WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND.

Schedules, etc., were sent to thirty-four stations, not including the Isle of Man (five more), the schedules of which are passed on to Mr Eagle Clarke for incorporation with the West Coast of England. Of the thirty-four we have received returns from seventeen.

Additional interest and more painstaking schedule-work is evident at the more productive stations. From Monach Islands three schedules have been sent, but they are written straight across the columns, making it extremely difficult for the committee to tabulate the contents. As far as possible, the columns should be used for the purposes given in the headings, as otherwise the labours of members of committee is very largely increased. All the scheduled items must be passed first into a ledger for the purpose, under species in each month, in the season, and then only can the report be written out. We give prominence to this explanation, as we are very desirous that our reporters adhere to the columnar arrangement.

Here follows the list of stations:—

List of Stations.

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

Returns
in 6
years.		In
1885.		Values.Feet.
Sutherland.
481.Cape Wrath,III.400
482.Rhu Stoir,II.195
Outer Hebrides.
5*83.Butt of Lewis,I.170
384.Stornoway, 2 lights,{II.}56
I.
385.Island GhlaisI.130
5*86.Monach Isles,{I.150
II.62
287.Ushenish, N. Uist,VI.176
2*88.Barra Head,II.683
0*89.Rona, Skye,IV.222
5*90.Kyleakin, W, Ross, IV.53
291.Isle Oronsay,I.58
292.Ardnamurchan,I.
6*93.Skerryvore and Hynish Signal Tower, Tiree,II.150
6*94.Dhuheartach,I.146
595.Sound of Mull,V.55
096.Corran Ferry,IV.38
497.Lismore, Oban,I.103
298.Fladda, Easdale,VI.42
4*99.Rhuvaal,IV.147
6*100.M'Arthur's Head,IV.128
6*101.Skervuile,II.73
6*102.Rhinns of Islay,IV.159
2*103.Lochindaul,IV.50
0104.Mull of Kintyre,VI.297
0105.Sanda,
0106.Devaar,II.120
0107.Pladda, Arran,II.130
3*108.Lamlash,IV.46
2*109.Turnberry,IV.96
109B.Ailsa Craig, 1885,
5*110.Corsewall,IV.112
5111.Loch Ryan,I.46
5*112.Portpatrick,I.37
5*113.Mull of Galloway,II.325
2*114.Little Ross,IV.175

Diary from the Stations.

Butt of Lewis.—Alexander Thompson and Gilbert Mackinnon, one schedule from March 24th to November 17th, carefully filled. On the 15th and 16th, large whales seen close to lighthouse, going S.E. on the flood tide. Starlings, Rock Doves, remain all the year round, and "Sandlarks" arrive in May, and stay till end of August. During July, "great flocks of Gannets continually going to and fro in search of fish." An amusing incident was witnessed by Mr Mackinnon. On the evening of the 10th August, a Gull got hold of a large "saith" fish[12]; was unable to rise with it, so it towed it to the rocks, and allowed the sea to wash it up on the rocks. Some boys went after it, when it took to the water again, and pulled the fish to another rock, and again allowed the sea to wash it up, where it eat its supper in peace.

[12] Gadus virens, Lin.

Monach Isles.—Donald Georgeson—Three quarterly schedules. Mr Georgeson's schedules are able and masterly; and if we could have all our schedules returned in a similar epitomised condition, no doubt much time might be saved; but in the meantime, schedules coming from a . few stations out of so many stations, so epitomised, whilst the rest adhere rigidly to the columnar arrangement, makes it more troublesome to arrange details. Uniform attention to the columnar arrangement is simplest for the ledger work.

The following is an abstract of Mr Georgeson's three quarterly schedules, and may be referred to under species in the next portion of the report:—

