WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND.

In the same way as we treated of the East Coast returns, we treat the West Coast. The contents of one or two schedules written across the columns have been omitted for reasons before stated, more especially as none of these are of great importance.

LIST OF STATIONS.

The names of the Reporters are given under "Diary from the Stations."

In 1887,
Schedules
filled in.		Returns
in 9 years,
including
1887.		In
1887.		List of Stations.Values.Feet.
Sutherland.
0481.Cape Wrath,III.400
0482.Rhu Stoir,II.195
Outer Hebrides.
38*83.Butt of Lewis,I.170
0384.Stornoway (2 Lights),{II.
I.		}56
0385.Island Ghlais,I.130
88*86.Monach Islands,{I.
II.		150
62
0287.Ushenish, N. Uist,VI.176
2588.Barra Head,II.683
14*89.Rona, Skye,IV.222
38*90.Kyleakin, W. Ross,IV.53
0291.Isle Ornsay,I.58
0292.Ardnamurchan,I.
49*93.Skerryvore and Hynish
Signal Tower, Tiree,		II.150
49*94.Dhuheartach,I.146
0695.Sound of Mull,V.55
0096.Corran Ferry,IV.38
0497.Lismore, Oban,I.103
0298.Fladda, Easdale,VI.42
0499.Rhuvaal,IV.147
07100.M'Arthur's Head,IV.128
39*101.Skervuile,II.73
99*102.Rhinns of Islay,IV.159
84*103.Lochindaul,IV.50
00104.Mull of Cantyre,VI.297
00105.Sanda,
00106.Devaar,II.120
00107.Pladda, Arran,II.130
16*108.Lamlash, Arran,IV.46
04*109.Turnberry, Ayrshire,IV.96
31109B.Ailsa Craig, 1885
18*110.Corsewall,IV.112
00111.Loch Ryan,I.46
07*112.Portpatrick,I.37
18*113.Mull of Galloway,II.325
45*114.Little Ross,IV.176

Diary from the Stations.

Butt of Lewis.—Mr Robert Agnew, son of Mr Joseph Agnew (now at Monach Isles), sends three well-filled schedules, one being devoted, as requested, to Solan Geese after the date of September 4th.

Monach Isles.—Mr Joseph Agnew (late of Isle of May) sends eight schedules, one for Solan Geese. Mr Agnew says, "The Merganser is by far the most abundant of the ducks.... All Curlews come from the N. East, not one coming from the south (August). After coming so far, they turn inland; and, I have no doubt, the old are leading the young to previously well-known feeding grounds." "Geese seen flying S.E., as if from St Kilda" (August 17th). Statement that "one pair, at least, of Turnstones bred at Monach this year requires confirmation" (20th August). "Terns flying S.W., remarked as unusual" (30th). "I feel the place lonely to-day without the Terns. They must have seen their friends passing yesterday, and have gone off in pursuit" (31st August). "Sandpipers of sorts numerous by 1st September." "From 50 to 100 Cormorants on a rock remain fishing." October 22d: "I have never seen such a rush of Redwings alone without any admixture. They commenced to come about 7 P.M. last night, and continued to 'strike' till 4 A.M.; but many remained at the lantern till daylight. They were mostly all fine old birds. Most of those killed were on the N.E. side, so they must have been flying dead against the wind, which was blowing strong from the S.W." ... "It appears a S.W. wind here is best for migration." "Greenfinches and Bramblings noted on 27th, with a gale from the S.W. Very heavy migration."

Mr Agnew's letter of the 7th November 1887 is well worthy of careful perusal, but is too long for insertion here;[7] but the following short extracts, or digest, may be acceptable:—"The surprises I have met with during the last month beat all previous ones (as shown in the schedule to date). One of the few Goldcrests taken in the Long Island was found dead amongst other species."

[7] The materials have been utilised for a forthcoming work on the "Vertebrate Fauna of the Outer Hebrides."

On November 4th Mr Agnew reports the rushes of migrants as "very extraordinary." "That of yesterday larger than that of 1st," and in moonlight and clear. The advanced guard were Starlings from N.E., flying down the coast line, with wind "on the port bow." [Note.—Mr Agnew's notes are so voluminous and so interesting, that I hope some way may be found to utilise them more fully. Many letters deserve a better fate than oblivion. A great variety of species participated in this rush, including Woodcock.—J. A. H.-B.]

