilaris, Fieldfare.—Spring, 1884: Last at the Spurn, twenty on May 9th. Autumn: The first at Farn L.H. Oct. 15th, and between this date to Jan. 10th, 1885, at intervals at stations covering the whole east coast. In fact, since the middle of October to the second week in the new year, Fieldfares, Red-wings, Thrushes and Blackbirds, have been coming in at intervals, young birds first, and the old later in the year. Unusually large flights of Fieldfares are recorded at inland stations in December and January. Heligoland, Oct. 14th, first; 19th, early, flights of hundreds; 29th, great many, also caught at night at lighthouse; Nov. 22nd and 28th, great many; also Dec. 1st, 24th, and 30th (S.W. still overcast), on the latter day very large numbers.
T. varius, White Thrush.—Heligoland, Oct. 3rd, one caught; 23rd, one seen (certain).
T. migratorius, Red-breasted Thrush.—Heligoland, Oct. 14th, N.W., windy and rain, one seen in cliff, quite close.
T. merula, Blackbird.—Spring, 1884: At the Northumberland stations from March 14th to 20th, many, wind W. and S.W. Orfordness L.H., May 18th, 6 p.m., three struck. Autumn: Great Cotes, Sept. 12th, some young cocks. At numerous stations between the Farn Islands and Hanois L.H., Guernsey, in October, and marvellous numbers in November with the like lateral range; Nov. 11th, 12th, and 13th, an almost continuous rush night and day, with S.E. winds and a low pressure area in Western Europe.[28] Great Cotes, Nov. 26th, first old cocks with yellow bills. Hasborough L.V., Jan. 19th and 20th, 1885, easterly winds, Blackbirds all night. Farn L.H., Jan. 6th to 19th, several on island. Longstone L.H., Jan. 4th, N., rain, passing to land. Migration much in excess of previous reports. Heligoland, first, Oct. 11th, and at intervals to Nov. 5th, up to which date no old cock had been seen; last on Nov. 10th and 12th. The migration of this species at Heligoland is very light compared with the English coast.
[28] This rush appears to have, in a greater or less degree, covered the whole of the east coast. At the Longstone L.H., Farn Islands, it is recorded by our observer, Mr. T. 0. Hall, as follows:—"Nov. 10th, all kinds of small birds coming all day, one Snipe seen, wind southerly, hazy weather; at 8 a.m., three grey crows to E. 11th, birds still coming, all kinds, or rather the small kind, two Snipe, and one Woodcock. 12th, great rush of Blackbirds, Ouzel, a few Mistletoe Thrushes., Redwings, Lapwings, Grey and Golden Plover, as well as Woodcock and Snipe. This is the greatest rush of the season, and lasted all day up to 10 p.m.; complete absence of Starlings; wind all day from S. to S. by W., after midnight changing to N.W." There was no corresponding rush across Heligoland during the same period.
T. torquatus, Ring Ouzel.—Spring, 1884: Farn Islands, March 23rd to 29th, a few. Autumn: first seen, Sept. 9th, Spurn, some. Redcar, Oct. 24th to 26th, a few. Longstone L.H., Nov. 12th, rush. Migration considerably under average. Heligoland, Sept. 16th, some; 17th, sprinkling; 19th, pretty numerous; Oct. 11th, first old birds; last observed, Nov. 22nd.
Saxicola œnanthe, Wheatear.—Spring, 1884: March 19th, Farn L.H., first. Hanois L.H., Guernsey, 28th and 30th, midnight, many round lantern; April 7th, many during morning in two's and three's, to W.; 18th and 21st, the same. Farn Islands and Teesmouth, May 3rd to 17th, many going S.E. to N.W. Autumn: Farn L.H., between August 6th first, to Redcar, Oct. 26th last, great migration along the coast between these dates, from north to south, both of home birds and others which had crossed the North Sea. Spurn, Sept. 13th, "rush," many all day; last Wheatear seen in Great Cotes marshes, near the Humber, on November 7th. Heligoland, August 1st and 3rd, a few; 5th, twenty or so, and then a considerable migration to the 22nd, when the movement for the time ceased, commencing again on the 27th, and was continued through September to the 19th; the first old birds on October 3rd, and again some young on the 12th, when the passage appears to have ceased. Immense numbers covered the island on the 12th of Sept. and three following days, wind E.S.E., clear and fine.
S. stapazina, Black-throated Wheatear.—Heligoland, Oct. 2nd, one, probable, not obtained.
Pratincola rubetra, Whinchat.—No English notes. Heligoland, August 15th, some on cliff; 17th, great numbers; 18th and 19th, the same, and on to the end of the month, through September to the 18th, when the migration ceased; astounding numbers with others on the 14th and 15th Sept.
P. rubicola, Stonechat.—Spurn, August 29th, considerable immigration of young birds; Sept. 26th, many old. In North-east Lincolnshire we have had a sprinkling of old birds about the sheep-folds in turnip fields all through the winter.
Ruticilla phœnicurus, Redstart.—Spring: Farn Islands, April 7th, one; 29th, S.E., many. Malmo, Sweden, May 5th, two or three in garden. Autumn: Spurn, Aug. 25th, first, to Thanet, Oct. 5th, last on passage up coast; rushes on Sept. 4th, 11th, 12th, and 17th. Heligoland, August 11th, first, young birds; enormous passage on 20th and 21st, easterly, hot and fine; through September, and an astounding rush from the 12th to the 15th; last, Oct. 1st and 2nd.
R. titys, Black Redstart.—One, as reported by Mr. Gurney, shot at Blakeney, about the middle of October, by Mr. Seebohm. Heligoland, Oct. 23rd, some; 25th, less. Three to four weeks later in migration than Common Redstart.
Cyanecula suecica, Arctic Bluethroat.—Cley and Blakeney (as observed by Mr. F. D. Power), September 8th, W.N.W., one; 11th, E. to N.N.E., one shot showing red spot fairly well; 12th, E. to N., eighty to one hundred, also many Redstarts,—examples obtained were immature, and in the proportion of six males to one female; 13th, E.N.E., about four dozen left on banks; 15th, E., eight or ten; 16th, S.E., and later N.E., four or five. Spurn, Sept. 15th, two seen, one shot; 18th, three shot and others seen. Isle of Thanet, Sept. 15th, two seen on some arable land by Lord Clifton. Heligoland, Aug. 31st, some young; Sept. 1st and 3rd, pretty numerous; 9th and 10th, very many; 11th and 12th, very great numbers, and less to 18th; 19th and 20th, many. It is interesting to compare these dates with the arrival on the English coast.
Erithacus rubecula, Redbreast.—Spring: Farn Islands, March 11th, several. Longstone L.H., April 28th, E.N.E., two. Autumn: At several stations between the Farns and mouth of Thames; first at Shipwash L.V. August 14th, large numbers at noon to W.; the last at Hasborough L.V., Nov. 12th, one at night on deck. Heligoland, Sept. 19th, a few; 21st, great many, and on to the end of month, and at intervals through October to November 12th, rush, if any, Oct. 12th. Migration appears to have ceased at the same date both on English coast and at Heligoland.
Sylvia cinerea, Whitethroat.—Heligoland, Aug. 19th, young, the first, very red; 21st and 23rd, a few; Sept. 11th, some.
S. atricapilla, Blackcap.—Spring: Farn L.H. April 29th, several. Autumn: Thanet, Sept. 3rd to 5th. Heligoland, Oct. 12th, a few.
S. hortensis, Garden Warbler.—Spring: Malmo, Sweden, May 14th. Autumn: Thanet, Sept, 3rd to 13th. Spurn L.H., 17th, S.E., one struck and killed, several seen on following day; many Redstarts, Pied Flycatchers, and Bluethroats, also arriving on night of 17th. Heligoland, Aug. 27th, a few (no curruca); Sept. 1st and 9th.
S. nisoria, Barred Warbler.—Spurn, Aug. 28th, one, a female of the year, obtained by Mr. Slater (See 'Zoologist, 1884, p. 489). Cley, Norfolk, Sept. 4th, N.E., one, which was also an immature female, shot by Mr. F. D. Power.[29]
[29] This makes the third occurrence of the Barred Warbler in the British Isles. The first is recorded near Cambridge by Professor Newton, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1879, p. 219.
Regulus cristatus, Goldcrest.—Spring: One recorded from Spurn, Coquet, and Farn Islands, last fortnight in March, and at the Longstone L.H., one on April 28th. Autumn: First at Redcar, August 28th, and last at Great Cotes, early morning of Nov. 22nd, N.E., blowing strong on previous night; the migration covering eighty-seven days, and extending over the whole coast between the Farn Islands and Hanois L.H., Guernsey. Bushes took place on August 14th, Sept. 27th to 30th, Oct. 21st to 22nd, and Nov. 16th. At Hanois L.H., Sept. 30th, from 2 a.m., the windows of the lantern were crowded with Goldcrests. On Oct. 21st and 22nd, great numbers each night round the lanterns of Dudgeon and Leman and Ower L.V.'s, wind S.S.E., and on Nov. 16th many during night round the lantern of Hanois L.H. Malmo, Sweden, Sept. 22nd, in flocks, but only remained one day. Heligoland, Oct. 3rd, great many; 8th, many during afternoon, and at intervals to 25th; greatest number on 12th and 25th Oct.; migration very small compared with the English coast. Great Cotes, March 8th, 1885, Goldcrests on return migration to coast.