Mr Georgeson writes—"This is an island little frequented by either land or sea birds. The only birds that struck the lantern were a few Snow Buntings and the Common Tern [Arctic Tern vera?.—J. A. H. B.] Towards the end of January we had a severe gale from the S.W." Mr G. found several Terns and Snow Buntings "dead from exposure." "The S.W. is the prevailing wind here." (Explaining, perhaps, the above stated scarcity of birds, as pressing them more easterly on their S.E. course after doubling Butt of Lewis.—J. A. H. B.) A single Snipe appeared among the "marshy pools" of the islands. "In January and February I observed a large flock of Wild Geese, coming from the U.E., and after resting on the outlying rocks here, they rose and flew west in the direction of St Kilda." Shieldrakes—Two males and one female, in February, seen feeding on the island, and three Common Gulls and two Black-Backed Gulls. 1st March. Fifty Linnets (Twites?) paid a visit,—wind south—stayed only a short time. A few Sandpipers remained a week, but departed when the weather broke. Rock Doves visited the island, but soon left. Sea birds observed from January 1st to March 31st are—Common Duck, Eider Duck, Northern Diver, and a few Scarts, but these also disappeared with a gale on the 20th March from quarters between S. and N.W.

In Mr Georgeson's next six months' bulletin, he reports:—

April 3d, wind S.W. Three Ravens and two Hooded Crows, and one Golden Plover—local migration. He also mentions Sand Larks arriving to breed about the 5th April. "The only land birds that remained the winter are a few Rock and Meadow Pipits, which breed here in large numbers; also about a dozen pairs of Wheatears and a few "Linnets" (i.e., Twites.—J. A. H. B.) Two nests of the Eider Duck on the island in May. Early in May the wind was light and variable. The only birds I saw were three Black-Backed Gulls and five Herring Gulls, and a few Eider Ducks, but as the breeding season advanced they left the island. Two pairs of Shielducks came to the island from the direction of St Kilda—wind light, N.E.—and were seen flying away in spring with their young in a N.E. direction. There are no Scarts here in the breeding season. They and other rock birds leave for more suitable rocks as the season advances. Large flocks of Pictarnies arrive here in June, and breed in great numbers, the island being covered with their nests.

In the last quarterly schedule Mr Georgeson tells us ;—By the 24th August the land birds had all left, except a few "Linnets" (i.e., Twites—J. A. H. B.), a few Rock and Marsh (i.e., "Meadow") Pipits. A Corncrake, a very unusual bird here, came to our garden on 11th August, but left on the corn being cut. September 7th, a few Scarts returned, and fifty to sixty Kittiwakes. Many Solan Geese. Two Herons seen feeding on rocks on September 8th flew off on the 10th seaward. October 5th, large flock of Snow Buntings part of the day, and then flew off in a N.E. direction. On the 20th October a large flock of Wild Geese came from N.E. with a N.E. wind, lighted to rest, and then flew off west (i.e., out to sea). Snipe usually remain over the winter at Monach, but leave in the breeding-season. On night of November 10th to 11th a Woodcock—a rare bird here—struck, along with Terns, Mavis, and Blackbirds. Another rare bird was found dead same morning, the name of which I do not know. "Exact colour of a Kittiwake, the size of a Stormy Petrel. (No doubt the Grey Phalarope, young bird of the year.—J. A. H. B.) A large flock of "Pictarnies" (i.e., Terns) came from E., rested, and then flew away west, wind N.E. at the time, on same day.

Barra Head Lighthouse.—William Irvine. One short schedule from February to June. Mr Irvine writes:—"Bernacle Geese last seen on the 24th April on this island." There is some little confusion about Bernacle and Brent Geese. Could Mr Irvine send us a head of the so-called "Bernacle Geese?"—J. A. H. B.

Marten Swallows (Hirundo urbica) were seen on June 10th hawking over the surface of the ground. Major H. W. Feilden and Harvie-Brown visited Barra Head in 1871, and it is easily understood why it should not be a favourable observatory of land birds. (See "Barra Head and Its Bird Life," and previous Reports.)

Rona, Skye.—Messrs Dunnet and M'Gaw send a short schedule—March 20th to November 17th. The contents appear under Species. Northern Divers seem to be often seen about this district of coast, and also at Kyleakin Ferry (q.v.).

Skerryvore.—Mr Thomas Dawson sends three carefully-filled schedules. Rush of Thrushes, &c., on 12th March, continuing on 15th to 16th. Several birds have been named from the wings sent by Mr Dawson; and from description and drawing the Pomatorhine Skua must have been observed on the 25th May. Later Mr Dawson writes:—"Not one land bird seen here since 28th November till to-day." Date of last schedule, January 19th, 1886. Even the Eider Ducks have deserted us for months past. Yesterday, continuous flocks of either Marrots or Razorbills passing south. Fresh, variable.

