WEST COAST OF ENGLAND AND WALES, AND THE ISLE OF MAN.
Schedules were sent to the forty-eight lighthouses and light-vessels on the West Coast of England and Wales, and the Isle of Man, and returns have been received from twenty-nine.
The following is an enumeration of the stations included in this section of the Report, those making returns being marked by an asterisk:—
| No. on Map. | ||||
| Isle of Man. | ||||
| 115. | L.H. | Point of Ayre. | ||
| 116. | L.H. | Douglas Head. | ||
| * | 117. | L.H. | Langness, | Robt. Clyne. |
| * | 118. | L.H. | Chickens Rock, | James Black. |
| 119. | L.V. | Bahama Bank. | ||
| N. W. England. | ||||
| * | 120. | L.H. | St Bees, | Henry Nott. |
| * | 121. | L.V. | Selker, | Geo. Cumming. |
| 122. | L.V. | Morecambe Bay. | ||
| * | 123. | L.V. | Dee, | Messrs Work and Clague. |
| North Wales. | ||||
| 124. | L.H. | Air. | ||
| * | 125. | L.H. | Menai, | Joseph Steer. |
| * | 126. | L.H. | Skerries, | Wm. Jno. Rees. |
| * | 127. | L.H. | Holyhead Breakwater, | Messrs Pritchard, Owen, and Hughes. |
| * | 128. | L.H. | South Stack, | W. R. Burgess. |
| * | 129. | L.V. | Carnarvon Bay, | Messrs Thomas and Hughes. |
| * | 130. | L.H. | St Tudwal's, | W. Davies. |
| * | 131. | L.H. | Bardsey Island, | Thomas Bowen. |
| 132. | L.V. | Cardigan Bay. | ||
| South Wales | ||||
| * | 133. | L.H. | South Bishop, | Alfred Frost. |
| * | 134. | L.H. | Smalls, | Geo. Baker. |
| 135. | L.H. | Great Castle Head. | ||
| 136. | L.H. | Milford. | ||
| * | 137. | L.H. | Caldy, | Wm. Ebben. |
| 138. | L.V. | Helwick. | ||
| Bristol Channel. | ||||
| 139. | L.V. | Scarweather. | ||
| * | 140. | L.H. | Nash (E.), | Henry Nicholas. |
| * | 141. | L.H. | Breaksea, | Thomas Walters. |
| * | 142. | L.H. | Flatholm, | W. Dale. |
| 143. | L.V. | English and Welsh Grounds. | ||
| * | 144. | L.H. | Usk, | Amos Russell. |
| 145. | L.H. | Avon. | ||
| * | 146. | L.H. | Burnham, | Wm. Lewis. |
| South-Western England. | ||||
| * | 147. | L.H. | Bull Point, | George Knott. |
| 148. | L.H. | Bideford Bar, | Thomas Gilpin. | |
| 149. | L.H. | Lundy. | ||
| 150. | L.H. | Hartland Point. | ||
| 151. | L.H. | Trevose Head. | ||
| * | 152. | L.H. | Godrevy, | Richard Trahair. |
| * | 153. | L.H. | Longships, | Jno. W. Watson. |
| * | 154. | L.V. | Sevenstones, | D. Norton. |
| * | 155. | L.H. | Wolf Rock, | J. J. Channer. |
| 156. | L.H. | Scilly. | ||
| * | 157. | L.H. | Bishop's Rock, | J. W. Troth. |
| 158. | L.H. | Lizard. | ||
| 159. | L.H. | Falmouth Harbour. | ||
| * | 160. | L.H. | Eddystone, | Wm. Ainger. |
| 161. | L.H. | Plymouth Breakwater. | ||
| * | 162. | L.H. | Start Point, | Wm. Jones. |
The best thanks of the Committee are due to the above-named observers for their invaluable assistance, and for the faithful manner in which they have filled in their schedules. To Mr Henry Nicholas, Mr Robert Clyne, and Messrs Work and Clague, we are in addition indebted for their kindness in sending wings, etc., of the, to them, unknown species killed or captured at their respective stations, by which means we have been able to add not a little to the value and interest of the returns. We trust their good example may be followed by others. The trifling expenses incurred will be only too gladly refunded in all cases. Our thanks are also due to Messrs Macpherson and Duckworth, Messrs F. Reynolds, G. H. Caton-Haigh, R. P. Harper, and H. Harbord, for their kind co-operation in furnishing valuable independent observations.
Diary of the Principal Movements.
The order of the stations is from north to south. The wind and weather are given in parenthesis. For the weather the symbols of the Beaufort Scale have been adopted;[14] and the force of the wind ranges from 0 to 12.
[14] Beaufort Scale.—B. blue sky; C. detached clouds; D. drizzling rain; F. fog; G. dark, gloomy; H. hail; L. lightning; M. misty; O. overcast; P. passing showers; Q. squally; R. rain; S. snow; T. thunder; U. ugly, threatening; V. visibility, unusual transparency; W. dew.
April 13th.
Langness L.H.—Wheatears very numerous; great numbers all night. Nine killed. (E.S.E., light, haze.)
Bahama Bank L.V.—Fifty-two "Stonechatters" (? Wheatears), at 11.30 P.M.; twelve killed, forty captured alive, also two Blackbirds and six Daws killed at same time. (S. by E., 5, misty.)
Bull Point L.H.—A Goldcrest at lantern at 9.30 P.M.
April 18th.
Rockliffe, Cumberland.—Great numbers of birds passing in parties every fifteen minutes, at 8.45 P.M. until 11.30 P.M., and perhaps later. They were passing in a N.E. direction at great speed, and calling. Mr Smith distinguished Geese, Golden-eyes, and Widgeon. (N.W., fine, clear, moonlight.)
April 22d.
Langness L.H.—Ten Sedge Warblers and three Wheatears on lantern, from 1 to 4 A.M. A good many Swallows flying north between 1 and 3 P.M. One Grasshopper Warbler at 3 P.M.
Bahama Bank L.V.—"About five dozen White and Blue Throats and Stonechats at 3 A.M., eight killed." (S.W., 4; O. R.)
Flatholm L.H.—Small flocks of Chiff-Chaff all night.
October 8th to 12th.