Barra Head.—Mr Chas. M'Fadzen sends two carefully filled schedules, in which the Geese referred to are mostly Barnacle.

Rona.—Messrs D. Dunnet and J. A. M'Gaw send one filled schedule, from February 15th to November 12th, with the further note: "Migration of birds here fewer in numbers than former years. Solan Geese all summer as usual."

Kyleakin.—Messrs D. MacCulloch and John Clyne send three well-filled schedules. Rush noticeable early in November, but greater rush 10th December of Larks and Linnets, yet not one seen near the lanterns.

Skerryvore.—Mr Thomas Dawson sends four good schedules—two on Solan Geese. Under date of 1st October, he says, whilst having little of importance to relate, that he witnessed a remarkable tussle between three Gannets and a large fish, two coming to help the first, which had remained a long time under water after striking, whilst no doubt struggling with its prey.

Dhuheartach.—Messrs Wm. Davidson and J. W. M'Guffie send four good schedules. The Siskin occurred on the 10th November, and was sent for identification, having been caught on the lantern. "Heavy rush" all night of 11th.

Skervuile.—Mr John Ewing sends three filled schedules down to November 21st, after which no more migration was observed. Harvie-Brown visited Skervuile and landed on the whales-back-looking rock on which the lighthouse is founded, and which is awash with the sea.

Rhinns of Islay.—Messrs Peter Anderson and James Ducat send nine carefully filled sheets, and write nearly each time at length. At the same time we are now, thanks to these reporters, obliged for a much more minute, and day-to-day return for each month of the year, most carefully prepared under species and in tabular form, which cannot fail to prove interesting and useful to work from. These date December 1886 to February 1888. The Rhinns of Islay must be looked upon as quite one of the most important West Coast stations for migration.

A Manx Shearwater is reported as caught on the lantern on the 20th April, and another was seen next morning. They are the first of the kind the keepers ever remember seeing. The occurrence thus makes it appear that Manx Shearwaters probably pair early, if they do not pair for life.

On August 2d, clouds of Midges round the lantern; and on 13th, from twenty to thirty Daddy-longlegs were captured. This season the very worst for Caterpillars (or "Kail-worm"). Glass rarely below 60° on the N. side at midnight, and again as warm on 10th September. [Note.—The warm weather about this time was universal.—J. A. H.-B.]

"The only rush we have had has been of Larks, and they have been in greater numbers than any year since I came here. One solitary Redwing is all I have seen this year. We have had such a long time of N. and N.W. winds. Best winds are S. to S.E. to bring the most birds. On October 9th, 1000's of Puffins appeared "flying North;" Iceland Gull on 10th; six Choughs seen on island on 16th, no doubt local birds. Heavy returns from October 19th onwards to 25th, of Larks and Starlings. Local visitation of Rooks owing to shooting going on through the island, and their leaving the rookeries at Bridgend, etc.; also Jackdaws. No great migration recorded in November of small land birds. (Compare with Monach Isles returns.) Iceland Gull seen at head of Lochindaul on the 9th of February 1888 (in lit. 15th February 1888.)

Lochindaul: Islay.—Mr James Edgar sends eight carefully filled and interesting schedules. Reports a Shearwater at the lantern on 21st April; it rested all night. [No doubt the same bird seen the day before at Rhinns of Islay along with the one which was killed. This is interesting, as showing a line of flight and the certainty bright lights have of luring birds to them.—J. A. H.-B.]

Lamlash.—Unsigned: one small return of five entries, between March 10th and September 17th, of Curlews, Thrush. Cuckoo heard. 25th April, Snipe and Geese.

Ailsa Craig.—Our first returns sent from the "Old Rock" are very full in interest, and date January 9th, 1887, to December 20th, occupying three schedules, by Mr William J. Dawson. "An Eagle seen on the hill on 19th October and previously; 'very large,' and probably a Sea-Eagle. Remained for more than three weeks. On 20th December a Carrier Pigeon was chased into the yard by two Peregrine Falcons (a pair build on the cliffs every season). They captured it next day. On the 20th January 1888, another Carrier was seen with a paper attached to it, and the Falcons were in pursuit of it. Most likely it shared the same fate as the other." [If any one can throw further light on this rather interesting note, we would be obliged. It serves, at least, to show one danger which Carriers may be subjected to.—J. A. H.-B.]