Kyleakin.—Messrs D. M'Culloch and John Clyne write, with two well-filled schedules.

This is an exceptional year here. On the 16th November, at 2.30 A.M., with fresh (?) breeze and haze, two "Mavises" and six Starlings struck—the first birds known to strike the glass for the last eight years—and others seen in the rays of light. More birds have been observed this season in a few minutes than have been noticed for years. On the 27th November, wind S.W., fresh, gale with snow all night, and two hours after the gale took off, great flocks of Starlings passed from 10 A.M. till dark, only a few inches from the ground. These birds had either been driven out of their course with the gale and snowstorm, or had taken a new course of their own accord.

Dhuheartach, S.W. of Iona.—Mr William Davidson sends two schedules carefully filled under correct columns—a practice which cannot be too highly commended.

Skervuile.—Mr John Ewing also sends us four capital schedules, strictly adhering to the columnar arrangement.

Rhinns of Islay.—Messrs Peter Anderson and James Ducat send eight excellent schedules, clearly proving, as has been done before, the superiority of this observation station; and I think in our first Report we give prominence to the situation as intercepting the S.E. flow of returning migrants from the Outer Hebrides.

Messrs Anderson and Ducat are much interested in the work, and many birds have been sent us by them for identification. They write:—"The last date on which we saw Solan Geese last year was on the last day of November, and the first day this year was on 29th February. Birds resident in the vicinity are, amongst others, Starling, Curlew, Snipe, Jack Snipe (?),[13] Twites or 'Rock Linnets,' Sparrows, and Larks. Later in summer Gannets or Solan Geese are seen daily 'flying east and west,' and 'circling about fishing, from an odd pair to 100 in all weathers,' A vast congregation of Marrots and Puffins fishing around the island on 19th August, and some hundreds of Gannets, old and young, 'floating along with the tide, so full they cannot rise.' All disappeared on 21st."

[13] Does not breed in Britain: probably the Dunlin?—J. A. H. B.

N.B.—We would be obliged if Mr Anderson and Mr Ducat would adhere to the columnar arrangement, and not write across the red lines, or as little as they can help.

Hundreds of Moths also are reported "of various sizes flying about the lantern on 7th September." A great Skua?—("Dirty Allan of the largest size")—seen on 7th September. Also on the night of the 3d September Messrs A. and D. write:—"We have had enormous numbers of what is locally called 'Jenny Long-legs' about the station for the past three or four weeks, and in the mornings there are great numbers of their legs and wings lying on the pavement. This morning, after putting out the light, I watched, when I saw about twenty Mosscheepers (i.e., Pipits) working hard to make their breakfast off them. I never before saw so many Long-legs in the fall. There is a usual run in April!"

From Mr Peter Anderson we have the following earnest appeal to other stations:—

Rhinns of Islay Lighthouse,
23d December 1885.

Sir,—I beg to return you the concluding schedule for this year, and most likely I have put a lot of remarks into it and previous ones that are of little account, and some of the wings I sent to you were most likely very common ones to you, although they were strange to me, or I had some doubts about them; but as I have now got the names of some of the odd ones in this locality, I will not likely trouble you with so many again. If my suggestion of including assistants as well as principals in filling up the schedules has been of any advantage this year, I would further suggest for 1886 that you should make a strong appeal to all stations to try for one year to give you all the information (and especially those who have not as yet sent in any or meagre returns) they can. First, what birds—or as many as they can ascertain—breed in then' near locality. Second, when do Stonechicks (which I believe are all over Scotland), Snow Buntings, Robins, Wrens, and several other small birds arrive which make their appearance only at certain seasons. In looking over the Report for 1884, the point that annoyed me most was, that I could not make out the names and terms of all the different species; but at John o' Groat's School thirty-five years ago there was no word of Latin. In '84's Report I expected to have seen better reports from some stations that I know, such as North Unst, Start Point, and Noss Head. At North Unst there are several migrants which build on the rock, and I wondered to see no account of Mother Carey's Chickens, as they breed on the rock, and at the end of August they annoyed us a good deal by striking the lantern and emitting an oily substance on the glass. At Start Point the Sheldrake breeds, and I have seen the Stock Duck breed on it also; and I was told there were thirteen species of Ducks frequented that locality, and I have seen Teal and Widgeon there in hundreds. Also at Noss Head there are various classes of birds which visit it in the breeding season. I once knew of a Grebe got in a small pond there. Trusting you won't feel annoyed at the above remarks, I am, etc.,

Peter Anderson.