Chickens Rock L.H.—"From the 8th to the 12th of October large flocks of migrants were to be seen in the southern parts of the Isle of Man, and were principally composed of Thrushes, Starlings, Linnets, Redbreasts, Blackbirds, and Wrens."
October 10th.
South Stack L.H.—Several Larks, Blackbirds, and Goldcrests, between 12 P.M. and 4 A.M.
Carnarvon Bay L.V.—Large flocks of Larks to-day.
Nash (E.) L.H.—A large flock of Fieldfares at 4 P.M.
October 16th.[15]
[15] For the prevailing meteorological conditions from October 16th to 20th, see observations under the "General Remarks" on this section of the Report.
Langness L.H.—One Wild Goose at 5 P.M.
Chickens Rock L.H.—Large numbers of Thrushes, Starlings, and other birds all night.
Dee L.V.—Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Titlarks, and Linnets about the vessel all night. (S.S.E., 3; fog.)
Skerries Rock L.H.—Blackbirds, Larks, Thrushes, Starlings, Snipes, and Woodcocks flying around the lantern; some killed. (E., 4; misty.)
South Stack L.H.—Starlings from 8 A.M. till 1 P.M.
Carnarvon Bay L.V.—Fifty Starlings at 4 P.M.; a large flock of Larks at 9 A.M.
South Bishop L.H.—Thirty Starlings, twenty Thrushes, fourteen Blackbirds, and four Larks killed between 12.30 and 2.30 A.M. Several Mistletoe Thrushes at 9 A.M. (E.N.E., 9; B. C. M.)
Nash (E.) L.H.—Seventy to eighty Starlings, twenty-one killed; twenty to thirty Thrushes, two killed; eight to ten Blackbirds, six killed. (E., 3; O. M.)
Bull Point L.H.—Four Starlings, two Thrushes, and one Blackbird killed.
Godrevy L.H.—Great numbers of Thrushes, Redwings, and Starlings, and a few Blackbirds. (E, 3; M. R.) Two dozen killed between 12 P.M. and 5 A.M.
Longships L.H.—A good many Starlings and Fieldfares between 2 A.M. and daylight; a few killed.
Bishop Rock L.H.—A few Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and Starlings between 1 A.M. and daylight. (E.N.E., 7; squally, rain, and mist.)
Eddystone L.H.—Several Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, and Larks, from 12 P.M. to 3 A.M. Several struck. Sixteen caught. (N.E., 8; O. R. M.)
October 17th.
Langness L.H.—Four or five Common Wrens; large flock of Grey Linnets; large flocks of Skylarks; and a few Song Thrushes at 11 A.M. (E, light; haze.)
Chickens Rock L.H.—Large numbers of Thrushes, Starlings, "and other birds not made out," throughout the night. (E. to S.E., strong breeze; showers and haze.)
St Bees L.H.—Three Grey Geese and large numbers of Fieldfares at noon.
Dee L.V.—Redwings, Thrushes, and Titlarks from midnight to sunrise. (S.S.E., 3; fog.) Some killed. Titlarks, Blackbirds, Chaffinches, and Linnets flying in company around the vessel during the morning.
Carnarvon Bay L.V.—Three small "Pinks" on deck at 1 P.M.
St Tudwal's L.H.—One Blackbird at 7 A.M.
South Bishop L.H.—Several Starlings and flocks of Linnets in the forenoon; two Goldcrests on the rock all day.
Smalls L.H.—One Ring Ouzel passing at noon. "White Buntings" about the rocks.
Flatholm L.H.—Enormous flocks of Martins and Swallows all day.
Bideford Bar L.H.—Four Grey Geese at 9 A.M.
October 18th.
Langness L.H.—Flock of thirty Lapwings at 11 A.M. One Swallow at 3 P.M.
Chickens Rock L.H.—Large numbers of Thrushes, Starlings, and other birds throughout the night. (E. and S.E., 6; P. M.)
Dee L.V.—Large flocks of Titlarks and Blackbirds in company flying south all day.
South Stack L.H.—Six Blackbirds, one Thrush, and one Titlark killed between 4 and 6 A.M. (Calm; C. M.) Small flocks of Larks and Finches going N.W. from 8 A.M. to noon.
South Bishop L.H.—Seven Martins appeared.
Nash (E.) L.H.—Two Thrushes and two Blackbirds killed at 3 A.M. (E., 3; O. M.)
Godrevy L.H.—Two Swallows at 1 P.M.
Eddystone L.H.—Three Redwings and several Titlarks struck at 5 A.M.
October 19th.
Langness L.H.—Numbers of Starlings at lantern between land 3 A.M.
Dee L.V.—Large quantity of small birds about the vessel from midnight to sunrise. Lapwings, Sand-Larks, Redwings, Skylarks, and Blackbirds killed; many others falling overboard. A Yellow-Hammer and Stonechat alive on deck. (E. by S., 1; fog.)
Holyhead Breakwater L.H.—One Northern Diver at noon going west.
South Stack L.H.—Blackbirds, Thrushes, Ring Ouzels, and Larks from 1 to 6 A.M. Thirty killed. (E., 3; C. M.)
Flatholm L.H.—"Crested Wrens first seen."
Bull Point L.H.—One Blackbird and one Thrush struck at 3 A.M.
October 20th.
Langness L.H.—A flock of Lapwings at 11 A.M.; one Swallow 3 P.M.
Carnarvon Bay L.V.—About a dozen small birds at 3 A.M.; three Crows at 11.40 P.M.
South Bishop L.H.—Two Larks and four Blackbirds at 3 A.M.; three Starlings at 4.30 A.M.; several Wrens at 10.30 A.M.; one Hawk at 3 P.M. (N. to N.N.W., 4; B. C. V.)
Flatholm L.H.—A large flock of Swallows at noon.
Godrevy L.H.—Several Starlings, Thrushes, and Blackbirds at light from 2 to 5 A.M.
Longships L.H.—A great many Starlings from 3 A.M. to daylight.
Bishop Rock L.H.—Several Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, two or three Titlarks, Chaffinches, and Starlings from midnight to daylight.
Eddystone L.H.—"Hundreds of birds here this morning. Missel Thrushes, Blackbirds, Ring Ouzels, Fieldfares, Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, Larks, Wheatears, Flycatcher species, Robins, and Wagtails," from 2 to 5 A.M. (N.N.E., 3; C. M.) A great number striking and falling over. Twenty-three caught. "No Fieldfares striking."