"Very few birds come near this light, the lantern revolving so rapidly. When I was at Pladda there were great rushes of birds at different times both in spring and autumn, and large numbers were found dead." [Our Committee has never received a single return from Pladda. This chance note may yet be valuable.—J. A. H.-B.]

Corsewall.—Mr Robert Laidlaw sends one well-filled schedule, and notices the rushes of Blackbirds and Turdidæ in October, and of the same and Fringillidæ (Linnets, etc.) in November.

Mull of Galloway.—Messrs Alexander Murray and John M'Quarrie send one schedule, also well filled, to date of September 17th.

Little Ross.—Messrs Neil M'Donald and Robert Macintosh send four good schedules. Petrel found dead at foot of tower, 23d January. Spring migration considerable, but decidedly scarce on the autumn migration, as compared with some other West Coast stations.

Remarks.

Pelecanidæ.—Of Gannets, by request, we have had a number of schedules entirely devoted to them at some of the more prominent stations of both East and West Coasts; but as these, with other accounts already published, constitute material for a very thorough treatment of the movements of the species, and their relations to the migrations of the Herring, we do not think it advisable in this place to occupy space with them.

Separate Report under Genera and Species.

Turdidæ.—Appears to have been the most numerous migrants in 1887.

January.—A rush marked at Ailsa (1886 Report, q.v.), and a few singles.

February.—Skervuile, 15th to 21st, "Blackbirds and Thrushes." Turnberry, "many do. on 25th." At Little Ross, fewer, on 16th and 17th.

March.—Stations are: Skerryvore (one), and Dhuheartach (one). Rhinns of Islay, a few records of Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Redwings. "Rush" at Ailsa Craig on 11th; strong N.E. breeze, snow. Little Ross, scattered records between 1st and 26th of Thrushes and Blackbirds.

April.—Only record is of two Fieldfares at Little Ross on 20th. Nothing in May to September—intermittent of Thrushes, only four dates at four places, viz., Barra Head, Kyleakin, Dhuheartach, and Corsewall.

October.—Numbers travelling, yet not so very densely. Rush of Thrushes on 16th at Corsewall. Great numbers of Redwing at Butt of Lewis, 21st and 22d; and one Fieldfare on 30th there. Other stations: Dhuheartach, Rhinns of Islay (Redwings), Lochindaul, Corsewall, and Little Ross.

November.—At Monach Isles surprising numbers of Fieldfares and Redwings, rushing between 1st and 12th; great numbers of Redwings (see Diary); also on 1st, 10th, 11th (many Fieldfares). Large numbers Mavis on 11th; also Blackbirds, scarcer. Rush felt most elsewhere at Skerryvore and Dhuheartach, also on 11th; strong N.E. breeze!! all night. Many killed at both these places. Lighter at Skervuile (Missel Thrushes also), Fieldfares and Redwings; and at Lochindaul, 4th to 9th to 20th, and Corsewall (generally full and large), but concentrated most at Monach, Skerryvore, and Dhuheartach. Continued lightly into December at same stations.

Saxicolinæ.—February.—8th, one "Stonechat" at Little Ross.

March.—1st, one Whinchat at Dhuheartach. 4th, one "Stonechat" at Rhinns of Islay. [These "Stonechats," "Whinchats," and "Wheatears" must, we fear, be hopelessly mixed always, as the correspondence now, to fix it, would entail enormous labour.—J. A. H.-B.]

April.—12th, Wheatear at Butt of Lewis; and 6th, ditto at Corran Ferry; and 13th and 20th, a few ditto at same place. Whinchat at Dhuheartach on 15th, and Wheatear on 17th. Other records at Rhinns of Islay, Ailsa Craig (27th), and Little Ross (11th and 12th).

May.—Two entries only at Dhuheartach (11th and 17th); W., N.W.

August.—Records all the month—no great numbers, except "numbers" at Little Ross on 7th—distributed as follows:—Butt of Lewis; Barra Head; Rona, Skye; Skerryvore (21st); Dhuheartach (21st); Skervuile (1st, 2d, 3d, 5th, 7th, 10th, 12th, 15th, a few; 16th, 25th, 28th, pair; 30th, 31st—all in small numbers); and Little Ross, 7th (a number), and 11th; winds variable, S.E. and S. to N., rarely W. or N.W.