R. ignicapillus, Firecrest.—Heligoland, Oct. 25th, some.
Phylloscopus rufus, Chiffchaff.—The earliest spring occurrence is Haileybury College, March 17th, four Chiffchaffs and two Willow Wrens. Autumn: Spurn, August 25th, two. Heligoland, Sept. 15th, commencing, and a few at intervals to Oct. 25th.
P. trochilus, Willow Wren.—Isle of Thanet, July 31st, on autumn passage. Spurn, August 20th to Sept. 10th, constantly in small numbers, working southward up the coast. Heligoland, Aug. 4th, young pretty numerous, and at intervals to Sept. 18th; rushes August 17th and 21st; Sept. 10th to 15th, very great numbers.
P. sibilatrix, Wood Wren.—Thanet, Aug. 5th to 30th, on passage.
Hypolais icterina, Icterine Warbler.—Cley, Norfolk, Sept. 11th, E. to N.N.E., one obtained by Mr. F. D. Power. Heligoland, Aug. 18th, S.E., with Pied Flycatchers and Whinchats, numbers.
Acrocephalus phragmitis, Sedge Warbler.—Spurn L.H., Aug. 21st, three struck and two killed at midnight; from Aug. 20th to Sept. 10th is noted, by Mr. Slater, as the commonest of the Warblers there, found amongst Scirpus maritimus and in every ditch. Heligoland, Aug. 11th, some.
Locustella nævia, Grasshopper Warbler.—Heligoland, Sept. 10th, S.E., slight, a few, with a crowd of Pied Flycatchers, Willow Wrens, Redstarts, Bluethroats, Ortolan Buntings, Blue-headed Yellow Wagtails, Tree and Meadow Pipits, Wheatears, and Whinchats.
Accentor modularis, Hedgesparrow.—Spurn, Aug. 20th, and through September abundant at intervals. Tees L.V., 21st, two, with a Linnet, Redbreast and Titlark on board, leaving to N.W. at 7 a.m. Spurn and Great Cotes, 23rd to 26th, swarming. Heligoland, Sept. 18th, some, the first; 21st and 30th, pretty numerous; at intervals in October to 24th.
Acredula rosea, British Long-tailed Titmouse.—Thanet, Oct. 15th, "one flock, the only one seen this autumn." Redcar, Oct. 22nd, 6.30 a.m., flock of twenty to S.W.
Parus major and cæruleus, Great Titmouse and Blue Titmouse.—Great Cotes, Sept. 15th and 18th, both very plentiful. Redcar, Nov. 15th, S.E., moderate, a few Blue Tits. None over Heligoland this autumn, which is somewhat remarkable; the same applies to Parus ater.
Troglodytes parvulus, Wren.—Spring: Farn Islands, through March to April 3rd, several. Spurn, 27th, 6 p.m., two. Outer Dowsing L.V., May 12th, four on board. Autumn: Shipwash L.V., Aug. 14th, large numbers, with Redstarts, at noon to W.N.W. Flamborough L.H., Aug. 19th, 11.30 p.m., Wrens and Wheatears, six or eight struck. Some observed at Spurn, Outer Dowsing, Hasbro', and Shipwash, L.VS., in September. Are last recorded at Hanois L.V., Oct. 24th, 1 a.m., S.S.E., Wrens round lantern; and a single bird on the 26th at the Cockle L.V. Heligoland, Oct. 2nd, pretty numerous; 3rd, great many; 7th, less; 8th, in afternoon, many; 21st, some; 25th, great many.
Motacilla alba, White Wagtail.—Heligoland, Aug. 23rd, pretty many young; Sept. 30th, some; Oct. 3rd, old birds.
M. lugubris, Pied Wagtail.—Spring: Farn L.H., March 8th, a pair. Whitby L.H., 16th, the first seen, at daylight. Tees L.V., 24th, four to N.W. Coquet L.H., April 6th, a pair. Autumn: Spurn, Sept. 1st, flock of about sixty. Heligoland, Oct. 16th, one.
M. melanope, Grey Wagtail.—Thanet, Aug. 29th, first seen. Spurn, a few during September. Great Cotes, Sept. 11th, young birds swarming in bean-fields;[30] 27th, some. October, old birds very plentiful.
[30] Bean-fields near the coast are always a very favourite haunt in the early autumn of the soft-billed insect-feeders. I have frequently at this season found such places swarming with various Warblers, Wagtails, and Pipits, the situation affording the very best cover as well as an abundance of food in the numerous insects and their larvæ which infest the bean plant in its latter growth.
M. flava, Blue-headed Yellow Wagtail.—Thanet, Aug. 16th, 5 p.m., one. Heligoland, Aug. 21st, a few for some days past, and at intervals to the end of the month; immense numbers between the 10th and 15th of September; 16th to 18th, less; and afterwards still less up to the 30th.
Anthus pratensis, Meadow Pipit.—Spring: Farn L.H., April 2nd, 10 a.m. to noon, S.S.E., flocks going west. Autumn: Cley, Norfolk, Sept. 17th, great arrival. Spurn and North-east Lincolnshire, 23rd to 26th, immense numbers, turnip and potato fields crowded. Farn L.H., Dec. 14th, large flock to S.W. Heligoland, Sept. 4th, hundreds of thousands, all in great haste, the rest of the month a great many each day; very large number in October, from the 1st to the 12th, and then less up to the 25th; the last on Nov. 16th.
A. cervinus, Red-throated Pipit.—Heligoland, Sept. 15th, two or three seen and heard by C. Aückens, the Heligoland birdstuffer; 16th, one shot; 18th, one shot, a young bird, another heard; 19th, two shot, more seen; 20th, three seen; Sept. 30th and Oct. 1st and 12th, one each day.
A. trivialis, Tree Pipit.—Spurn, Aug. 20th to Sept. 10th, common. Thanet, Sept. 3rd to 14th. Heligoland, Aug. 16th, a few, the first, and at intervals to end of month; from Sept. 4th to 14th, very great numbers; particularly on the 12th, 13th, and 14th, enormous numbers passing, then in less numbers to the end of the month; Oct. 1st and 2nd, still a few.
A. campestris, Tawny Pipit.—Heligoland, Sept. 4th, E.S.E., strong, one, came with the great rush of A. pratensis and trivialis.
A. richardi, Richard's Pipit.—Heligoland, Sept. 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 25th, Oct. 3rd and 6th, one each day; Oct. 12th, two.
A. obscurus, Rock Pipit.—Spurn, Sept. 27th, in pairs, passing southward. Cley, Norfolk, October, 3rd week, about 400 seen by Mr. Gurney. Yarmouth, November, last week, great many, eighteen caught alive in clap-nets. The main body pass south up the coast during the last fortnight in October. Heligoland, A. rupestris (Nilsson), Sept. 9th, a few; Oct. 9th to 14th, and last on 19th; greatest numbers on Oct. 11th, 12th, and 19th.
Lanius excubitor, Great Grey Shrike.—Spurn, Oct. 8th and Nov. 30th, one each day. Near Brigg, Lincolnshire, Oct. 18th, one. Thanet, Nov. 20th, 3.30 p.m., N.W., wet and windy, one. Heligoland, Oct. 6th, one; 15th, three; 22nd, one. Cromer, March 23rd, 1885, one shot, close by was a Hedgesparrow it had suspended (J. H. G.).
L. major, Pallas's Great Grey Shrike.—Heligoland, Sept. 17th, one; 30th, two; Oct. 11th, one; 12th, one; 16th, one, very fine example; 22nd, ten or twelve, six caught; Nov. 4th, one.
L. collurio, Red-backed Shrike.—Heligoland, Aug. 23rd, a few young birds; one, an immature bird, shot in Holderness on Aug. 19th.
Muscicapa grisola, Spotted Flycatcher.—Numerous entries in the schedules of "Flycatchers," a general name for all the small insect-feeders; it is impossible to pick out those which refer to this species exclusively. Heligoland, Aug. 21st, some, the first, and sparingly in September to the 17th.
M. atricapilla, Pied Flycatcher.—Spring: Malmo, Sweden, May 6th, two. Autumn: Thanet, Aug. 10th, first; Sept. 10th, swarmed; 30th, last seen. Spurn, Sept. 4th, first. Cley, Norfolk, the same date, one shot, another seen. Great Cotes, Sept. 13th E., first seen. Spurn, 17th, great many. Heligoland, Aug. 10th, some, the first; 11th, 12th, 13th, and 17th, pretty numerous; and an enormous rush, 18th to 21st; again, from the 10th to the 15th of September, in marvellous numbers; less to 18th, when migration ceased.
Hirundo rustica, Swallow.—Spring: Hanois L.H., April 7th, two, Flamborough and Whitby on the 8th, and Farn Islands on the 9th, a gradual movement north, at the rate of 150 English miles a day. Malmo, Sweden, first, on April 21st. Great numbers were observed at Hanois L.H., passing north up to May 11th; and at the Tees L.V., on the 8th, 9th, 11th, and 17th of May, large numbers all day from S.E. to N.W. Languard L.H., June 21st, a flock too numerous to count. Autumn: Tees L.V., July 1st, six, at 9.30 p.m., came on board and remained all night. From the middle of August and throughout September Swallows were passing south up the coast in parties of five to fifteen, and at Spurn, on Sept. 26th, 27th, 28th, continuous each day by two's and three's. In North-east Lincolnshire, some on Nov. 3rd. The last reported is from the Farn Islands, a single bird, on Nov. 8th. Heligoland, Sept. 4th, astounding numbers.