Start L.H.—Twelve Starlings, two Skylarks, one Thrush, and one Dishwasher [Wagtail] fluttering against the lantern at 3 A.M..
October 30th.
Langness L.H.—A few Blackbirds at 4 P.M.
Chickens Rock L.H.—Numbers of Starlings, Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Fieldfares from 9 P.M. Numbers struck and fell over into the sea. (S.E., 6; D.)
St Bees L.H.—Two Woodcock at 3 P.M.
Selker L.V.—Flocks of Crows, Blackbirds, Titlarks, and Larks going south during the day.
Dee L.V.—Do, do. do.
South Stack L.H.—Ten Starlings killed.
Carnarvon Bay L.V.—A few Starlings at 3 A.M. Large flocks of Larks all day.
Smalls L.H.—A few Starlings at 8 P.M.
Bideford Bar L.H.—One Sparrow struck at 9.30 P.M.
Godrevy L.ii.—Four Starlings struck between 6 and 8 P.M.
Eddystone L.H.—Flock of Golden Plovers; a large quantity of Starlings and Larks, Grasshopper Warbler [?] and Goldcrests between 7.30 and 10 P.M. Twenty-eight killed. (S.E., 1; C. D. M.)
November 8th.[16]
[16] For the prevailing meteorological conditions for November 8th to 13th, see observations under General Remarks section of this Report.
Langness L.H.—Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Redwings between 8 P.M. to 6 A.M. (S.E., 2; M.)
Chickens Rock L.H.—Large numbers of Thrushes, Blackbirds, Larks, and Starlings throughout the night. (S., 2; M.)
Selker L.V.—A great many Larks flying about the lantern all night; a few killed. (S.S.E., 4; O. M.)
Carnarvon Bay L.V.—Starlings, Larks, Thrushes, and "Pinks" around the lantern all night.
South Bishop L.H.—Several Wheatears at 8 P.M.
Smalls L.H.—Starlings, Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Larks in large numbers at 5 P.M. and throughout the night. (E.S.E., 3; O. C. M. D.)
Nash (E.) L.H.—Many Blackbirds and Thrushes between 1 and 3 A.M. Eighteen killed. (E.N.E., 3; O. M.)
Breaksea L.V.—Blackbirds and Starlings all night. Eleven killed. (E., 4; M.)
Bishop Rock L.H.—Thrushes and Starlings all night. (S.S.E., 3; M.)
Eddystone L.H.—Redwings, Starlings, Thrushes, and Blackbirds from 1 to 5 A.M.; twenty-two caught; many striking and falling into the sea. (S.E. by S., 3; c. V.) Redwings, Starlings, Larks, Thrushes,, and Fieldfares from 9 P.M. to 5 A.M. (9th); thirty caught, numbers flying around the lantern. (E N.E., 3; O. D. M.)
November 9th.
Chickens Rock L.H.—A flock of Fieldfares at 3 A.M. A large rush of birds appears to have taken place at this station during the night, when numbers struck the lantern, principally on the east side, and were most likely killed, for they left marks of blood on the windows. Flocks of Thrushes, Fieldfares, Blackbirds, and Larks all night. Large numbers striking and falling into the sea. (S.E., strong breeze: haze.)
Dee L.V.—Several Blackbirds at 3 A.M.; a few killed and falling overboard.
Skerries L.H.—" Blackbirds and Chaffinches."
South Stack L.H.—A Blackbird caught at lantern at 10 P.M.
South Bishop L.H.—Sixty Blackbirds, forty Thrushes, six Larks, and six Starlings killed between 1 and 5 A.M. (S.E., 4; C. M.)
Nash (E.) L.H.—Six Blackbirds killed between 4 and 4.30 A.M. Four Snipe killed at 4.30 A.M. (E.N.E., 3; O. M.)
Bull Point L.H.—One Thrush struck at 1.30 A.M.
Godrevy L.H.—A few Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Starlings struck, but not killed, from 1 to 5 A.M. One Robin struck at 8 P.M.
Wolf Rock L.H.—"Grey Birds" and Starlings flying around the lantern at 1 A.M.
Eddystone L.H.—Larks, Thrushes, and Fieldfares around the lantern in the early morning. Thrushes, Blackbirds, Starlings, Larks, one Storm Petrel, and "I think one Marsh Tit," at light between 9 P.M. and midnight. Seven caught. (E.N.E., 3; O. M.)
November 10th.
Langness L.H.—"Blackbirds and Thrushes all night."
Chickens Rock L.H.—Flocks of Thrushes and Blackbirds all night. One Snipe killed. (S.E., strong breeze; haze.)
Dee L.V.—One Thrush and one Blackbird killed during the night. One Storm Petrel struck.
South Stack L.H.—Blackbirds and Starlings from 9 P.M. to midnight.
Carnarvon Bay L.V.—A great number of birds around the lantern all night; one Lark and one Thrush killed.
South Bishop L.H.—Six Blackbirds, two Larks, and four Thrushes killed. Numbers at lantern all night. (S.E., 4; C. M.)
Smalls L.H.—Starlings, Sparrows, Blackbirds, and Chaffinches at 3 A.M.
Nash (E.) L.H.—Numbers of Blackbirds and Thrushes struck between 8 P.M. and midnight. Nine of the former and forty-two of the latter killed. (E.N.E., 4; C. M.)
Bull Point L.H.—One Blackbird struck at 5 A.M.
Bishop Rock L.H.—One Jack Snipe killed at 8 P.M.
Eddystone L.H.—Several Redwings and Starlings killed. One Jack Snipe and Storm Petrel between 7 P.M. and midnight. (E.N.E., 3; O. D. M.)
Start L.H.—One Snipe killed at 6 P.M.
November 11th.
Langness L.H.—Four Blackbirds at light at 9 P.M. One Snipe killed at 11.30 P.M.
Chickens Rock L.H.—Flocks of Thrushes, Starlings, Blackbirds, and other species arrived at 11 P.M. (S.E., strong breeze; haze.)
Dee L.V.—Many Thrushes during night.
South Stack L.H.—Blackbirds and Starlings at lantern in early morning, and, along with Thrushes, again at night, when several were killed.