Lamlash.—Messrs David Scott and Robert Brown send us one schedule. The remark occurs that "the Thrush is becoming very scarce here."

Turnberry.—A carefully-filled schedule—dating March 11 to November 10—sent by Messrs Andrew Nisbet (principal) and Wm. Beggs (assistant). Species well distinguished.

Corsewall.—A good schedule also from Mr Robert Laidlaw, and all the species apparently well distinguished.

Portpatrick.—Mr James Beggs sends a short but good schedule, with the remark: "Migration of birds this season has been very slight, and we think the cause is owing to so much prevailing winds from the west occurring on this coast [i.e., taking the birds further west at further north points.—J. A. H. B.]. Flights of Black Crows [Rooks.—J. A. H. B.] come and go to this vicinity all the winter through. [Note.—Ravens are known to congregate on this coast at certain points.—J. A. H. B.] Great flights of Gannets in July, August, and September, and then cease till early spring. Fly both ways—north and south."

On November 10, Red-legged Kaw seen flying south at 3.40 P.M., close to lighthouse. (Is this still of the native breed, or a migrant from further north?—J. A. H. B.)

Mull of Galloway.—Two well-filled schedules from Messrs Alex. Murray and John M'Quarrie. "A large Grey Owl. picked up one of the small birds on the grating on the 17th October, plucked it, and swallowed it whole. I tried to catch it, but it flew off."

Little Ross.—Mr James Ferrier I have to thank for two excellently-prepared schedules; and we feel sure that this station, though it may not yield large numerical returns, will give returns of considerable interest, whether negative or positive.

Separate Report under Genera and Species.

Turdidæ.—In Spring, a few odd birds—Blackbirds and Thrushes—passed 93 (Skerryvore) and 114 (Little Ross). In March, these increased in numbers at both these stations on 7th, 11th, 12th, and 15th, and odd birds were also noticed at 109 (Turnberry) on 11th and 13th. Apparently almost a rush noticed at 93, with wind light N.W. on 12th, but S.W. and haze on 15th. Fieldfares also noted at Little Ross on 24th, with strong S.E.; one killed. On April 14th, a rush of Thrushes at 94 (Dhuheartach) all night, light variable wind and haze; also Redwings and Blackbirds at Rhinns of Islay on 12th, and two Ring Ouzels all night at Little Ross. Blackbirds seen flying S.W. at 94, on 17th June, complete the spring records.

In Autumn.—Scarcely any movement in September, but in October, considerable numbers of Turdidæ. Earliest record in autumn, one Thrush on 1st September at 109, and one Ring Ouzel on 15th at 102 (Rhinns of Islay); and latest record November 16th [if we except two records on 22d and 23d January 1886, which really belong either to local influence, or is a beginning of the spring migration of 1886]. Thus the migration of Turdidæ, in 1885 is almost unique amongst our records for the shortness, suddenness, and rapidity with which it was accomplished, occupying limits strongly defined in time by the above dates, viz., in all—leaving out the two solitary September records—only from 9th October to 16th November, or 38 days. The stations participating in the rush are 93 (Skerryvore), 94 (Dhuheartach), 101 (Skervuile), 102 (Rhinns of Islay), 108 (Lamlash), 109 (Turnberry), 113 (Mull of Galloway), and 114 (Little Ross). More specialised rushes were:—On 17th, of Thrushes and Missel Thrushes at 94, and of Redwings at Rhinns of Islay; on 10th and 11th November, of Missel Thrushes and Fieldfares, with few Mavises, at 93, 94, and of the same species in small numbers, with large numbers of Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Redwings, on 9th, 10th, 11th, up to 16th, at all stations. Most at 93 and 94, but movement extensive and general at all, and suddenly over by the 16th, if we except one solitary record of five Mavises on the 21st at (Kyleakin) 90, the only record from that station of Turdidæ. Prevailing wind strong S.S.E. to S.E., and back to S., all these two months; sometimes northerly in October, but never for long.