Chelidon urbica, Martin.—Spring: Outer Dowsing L.V., May 12th, four to W. Languard L.H., July 16th, all day, far too numerous to count. Heligoland, Sept. 3rd, 10 p.m., great many; 4th, astounding numbers.
Cotile riparia, Sand Martin.—Spring: Malmo, Sweden, May 14th, first. Autumn: Spurn, Aug. 25th, one; 26th, three; 27th, hundreds, after this in less numbers to Sept. 3rd; 26th, 27th, and 28th, still a few, with Swallows, each day to the south. Heligoland, October 1st, in great haste passing on.
Carduelis elegans, Goldfinch.—Orfordness L.H., Jan. 12th, 1885, flock of fifteen to twenty, one caught. Heligoland, Nov. 28th, 29th, 30th, some, with the great rush of Greenfinches; Siskin (Chry. spinus), Nov. 1st, some.
Ligurinus chloris, Greenfinch.—Great Cotes, Oct. 7th, great many in flocks. Immense numbers crossed Heligoland between the 28th of November and 26th of December: "Enormous numbers all the month, more than ever seen before." The greatest flights, Nov. 28th to 30th and Dec. 20th to 26th. Unusually large numbers are recorded by Mr. J. H. Gurney ['Zoologist,' 1885, p. 150], about Norwich and also about Brighton in the winter of 1884-5.
Coccothraustes vulgaris, Hawfinch.—Inner Dowsing L.V., Oct. 22nd, 4 p.m., "one on board, and then to W." This is the third year in succession that this species has occurred at this station. In 1882, on Oct. 20th, two on board all night; and in 1883, on Nov. 2nd, one struck the lantern.
Passer domesticus, House Sparrow.—Spring: Outer Dowsing L.V., April 9th, six on board. In the autumn great numbers are recorded at stations between the Tees L.V. and Hanois L.H., Guernsey, between Sept. 9th and Nov. 25th, the bulk crossing south of the Humber; rush, Oct. 14th and 15th, and on to the 19th. Shipwash L.V., Oct. 14th, large numbers to W.N.W. Kentish Knock L.V., 15th, all day, "hundreds on board, many dropping into the sea." Goodwin L.V., 15th, 21st, and 25th, shoals. Hanois L.V., 18th, 9 to 12 a.m., flocks, thirty to forty, to south; and many other notices too numerous to mention. Heligoland, Aug. 21st, a flight, the first; 22nd, the same; Sept. 30th, several great flights.
P. montanus, Tree Sparrow.—The migration covered the whole of the East coast, the bulk crossing south of the Humber. First recorded at Whitby L.H., Sept. 9th, immense flocks of both the Tree and Common Sparrow, and from this date up to Nov. 25th at the majority of the East coast stations, ten of them light-vessels. Rushes, Shipwash L.V., Oct. 15th, continuous all day. Leman and Ower L.V., Nov. 4th, 3 p.m., great numbers, E. to N.W., thirty coming on board. Great Cotes, 25th, flock of 500 to 600. Heligoland, Oct. 22nd, great many; Nov. 1st, smart migration.
Fringilla cœlebs, Chaffinch.—The migration is very extensive, and covers the whole of the East coast, the bulk, as in the two preceding cases, crossing south of the Humber. Through September and October immense numbers are recorded as crossing, the first flocks young of both sexes and old females; old cocks later. Rushes, Farn Islands, Oct. 16th. Orfordness L.H., 15th and 18th. Hasbro' L.V., 21st, all night. Farns and Hasbro' L.V., Nov. 2nd; also at Redcar, Nov. 20th, N.E., very stormy. Direction of flight W. to W.S.W. Heligoland, an immense migration at intervals, between Sept. 19th and Nov. 1st; great rushes, Sept. 29th, and Oct. 1st, 23rd, and 24th. On Feb. 22nd, 1885, very large flights in Great Cotes, marshes apparently composed entirely of the young of the previous year, the young cocks being in every stage of development to the mature summer plumage.
Fringilla montifringilla, Brambling.—Coast of Northumberland, Oct. 5th, first. Thanet, 20th, two; Nov. 11th, common; Dec. 3rd, first, in small flocks. Heligoland, Sept. 19th, a few, and at intervals to Nov. 30th; rushes on 23rd and 24th of Oct., S.E., clear; and Nov. 30th, southerly, with snow.
Linota cannabina, Linnet.—From Sept. 9th to the end of October in great numbers, far too numerous to separately record. The immense arrivals in the autumn appear to move gradually south up the coast, comparatively few lingering in North-east Lincolnshire after the completion of the stubble ploughing. Heligoland, Oct. 1st, some, and to Dec. 1st; rushes on Oct. 2nd, astounding numbers; 24th, very great many; and the three last days in November and first of December.
L. rufescens, Lesser Redpoll.—Heligoland, Nov. 22nd, one.
L. flavirostris, Twite.—Heligoland, Oct. 21st, flight, fifty to sixty; 23rd, pretty numerous; 24th and 30th, great many; Dec. 1st, many.
Carpodacus erythrinus, Rosy Bullfinch.—Heligoland, Sep. 9th, E.N.E., one, young.
Pyrrhula europæa, Bullfinch.—Spring: Tees L.V., March 15th, one to E.; April 3rd and 30th, one each night. Autumn: Same station, Oct. 8th, two; Nov. 25th, one.
Loxia curvirostra, Crossbill.—Heligoland, Aug. 16th, N., eleven.
Emberiza miliaria, Corn Bunting.—Heligoland, Oct. 25th, ten to twenty, "great many for this place;" Nov. 3rd, ten to fifteen. The Corn Bunting is always a very scarce migrant across Heligoland.
E. citrinella, Yellowhammer.—Heligoland, Oct. 12th, some; and a few at intervals to the 25th.
E. hortulana, Ortolan Bunting.—Cley, Norfolk, Sept. 12th, E. to N., one, an immature female, shot by Mr. F. D. Power. Heligoland, a very large migration, commencing August 16th, and continued to Sept. 19th; rushes on August 18th to 23rd and the 31st; Sept. 3rd, "a few fine old males"; 4th, great many, all in great haste, and on the 5th again old birds; Sept. 10th to 15th, enormous numbers, and then less to the 19th.
E. pusilla, Little Bunting.—Heligoland, Oct. 5th, N.E., fresh, two.
E. schœniclus, Reed Bunting.—On the Holderness, Lincolnshire and Norfolk coasts the arrival was very large in September and October; the migration commencing the first week in September. At Great Cotes, October 30th, still very numerous. Tees L.V., Oct. 15th, "three came on board, one remaining a week." Heligoland, Sept. 26th, "a few during last days;" Oct. 6th, some; 7th, many; 11th, very great many; 12th, astounding numbers; 14th, many; 15th, same; 21st to 25th, less; 30th, some. This very well represents the general order of migration at the island; first a few, then a rush for some days culminating in astounding numbers, after which there is a gradual falling away till the migration of that special species ceases altogether.
Calcarius lapponicus, Lapland Bunting.—Cley, Norfolk, Sept. 17th, N.E., one, a young male, obtained by Mr. F. D. Power. Great Cotes, Nov. 27th, one, a mature male ('Zoologist,' 1884, p. 484); Nov. 11th, one near Brighton, shown in the flesh to Mr. Gurney. Heligoland, Sept. 19th, a few; Oct. 3rd, a few; 7th, many; 12th and 16th, some.
Plectrophanes nivalis, Snow Bunting.—Spring: Farn L.H., March 11th, two on island; Longstone L.H., June 7th, one on rock. Autumn: Northumberland Coast, Sept. 15th, one shot; sparingly in October, at the more northern stations, and tolerably plentiful from Spurn to Yarmouth, in the latter half of November; rushes, Nov. 24th, 25th and 26th, into Humber district. Great Cotes, marshes, also at this date, Nov. 25th, sharp frost, Pink-footed Goose; great flights of Golden Plover, Snipe large numbers; immense flocks of Linnets, Greenfinches, Larks, Chaffinches and Tree Sparrows, fields covered; Nov. 26th, still sharp frost, scores of old male Blackbirds, fields swarming with small birds as before, with the addition of flights of newly-arrived Wood Pigeons, which appear a smaller race than our home-bred birds. All this time Snow Buntings, chiefly old birds. Tees L.V., Dec. 7th, 16th and 17th, large flocks to S.W. and N.W. Heligoland, Oct. 16th first; 29th, many; Nov. 5th, large flights; 29th, great many.
Sturnus vulgaris, Starling.—Spring: Spurn L.H., March 3rd, 3 a.m. to daybreak, misty, S.S.E., numbers round lantern. Outer Dowsing L.V., 16th, a flight; 17th, continuous noon to 5 p.m., going W.N.W. to E.S.E. Autumn: First at Whitby L.H. Sept. 2nd, great many for several days. Spurn, 20th, all day to S. Immense rushes in October more or less over the whole coast line, and during the latter half of the month almost continuous night and day. At Leman and Ower L.V., Oct. 24th, 5 p.m., 5000, S.E. to N.W., fifty killed. Coquet Island L.H., many round lantern all through November. Heligoland, in duration and number the migration probably exceeds that of any other species, commencing with young birds on June 28th, and continued at intervals to the end of the year; enormous numbers crossed between the 14th and 25th of October, especially on the 19th, "immense numbers;" 20th, "clouds of enormous numbers;" 21st, "astounding;" 22nd, "astounding flights like clouds passing on," and so on in less numbers to the end of the year.