South Bishop L.H.—Blackbirds, Larks, Starlings, and Thrushes during the night; several of each species killed. (S.E., 3; C. M.)
Eddystone L.H.—Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, Larks from 8 P.M. to 5 A.M. (12th). Seventy-six caught, two hundred lost over. (S.E., 5; O. M.)
Start L.H.—A few Starlings and Larks.
Separate Notes on each Species.
Turdus viscivorus, Missel Thrush.—October 16th, South Bishop L.H., several flying around the rock at 9 A.M. October 20th, Eddystone L.H., "hundreds of birds around lantern between 2 and 5 A.M., one Missel Thrush caught."
Turdus musicus, Song Thrush.—Spring: Continuous movements throughout February reported along the entire coast; the chief between the 11th and 17th, when Thrushes were observed or killed nightly. At the South Bishop L.H., a most important station, ninety-seven Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Starlings were captured at 3 A.M. on the 15th. On the 20th of April another important movement was observed at the Chickens Rock L.H. at 11 P.M., when flocks of Thrushes and Fieldfares, along with Goldcrests and Larks, were careering round the lantern, some being killed.
Autumn: The initiatory movement was observed at the Chickens Rock on the 2d of September, where at 9 P.M. four were fluttering around the light. On the 25th of September, at the same station, a few were observed at 10.30 P.M., along with Blackbirds. From the 8th to the 19th of October the movements appear to have been continuous; on the 16th migrants were noted in numbers at most stations between the Isle of Man and the Eddystone, many being killed (S.E. and E.). During November there were regular movements up to the 16th, the chief being on the 8th, and covering the entire coast (S.E., moderate, cloudy); on the 9th forty were killed at the South Bishop L.H.; on the 10th from eighty to one hundred struck the Nash (E.), forty-two being killed.
Turdus iliacus, Redwing.—Autumn: First noted at Carlisle on September 20th. At Godrevy L.H., at 11 P.M., on October 15th; on the 16th October at the Dee L.V. and the Eddystone L.H. in considerable numbers; on the 17th, 19th, and 30th several were killed at the Dee L.V. November—from the 1st to the 12th they occurred almost daily at Langness and Eddystone; on the 25th twelve were killed at the Nash. Finally, on December 13th one struck the Breaksea light. This species is recorded as perishing at the lanterns in much larger numbers than its congeners; thirty-five were killed at the Eddystone on the 11th of November.
Turdus pilaris, Fieldfare.—Spring: April 20th, Chickens Rock, flocks, along with Thrushes, Larks, and Goldcrests, at 11 P.M. (S.W., light, haze).
Autumn: First noted on October 3d at Carlisle; on October 8th, 9th, and 10th at the Chickens Rock, and on the last-named date a large flock appeared at 4 P.M. at the Nash; on the 16th numbers at the Longships from 2 A.M. till daylight; on 17th Fieldfares appeared at St Bees in the afternoon. During November immigrants were observed on the 5th and 6th at Burnham, 8th at Eddystone, 9th at Chickens Rock, and 12th at Burnham. Very few Fieldfares appear to perish at the lanterns.
Turdus merula, Blackbird.—Spring: General movements from 12th to 17th of February, when they were observed during the night at eight stations, ranging between Langness and the Eddystone. On April 13th, two were killed on the Bahama Bank L.V. at 11.30 P.M.
Autumn.—First noted at the Eddystone on 13th: of August, when several were killed at 11.30 P.M. Reported on many occasions from most stations during October and November. The most general movement occurred on the 16th October, when it is recorded from nine stations between the Calf of Man and Land's-End. Another general movement on November 9th, on which occasion sixty Blackbirds and forty Thrushes were killed at the South Bishop. Only reported during the night and early morning.
Turdus torquatus, Ring Ouzel.—Autumn: October 17th, Smalls, one passing south at noon. October 19th, South Stack, Ring Ouzels from 1 to 6 A.M., along with Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Larks. October 20th, Eddystone, along with other species between 2 and 5 A.M.; one killed.
Saxicola ænanthe, Wheatear.—Spring: March 26th, Cumberland, arrived at Ravenglass; 29th, Langness, a male. April 2d, six or eight at Langness at 11 A.M. The main body arrived on the 13th, when they were very numerous at Langness at 4.30 P.M., and numbers were at the lantern all night, four males and three females being picked up dead; at the Bahama Bank L.V. the same night, fifty-two were killed or captured. (E.S.E., fresh, haze.) On the early morning of April 22d, they again occurred in some numbers at both of these stations.
Autumn.—First noted at Langness on the 3d of August, more on the 9th and 18th; several at the Eddystone on the 23d; large numbers at Langness on the 30th. October 30th, many at the Eddystone from 2 to 5 A.M., along with Missel Thrushes, Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Fieldfares, etc. November 8th, Langness, several at light at 8 P.M.
Pratincola rubetra, Whinchat.—April 22d, Carlisle.
Ruticilla phœnicurus, Redstart.—April 26th, Carlisle.
Ruticilla titys, Black Redstart.—I received from Mr Henry Nicholas the wings, tail, and feet of a female which had been killed against the Nash (E.) lantern at midnight on the 8th of November.
Erithacus rubecula, Redbreast.—August 12th, one appeared at Langness. September 7th, South Stack, one at the lantern at 4 A.M.; 27th, a few at Langness at 11 A.M. October 9th, numbers, along with Thrushes and Fieldfares, at the Chickens Rock; on the 20th, many, along with several species of Turdinæ, etc., at the Eddystone between 2 and 5 A.M. November 13th, at 3 A.M. at the Start.
Sylvia cinerea, Whitethroat.—Spring: April 23d, Carlisle. April 27th, Merionethshire.
Autumn.—August 14th, Godrevy, one killed at 2 A.M. September 5th, St Bees, one struck lantern at 2 A.M.
Sylvia atricapilla, Blackcap.—April 15th, Merionethshire.
Phylloscopus collybita, Chiff-Chaff.—Spring: March 25th, Merionethshire, one at Penrhyndendraeth; no more till 28th, when they became abundant. Cumberland, April 2d, Carlisle.
Autumn.—September 19th, Cumberland, one at Ravenglass.
Phylloscopus trochilus, Willow Wren.—April 15th, Merionethshire, first observed. April 19th, Carlisle.