Saxicolinæ.—In Spring, an extensive migration of Wheatears and (or) "Stonechats." [The name Stonechat is the one almost universally used at 93, 94, 101, 102, and 113, but "Wheatear"—the more correct name for the species intended—is used at 88 (Fladda) and 114 (Little Ross). The true Stonechat has a black head, and is about the same size as a Whinchat, i.e., much smaller than the Wheatear. But the name "Stonechat" is of almost universal use in Scotland for the Wheatear—indeed, a generally accepted local name.] Earliest record in spring, April 4th, at 102 (Rhinns of Islay); latest, 2d June, at 93 (Skerryvore). The general rush took place between the 11th and 20th, and appears to have been unusually heavy, such terms being used, at all stations, as "numbers all night," "fifty," "forty," "great numbers," "rush all night," "hundreds all night," etc. Perhaps 12th and 13th had the greatest share, but it would be difficult to say which station participated most largely. 109 (Turnberry), however, has only one record of odd birds on 14th April. The May records are all at 93 and 94, and are all light. There are also two records of Whinchats at 114, on 21st and 2 2d of April. The prevailing wind was easterly in April, and oftener S. of E. than N. of E. In May the wind was westerly at 93 and 94, and again S.E. at 93 on June 2d, the latest record.

In Autumn, a partial rush took place at 101 (Skervuile), where "numbers at midnight" were seen on the 6th. Records come from the following stations, principally 93 and 94, a few from 101 and 102. All records in September are from 93 and 94, and all are very light indeed, except at 94 upon the 6th September, when a rush of Stonechats, Wagtails, and Titlarks took place, with light S.E. breeze and haze, at 1 A.M. Prevailing wind S.E, August and September.

Silviinæ.—In March, two records of Robin at 93 (on 15th), and (Turnberry) 109 on 14th, S.S.E. at latter station, and light S.W. haze at former. Three other light records at 94 (Dhuheartach), 101 (Skervuile), and 102 (Rhinns of Islay) on 12th and 13th April, and one record of Whitethroats on 5th May at 114 (Little Ross).

In Autumn, no great movement observed, and only single records in August at 89 (Rona) on 1st, and at 90 (Kyleakin) on 25th, at 108 (Lamlash) on 23d, and Turnberry on 24th—the latter returned as a "Garden Warbler," the others of Robins.

Phylloscopinæ.—Gold-Crest—Mere indications only of a spring movement, and that only at 114 (Little Ross), single records on 12th, 15th, and 18th April. Wind easterly on first two dates, but light W. on the last, with haze, when five Gold-Crests rested on the lantern glass all night. In May, Wood Warblers are returned at 114 on 20th and 21st, light S.E. and S., one killed.

The autumn migration also extremely faintly marked. One single record on 23d September, wind N.N.W., overcast, 9.35 P.M.; and two on 10th and 17th at 101 (Skervuile) and 114 respectively; wind on 10th N.N.E., clear, and on 17th at 114 variable and hazy. All relate to Gold-Crests.

Acrocephalinæ.—No records.

Paridæ.—Tits—One Titmouse at 113 (Mull of Galloway) on 14th April; wind light, S.E.

In Autumn.—Single record on 17th August at 113, wind light, N.W., clear; one on 1st September at 109 (Turnberry), and two at 113 on October 9th and 19th.

Troglodytidæ.—Common Wren—A few single records in April and May, about seven in all, at 93, 94, 109, and 114.

In Autumn.—One record in August 1st at 89 (Rona), one record in September at 110 (Corsewall), and half a dozen or so in October at five stations—102, 108, 109, 110, 113. Six seen at noon on 23d; strong N". breeze and haze.

Motacillidæ.—Wagtails—On 12th May two, at 9 A.M., at 93 (Skerryvore), and five at 11 A.M. at 88 (Barra Head) ;-wind S.W. at 93, and fresh W. at 88. The above the only spring records.

In Autumn.—Two light records on 24th and 28th, both at 94 (Dhuheartach); north on first date, light S.S.E. on second date. Two light records on 3d September at 113 (Mull of Galloway), and on 4th at 93. Indication of general movement on 14th and 16th at 89 (Rona), 93, 94, 102, and 113. Two light records in October 11th and 29th at 90 (Kyleakin), and 112 (Portpatrick).