Pastor roseus, Rose-coloured Pastor.—Aug. 30th, one shot near Spurn, and another reputed to have been seen. Mr. Slater, who saw this bird, says it was in very dusky plumage, and its colouring very much that of an old Hooded Crow, but it was an adult female, and dissection showed that it had bred this season.
Corvus monedula, Daw.—In large flocks at several stations in October and November, frequently mixed with Rooks. Heligoland, first on October 6th; 12th, many; 15th, several flights; 24th and 25th, astounding numbers.
C. corone, Carrion Crow.—Large numbers appear to have come over in October. There are innumerable entries in the schedules of "black crows" and "grey crows," and of course it is quite impossible to say in each case whether Carrion Crows or Rooks are intended. In those instances where the flocks are mixed, grey and black Crows together, the latter are probably C. corone. Rooks, as a rule, keep to themselves when migrating, or mixed with Jackdaws.
C. cornix, Hooded Crow.—Spring: Outer Dowsing L.V., March 1st, 8.30 a.m., flight to S.S.E. from W.N.W., and the same on April 3rd and 4th. Farn L.H., April 11th, eleven to W. Great Cotes, May 8th, last. Autumn: First at Flamborough L.H. on Oct. 3rd, two in field near lighthouse. Thanet, 5th, one from N.E.; then on the 6th at Tees L.V., Flamborough, Spurn, Hunstanton L.H. and Hasborough L.V., a few; during the latter half of October the rush appears to have been continuous night and day; and at the Outer Dowsing L.V., Nov. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, a continuous rush N.E. to S.W., and also at other stations, but in less numbers to Nov. 15th; Redcar, Dec. 3rd, some; and Spurn, at intervals, a few to end of the year; the main body came in from Flamborough Head to the coast of Essex, comparatively few north of Flamborough or south of the Thames; the chief lines of flight S.E. to N.W., E. to W., and S. to N.W. Heligoland, Oct. 2nd, first flight; 5th and 6th, numbers; and on to 14th, when thousands crossed; 15th, none; 18th, N., great flights; 19th less; 20th, great numbers; 21st, astounding numbers; less on 22nd and 23rd, and then very great again on 24th and 25th; Nov. 1st, and on 2nd and 3rd, very great migration late in afternoon, and at intervals to 28th.
C. frugilegus, Rook.—Spring: Newarp L.V., Feb. 10th to 13th and 22nd to 23rd, 7.30 to 9 a.m., great numbers of "black crows" to eastward, and at intervals to April; 23rd, large numbers of both black and grey Crows in same direction; Larks, Sparrows, and Chaffinches also; at the same date, Feb. 23rd, large numbers of Crows and Larks passing to the west. Shipwash L.V., 13th, 8 a.m., flights of thousands to S.E. Leman and Ower L.V., from March 4th and through April, great numbers of Crows to E. from W. Autumn: Oct. 5th to Nov. 12th, recorded at nine stations south of Humber, from Spurn to Orfordness; an almost continuous rush night and day last fortnight in October. Heligoland, Oct. 6th, first; 14th, great numbers; 15th, some; 23rd, two monstrous flights in afternoon; 24th and 25th, astounding numbers (see [General Remarks]); Nov. 3rd, during afternoon.
C. corax, Raven.—Languard L.H., June 22nd, 6.50 a.m., two.
Alauda arvensis, Sky Lark.—Spring: At Leman and Ower L.V., March 4th, great many E. to W., also many birds, Chaffinches and others, to April 9th, likewise E. to W. Outer Dowsing L.V., March 7th, Larks and Starlings. In the autumn Larks are recorded first at the Varne L.V., Sept. 6th; last at Goodwin L.V., Dec. 23rd, a few about lantern all night; the migration covering 109 days, and including twenty-four stations between the Farn Islands and Hanois L.H., fourteen of which are light vessels. From Sept. 30th to the middle of Nov. enormous numbers crossed the North Sea either directly from E. to W., a point S. of E. to other N. of W., and from the 15th of Oct. to the end of the month the rush appears to have been nearly continuous night and day; the great rush from the 20th to the 23rd. At Heligoland the migration commenced on the 22nd of Sept. with pretty large flights, and continued at intervals to the end of the year; on the 21st October an enormous migration over the sea on each side of the island; night of 24th to 25th, great rush, 500 caught at lighthouse.
A. arborea, Woodlark.—Heligoland, Oct. 6th, a few; also on 8th and 11th; 13th, twenty to thirty; 15th, some; 22nd and 30th, many; Nov. 2nd, some; and the 28th, many.
A. cristata, Crested Lark.—Heligoland, Sept. 30th and Oct. 1st, one each day.
Otocorys alpestris, Shore Lark.—Yarmouth, Nov. 11th, two; 12th, one. Blakeney, 28th, two. Spurn, two or three about the same date. Heligoland, Oct. 2nd, first young; 6th, flights eight to ten; 7th, 8th, and 9th, some flights; 12th, large flights; 14th, flights of hundreds; 15th and 16th, some; 18th, large flights, thirty to forty; 20th, in afternoon, a flight, fifty to sixty; 21st, twenty to thirty; 24th, great multitudes; 29th and 30th, less; Nov. 2nd and 3rd, many; 10th and 11th, hundreds constantly, and at intervals to Dec. 1st in large numbers. When we consider the very few which appear on this side of the North Sea compared with the vast numbers passing Heligoland in the autumn, it becomes a matter of surprise where they all go, and in what lands they find winter-quarters.
Cypselus apus, Swift.—Spring: Hunstanton L.H., May 6th, two. Cromer L.H., July 28th, 3 a.m., two struck lantern. Last seen, Thanet, Sept. 7th, and Spurn, Sept. 8th. Heligoland, Sept. 3rd, a few.
Caprimulgus europæus, Nightjar.—Spurn, Sept. 2nd and 3rd, one each day. Thanet, Sept. 5th, one. Heligoland, Aug. 17th, one.
Dendrocopus major, Great-spotted Woodpecker.—Heligoland, Sept. 16th, one, young.
Jynx torquilla, Wryneck.—Heligoland, Aug. 21st, first; 22nd, very many on cliff; 23rd, many.
Alcedo ispida, Kingfisher.—Orfordness L.H., March 25th, 9 p.m., E.N.E. 6, one struck and killed. North-east Lincolnshire, September and October, great many.
Upupa epops, Hoopoe.—Farn, April 28th, 2 p.m., E.N.E., one on island. Longstone L.H., 29th, one seen.
Cuculus canorus, Cuckoo.—Spring: Great Cotes, April 27th, first recorded. Hunstanton L.H., May 6th. Spurn L.H., 7th; and Whitby L.H., 8th, wind W.S.W., a progression northward at the rate of forty miles a day. Farn L.H., May 23rd, calm S.E., heard calling overhead at midnight. Autumn: Thanet, July 15th, first on autumn passage. Tees L.V., 29th, one caught on board. Farn L.H., August 3rd, young Cuckoo on rock. Spurn, young plentiful during third week; last seen on 25th. Last seen at Thanet, Sept. 12th. Heligoland, early in July, some old; 15th to 20th, daily young birds; Aug. 1st to 3rd, daily young; 17th same; 22nd, each day.
Strigidæ, Owls.—Long-eared Owl, Asio otus, Thanet, Dec. 16th, two, evidently fresh arrivals. Short-eared Owl, A. brachyotus. Spring: Tees L.V., March 15th, one to E. Coquet L.H., April 21st, W.N.W., one. Longstone, L.H., April 28th, one. Autumn: Languard L.H., Aug. 20th, 6 a.m., one. Redcar, 21st, E., two. From Sept. 17th to 23rd, at four stations. In October, some at Spurn and Redcar. Thanet, Dec. 3rd, one. Coquet L.H., 9th, one. Farn L.H., Jan. 23rd, one, a very large example, caught in a trap, baited with a Redshank it had killed. Rush, first week in October and 11th. Tengmalm's Owl, Nyctala tengmalmi, Oct. 18th, one shot at Holmpton, Holderness ['Naturalist,' 1884, p. 110]. Heligoland, A. brachyotus, Sept. 21st, first; Oct. 3rd, 11th, 14th, some; very few compared with other years. N. tengmalmi, Oct. 3rd, one shot; 7th, one.
