Swallows.—During the spring migration these were taken notice of at Isle of May, Auskerry, and Sumburgh Head. The earliest record is at Isle of May, on April 30th, when two were seen flying N.W. at 10 a.m., flying with a light S.E. breeze, and clear. Then at Sumburgh Head, two on May 16th, one on 19th, and two on 29th, during the daytime; winds variable, fine, clear to haze, or showery; threatening but fine on 19th; and two were seen at Auskerry on May 31st at noon, wind S.S.E., haze. Lastly, on June 2nd, at Auskerry, two were seen flying S., against a S. gale, with haze; and this last is properly no doubt assignable to the commencement of the autumn migration.
Wren.—Recorded at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May only. On October 29th at the former, when one was seen flying about the island; wind N.E., with snow-showers; and on Oct. 13th, at the latter, with light E. wind, and clear.
Goldcrest, Regulus cristatus.—The only spring record is on April 12th at Sumburgh Head, where "some" were seen resting on the dykes between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; wind E., light, with fog. In the autumn migrations, they are recorded from two stations, viz., Tarbat Ness and Isle of May. They appeared on Isle of May on Oct. 8th, when a number were seen, having arrived during the previous night; wind strong S.E., showery. Mr. Agnew notes this as "an early appearance," and notes also "none seen here last year." On Oct. 15th more Goldcrests appeared on the same island at 4 a.m., and one was wounded at the glass; wind variable and light; clear. On Nov. 1st one bird struck at midnight, in strong N. wind, with snow.
Robin, Erithaca rubecula.—Occurred at three stations—Tarbat Ness, Bell Rock, and Isle of May. A rush appears to have taken place about the time of the earliest date—on the 15th August—past the Bell Rock. "Great numbers along with Wheatears, Redshanks, and many small birds unidentified, struck the dome and lantern between 1 and 2 a.m.; wind light N.E. and rain. None were found dead on the balcony, but many struck; some lightly, and flew away again; others harder, and were seen fluttering away into the darkness. No doubt many perished in the sea." The next date is the 18th Sept., at Isle of May, when one was seen. "None seen last year." On Oct. 13th, on Isle of May, another large migration was noticed, many being seen upon the island, having arrived during the night. On Nov. 2nd, at Tarbat Ness, one struck at 8 p.m.; strong N.W. wind, with showers.
Wheatear, Saxicola ænanthe.—The northernmost locality given is North Unst, where a few strike the lantern during the season, but no dates are given. Thence southwards, they are noted at five other stations, viz., Whalsey, Sumburgh Head, Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, and the Bell Rock. The earliest date is August 4th, at Pentland Skerries, where one struck at 11.30 p.m.; wind strong E., and haze. The reporter adds the note:—"Starlings and Wheatears generally strike at night, when the wind shifts with rain. They probably leave resting-places, and, when once on wing, are attracted by the light." On Aug. 14th another single bird struck at 10.15 p.m.; wind light S.E., and fog: three more on 15th, from 9 to 11 p.m.; wind the same, with haze. At Sumburgh Head, on Aug. 11th, one young bird struck; wind light N., and fog. At Whalsey, on 16th, about twelve old and young were flying round the lantern at 1 a.m.; wind light W., and haze. At Bell Rock, Aug. 15th, great numbers along with Robins. At Auskerry, Sept. 5th, three struck at 3 a.m.; wind strong S., with haze and showers. The latest date recorded is Sept. 13th, at Pentland Skerries, when two struck at 2 a.m.; wind fresh S.W., and rain.
Titmice.—At Isle of May, Aug. 10th and 11th, a migration was noticed: 10th, the first pair came to the lights, and one was wounded; 11th, great numbers were seen on the island; wind light E., haze.
Wagtail.—At Whalsey—the only station returning a record of this species—large flocks rested, arriving on Aug. 21st; wind light S.E., with dense fog, which lasted till 28th, on which date they all again departed.
Titlark, Anthus pratensis.—Noted as leaving Whalsey Skerries in the first week of September; wind at the time S. to S.E., with from haze to fog during the days. The note is added, "A few remain." These are probably Rock Pipits. The only other station whence I have records is the Isle of May. A very large migration of Titlarks (called "Woodlarks" in schedule) came during the night of Dec. 21st-22nd; wind light E., and clear; and on the 22nd, "The island was literally swarming with them; flocks of from twenty to one hundred or more." Mr. Agnew "never saw so many here before."
Turdidæ.—Records came in from Sumburgh Head in the north, to Isle of May in the south, and from Auskerry. One record at Sumburgh applies to the spring migration, viz., on April 1st, when several Blackbirds (Turdus merula) were seen at 10 a.m.; wind squally S.S.E; changeable weather, with haze and rain. In the autumn migration we have more returns, but none before Nov. 1st, when the first Thrush was seen at 2 a.m.; wind strong W., with showers, at Auskerry. At Isle of May, Nov. 1st, "Mountain Thrush" was seen at 2 p.m.; wind light S.W., and haze. Thereafter on Dec. 15th, at the same place, a very large flock of "Mountain Thrushes" at 2 p.m.; wind light S., and snow. Again, on 22nd, two birds of same species,[2] and one on Jan. 1st; wind light E. to S.S.E., and haze. At Sumburgh Head, Jan. 14th, 1881, one Blackbird at noon; calm and clear.
[2] There can be little doubt, I think, that Fieldfares are meant. Ring Ouzels are usually denominated "Mountain Blackbirds." Indeed, amongst a collection of local names which I have gathered, I find the name of "Mountain Thrush" applied to the Fieldfare.