Acrocephalus phragmitis, Sedge-Warbler.—April 22d, Langness, ten at lantern from midnight to 4 A.M.; 29th, Cumberland, observed at Ravenglass.
Locustella nævia, Grasshopper Warbler.—Spring: April 22d, Langness, one at 3 P.M.; 30th, Carlisle.
Autumn.—October 30th, Eddystone, one killed, between 7 and 10 P.M., along with Larks and Goldcrests [?].
Accentor modularis, Fledge Sparrow.—Spring: March 20th. Langness, one at 6 P.M.
Autumn.—October 18th, Langness, one at 1.30 P.M.
Parus ——, Titmouse.—September 2d, Chickens Rock, three "Titmice" at lantern at 7 P.M.; 6th, two at 11.30 P.M. A small bird with a black head, and supposed to be a Marsh Titmouse, was killed at the Eddy stone on the night of November 9th.
Troglodytes parvulus, Wren.—Spring: Langness, March 10th, one at 11.30 A.M.; 29th, one, and a Wheatear, at 11 A.M.; April 26th, one at 9 A.M.
Autumn.—August 23d, Dee L.V., one caught at lantern at 2 A.M. October 8th to 12th, Wrens and other migrants numerous at the Chickens Rock; 20th, South Bishop, several at 10.30 P.M. November 9th, Langness, a few at 4 P.M.
Motacilla ——, Wagtail.—Spring: March 4th, Langness, one at 10 A.M.; Merionethshire, M. lugubris in some numbers at Penrhyndendraeth.
Autumn.—September 8th, Chickens Rock, two at 11 A.M. October 10th, Langness, a large flock of Pied Wagtails (M. lugubris) at 2.30 P.M.; 20th, Eddystone, hundreds of birds here this morning between 2 and 5 A.M., Wagtails, Thrushes, etc.; Start, one killed at 3 a.m.; 25th, Dee L.V., one Pied Wagtail on deck at 9 A.M.; 30th, Dee L.V.. Wagtails, Titlarks, etc., passing S.W. all day.
Motacilla alba, White Wagtail.—May 2d, Merionethshire, one at Penrhyndendraeth.
Motacilla rayi, Yellow Wagtail.—May 3d, Carlisle.
Anthus pratensis, Pipit, "Titlark."—Spring: March 29th, a very large flock appeared at the Selker L.V. at noon.
Autumn: First noted at the Dee L.V. on the 15th of August, at 2 P.M. During September, observed at the Dee L.V. (6th), Langness (15th and 24th), Bishop Rock (17th). From the 15th to 30th of October, observed almost daily at the Dee L.V., often in very considerable numbers, and notably on the 18th, 21st, and 25th, when continuous streams passed, flying S. or S.W; on the 18th they occurred in some numbers, along with other species, at the Eddystone and the Start. From the 1st to 9th of November they passed the Dee vessel almost daily. On December 29th, six were observed at the Dee L.V. On comparatively few instances noted as migrating at night.
Anthus trivialis, Tree Pipit.—April 19th, Merionethshire, arrived; Carlisle, same date.
Anthus obscurus, Rock Pipit.—Spring: March 29th, Langness, several appeared at 11 A.M.
Autumn: November 3d, Chickens Rock, several at lantern, along with Thrushes, at 3 A.M.
Lanius excubitor, Great Grey Shrike.—March 9th, Cumberland, one at Floriston. April 27th, one at Grimsdale.
Lanius collurio, Red-backed Shrike.—August 12th, Cumberland, one, immature, at Lazonby.
Hirundo rustica, Swallow.—Spring: First observed at the Carnarvon Bay L.V. on the 23d of March; next on the 31st, when two were seen at Bull Point. At Langness, a few were seen on the 18th and 19th of April; on the 22d, a good many, and arrivals up to the 30th. On the 15th of May, "very many" appeared at Langness between 4 and 7 P.M.
Autumn: Three observed at the Dee L.V. on the 31st of July, and seven on the 9th of August. On the 17th of October an enormous flock was observed at Flatholm; and on the 25th, four or five at Langness.
Chelidon urbica, Martin.—Spring: April 23d, Carlisle.
Autumn: September 21st and 22d, large flocks at Flatholm. October 7th, South Bishop, two at 4 P.M.; 8th, seven.
Carduelis elegans, Goldfinch.—January 19th, one on Caldy Island.
Ligurinus chloris, Greenfinch.—November 9th, Selker L.V., one on deck along with a Lark, both "too weak to leave the ship."
Passer domesticus, House Sparrow.—October 30th, Bideford Bar, one struck the lantern, and caught. November 8th, Smalls, Sparrows, along with Thrushes, etc., at 3 AM.; 26th, Menai, "Sparrows" in the morning.
Fringilla cœlebs, Chaffinch.—Spring: February 14th, Langness, one at 8 A.M.; 28th, another at 9 A.M. March 8th and 12th, one each day; 15th, two, male and female; April 9th, one,—all at Langness.
Autumn: August 25th and 28th, single birds on the deck of the Dee vessel. Noted singly on several dates during October at Langness and the Selker L.V. On the 20th October at South Bishop, during the night, along with other species. Two on deck of the Dee L.V. on the 9th November, along with Blackbirds; and at the Skerries on the same date. On the 10th November, several at 3 A.M.. at the Smalls. December 1st, several at the Skerries at 2 A.M., along with Thrushes, Blackbirds, etc.
Linota cannabina, Linnet.—Spring: February 26th, Chickens Rock, flocks along with Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Larks at 8 P.M. March 5th and 19th, small flocks at Langness in the forenoon.
Autumn: First noted at Chickens Rock on September 2d at 9 P.M., along with Thrushes, etc. Observed in flocks at intervals during September, October, and November, migrating chiefly during the day. Noted at several stations on the morning of October 17th.
Pyrrhula europæa, Bullfinch.—October 21st, Carnarvon Bay L.V. , seventeen Bullfinches, passing to S.S.E. at 10 A.M.
Emberiza citrinella, Yellow Hammer.—October 19th, Dee L.V., one on deck at 8 A.M. December 26th, Langness, two at 11 A.M.
Plectrophanes nivalis, Snow Bunting.—October 5th, Cumberland, one at Silloth. October 17th, Smalls, several "White Buntings" about the rocks.