Falconidæ, Buteo.—First fortnight in September, a few "large Hawks" along coast, some of which would probably be Buzzards. Goshawk, Astur palumbarius, Sept. 29th, one seen on the wing by me, when driving between Easington and Skeflling, Holderness. Sparrowhawk, A. nisus, Spring: Newarp L.V., April 23rd, two, to E. Autumn: Dudgeon L.V., Aug. 12th, one, died on board; at various stations, several, during the first fortnight in September. Peregrine Falcon, Falco peregrinus, Spurn, Sept. 9th, one, in pursuit of a Tern; Oct. 2nd, 8 p.m., one, an adult male, captured on mast-head of fishing-smack 'Surprise,' of Grimsby, between the Outer Dowsing L.V. and Cromer. Kestrel, Tinnunculus alaudarius, Spurn, Sept. 4th to 10th, many; on 8th, seven seen, and on 10th, ten in one field, by the Rev. H. H. Slater. Very common in North-east Lincolnshire in September. Thanet, Sept. 12th to 17th, evidently a considerable passage of Hawks. Heligoland, Buteo vulgaris, Buzzard, Sept. 4th and 5th, some. Archibuteo lagopus, Rough-legged Buzzard, Sept. 15th, one shot; Nov. 10th, several small flocks; 14th, several. Haliaëtus albicilla, White-tailed Eagle, Sept. 15th, one, young, shot. Accipiter nisus, Sparrowhawk, Aug. 15th, some, young; 21st, more numerous; Sept. 4th, 4 p.m., great many, young; 5th and 6th, a few towards evening; 10th and 11th, some; 18th, numerous, young birds; 21st, some; Oct. 1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th, 14th, and 21st, some. Pernis apivorus, Honey Buzzard, Sept. 18th, some, young. Falco peregrinus, Peregrine Falcon, Oct. 1st to 15th, a few; 21st, some. Falco æsalon, Merlin, Oct. 6th, 7th, and 14th, some. Tinnunculus alaudarius, Kestrel, Aug. 17th, young; Sept. 10th, 11th, and Oct. 6th, 7th, some.
Sula bassana, Gannet.—Farn L.H., March 7th, several all day to N.E.; 10th, the same, and hundreds all day on 15th and 16th April. Longstone L.H., March 16th, some at 5 p.m., to north, and daily to 26th all day, but no large flocks, and more or less daily to April 15th. Autumn: Farn L.H., July 2nd, first young seen. Redcar, Sept. 24th to end of month, very numerous at sea, mainly young.
Ardea cinerea, Heron.—At many stations in the autumn, but it is impossible to say whether immigrants or not. Herons have been very common in the autumn and winter in all the low-lying districts in North-east Lincolnshire. On the evening of February 3rd, 1885, fourteen, flying close together, passed over me within half-gunshot, steering their course in the direction of the nearest "beck."
Botaurus stellaris, Bittern.—One shot in Gedney Marsh on Nov. 14th; one in Yorkshire, four or five in Lincolnshire, one in Norfolk, and one in Suffolk, during the first week in December, and one near Brigg, Lincolnshire, in January, 1885. Snow and severe frosts on Continent from Nov. 28th to Dec. 2nd. It is probable that the bulk of these visitors were shot within a week of their arrival on our shores.
Platalea leucorodia, Spoonbill.—Hollesley, Suffolk, four, early in August, two of which were shot by a "fortunate" gunner. ['Zool.,' 1884, p. 471.]
Anser, Geese.—Spring: Whitby, May 8th, eighteen wild geese, from N. to S. Autumn: first recorded from Whitby L.H., Sept. 8th, three large flocks to S., flying half a mile from shore. The main arrival from Redcar to Humber district on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Oct. Coquet L.H., Nov. 4th, many flocks all day to N. Shipwash L.V., Dec. 1st and 2nd, nights to W. Heligoland, Anser cinereus, Grey-lag Goose, Oct. 10th, a flight, one shot, a young bird; 11th, some; Nov. 30th, numerous.
Cygnus, Swans.—March 8th, Outer Dowsing L.V., one black Swan to S.S.E. A black Swan was shot on Sunk Island [Humber] in the autumn. Redcar, Oct. 5th, nine to N. Yarmouth, Nov. 20th, four on Breydon Water. Corton L.V., Dec. 4th and 6th, two.
Tadorna cornuta, Sheldrake.—Spring: April 12th, Farn L.H., four on rocks; first young at sea on June 22nd. Twigmoor, Lincolnshire, May 23rd, pair of old birds and seven young on pond. Redcar, Dec. 3rd, flock. Farn L.H., Jan. 21st, 10.30 to noon, flocks to N., one flock numbering thirty-eight.
Mareca penelope, Wigeon.—Redcar, Oct. 28th, first seen, several.
Anas boschas, Wild Duck.—Spring: Outer Dowsing L.V., March 9th, 9 to 3 p.m., Wild Ducks continuous, from N.W. to S.E. Autumn: Redcar, October 3rd to December 6th., large numbers in various directions, also at most coast stations. Heligoland, Querquedula crecca, Teal, Sept. 1st, great many, also 2nd and 3rd.
Harelda glacialis, Long-tailed Duck.—Farn L.H., Jan. 12th, 1885, several swimming all day near island.
Somateria mollissima, Eider Duck.—Spring: Coquet L.H., April 28th, twenty, of which four were males off island. May 8th, many Ducks and Drakes, and at the same station in December many off island. Farn L.H., Jan. 11th and 12th, 1885, hundreds swimming in lee of island. The first young were seen on June 13th. The King Eider, Somateria spectabilis, was seen at the Farn Islands on April 9th, and at the Longstone on May 4th. This bird, which has now regularly appeared in the locality for several years, was unfortunately shot at on June 12th, and was not seen afterwards.
Œdemia nigra, Common Scoter.—Gull L.V., April 27th, 8 a.m. to noon, continuous to N. Autumn: Great numbers at several stations, moving in various directions.
Mergus merganser, Goosander.—Redcar, Oct. 6th, one to N.W.; Nov. 19th, flock; Dec. 8th, two. M. serrator, Merganser, a few observed off Redcar at sea between Oct. 12th and 25th.
Columba palumbus, Ring Dove.—Orfordness, Sept. 27th, 9 p.m., one struck, killed. Languard, 29th, 8 a.m., eight flying very quick W. to N.E. Between 21st of October and the end of November there was an immense immigration covering the East Coast between Berwick and Yarmouth; rushes Oct. 21st to 25th, Nov. 2nd and 20th to 28th, continuous for nine days. Mr. T. H. Nelson says "there was an enormous arrival of these birds in the Redcar neighbourhood about the middle of November. I have not noted all down in the schedule, as I did not see them all myself, but am told that from the 20th to end of month there was a continuous migration; a friend shot about fifty in three days between Redcar and Marske; there was also a considerable influx into the Bishop Auckland district about the same time." In Northumberland the numbers were so large as to attract general attention. In Lincolnshire the arrival was immense, also on the Norfolk coast. Hundreds were shot on their first arrival, their crops and stomachs containing no food, invariably the case with all newly arrived migrants. Heligoland, Oct. 3rd, flight of sixty; 12th, some; 25th, great many, twenty to thirty in a flight.
C. ænas, Stockdove.—Great numbers crossed in the autumn with the ring doves, mixed or in separate flocks. In November I saw one flock of four or five hundred in the Great Cotes marshes, an enormous flight considering the limited number bred in the district. From the beginning of December to the end of February large flights have daily resorted to fields of young clover, or those recently laid down with permanent grasses.
Turtur communis, Turtle Dove.—Thanet, Oct. 4th, last seen.
Rallidæ, Rallus aquaticus, Water Rail.—There appears to have been a very considerable immigration between the third week in September and at intervals to the end of November, and through the autumn they were exceedingly plentiful in all likely localities on the East Coast. Heligoland, Oct. 25th, some; 30th, two or three. Porzana maruetta, Spotted Crake. Redcar, Sept. 2nd, one. Heligoland, Oct. 23rd, one. Crex pratensis, Corn Crake. Spring: Whitby, May 2nd, W.S.W., 3 a.m., first heard. Autumn: Great Cotes, Sept. 4th; and last near Spurn, Oct. 27th and 28th, one each day. Gallinula chloropus, Moorhen, Great Cotes, Nov. 18th, N. strong, sleet and rain, great numbers on the streams, drains, and "blowwell" ponds, also in gardens and localities where I have rarely seen them; probably altogether ten to one in excess of normal numbers; very few observed after this date. Heligoland, Oct. 23rd, some.
Charadrius pluvialis, Golden Plover.—Spring: Longstone L.H., March 14th, S., with Lapwings round lantern. Farn L.H., July 27th, first flock. Tees L.V., Aug. 25th, large flock to N.W.[31] Great Cotes, the great flight of old birds on 25th and 26th Nov. Heligoland, Aug. 1st to 3rd, N.N.W., numerous; 5th to 25th, daily, some young; 31st, 11 p.m., many; Sept. 23rd, still many; Oct. 12th, some; Nov. 30th, old birds.
[31] See footnote Report for 1883, p. 50, on the night of Golden Plover northward in August.
Squatarola helvetica, Grey Plover. Spurn, Aug. 24th, about twenty adults in summer plumage; Sept. 5th, about one hundred and fifty, of which a third were in summer plumage, probably all adults (H. H. S.). Cley and Blakeney, Sept. 5th, several, the first seen (F. D. P.)
Ægialitis hiaticula, Ringed Plover.—Spring: Spurn, April 19th, nest with four eggs. Longstone L.H., May 4th, nest with four eggs. Very numerous on migration at Spurn, Aug. 20th to Sept. 10th, there was a small ploughed field on which probably a thousand collected every night (H. H. S.). Heligoland, June 28th, several hundreds young. Ægialitis cantiana, Kentish Plover. Languard L.H., Aug. 12th, one.