September.—Few, and all left Monach Isles by the 9th; but "many" again there. "Many" on the 22d ("continued on"). At Butt of Lewis also one seen on 21st. At Skerryvore, 3d, 4th, 21st ("Stonechats" in distinction to Wheatears); 26th, ditto; and 25th, Redstart; and at Dhuheartach, 26th, Wheatears; and at Lochindaul, fifteen ditto on 2d, and again one on 14th.

No later records.

October.—Only one Stonechat recorded in all from Skerryvore on 2d; moderate W.; on rock.

Silviinæ.—Robin, Whitethroat.—January.—15th, at Ailsa, two Robins.

February.—28th, at Rhinns of Islay, one Robin.

March.—2d, at Skervuile, one Robin; light S., rain. 4th, at Rhinns of Islay, one ditto; light S.W. 28th, at Rhinns of Islay, twenty, 9 P.M. to 12 P.M.; W., haze.

May.—2d, at Ailsa, two Robins; light breeze, S.; catch flies.

August.—23d, at Butt of Lewis, one Whitethroat. 28th, at Lochindaul, one Redbreast.

September.—From 15th to 29th, at Rona, one Whitethroat on 21st. Scattered occurrences of Robins at Kyleakin (one on 15th); Skervuile (one); Rhinns of Islay (23d and 29th); Lochindaul (15th, 19th, 21st, and 28th); Corsewall (23d); Mull of Galloway to November, two entries at Lochindaul (2d and 9th).

Phylloscopinæ.—March.—30th, one Gold crest at Lochindaul.

May.—2d, Willow Warblers—one found dead at base of tower of Rhinns of Islay.

June.—At Rhinns of Islay, one Willow Warbler found dead in morning.

August.—24th, at Butt of Lewis, "Chiffchaff" (?); and at Rhinns of Islay, "Wood Wren" (?) on 22d. On 24th, at Little Ross, Willow Wren found dead at tower.

September.—Goldcrests scattered and scarce at Skervuile, Lochindaul, and Little Ross.

October.—One at Little Ross on 22d.

November.—One at Rhinns of Islay on 5th.

March.—Goldcrests scattered and scarce, at Rhinns of Islay, Turnberry, and Little Ross.

July.—Two entries only at Corsewall and little Ross.

September.—Three records at Mull of Galloway and Little Ross.

October.—Eight Golden-Crested Wrens at Little Ross. [Note.—Golden-Crested Wrens having been entered in ledger under Troglodytidæ or "Wrens," have got a little out of place.] Very restricted migration. One obtained at Monach (rare).

Acrocephalinæ.—September.—3d, one Sedge Warbler at Little Ross.

Troglodytidæ.—Wren.—One on April 5th at Ailsa; one at Skerryvore on 6th, on the rocks; and "great numbers different kinds of Wrens" on 11th at Corsewall, probably Goldcrests, Common Wrens, Warblers; light N.E. Scattered notices only of Common Wren, not of much significance.

Motacillidæ.—March.—15th, at Monach, a Grey Wagtail [we suspect the Pied is meant, as the true Grey is really yellow with black throat] Wagtails also at Lochindaul on 12th, and at Little Ross on 14th.

April.—On 29th, at Monach, two, and on 9th; N.E., light. At Lochindaul, a pair; N.E., light (flying as Agnew describes).

May.—Between 7th (at Butt of Lewis) and 26th, at Little Ross, a few records on five dates, inclusive, at these stations and intermediately at Monach, Kyleakin, and Dhuheartach.

July.—Two records at Kyleakin on 22d, and on 15th at Lochindaul.

August.—23d, at Butt of Lewis. Scattered records, few and far between, at Skerryvore, of "Grey Wagtails" (?); and of other Wagtails at Lochindaul; and one at Little Ross on the 1st.

September.—No great rush, except "many all day at Little Ross of Grey Wagtails" (?) [probably winter Pied Wagtails.—J. A. H.-B.] on 18th. (See remarks in previous Reports on Wagtails, on General Post-Office, Edinburgh.) Scattered at Rhinns of Islay, Lochindaul, Mull of Galloway, and Little Ross, during the month.

