Corvidæ.—The returns are from Monach, Sound of Mull, Rhinns of Islay, Portpatrick, and Bahama (L.V.) Earliest at Portpatrick, Aug. 16th, flocks flying round between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., wind light E., and clear (probably only a local movement). Latest at Monach, Dec. 29th, when about a dozen were seen at noon flying south over the island. At Sound of Mull, in October, about two hundred "Daws" are reported flying N.E. on the 9th, wind light E. and clear; and at Rhinns of Islay, on the 10th, flocks of Black Crows (Rooks ?) seen flying W., wind light, clear. At Bahama L.V., on 24th, one flying E. at 7.25 a.m., wind N.W., and showery. But in November there appears to have been a rush; also on Nov. 5th, ten "Crows" seen at Bahama L.V. flying W.N.W. at 8 a.m., wind moderate N.W. by N. (the strength registered is 4); and at the same station, on the 25th, about two hundred and fifty "Crows" were seen flying from E. to W., with a W.S.W. wind, strength 6, and weather gloomy. In my return from Monach I find that six "small black Crows," which may have been either Books or Jackdaws, were seen passing over the island, flying north-west or north, in the direction of the Lews, driven along by a strong S.S.E. gale upon Nov. 20th.
Note.—In 52° 50′ north lat. and 22° 21′ west long., being 475 miles off the Irish coast, after six weeks' easterly gale and winds, wind E.S.E. for ten hours previous, two Books flew to the barque 'East.' One fell exhausted on deck, and the other into the sea. The former was shown to me by the Captain—Capt. Younoun—on board the 'East' at Granton. The above, as related to me, was upon Nov. 19th; and it may be interesting in connection with this to read the notes supplied by Mr. R. Gray, as given under Thrush. Of a later observation at Monach, on Dec. 29th, I have already spoken.
Starling, Sturnus vulgaris.—I have received many returns of this species, as is usually the case in autumn. Commencing at our most northerly stations, I have returns from Cape Wrath, Rhu Stoir, Stornoway, Island Ghlais (or Glas), Monach, Kyleakin, Fladda, Rhinns of Islay, Lochindaul, Corsewall, Point of Ayre, Douglas Head, and Bahama (L.V.) The earliest dates are August; arrive and remain all the season afterwards at Lochindaul; but at Rhinns of Islay, adjoining, arrive in September and remain; resident thereafter. At Corsewall, Aug. 4th, a flock flying south, fresh S. wind. At Kyleakin, Sept. 12th, three, moderate S. wind, and haze. At Cape Wrath, Sept. 14th, twenty young, flying from E. to W. (see remarks on occurrences in Mid-Atlantic, under Thrushes, antea, p. 80); on 17th, a large flock at 10 p.m., wind strong S., with haze and rain; stayed a few days and then left. At Corsewall, Sept. 28th, a flock flying S., strong breeze, clear. Sept. 29th and 30th, a number seen hovering round the lights of Douglas Head Lighthouse at midnight, with Thrushes and Blackbirds, and none seen after daylight came in. At Kyleakin, Nov. 3rd and 5th, forty adult and young rested, wind light N. to light S., clear, and sleet. Also on Nov. 2nd and 3rd, whilst numbers were striking all night till dawn at Corsewall, a large number were flying round Point of Ayre lights, mixed with Thrushes and Blackbirds, and thirty-six were killed; and on same date, one was killed at lantern of Douglas Head: and six killed and fell overboard at Bahama L.V., out of a large flock of mixed Thrushes and Starlings. At Monach, Nov. 6th, one adult rested, wind light N.W., drizzle. At Monach, Nov. 17th, twenty-four young, N.N.E. gale, sleet and snow; left on 18th. At Stornoway, Dec. 19th and 20th, large flocks, wind E., sleet and rain. At Monach, Dec. 27th, a flock of young birds, along with a large flock of Larks, flying about the garden and shores at 1 p.m., wind S., fresh and clear; and again on Jan. 14th, 1881, a great many flocks, mixed old and young, at 10 a.m., flying to and fro between the island and North Uist, apparently being local movements caused by heavy snow in Uist. In 1879, the most northerly record comes from Ardnamurchan, whereas this year, as is usually the case, they are much more general. The earliest date in 1879 was Aug. 14th, at Loch Ryan and M'Arthur's Head, whilst this year it was the 4th, at Corsewall. The latest in 1879 was Dec. 18th, at Skervuile. This year, in December, at Stornoway.