Eudromias morinellus, Dotterel.—Spring, Great Cotes, May 8th, seven. Autumn: Cley and Blakeney, Sept. 5th, W.N.W., five, one alone showing some rufous on lower, parts of breast and flanks (F. D. P.). Easington, near Spurn, Oct. 11th and 13th, seven. Heligoland, August 31st, some.
Vanellus vulgaris, Lapwing.—Great flights on to the coast throughout October to Nov. 12th. Rushes, Coquet L.H., Oct. 8th, great numbers all day; Redcar, 25th, continuous to N.W.; Tees L.V., 22nd and 23rd, large flights to N.W.; and in November at Redcar on the 1st and 3rd throughout the morning; 5th, all day; 8th, same. Hasboro' L.V., 12th, 10 p.m. to sunrise on 13th, and Jan. 3rd, 1885, night, quantities round lantern. Heligoland, July 27th to 28th, great numbers, and to Aug. 25th, daily.
Strepsilas interpres, Turnstone.—Farn, Aug. 13th, S.S.W., hundreds in flocks all day. Spurn, Aug. 20th to Sept. 10th, plentiful and increasing in numbers.
Himantopus ostralegus, Oystercatcher.—Spurn, Aug. 20th to Sept. 10th, a few at intervals.
Phalaropus fulicarius, Grey Phalarope.—Felixstowe, Sept. 9th, one shot. Longstone L.H., Nov. 2nd, one swimming in pool near lighthouse.
Scolopax rusticula, Woodcock.—Spring: Spurn, March 15th, one. Farn Islands, 25th, one; and again on April 28th. At Twigmoor, Lincolnshire, young Woodcocks were hatched early in May.[32] Autumn: The first is recorded at Coquet L.H. on Sept. 1st; the last at Hasboro' L.V., Jan. 20th, 1885, one caught at night. The migration covered 142 days, the bulk arriving between Oct. the 5th and Nov. 22nd. What is usually termed by sportsmen the 'first flight' came in on the nights of the 5th and 6th of October, wind easterly; another flight between the 10th and 16th; the 'great flight' on the night of the 28th, N.W. strong, with rain and colder weather; on the 29th, forty were shot in one locality on the Lincolnshire coast; there was again a second "great flight" from the 11th to 13th of November. Independent of these rushes, Woodcocks have been dropping in either singly or by two's and three's throughout the last three months in the year, and more or less over the whole coast line. Altogether the migration has been much more desultory and prolonged than any previously recorded by us. Heligoland, Oct. 6th, some; 12th, some; 14th, twenty shot; 15th, about thirty shot; 19th, less; 23rd, some; 25th, twenty to thirty shot; 29th, forty to fifty on island—night, about ten caught at lighthouse; 30th, thirty to forty caught or shot; Nov. 1st, some; 3rd, full moon, numbers flying about island, two or three together; 12th, ten or twelve shot; 16th, ten or fifteen shot; 22nd, several; 28th, twenty shot and two caught; 30th, some; Dec. 26th, one.
[32] Woodcocks bred in Great Britain invariably leave in the autumn in August and September, and their place is taken some weeks later by others coming from the north. Woodcocks found on the East Coast in March are either such as have wintered in these islands and are now on their return journey, or in some cases our English birds returning to their nesting haunts.
Snipe, Gallinago major, Great Snipe. Farn, Aug. 31st, 5 a.m., calm, one to W. Cley and Blakeney, Sept. 15th, E., one shot. G. cœlestis, Common Snipe, Kentish Knock L.V., Sept. 9th, several about, one caught, were passing W. Cley and Blakeney, Sept. 16th, a considerable arrival. There was a very considerable rush on to the East Coast in the last fortnight in October, and again in November, from the Farn Islands to Yarmouth; three distinct rushes at the dates Nov. 4th to 5th, S.W., half gale; 10th to 14th, S.E. winds; and 23rd to 29th, N. and north-easterly winds; generally are reported to have been very plentiful in the Eastern Counties in November and December. Limnocryptes gallinula, Jack Snipe, very few records; the first July 31st, Farn L.H., one at noon to W.; a few at Great Cotes and Spurn last half of October. In recent years this little bird has become extremely scarce in the Humber district, and in localities where it was once very common; compared with former times—twenty years ago—I do not see one in ten now. Heligoland, Common Snipe and Jack Snipe, Oct. 17th, N.W., strong, some; 25th and 30th, some.
Tringa alpina, Dunlin.—Spurn, Aug. 20th to Sept. 10th, great many, some flocks containing thousands, and in August many in almost full summer plumage (H. H. S.) Near Kilnsea, Sept. 26th, at early morning, I saw an immense migratory flock on the beach which appeared very tired; many of these still retained the black pectoral patch entire or more or less broken. Great Cotes, a flight of 1000 to 1500 have resorted almost daily at high-water, throughout the winter, to a fallow field near the Humber.
T. minuta, Little Stint.—Blakeney and Cley, Sept. 5th, W.N.W., two, and one Temminck's stint; also, Sept. 12th, E. to N., one Temminck's Stint, very restless, and constantly uttering its queer cricket-like notes (F. D. P.). Spurn, Sept. 26th, four Little Stints.
T. striata, Purple Sandpiper.—Spring: Farn, March 28th, many all day on rocks. Autumn: Redcar, Oct. 16th, one; and 20th, four shot. Blakeney, third week in October, one. Heligoland, Sept. 11th, E.S.E. some.
T. canutus, Knot.—Redcar, July 23rd, S.W., first flock; Aug. 6th, S. to S.W., a few. Spurn, Aug. 20th to Sept. 10th, tolerably numerous, some examples obtained were in almost full summer plumage; Sept. 26th and forward through Nov., great many large flights at ebb tide crossing from Lincolnshire coast to Spurn muds. Heligoland, enormous numbers of Waders crossed Heligoland from the end of the third week in July to the middle of September; July 20th, night, enormous numbers to W.; 22nd, same; 22nd to 23rd, night, and to 25th, immense numbers; Sept. 16th, flight of tringa, totanus, charadrius, all young.
T. subarquata, Curlew Sandpiper. Thanet, Aug. 16th, five. Spurn, 24th, one small flock. Blakeney, Sept. 5th, about a dozen; altogether exceptionally scarce.
Machetes pugnax, Ruff.—Blakeney, Sept. 3rd, one Buff; Spurn, 4th, about a dozen; Stourmouth, 10th, three; Great Cotes, 12th, twenty or more; 18th, one Buff and seven Reeves.
Calidris arenaria, Sanderling. Spurn, Aug. 20th to Sept. 10th, fairly abundant, in small flocks; some obtained early bore traces of red on their plumage (H. H. S.); Sept. 26th, a few. Heligoland, Sept. 3rd, evening, great many over head.
Tringoides hypoleucos, Common Sandpiper.—Spurn, Aug. 20th to 26th, a great many in the drains and also on the shore, but they soon left, none seen after 26th (H. H. S.). Great Cotes, Sept. 1st, tolerably numerous on autumn passage. Heligoland, July 22nd to 23rd, thousands.
Helodromas ochropus.—Green Sandpiper.—Spurn, Aug. 20th to Sept. 10th, tolerably common; "generally saw some every day at first, and once five together, but latterly they were less plentiful" (H. H. S.). Heligoland, July 22nd to 23rd, Red-shanks, Common Sandpiper, and Green Sandpiper, thousands.
Totanus glareola, Wood Sandpiper.—Mouth of Stour, Aug. 16th, one seen. Spurn, Aug. 21st, one, a female.
T. calidris, Redshank.—Spurn, Aug. 20th to Sept. 10th, rare at first, but rapidly increasing; on Sept. 1st, flock of about 200 (H. H. S.). Blakeney and Cley, Sept. 6th, tolerably numerous, with other Waders from 5 to 8.30 a.m. to W. Heligoland, July 1st, 2nd and 3rd, solitary birds; 22nd to 23rd, thousands.
T. canescens, Greenshank. Spurn, Aug. 20th to Sept. 10th, "during the first fortnight, a pair, or latterly one, at a small pond every day" (H. H. S.). Cley and Blakeney, Sept. 5th, one, immature, shot; 10th, S., "very fine, several in two's and three's, flying high and very restless" (F. D. P.); altogether have been unusually scarce on East Coast. Heligoland, Aug. 18th, young birds.
Limosa lapponica, Bar-tailed Godwit.—Redcar, July 22nd, E. light, one; 29th, several flocks.
Numenius phæopus, Whimbrel.—Redcar, July 1st to 15th, a few passing, and on to Aug. 13th. Great Cotes, July 30th, first heard on passage. Cley and Blakeney, Sept. 9th, rather many to W. The last are recorded from Tees L.V., Dec. 5th, five to N.E. Heligoland, nights of July 20th to 23rd, W., enormous and countless numbers passing on; 27th to 28th, great many; August 1st to 3rd, enormous; 10th, some; and on the 31st in greater or less number.
Numenius arquata, Curlew.—Hanois L.H., July 10th, many young all day about rocks. Flamborough L.H., 31st, during night. Spurn, Aug. 20th to Sept. 10th, very plentiful. Great Cotes, Sept., first fortnight, young birds most abundant. Wells, Norfolk, 27th, flock of about 200. North-east Lincolnshire, October 30th, about sixty old birds in turnip-field. Heligoland, Aug. 19th, young; 31st, many; Nov. 13th, 10 p.m., astounding numbers passing over.