Of Pipits, one record at 93 on 13th April; light, S.E., haze. In autumn, two records only at 94 and 101, quite faint; wind, light, east.

Muscicapidæ.—No records of Flycatchers.

Hirundinidæ.—In Spring, between 17th and 28th, five records at 102 (six seen, light, S.W.), at 109 (two seen on 20th, light, S., rain), at 113, two on 21st, S., and fog, and two on 28th; and at 114, four, the first observed on the 17th April. In May, one at 93 on 26th, four at 108 (Lamlash) on the 9th, and six on the 11th.

In Autumn.—A few records in August—a flock on 17th at 110 (Corsewall), all day, and flocks on 31st at 113 (Mull of Galloway), flying S.E. against E. breeze. Martins were also seen at Barra Head. In September Swallows and Swifts (see [Cypselidæ]) at 90 (Kyleakin) on 15th, and Swallows at 94 on 1st, and at 102 on 12th, 14th, and 16th—an appearance of a rush. Wind, S. gale on 12th, S.W., and birds flying in a southerly direction. In October, considerable evidence between 6th and 11th at 114. The 11th the latest date of record.

Fingillidæ.—In Spring: Sparrows and Finches noted at 86 (Monach Isles, 9, v. under Diary) on April 17th. In May, Sparrows at 93, 94. On 23d and 24th, "Linties" at 93 on 25th; and Tree Sparrows, two, at 93 on 26th—light S.E.—"resting on rocks."

In Autumn.—On 17th September, Sparrows at 113 in flocks, and fifty "Rock Linnets" at 102 (Rhinns of Islay). (Probably Twites, or possibly Redpoles.—J. A. H. B.). In October, a flock of 200 "Rock Linnets" at 102 on 6th and 7th, and thousands of "Grey Linnets" at 90 (Kyleakin); on 9th, Rock Linnets? Grey Linnets? Evident rush of Linnets, accompanied at 101 by a number of Tree Sparrows on 9th November. Rush lasted 7th, 8th, and 9th October, and another rush appears to have taken place 4th at 102; 8th, at 90. Chaffinches, two only on 13th at 114. A few Grey Linnets at 90 on 25th December.

Emberizidæ.—Scarcely any indication at all. One record of Snow Buntings on 6th October; two birds at 102, one in November at 94 on 14th, and of Yellow Buntings at 114 on 10th. The Snow Buntings are returned as "old birds resting on the rocks" of 102. Wind in October at date of record, fresh S.W., and in November strong N., at 94, and strong E., haze, at 114.

Alaudidæ.—Larks—A considerable spring migration, but February records are possibly really belonging to past winter movements. We give them here, however:—

15th, Larks at 90, 500 flying south, 9.40 A.M.; snow, calm.

13th, Larks at 93, two on lantern, 2 A.M.; fresh, S.E.

In March, on 7th, four Larks at 114, N. to S.W., clear. On 12th, a number at 93, and 12 at 94; and up to 15th, also at 109. In April, a rush took place on 14th, and leading up to it from the 12th at 93, 94, and 102; wind, light easterly. Again, large numbers on 18th May at 86, and many remain till end of August.

In Autumn.—A rush, but not very large, at 102 on 16th; fewer on 17th September. A rush again on 17th October at 94, and indications at 90, 94, 102, 109, 113 throughout October, and up to 17th of November. Another rush at 94 on 11th November, and small rush at 102 all forenoon on 16th. Stations 101, 109, 110, and 114 participated, but in a very small degree.

Sturninæ.—Starlings—In Spring: Four days in February, a few only at 101, 110 (Corsewall), 114, between 12th and 23d. Also a few light returns on five days in March, at 93, 109, 114, between 8th and 24th. Bush from 9th to 20th April, principally 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, at 113 (Mull of Galloway)—wind S.E. and S.S.E. and haze—but also rush at 94 (Dhuheartach) on 14th, and on 11th and 20th at 110 (Corsewall). No more records till June 27th, when thirty to forty at 113 (Mull of Galloway), "mixed old and young."