Sturnus vulgaris, Starling.—The enormous numbers, and the frequency with which this species occurs at almost all the stations, are again marked features in the returns. Noted for every month save May and June, and would appear to "flock" early, since numbers appeared at Langness on the 7th of July. Most numerous and frequent during September, October, and November.
Corvus corone, Carrion Crow.—Spring: March 1st, Carnarvon Bay L.V., four at 10 A.M.; 21st, two at 11 A.M.; and 28th, several at noon,—all flying E.
Autumn: October 20th, Carnarvon Bay L.V., three at noon, flying N.E.; 30th, Selker L.V., a flock flying S.W. at 7 A.M. November 8th, Holyhead, six going E. at 9 A.M.
Corvus frugilegus, Rook.—March 4th, Chickens Rock, twenty-five flying W. at 9 A.M.; 5th, about fifty passing to W. at 10 A.M. Bahama Bank, L.V., March 16th, one flying W. at 8 A.M.
Alauda arvensis, Skylark.—Next to the Starling, "Larks" and Skylarks form the most numerous entries in the schedules. In the earlier portion of the year, they are noted as occurring between February 13th at the Eddystone, to April 20th at the Chickens Rock. In the autumn, the entries are extremely numerous, commencing at St Bees on September 9th. During October and November, continuous streams passed the majority of the stations; this was particularly the case between the 8th and 13th of October, and 4th and 9th of November. The migration lasted until the 21st of December. Always noted in flocks.
Alauda arborea, Woodlark.—November 9th, Eddystone, one killed between 8 P.M. and 5 A.M. (10th), along with Thrushes, Redwings, and Larks.
Cypselus apus, Swift.—Spring: April 26th, Cumberland, five at Rockliffe; 29th, more. May 4th, Langness, two at 6 P.M.
Autumn.—First autumn movement observed on August 2d at Langness; general movement on the 3d, when fourteen struck the Nash lantern between 10.30 and 11.30 P.M., four being killed (a Cuckoo and a Willow-Wren killed at same time); on the 12th (August) one was caught roosting at Langness; and on the 19th the last was seen at Rockliffe, Cumberland.
Caprimulgus europæus, Nightjar.—April 27th, Merionethshire, arrived at Penrhyndendraeth.
Cuculus canorus, Cuckoo.—Spring: April 18th and 25th, Cumberland; 27th, Merionethshire. May 4th, Langness, one caught at 11.30 P.M.
Autumn.—July 25th, one at Langness. August 3d, a bird of the year killed at 10.30 P.M. at the Nash. This was migrating along with Swifts and Willow-Wrens, which were killed at the same time, and sent for identification.
Accipiter nisus, Sparrow-Hawk.—September 23d, Seven Stones L.V., one resting at 7 A.M.; 25th, Chickens Rock, one at lantern at 11 P.M.
Falco æsalon, Merlin.—Spring: February 14th, Langness, two passing to N.E. at noon. March 29th, Langness, two going N. at 2 P.M.
Autumn.—August 16th, Langness, one at 3 P.M. September 26th, another at Langness.
Tinnunculus alaudarius, Kestrel.—August 13th, Langness, two at 1.30 P.M.
"Hawks"—August 22d, Bideford, two: September 30th, two. October 20th, South Bishop, one: November 2d, one; 11th, a large one.
"Falcon."—October 29th, Eddystone, "one alighted on the rock with a Dotterel in its claws."
Sula bassana, Gannet.—August 12th, Langness, more than usual observed. September 14th, ditto. From the beginning of September to November 2d, observed passing the Bishop Bock. On the 1st of October, scores going W. all day (Bishop Book).
Ardea cinerea, Heron.—Spring: March 20th, Langness, the Herons which wintered in the neighbourhood departed.
Autumn.—August 2d, Langness, five appeared at 10 A.M. August 21st, one at St Tudwal's Island.
"Geese."—October 3d, Cumberland, the first "Grey Geese" heard at Rockliffe. October 16th, one "Wild Goose" at Langness; 17th, St Bees and Bideford, "Grey Geese" observed. After this date, "Geese" became abundant, and the dates are not of any significance.
Bernicla leucopais, Bernacle Goose.—Spring: April 2d, Cumberland, a flock flew over Stanwix in a N.W. direction.
Autumn.—October 1st, Cumberland, Allonby; October 6th, heard at Rockliffe; October 16th, arrived in great numbers on the Solway.
Bernicla brenta, Brent Goose.—November 14th, Cumberland, one shot at Rockliffe.
Mareca penelope, Widgeon.—March 31st, Cumberland, about one hundred at Ravenglass. September 5th, five on the Solway. October 6th, a great many, along with Teal, at Rockliffe.
Chaulelasmus streperus, Gadwall.—January 3d, Cumberland, a female, inland at Hethergill.
Querquedula crecca, Teal.—September 25th, St Bees, two. October 6th, Cumberland, many, along with Widgeon at Rockliffe. November 16th, Godrevy, a flock.
Clangula glaucion, Golden-Eye.—Spring: Cumberland, many passing Rockliffe along with Widgeon and Geese on night of April 17th; six at Monkhill, April 29th.
Autumn.—October 22d, Cumberland, five on the Eden.
"Black Duck" [Œdemia nigra].—August 31st, Dee L.V., appeared, and were observed in numbers throughout the winter.
Mergus serrator, Red-Breasted Merganser.—Merionethshire, stayed at Penrhyndendraeth until May 9th, on which date a flock was seen.
Perdix cinerea, Partridge,—March 14th, St Tudwal's, one on the island at 3 P.M.
Coturnix communis, Quail.—October 2d, Bideford, a female killed at lantern at 11 P.M.
Crex pratensis, Landrail.—Spring: April 29th, Cumberland.
Autumn.—August 7th, Nash, two struck at 2 A.M., one killed. November 4th, Godrevy, one killed.
Gallinula chloropus, Moorhen.—October 9th, South Bishop, one at lantern at 1 A.M.
Charadrius pluvialis, Golden Plover.—September 16th, Langness, six at 7 P.M. October 12th, Menai, a flock. October 30th, Eddystone, a flock at 7.30 P.M. November 11th, Nash, flocks, along with Lapwings all day and night, twelve killed at lantern.
Squatarola helvetica, Grey Plover.—September 26th, Cumberland, observed at Maryport.