Sterninæ, Terns.—Sandwich Tern (S. cantiaca).—Coquet L.H., April 16th, eight seen. Farn Islands, April 19th, noon, N.N.E., first heard; 30th, fifteen flying about breeding-place; May 18th, collected at breeding-places; 25th, first eggs; June 13th, first young. Longstone L.H., Sept. 1st, left and gone to sea. Arctic Tern (S. macrura), Farn Islands, May 5th, first heard; 22nd, assembled at breeding-places; 25th; first eggs; left about the first week in September, a few lingering to October 13th. Terns generally.—Redcar, August 20th and 30th, Sept. 1st and 2nd, large numbers to south. Spurn, Sept. 3rd, large mixed flocks of Arctic, Common, and some Lesser Tern daily to south; less towards end of month. Redcar, Nov. 7th, one.
Larinæ, Gulls.—Herring Gull (Larus argentatus), Whitby L.H., Feb. 13th, S. 6, at daylight Gulls first came to cliffs; May 18th, first young on wing; Aug. 29th, old and young left cliffs for sea. Heligoland, Dec. 31st, enormous numbers of old birds. Lesser black-backed Gull (L. fuscus), Longstone L.H., March 15th to 29th, assembling at nesting-haunts; at Farn L.H., on 30th, Black-headed Gull (L. ridibundus), Twigmoor, May 22nd, many young on ponds. Little Gull (L. minutus), Whitby, July 15th, one seen on River Esk along with Kittiwakes, by Mr. Backhouse. Yarmouth, Nov. 11th, one shot, bird of second year. Heligoland, Oct. 30th, hundreds to lee of island. Gulls generally.—Flamborough, July 4th, great many grey Gulls and Kittiwakes to S. Whitby, Sept. 9th, many to S. Spurn, Sept. 25th to 28th, S.W. strong, great many young Herring and Lesser black-backed Gulls continuously to south; they passed the cliff point to the north of Easington lane end at the average rate of seventy in fifteen minutes; the exact proportion of old and young in that period was nineteen adult and forty-eight immature Lesser black-backed Gulls, one Kittiwake, and two Terns; occasionally a few young Herring Gulls passed, but the vast majority were immature L. fuscus. On the average, 280 Gulls passed in the hour, all going south in the teeth of a strong S.W. wind; rate of progress probably thirty miles an hour, and average distance from coast 150 yards. This movement was continuous for at least four days, and for ten hours on each day. Cromer, Oct. 11th, Mr. Gurney writes "We have had another of those strange passages of Gulls which I have noticed at Cromer before. I reckoned that this afternoon eighteen hundred passed in three-quarters of an hour, going W.N.W., and probably ten thousand after 12 o'clock." Redcar, Oct. 20th to 23rd, Gulls, chiefly young, L. fuscus and argentatus, going N.W. in flocks during morning; 24th, Kittiwakes very common at sea. Orfordness, Nov. 10th, Gulls all day in flocks of twenty to thirty, N.E. to S.W. Coast of Durham, 27th, L. fuscus and argentatus, immature birds in flocks of twenty to forty, flying north.
Stercorariinæ, Skuas.—Farn, July 23rd, two chasing Gulls. Grimsby, Sept. 7th, one Richardson's Skua (S. crepidatus). Spurn, 26th, one Pomatorhine Skua (S. pomatorhinus), the black variety. Redcar, Oct. 4th, one adult (black variety) shot at sea; 24th, two at 2 p.m. to E. Heligoland, Oct. 30th, some.
Procellariidæ, Petrels.—Galloper L.V., Oct. 2nd, one Stormy Petrel (P. pelagica). Coquet L.H., 4th, two caught at lantern. Dudgeon L.V., 18th, one caught. Longstone L.H., 23rd, two caught "one the large sort, the other small." Hasboro' L.V., Nov. 6th, one; 13th, three. Redcar, 17th, 11 a.m., N., one. Heligoland, P. pelagica, Oct. 22nd, one; 29th, two or three; 30th, one; Nov. 3rd, one. P. leucorrhoa, Nov. 10th, one shot. Fulmarus glacialis, Fulmar, Heligoland, Oct. 22nd, one; 29th, two or three.
Colymbidæ, Divers.—Farn, April 7th, Great Northern Diver C. glacialis, two to north; July 12th, two to north; Nov. 8th, five to N.; Jan. 19th, 1885, two off island.
Podicipitidæ, Grebes.—P. fluviatilis, Little Grebe, Spurn, Nov. 10th, 8 p.m., one killed at low light. Heligoland, Oct. 25th, several young shot.
Alcidæ, Auks.—Longstone L.H., Feb. 20th. Guillemot (Lomvia troile), flying about breeding-places, but not settling; on March 22nd they settled for the first time; but on the 26th, owing to the cold E. wind, all went out to sea, returning again to the rocks on the 29th with a W. and S.W. wind. Farn L.H. March 16th, hundreds flying round nesting-quarters. Tees L.V., July 2nd, "a Guillemot came to the light-ship and remained three weeks, disappeared suddenly, probably shot." Redcar, Nov. 12th to 15th, great numbers to E. all day; Nov. 10th, Black Guillemot (U. grylle), young bird shot. Longstone L.H., April 17th, Puffin (Fratercula arctica), first seen. Redcar, Nov. 18th, 19th, 20th, Little Auk (Mergulus alle), great numbers at sea. Farn Islands, Jan. 12th to 26th, 1885, great many off islands. Heligoland, Nov. 13th, cliff crowded with Guillemots, never so early before; Dec. 17th, W., thousands on cliffs, as in summer time.
Professor Chr. Fr. Lütken, of the Universitetets Zoologiske Museum, Copenhagen, again forwards a list of birds killed against the lighthouse of Stevns, on the projecting part of Zealand, marking the limit between the Baltic and Oresund. The list has been drawn up by Mr. Autander, a physician living in the neighbourhood of the lighthouse. In forwarding the list, Mr. Autander observes that he has every reason to think it very incomplete, as the interest bestowed upon it by the officers of the lighthouse is rather indifferent; all birds fit to be eaten are probably disposed of in this way, and do not always come under his observation.
Stevns Fyr (Lighthouse of Stevns), 1884.
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Notes on Insects at the Lighthouses.
Under date of June 30th, Mr. Owen Boyle, of the Languard L.H., reports, "a Sky Lark followed by a string of Bees. The plaintive cries of this poor bird first attracted my attention, it flew so close that I almost caught it; it was closely pursued by a large number of Bees, and in its fright took to the water followed by its pursuers. When last seen it was making for the Essex coast." July 31st, at 10.14 a.m., "a cloud of mosquitoes pitched in this neighbourhood, similar to those seen in India; most of them were carried off at noon by a light breeze."
Mr. Charles Williams, of the Hanois L.H., Guernsey, says, under date of July 10th, "A great quantity of large ants with wings passing. A great many settled on the rocks and about the lighthouse. I have only once seen them before like this, when I was stationed at the South Bishop Rock off the coast of Wales."
Heligoland, by Mr. Gätke.—Night, July 2nd to 3rd, thousands of Plusia gamma; 3rd, myriads of Dragonflies; night, 21st to 22nd, great numbers of Bombyx neustria, east to west; 22nd to 23rd, the same; 27th to 28th, numerous nights passing on.
General Remarks.
The report for the East Coast of England shows that a great migration was carried on for six months in the autumn and winter of 1884-5. The schedules returned indicate that no one place had special preference, and that the inflow of migrants was equally distributed over the entire coast line.
The southerly movement of migrants was well established in July, and from this time to the end of the third week in January, 1885, there has been a steady flow, with slight intermissions, of birds either passing up the coast to the south or moving directly inland, the vast majority coming from the east across the North Sea, and moving westward or in westerly directions. Occasionally there have been heavy rushes or persistent bird waves continuous for days, and even weeks.
The periods of migration occupied by different species vary greatly, from four weeks to as many months; no general rule can be laid down in this respect.
As a rule, the young birds of the year migrate independently of the old, and some weeks in advance; there are, however, frequent exceptions to this, more especially late in the season, when the flocks are sometimes composed of old and young. With some of our shore birds, as Grey Plover, Knot, Sanderling, a few old birds, still in summer plumage, arrive very early in the season, some weeks later the main body of the young, and lastly the bulk of the adults, the latter having then assumed the ordinary winter dress.
The lines of migration have been those followed in previous years, the vast majority of immigrants coming either directly from east to west or from points south of east to others north of west. The records of birds travelling from points north of east are comparatively exceptional.
There was an immense and continuous rush, a gigantic feathery tide, on to the coast from the middle of October (15th) to the end of the month, migrants arriving continuously night and day. This rush was continued at some of the stations with but slight intermissions to the middle of November. The last fortnight in October is the average annual period of what may be called the "great rush" of immigrants on to the East Coast of England.
In previous reports we have drawn attention to the fact of a migration in opposite directions going on at the same time over the North Sea. This is observed more particularly at southeastern stations, on light vessels moored at many miles distance from the nearest land, where, during the spring and autumn, the same species of birds, as Crows, Rooks, Jackdaws, Starlings, Larks, Sparrows, Buntings and Finches, are recorded crossing the North Sea moving from opposite quarters and passing both towards the British coast and towards the Continent. This apparently abnormal movement in opposite directions is again indicated in the autumn and spring of 1884-5.