In Autumn.—Earliest on 15th August at 102; hundreds old and young flying about all day—wind S., clear—and on 19th at 89 (Rona). "Starlings" on 19th August. In September, flocks on four dates—7th, 16th, 18th, and 25th—at 90 (Kyleakin), 112 (Portpatrick), and 113 (Mull of Galloway), almost a rush—"flights," "flock," etc., being itemed. In October, all the month, from 10th to 30th, rush at 94 on 17th (strong E.); rush at 102 on 21st; "great numbers," "flying about from daylight till 10 A.M.," light, east. "Great numbers" on 30th at 109 (Turnberry). In November, 4th to 20th, almost continuous. Such records as "rush all night" on 10th at 94. "Thousands from 10 A.M. till dark" on 16th at 90 (Kyleakin), flying south. "Numbers all morning," 10th (all day), 13th, and 14th, at 102 (Rhinns of Islay). "Numbers" at 110 (Corsewall) on 10th and 11th; and indications at following stations throughout the autumn—89, 90, 102, 93, 94, 101, 102, 108, 109, 110, 112, 113, 114. A most general and abnormally extensive migration. In December, latest 31st to January 1886—20th January, "some" at 102 and 114.

Corvidæ.—In order of abundance in Spring: February (one), March (one), April (four records), May (two). 1. Ravens—Seven on three days in April, 4th, 17th, and 20th; two days in May, 1st and 13th—light S.E., or variable. 2. Grey Crows and Black Crows, one day in February; six birds on March 16th; two on one day in April at 94. Wind easterly.

In Autumn.—In order of abundance in autumn: Nine months: August (three dates), September (two), October (eleven), November (six). Of Ravens, two on 20th and 22d February; seven on 9th September, W. gale. Grey and Black Crows or "Crows," one record on 7th August, "seen flying S.W. at 102; wind E., light clear;" 500 on 17th at 102 of "Crows" flying S.W. to sea, then turned and went N.W. (These large flights are no doubt Rooks, not "Crows," not "Carrion Crows," not "Grey Crows.") "Black Crows and Carrion Crows" (i.e., I suppose, "Rooks and Carrion Crows."—J. A. H. B.) are also given at 102 in October; wind always easterly. All November, indications, but no great rush. No records in December, but one in January 1886. "A flock of sixty on 25th at 102." Rooks and Jackdaws, few. Stations returning Corvidæ are in order of largest returns—102, far beyond all other stations; 86, 94 (Jackdaws one), 101 (Rooks), 113. Species are in order of numbers—Carrion Crows, Ravens, Rooks, Jackdaw.

Cypselidæ.—29th April, one at 90 noted, and others at 90 again on 15th September, the only records of Swifts.

Cuculidæ.—Cuckoo, first heard 30th April at 90 (Kyleakin) and at 113 (Mull of Galloway). First heard at 101 (Skervuile) on 6th May, at 110 (Corsewall) on 8th May, and on 11th at 108 (Lamlash). No autumn records.

Strigidæ.—Grey Owl.—One large Grey Owl, 17th October, at ______? (omitted in Ledger).

Falconidæ.—April and June. Mostly, no doubt, local visits of "Hawks," "Falcon Hawks," "Sparrow Hawks," at 86, 93, 94 (daily in April). Also in autumn, of the same and Kestrel, and a "Large Hawk" at 102 on 11th November, flying east, wind S.W., haze; and at 98, 102, and 108, in addition to the above stations in spring.

Pelicanidæ.—Spring records less numerous than usual. February, one at 101 on 8th; one at 101 on 27th March; two at 108 on 1st and 4th April, and two at 94 on 14th April; May, three records at 101—14th, 19th, and 29th; and June, four records, all light, at 94, 101, and 114. Curiously, records of Gannets or Solan Geese—as they are called—are seldom numerously returned on this coast. [N.B.—We would be obliged to our reporters at all the stations if, for next year, they would give up one schedule entirely to Gannets or Solan Geese, and enter daily observations of the species, including their numbers seen, occupation, direction of flights and of wind, hours of appearance and disappearance, etc.] In July a few itemed under three dates—1st, 12th, and 16th to 20th. None in August, September, October, or November, nor January 1886, except one of hundreds at 102, fishing close to rocks, on 16th September, and the record of "Extra Nos." at 102 on 2d October, showing their daily appearance, though not recorded.

Ardeidæ.—Herons: Few records, and none of any significance: one in March on 1st at 114; one in October at 102, on 7th; and one at 102 on 6th December.