Finches, Fringillidæ.—At Rhu Stoir, Sept. 17th, large flocks at 10 p.m., strong S. wind, haze and rain; stayed a few days with Starlings and then left. Crossbills (vide Mr. Anderson's notes on Mid-Atlantic, antea, p. 80). Mr. Robt. Gray afterwards informed me that the two Crossbills captured are of the American species (Loxia leucoptera), judging from Mr. Anderson's description. The same species was captured by the late Dr. Dewar on board ship (Royal Phyl. Soc, and 'Birds of West of Scotland'); and at same locality Finches were seen on Oct. 20th, light variable winds, and snow. Only returns in 1879 were from Dhuheartach on Aug. 24th, and Oct. 4th and 8th.
Tree Sparrow.—On Lismore, Nov. 15th, a small flock observed, strong N. wind, clear.
Chaffinch.—Only one record on west coast is given, viz., at Bahama L.V., Oct. 11th, when one is recorded flying N.W. at 8 a.m., wind E.N.E., and haze.
Linnets.—Returns from Skerryvore, Lismore, and Point of Ayre. Earliest date Sept. 12th, when a rush appears to have taken place past Point of Ayre between that date and Sept. 29th; principally, however, on Sept. 12th and 20th, when young birds to the number of fifty or sixty—on the 20th mixed with Hedgesparrows—were seen flying W. on both days about 8 a.m., wind light W., clear. They appeared plentiful also on the 28th, but a few only seen on 29th. Again in same locality there appeared to be a rush on Oct. 18th and 24th, when twenty and one hundred Greenfinches were seen, in light and fresh W. wind; and at Skerryvore, Oct. 14th, twelve "Grey Linnets" flew about the rock, wind light E., with haze. On Nov. 13th, a small flock frequented Lismore during the day, wind strong S.W. to W., and rain; and at the same station, Dec. 15th, both Grey and Green Linnets, mixed with Robins, Larks, Thrushes, and Blackbirds, flew about; wind strong N.E., and snow. In 1879, Sept. 9th is the only date given at Rhuvaal and Lamlash.
Snow Bunting, Emberiza nivalis.—Records have been kept at Rhu Stoir in the north, and southward at Monach, Dhuheartach, Corsewall, and Point of Ayre. The earliest occurrence was at Dhuheartach on Sept. 19th, when one bird was seen; wind fresh W. From Oct. 1st to 8th, at Rhu Stoir, about forty arrived and stayed till the latter date; wind on day of arrival N.W. gale with sleet. On Oct. 1st, at Monach also, they were first seen, one at 10 a.m.; wind fresh S.S.W. and cloudy. At Point of Ayre from fifty to sixty were seen at 7.30 a.m., mixed with Thrushes and Blackbirds, fresh S.E. wind, clear, on Nov. 2nd and 3rd. On Nov. 6th, at Monach, one at 10 p.m., N.W. wind and drizzle of rain. On Nov. 16th a few seen at 2 p.m. during a S. to N.N.E. gale, and the latest record is at Corsewall, on Jan. 5th, 1881, when one was seen and struck the lantern at 3.30 a.m., light N.E. wind, haze. In 1879 most northerly station, Monach Island. Earliest date same as this year (1879, Monach; 1880, Dhuheartach). Latest date in 1879, Dec. 10th (Corsewall), against Jan. 5th, 1881 (Corsewall), in 1880.
Note.—The unusually large and sudden immigration of Snow Buntings into Great Britain attracted general attention. From the middle of November onward they were extremely abundant, and they ushered in the severe winter and low temperatures of January, 1881.
Sky Lark, Alauda arvensis.—A good many returns from the following stations:—Rhu Stoir, Kyleakin, Dhuheartach, Skervuile, Rhinns of Islay, Turnberry, Corsewall, and Bahama L.V. The earliest, Sept. 30th, at Corsewall, at 9 p.m., when two were seen, which remained till dawn on the lantern along with Golden-crested Wrens. The latest at Turnberry on Jan. 4th, 1881, when one struck at 8 p.m., light N.E. wind with haze. In October, on the 1st, at Skervuile, some were seen mixed with Thrushes and Wrens; winds variable and light, with haze. On the 3rd, at Turnberry, two struck, and one killed between 10 and 11 p.m., wind light E. and clear. On 12th, at Bahama L.V. a flock seen flying W. at 9.20 a.m., wind light N.E., with haze. On 13th twenty seen at Dhuheartach at 1 a.m., wind light N., cloudy. On Dec. 27th a large flock was seen flying about the garden and shores at Monach along with young Starlings and two Blackbirds, at 1 p.m., wind S., fresh breeze, clear. In 1879 the most northerly station was Dhuheartach. Earliest date in 1879, Sept. 19th; latest Dec. 6th; but it must be remembered in this and all such comparisons that in 1879 our returns' were sent in sooner than in 1880.