In a recent article in the 'Encyclopædia Britannica,' Professor Newton tells us that "there is scarcely a bird of either the Palæarctic or Nearctic regions, whose habits are at all well known, of which much the same may not be said; and hence we are led to the conclusion that every bird of the Northern Hemisphere is, to a greater or less degree, migratory in some part or other of its range." There can be no doubt that in this passage Professor Newton indicates the probable explanation of the special phenomena attending a double migration as recorded from time to time in our reports.
With very few exceptions, the vast majority of our British birds, such as are generally considered habitual residents, the young invariably, the old intermittingly, leave these islands in the autumn, their place being taken by others, not always necessarily of the same species, coming from more northern latitudes, or from districts of Eastern Europe, where, on the approach of winter, the conditions of locality and food-supply are found less favourable to existence. These immigrants on the approach of spring leave, moving back to the Continent on the same lines, but in the reverse direction to those traversed in the autumn; at the same time, also, our own birds return from the Continent to their nesting-quarters in these islands. To give one instance, out of many which might be cited, that of the Blackbird:—In the autumn, during September, the young of the year leave their summer-quarters, and their place is shortly taken by others, likewise young birds, coming in October and November from districts which lie directly east or south-east of Great Britain. Should our English winter prove generally severe, or even partially so, our old birds will also leave, and in their place we have an influx of old Blackbirds from the Continent, pushed forward by similar causes. In the last autumn and winter, which has been exceedingly variable, with many sudden changes of temperature, our East Coast reports show an enormous migration of this species to have taken place. This commenced on September 12th, and was continued at intervals throughout October, becoming nearly continuous in November; after this intermittent, in throbs and pulsations, up to the end of the third week in January, 1885. These influxes of old birds correlate with sudden changes of temperature and outbreaks of severe weather on the Continent. In the spring the continental visitors disappear, and our so-called resident Blackbirds come back to their nesting-quarters. In this way we have a regular interchange of birds in the spring and autumn,—a double migration, carried on twice a year between the British Islands and the Continent. As far as our knowledge extends the normal conditions of locality and climate over the whole area are such as do not necessitate a regular interchange of the members of their respective avi-faunas. There is apparently no reason why our Rooks, Starlings, Sky Larks, and Blackbirds should not be able to winter in England just as well as abroad; their not doing so, but persistently migrating, is suggestive of a regular succession of bird waves,—as one moves forward another quickly follows in its wake. The southern limit of autumn migration, in the individuals of any species, is in direct ratio to the breeding range; such as nest in southern latitudes move still further south, and thus make room for those of their sort which have nested further north. Such are the ordinary phenomena of migration, a movement which is as regular and persistent as the flow and ebb of the tide.[33]
[33] Migration is a voluntary, and not a compulsory, movement; and it must not be imagined that recurring bird waves actually push each other forward. Young Blackbirds and Thrushes leave some weeks in advance of the great rush of their continental allies; and it is well known that Woodcocks, which breed in Great Britain, leave in the autumn, before the arrival of the northern flights, a distinct interval elapsing between the two events—the going and the coming.
One of the last schedules received, at the time of going to press, from the Cockle L.V., off the Norfolk coast, records immense flights of Crows (probably Rooks), passing in a southeasterly direction to the Continent early in March, 1885, commencing on the 2nd at 7 a.m., in large numbers on the 6th at 6 a.m., and continuous from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. on the 8th; large numbers again on the 9th at 5.30 a.m.
The notes under the head of separate species in the East Coast report for 1884, indicate several movements of special interest. Blackbirds, as has been already stated, have crossed the North Sea in extraordinary numbers, commencing on September 12th and throughout October, and immense numbers in November; on the 11th, 12th and 13th the rush appears to have been continuous, night, and day, over the whole coast line; after this intermittent to the end of the third week in January, 1885.
Another very interesting feature is the occurrence of the Arctic Bluethroat in considerable numbers between September 8th and 16th; eighty to one hundred were observed in one locality on the Norfolk coast on the 12th.
The migration of the Gold-crested Wren was very pronounced. The first are recorded on August 28th, and after this at various stations in large numbers up to November 22nd. Eighty-seven days against ninety-two in 1882, and eighty-two in 1883. The visible migration of this little wanderer across Heligoland has been considerably below the average of other years.
Pied Flycatchers arrived in large numbers from August 10th to September 17th. Across Heligoland also there was a great migration between August 10th and September 18th.
Immense numbers of Bing Doves are shown to have crossed from the Continent between the 21st of October and the end of November. This immigration appears to have covered the coast between Berwick and Yarmouth. On our northern coasts for nine days, between November the 20th and 28th, the rush was continuous. Large numbers of Stock Doves also crossed during the same period.
The main body of the Woodcocks generally arrive in two flights, known to East-coast sportsmen as the "first flight," and after this the "great flight." In the autumn of 1884 the immigration of this species was most prolonged, commencing on September 1st, and continued onward to January 20th, 1885, or 142 days. Four distinct rushes or flights are also indicated,—October 5th and 6th; another on the 10th to the 16th; a third, probably the "great flight," on the 28th; and again a very large flight between November the 11th and 13th. Independent of these there has been a constant dropping in by two or three together, or singly, throughout the autumn and winter. Woodcocks have also crossed Heligoland in the same desultory fashion; and the dates of the chief flights will be found to correlate closely with the rushes on to our East Coast.
In the latter part of November and early in December there was a considerable arrival of Bitterns on the East Coast, probably driven across by the severe weather on the Continent between November the 28th and December 2nd.
Besides the Bluethroats, already noticed, several rare and casual visitants have been recorded during the autumn. Two examples of the Barred Warbler, one at Spurn Point and another on the Norfolk coast. The Icterine Warbler, also on the Norfolk coast; and an Ortolan Bunting, likewise from the same locality. The Lapland Bunting, in Lincolnshire and Norfolk; Tengmalm's Owl, in Holderness; and a rose-coloured Starling, near Spurn.
Mr. Gätke's Heligoland notes, from June 28th to the end of the year, comprise 118 species, including, as usual, several rare visitors to the ornithological observatory:—Icterine Warblers on Aug. 18th; Anthus richardi, Sept. 3rd to Oct. 12th; A. campestris, Sept. 4th; Carpodacus erythrinus, Sept. 9th; Anthus cervinus, a great many, from Sept. 15th to Oct. 12th; Lanius major, in most unusual numbers, from Sept. 17th to Nov. 4th; Alauda cristata, Sept. 30th and Oct. 1st; Saxicola stapazina (?), Oct. 2nd; Turdus varius, Oct. 3rd, 12th and 23rd, one each day; Emberiza pusilla, Oct. 5th, two; Turdus migratorius, one on Oct. 14th; Fringilla rufescens, our English Redpoll, one on Nov. 22nd. Besides these large numbers of continental species, which are classed amongst the rare and occasional visitants to the British Islands, and whose line of migration is normally far to eastward of these islands, as Emberiza hortulana, Motacilla flava, M. alba, Sylvia suecica, Anthus rupestris, Calcarius lapponicus, Otocorys alpestris, Nyctala tengmalmi, Ruticilla titys, Regulus ignicapillus, and Larus minutus.
The great rush of birds crossed Heligoland during the last fortnight in October, and appears to have come directly across to our eastern shores. Mr. Gätke remarks, under date Oct. 24th, S.E., clear, fine, early rather cold, C. cornix, frugilegus, and monedula, monstrous numbers; cornix and monedula mixed in uninterrupted flight of ten and twelve minutes each, continued with but short interruptions or gaps; width as far as the eye could reach in northerly and southerly directions; and thus from 9 a.m. till 1 p.m. Sturnus, "a succession of clouds sweeping past overhead."
Speaking generally of migration during the month of October, "weather exceptionally fine; nearly no curruca; very few rufa; few rubecula, accentor, regulus; and fringilla but small numbers. Thrushes the same; not a single Parus major nor other Tits; Pipits also far below the usual numbers."
"Marvellously many Anthus cervinus, Lanius major and excubitor, and particularly Corvidæ and Starlings. In December, Greenfinches, enormous numbers all the month, more than ever been seen here."
Since the completion of the Report Mr. J. H. Gurney informs me that he has received from Mr. J. Barrett, of the Swin Middle L.V., the wing of a Garganey Teal with the date July 22nd, 1884. Dunlin, March 21st, 1885, and that of a Wheatear with the extraordinary date of Feb. 4th attached.
From the Dudgeon L.V. comes a schedule signed by Mr. T. W. Harrison, the entries ranging from Nov. 10th, 1884, to March 6th, 1885. On Nov. 10th about forty Carrion Crows going from S.E. to N.W.; considerable numbers of Larks on the nights of the 11th and 12th, about twenty being killed; on the 13th, two Woodcocks at 6.40 p.m., N.N.E. 3, misty, one killed; the same night a great rush of Larks, Blackbirds, Fieldfares and Starlings; "Black Crows" and Larks, also a few Thrushes, at intervals through January, all coming from easterly and going in westerly directions. On the night of Feb. 15th, E., Knot, Stint, Lapwing and other birds round the lantern all night. Night of March 4th, E.S.E., Lapwings and Starlings about lantern, and eight of the latter killed; on the night of the 5th, several Carrion Crows between 7 and 12 p.m., three killed. The Dudgeon L.V. is about thirty-five miles east of Skegness on the Lincolnshire coast.