Vanellus vulgaris, Lapwing.—Spring: February 15th, Langness, a flock at 2 P.M. March 4th, three at Langness; 28th, seven at Seven Stones L.V.; 31st, twenty at Langness.
Autumn.—October 3d, Langness, a flock. November 11th, Nash, along with Golden Plover, nine killed. November 15th, Nash, a thousand at noon. December 17th, Eddystone, several hundreds all night, many struck, twenty-one caught. Appeared at Caldy Island on November 20th.
Hæmatopus ostralegus, Oyster-Catcher.—Spring: March 19th, Langness, one. April 11th, four.
Autumn.—July 4th, Menai, "Sea-Pies and Puffins," at 5 P.M. August 30th, three at Langness.
Phalaropus fulicarius, Grey Phalarope.—Cumberland, one on Derwentwater at end of September. October 8th, one at Silloth.
Phalaropus hyperboreus, Red-Necked Phalarope.—October 20th, Cumberland, one at Kirkbride.
Scolopax rusticula, Woodcock.—September 30th, St Bees, two at 3 P.M. October 16th, Skerries, "Woodcocks" between 12 P.M. and 4 A.M. November 1st, Eddystone, two at 11 P.M.; 2d, one at 1.45 A.M. Nov. 30th, St Bees, one passed lantern at 4 A.M. December 25th, Nash, one passing N.W. at 11 A.M.
Gallinago cælestis, Common Snipe.—Spring: March 13th, Langness, one.
Autumn: August 4th, South Stack, one killed at 11.30 P.M.; 5th, Holyhead, one killed at 10 P.M. October 16th, Skerries, Snipes between 12 P.M. and 4 A.M. November 10th, observed at four stations between the Isle of Man and South Devon, namely: Langness, one killed; Bishop Rock, one killed at 8 P.M.; Eddystone, one killed at 8 P.M.; Start Point, one at 6 P.M. November 12th, Langness, "some Snipe," along with Lapwings and Curlews, at 11 P.M. December 25th, Nash, one at noon.
Lymnocrytes gallinula, Jack Snipe.—October 5th, Cumberland, at Allonby.
Tringa canutus, Knot.—October 20th, Dee L.V., one killed. November 8th, Nash, one killed.
Machetes pugnax, Ruff.—September 5th, Cumberland; one shot out of a small flock at Burgh. October 16th, another.
Tringoides hypoleucos, Common Sandpiper.—April 19th, Cumberland, Gretna; April 22d, Carlisle. May 5th, two, Langness. November 9th, "one Common Sandpiper killed" at Langness.
Helodromas ochropus, Green Sandpiper.—August 11th, Cumberland, first seen this season.
Tringa striata, Purple Sandpiper.—October, on the Cumberland coast.
Totanus calidris, Redshank.—March 18th, four at Langness; and one on the 27th.
Totanus canescens, Greenshank.—March 12th, Cumberland, several at Ravenglass; 14th, one. August 10th, Cumberland, several at Rockliffe.
Limosa lapponica, Bar-tailed Godwit.—September 26th, Cumberland coast, very abundant.
Numenius phæopus, Whimbrel.—Spring: Rockliffe Marsh, Cumberland, April 25th, heard. May 15th, heard on the wing at 10 P.M. May 19th, heard.
Numenius arquata, Curlew.—Spring: March 18th, Langness, a large flock, but none seen after this date.
Autumn: July 24th, St Tudwal's, one hundred at 11 A.M. August 7th, observed at the Dee L.V. At Menai on the 15th.
Hydrochelidon nigra, Black Tern.—April 26th, Cumberland, one at Allonby.
Sterna cantiaca. Sandwich Tern.—April 4th, Cumberland, a pair at Ravenglass.
Rissa tridactyla, Kittiwake.—July 10th, Chickens Rock, flocks of Kittiwakes.
Larus glaucus, Glaucus Gull.—October 19th, Cumberland, one at Millom.
Larus ridibundus, Blackheaded Gull.—July 22d, Langness, flock at 7 P.M.
Stercorarius ——, Skua.—September 4th, Cumberland, two on the Eden. October 5th and 15th, one at the Bishop Rock, "very rarely seen here."
Procellaria pelagica, Storm Petrel.—October 9th, South Bishop, several at 1.30 A.M., flying round the lantern. November 9th, Eddystone, one hilled, along with Thrushes, Blackbirds, etc., between 9 and 12 P.M.; 10th, Eddystone, one killed, along with a Snipe and Redwing, between 7 and 12 P.M.; Dee L.V., one struck; 13th, South Bishop, one killed at 5 A.M.; 15th, Carlisle, one.
Procellaria leucorrhoa, Leach's Petrel.—October 3d, Cumberland, one at Bowness.
Puffinus anglorum, Manx Shearwater.—August 9th, Langness, "a large number of Manx Petrels" at 3 P.M.
Colymbus septentrionalis, Redthroated Diver.—November 20th, Cumberland, one at Silloth.
Alca torda, Razorbill.—April 14th, St Tudwal's, hundreds of Puffins, Guillemots, and Razorbills arrived at sunrise. They left the island on August 14th. Longships, numerous from August 20th to October 28th.
Lomvia troile, Guillemot.—March 12th, St Tudwal's, 200 arrived at sunrise. Another arrival on April 14th. They left St Tudwal's on the 14th of August. Longships, observed from September 25th to October 29th.
Fratercula arctica, Puffin.—April 14th, St Tudwal's, hundreds arrived at sunrise along with Guillemots and Razorbills, leaving on August 14th. July 4th, Menai, Puffins at 5 A.M. Longships, observed going S.W. between August 14th and October 26th.
General Remarks.
The Report for the West Coast of England and Wales, and the Isle of Man, refers to the movements during the spring and autumn migrations of about one hundred species.
The spring immigration commenced on the 25th of March with the advent of the Swallow at the Bahama Bank light-vessel, and continued until the 15th of May, when "very many" Swallows appeared between 4 P.M. and 7 P.M. at Langness. A noteworthy incident of the vernal immigration was the great rush of Wheatears observed at the Bahama Bank vessel and at Langness on the night of the 13th of April, when many perished or were captured.