Anatidæ.—Grey Geese [I wish I had heads of all the Geese sent me] at 102 on 28th February; belongs, no doubt, to last season. No more records of Geese till autumn: "Large Geese"? September 17th, at 102; "Grey Geese," 10th October, at 102; one "Goose" at 102 on November 11th. Odd records of Barnacle Geese. Eider Ducks.—April 17th and 21st, at 94 and 102 respectively; also same place, 17th May, "3 [male], 3 [female] flying west." Then in autumn, 25th and 26th September, at 94 and 102.

[After this the dates of arrival and departure will be desired, whether they breed at the station or not, and if any unusual numbers appear. Odd records occur, also, of Teal, Widgeon, and Wild Duck, of little interest, but should, of course, always be returned in schedules. "Swans" are noted at 86 (Monach Isles) on 24th March 1885.]

Columbidæ.—Doves: May records at 90 (Rona) of Wood Pigeons on 21st, and Rock Doves on 28th. In Autumn.—Only two records in September and December, of twenty-five and twenty respectively, in S.W. wind.

Gallinæ.—One pair Pheasants at 102 on 16th April, lighted on the island at 3 P.M.—an unusual occurrence. In Autumn.—On 20th October, a Hen Pheasant at 102 again, shot, "rare;" and again two Pheasants at 102, male and female, fresh E. breeze, haze on island. (This looks like determined endeavour to extend range.—J. A. H. B.)

Rallinæ.—21st May, at 88 (Barra Head), fresh N.E., cloudy; 23d May, at 102, "first heard," and one shot, light N. breeze, clear; 24th, at 90 (Kyleakin), "first heard," 8 P.M., rain. In Autumn.—One at 108 (Lamlash) on 24th October, fresh N.W., clear. One Water Rail on 13th November at 114; killed on dome.

Charadriadæ.—August, one at 109 on 17th—Golden Plover. Grey Plover (identified by wings, J. A. H. B.), at Dhuheartach on 8th September. Very few records of G. Plovers, Oyster Catchers, and most about September 17th at 94, 102, 109.

But Lapwings bulk largely in October and November. Earliest, August 10th; latest, December 15th; rush if discernible: 100 on 20th October; "numbers" about 9th to 11th November at 93, 94, 102, 113, 114.

Scolopacidæ.—January 1885, one at 90 (Kyleakin), belongs to 1884; one at 90 again on 17th February (?); none in March (! ?); April, one on 15th at 94, light S.E. In Autumn.—October 18th, one at 86, and one at 90; and one at 101 and one at 102 on 9th November. Curlews: Many records as usual, but Ave fear of little value as regards tracing migrations; and a few records of Snipe and Jack Snipe. Sandpipers: Two records in June and October at 101, and one in February, same place.

Laridæ.—Terns: "Terns" at 101 on 22d, 23d, and 24th May, light S.W., clear, and variable. First seen at 114 on June 22d, S.W. breeze (see also under [Monach Isles] "Diary"). In August, four records at 101 (Skervuile), between 16th and 22d, light N. and N.E. Gulls: April, at 101 and 102, feeding on herring-fry—Kittiwakes, "Gulls," etc. May, Skuas, "Boatswain Birds," Black Headed Gull, on six dates at 93 and 101. Kittiwakes, "Dirty Allans," and Herring Gulls, at 86, 94, and 101 respectively, on 17th, 21st, and 26th June respectively. In July, at 101 and 108, Boatswain Birds, 1st to 14th; at 101, and other scattered records. Ditto, at 101, in August 1st, 4th, and 6th, and 16th, 17th, and 19th and 21st, and a few other Gulls. September, Kittiwakes at 101. In November, "Iceland Gulls" at 94 on 6th and 16th; Boatswain Birds and others at 101. Odd records in December.

Procellariidæ.—One record—one caught at 86 (Monach Isles) on 5th September. One, "rare here," at 114 on 13th November.

Colymbidæ.—G. N. Divers occur every month except October and December; at 101 in February, March, April, May, and November; at 90 in March, August; at 86 on 5th September; and in November at 89, 93, 94, 101, 102, 114. The above are nearly all single records, or at most a pair.

Alcidæ.—"Tysties" at 101, 12th April, and Scarts; and the former on 11th May at 101. Thousands at 102 of Puffins, October 15th, 1885. Other records very light.