‡ Light-vessels being only a few feet above the sea, I have not indicated the exact elevation, which, however, is usually about 30 feet.
SPRING MIGRATION, 1880.[15]
[15] In writing out the data of the spring migration, I take the most southerly stations first, reversing the sequence of the autumn records.
SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES.
Strigidæ.—At Skerryvore, one Brown Owl appeared on 10th May, at 2.30 p.m., in showery weather.
Falconidæ.—At Douglas Head,[16] one "Black Hawk" (Sparrowhawk?) was noted at 8 a.m., in clear weather, with light E.N.E. breeze.
[16] It is noted on the schedule from this station that the lighthouse, "being inland, little or any observations on the migration of birds can be noted accurately."
Hirundinidæ.—The earliest date on which Swallows are recorded from any west coast stations is April 7th, and this at one of our most northerly stations, viz., Butt of Lewis. This is followed by April 17th at Douglas Head, one of our most southern stations in the Isle of Man; seen at 12 noon; wind light S.E. breeze, clear or showers; these were not again observed. Again, on April 24th, their arrival is recorded at Rhinns of Islay. Thereafter none are noted until 6th May, at Loch Ryan, in Wigtownshire, when a flight of fifty was observed, followed by twenty and fifteen on the 8th and 11th: winds from N.W. through N. to E. and fresh, clear to haze. At Skerryvore, one was seen on 10th May, in calm, hazy and rainy weather. On 11th, 12th and 13th, eight flew about the Point of Ayre. On 24th, four were seen flying south past Ardnamurchan station. On 22nd, one at Monach Island; winds from S.W. to N.W., fresh. The remaining records are in June. On June 14th, at Ardnamurchan, two again seen flying southwards; and on 22nd, at Skerryvore; calm, hazy weather. Possibly these June records of birds flying south may belong to the autumn migration. It thus appears that a spring rush took place in the earlier part of May—from the 6th to the 14th. About the same time, viz., May 20th, a flock of "Martin Swallows," Hirundo urbica, appeared at the Butt of Lewis during light W. wind, with haze; they stopped about three hours and then flew off, going S.W.
Note.—Swallows and Martins were first observed at Ballina, Co. Wicklow, Ireland, by Mr. E. Warren, on April 19th.
Swift, Cypselus.—First noted at Ballina by Mr. Warren, on May 12th.