October.—Three records only on 5th, 7th, and 25th, at Rhinns of Islay and Lochindaul.

December.—One record of three at Rhinns of Islay on 19th.

Anthidæ.—March.—A number on 1st, at Monach, and very plentiful on 7th, Stray birds at Dhuheartach on 20th and 21st.

April.—Titlark at Dhuheartach on 1st and 13th.

August.—19th, at Rona, Titlarks; and Rock Pipits at Lochindaul on 25th.

September.—Titlarks in small numbers from 12th to 13th—no rush—at Butt of Lewis, Dhuheartach, and Skerryvore.

October.—Two records at Skerryvore and Dhuheartach.

November.—One on 9th at Skerryvore.

Muscicapidæ.—August.—Only on 27th, at Mull of Galloway, one; S.E., haze to fog. On 29th, two; fresh S. breeze; and "Flycatchers" flying about all night on 30th; S., fresh breeze.

Hirundinidæ.—May.—6th, at Butt of Lewis, one, 9 A.M.; light W. breeze, clear. 6th, at Dhuheartach, one swallow; light S.E. breeze, flying E. 17th, at do., one swallow; strong S.W. breeze about rock. 6th, at Rhinns of Islay, eight swallows, 11.30 A.M.; strong E., haze, flying N. 7th, at do., five swallows; strong E., haze, flying about. 9th, at do., three swallows; N.N.W., fresh haze, flying about. 10th, at do., two swallows, 1 to 3 P.M.; flying about. 3d, at Lochindaul, one Martin (first seen). 4th, at do., one pair Martin; N.W., flying about. 17th, at Ailsa, four pair Martins; S.; clear. 12th, at Little Ross, two pair Martins; W., clear.

June.—At Little Ross, four on 6th; a few on 9th; one on 23d; and one on 24th; W. and light N.E., clear.

April.—30th, at Kyleakin, one swallow (first seen); N., clear. Other records at Skervuile (23d), Corsewall (17th), Mull of Galloway (26th).

August.—Evidence of a considerable movement, but entries all light comparatively. At Butt of Lewis, one, on 5th; at Kyleakin, one, on 4th; a few at Rhinns of Islay, and singles at Lochindaul to 23d, when "flocks of;" and till 27th. Ailsa, one; and at Corsewall, Mull of Galloway, and Little Ross, Martins flying East, on 13th.

October.—Flocks on 4th, at Mull of Galloway, all day. Scattered entries at Dhuheartach, Rhinns of Islay, Mull of Galloway, and Little Ross.

Fringillidæ.—January.—Linnets (Twites?) on 22d, at Kyleakin; and at Little Ross, 20th and 27th.

March.—Grey Linnets.—Numerous at Monach (?Twites?) on 7th; and on 23d, 1000's crossing from mainland; two, on 30th. [It is nearly certain all these are Twites.—J. A. H.-B.]

April.—Great flocks, 4th to 7th, at Little Ross; Linnets and Sparrows reported from Kyleakin, and the latter from Rhinns of Islay on 21st.

June.—Linnets at Little Ross, 6th, 7th, and 30th.

August.—Grey Linnets at Kyleakin on 22d, flying about.

September.—All the month in small numbers. Sparrows "numerous" at Lochindaul about 9th and 10th, and Linnets also; also at Ailsa on 10th. A few all day, Mull of Galloway.

October.—Greenfinches at Monach Isles, a few; and a Brambling on 27th, and Green Linnets on 30th; also at Kyleakin and Rhinns of May; and at the latter, one Chaffinch on 23d.

November.—Large numbers, in flocks and parties, of Greenfinches. 2d to 28th—a great rush in comparison with other places.

December.—Continuing in numbers all month.

Emberizidæ.—March.—Snow Buntings at Butt of Lewis from N.E. At Monach, a few Grey and Common and Snow Buntings. One Yellow Hammer at Lochindaul.

May.—Snow Buntings, five on 23d at Monach Isles; W., light; two days' gale previously from north.

September.—20th, one Snow Bunting at Butt of Lewis; N.W., light breeze, clear.