The spring emigration did not escape attention, for on the night of the 20th of April the returning Fieldfares, Goldcrests, etc., were observed at 11 P.M. at the Chickens Rock. Perhaps the continuous movements of Thrushes and Blackbirds observed throughout February, and especially between the 11th and 17th, are referable to this class of migrants.
The autumn emigration, so far as our summer visitants are concerned, may be said to have been initiated with the appearance of the Cuckoo at Langness on the 25th of July, and was prolonged until the 25th of October, when the last Swallow was noted.
The first immigrant winter visitant from Northern Europe was the Redwing, whose appearance at Carlisle was noted on the 20th of September. The chief general movements which usually characterise the southward autumnal passage were two in number, and affected the stations along the entire coast from the Isle of Man and the Eddystone. The first commenced on the 16th of October, and continued until the 20th. The second extended from the 8th to the 12th of November.
In connection with these general movements, which are so often—indeed, we might say usually—participated in by a great variety of species of very different orders seemingly seized by a simultaneous migratory impulse, it would be, perhaps, well to consult the meteorological record for an explanation of the phenomenon. Mr J. A. Allen tells us that "birds discern approaching meteorological changes," and that in the monthly weather reports of the United States Signal Service Bureau reference is often made to the movements of birds. "From these reports it appears that the southward migration of Geese and other Waterfowl usually precedes, often only by a few hours, the approach of heavy storms, and a sudden and very great reduction of temperature, which they often wholly avoid by keeping in advance of the change." It would seem probable, too, that birds await the approach of favourable meteorological conditions, and then, having been detained by unfavourable conditions, migrate en masse. Deeming that it would be interesting in connection with the great movements during the autumn of 1885, an examination of the weather reports issued by the Meteorological Office has been made. The first of these, as we have seen, commenced on the night of the 16th of October, and continued until the night of the 20th. "The [weekly] Summary of Changes in the Weather over the British Islands and their Neighbourhood[17] from the 11th to the 17th of October informs us that throughout this week the pressure over our islands and their neighbourhood has been mainly cyclonic; from the 11th to the 14th the type of gradient was northerly, but on the 15th and 16th it was easterly. Two well-marked depressions appeared in addition to the one which was passing away from us on the morning of the 11th. The second of these depressions, which had become a shallow subsidiary disturbance on the 15th over the south of France, moved westward from our area during the 16th; and as this system passed away, an anti-cyclonic "col" was formed over our islands, uniting an anti-cyclone over France with another off our extreme western coasts. With this anti-cyclone the cold northerly winds which had prevailed changed, and on the 16th the weather became very fine over England, the temperature rose, and the wind became a southeasterly breeze. The summary for the 18th to the 24th of October informs us that "the distribution of pressure over our islands and France was anti-cyclonic, with light or moderate south-easterly and easterly winds, till the 20th, then cyclonic and complex, with northerly winds."
[17] These reports and summaries refer not only to the British Islands, but to North-Western Europe, from Bodo and Haparanda to Corunna and Toulon. They are based upon numerous Continental returns from the area indicated, as well as from all parts of our own islands.
The second movement extended from the 8th to the 12th of November. Regarding the meteorological conditions, the summaries tell us that previous to the 8th the weather had been changeable and unsettled generally, and the distribution of pressure mainly cyclonic, with westerly, north-westerly, and southerly winds. From the 8th to 13th the pressure system over North-Western Europe was anti-cyclonic, with light (easterly in south, south-easterly in west, and southerly in the north) breezes. On the 13th, however, a large and somewhat deep depression advanced from the Atlantic, and spread quickly over all North-Western Europe, with gradients for south-westerly and westerly winds.
Thus we had the two chief movements of the autumn ushered in by and concurrent with anti-cyclonic conditions, preceded by and ceasing with cyclonic depressions. These great barometric changes are also frequently accompanied by equally great changes in temperature, and this may be the cause of the mists which so commonly prevail on "a migration night."
It would be well if a summary of all the sections of the reports could be submitted to a competent meteorologist. This, it is thought, would result in a few years in establishing a better understanding of the relationship which exists between the weather and the great movements of birds.
It cannot be said that the southerly flow of autumn migrants is evenly distributed along the entire west coast of England, though such appears to be commonly the case on the east coast. On the contrary, the schedules again afford unmistakable evidence that the great majority of these migrants are observed at stations south of Anglesey. But while the north-west section of the coast is thus less favoured than the rest, such is not the case with the Isle of Man, which comes in for an important share of the west coast migratory movements. Now, since it is a well-established fact that large masses of migrants from Northern Europe, along with others from the Faröes, Iceland, and Greenland, pass down the west coast of Scotland, whence many cross to Ireland, it seems probable, from the evidence borne by the English West Coast returns, that the majority of the remainder leave Scotland at some point on the Wigtown coast, and pass to the west coast of Wales by way of the Isle of Man, and thus avoid the English shores of the Irish Sea.[18] Whether this is a reasonable and likely explanation, or not, the fact remains that the schedules for the years 1884 and 1885[19] received from the coasts of Flint, Cheshire, Lancashire, and Cumberland—and they are among the most faithfully kept—make it evident that during those seasons comparatively few of the ordinary migrants were observed there, and that the great general movements did not affect them in any considerable degree.
[18] The remarks do not apply to migrants among the Limicolæ and Anseres, which, as a rule, religiously follow coast lines, and which are abundantly represented on the Solway and coasts of Cumberland and Lancashire.
[19] The scarcity or entire absence of migratory birds at St Bees is remarked upon ill the Reports for 1880 and 1881.
The migratory movements of such partially resident species as the Redbreast, Hedge Sparrow, Wren, Greenfinch, Sparrow, Bullfinch, Yellow Hammer, and others are recorded.
Of the rarer and more interesting species included in the Report, the Black Redstart, White Wagtail, Gadwall, Red-Necked and Grey Phalaropes, Ruff, Black Tern, Glaucus Gull, and Leach's Petrel may be mentioned.
As an unusual species to observe at the lantern, we may allude to the occurrence of the Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) at the South Bishop, a locality indicating that the bird must have been migrating.
The scarcity of the Woodcock, Goldcrest, and Short-Eared Owl is worthy of note. This is the more remarkable in the case of the Woodcock, since it occurred in almost unprecedented numbers on the east coast of England.
W. Eagle Clarke.