October.—At Monach one Snow Bunting; W.S.W., strong. Also at Butt of Lewis, twelve on 18th, W., fresh, haze; and at Rhinns of Islay on 27th, four Yellow Hammers; and on 22d, big flock on Ailsa; and twelve, three days after, on 25th.

November.—Stations:—Butt of Lewis, Monach, Lochindaul, and Ailsa for Snow Buntings; "many" at the latter on 27th. Scarcely any migration seen after November.

Alaudidæ.—Trifling in January and March; September, large flocks at Monach on 23d; April (Monach). Numbers in February at several stations [I suspect these are mostly very local flights.—J. A. H.-B.]; a few in March, early leading up. A great rush daily by 28th, at Rhinns of Islay; 11th, at Ailsa (rush); 31st, at Lochindaul, daily. Few after.

April.—Few.

September.—Great movements reported from Butt of Lewis, Dhuheartach, Monach, and elsewhere. "Rush" about 21st. All October in varying numbers at the stations; and November, "marvellous lots" at Monach; continuing in hundreds in December at the best recording stations.

Corvidæ.—(See Diary.) Nothing of fresh interest. Choughs in Islay.

Cypselidæ.—Swift at Butt of Lewis on 12th—S.S.W. breeze, rain; and one at same place on 27th August.

Strigidæ.—A few odd records of Owls—May (one), Jane (one), September (two), October (one Barn Owl at Rhinns of Islay), November (three Barn Owls at Rhinns of Islay at lantern).

Accipitinæ.—Numbers of records of Hawks on predatory quests (Merlin, Sparrow, Kestrel, Falcon) at almost all times when other birds are there, bulking, of course, at the height of the migratory season, especially of the Waders and Sandpipers.

Pelecanidæ.—Special schedules for Gannets, and the whole Gannet migration will be undertaken later.

Ardeidæ.—No new information to be gleaned.

Anatidæ.—Eiders.—100 at Monach on March 7th, coming from the north; and 50 on 8th, males and females. Small flocks—ten to twenty-five—on 5th, 6th, 10th, 12th, 13th at Rhinns of Islay, and on 11th and 24th April.

Again in May, Merganser Ducks at Monach—came on 28th, left on 30th. Eider continued to be seen during May in flocks here and there, and fewer in June.

Generally Ducks and Geese appeared abundant in September, October, and November. Consisted of the following species recorded:—"Wild Geese," Eiders, Wild Ducks, Mergansers (Monach), Barnacle Geese (Barra Head), Teal Duck? (Barra Head). At the following stations:—Butt of Lewis (Eiders and Wild Geese); Monach (Eiders, Wild Geese, Mergansers—very abundant, and a few Wild Duck); Rona (Eiders); Kyleakin (Wild Geese); Barra Head (Barnacle Geese, Teal Duck?); Skerryvore (Barnacle Geese, Eiders); Dhuheartach (do. do.); Rhinns of Islay (Wild Geese, Eiders abundantly, and Ducks of sorts); Lochindaul, etc., etc.

Charadriidæ.—Oyster-Catchers; nothing new. Golden Plovers, no great autumn movement. Few other records at all of Lapwings, Ring Dotterels. A sort of rush of Lapwings in August, 1st to 24th; at Lochindaul, greatest on 14th, but flocks for days before. A few seen at Ailsa Craig, and one only at Mull of Galloway.

September.—Few records at all.

October.—Lapwings entirely at Rhinns of Islay, and in November the same.

Scolopacidæ.—Curlews universal; nothing new. Other species mentioned all through the year. Whimbrel at Rhinns of Islay (May), forty in a flock; rested. Jack Snipe? at Butt of Lewis, 25th August. Snipe: Woodcock (in November), 12th only; at Rona, Skye, and at Dhuheartach same date. (Scarce this season, at least, as seen on migration.) Most of the records here apply, and bulk with Curlew. Sandpipers, Redshanks, Dunlins at several stations also.

Sturninæ and Laridæ.—Nothing of much fresh interest Besides commoner species, the following are noticed:—Boatswain Birds (15th August, at Skervuile); Skuas and "Dirty Aliens," "Small Gulls" (at Skervuile, 17th July); Iceland Gulls (Rhinns of Islay), etc.

Alcidæ, Colymbidæ.—Unusually abundant in Autumn at most stations, but do not warrant special remark here.