Robin, Erythaca rubecula.—Only two records of this species on the east coast. At Tarbet Ness one was killed on August 6th at 10 p.m., wind light E. breeze, fog and rain; and at Inch Keith one struck on August 10th at 11.30 p.m., in similar weather, but with wind light W.
Wheatear, Saxicola œnanthe.—The most northerly station of the two recorded is Pentland Skerries, and to the south the Bell Rock. Between Sept. 7th—when great numbers struck and were lost at the latter station, and birds continued passing or flying round lantern between midnight and dawn, wind S.E. and variable, fog and haze—and Sept. 17th, Wheatears or "Stonechats" were on passage. If any rush took place it was between Sept. 7th and 11th, on which latter day fourteen were seen and two killed. Winds veered from S. and S.E. on. Sept. 9th and 7th, to W. and S.W. on the 11th, 13th and 17th. All the birds passed at night between 8 p.m. and dawn.
Titmice.—At only one station were Titmice observed on our east coast, viz., at the Isle of May, were some were seen on Sept. 15th at 10 a.m., wind light W. with haze. From Auskerry, however, there is the general report that they are in most years abundant there, though none have been seen this season.
Song Thrush, Tardus musicus.—Recorded from a number of stations from North Ronaldshay in the north to Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, Dunnet Head, Noss Head, Girdleness, and Bell Rock in the south. The greatest numbers noted were at Pentland Skerries, but great numbers also were noted at North Ronaldshay and the Bell Rock, where many "struck and were lost." Their earliest appearance recorded is on Sept. 16th, when four struck at Noss Head between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., wind S., moderate with haze. The latest date is Oct. 25th, when numbers, along with Blackbirds, struck at North Ronaldshay. The time thus occupied was from Sept. 16th to Oct. 25th. A rush took place during October, and the greatest rush, perhaps, between Oct. 14th and 25th. At North Ronaldshay, on Oct. 1st, numbers struck, along with Blackbirds, and were flying about all night. Others seen at Girdleness, the Bell Rock, at Pentland Skerries, and Dunnet Head. Thrushes migrated when the wind was between E. through S.E., S.S.W. to N.W., but principally when southerly. Fog, haze, and rain on all the dates given. Time of migration, after dark and before dawn at all dates.
Blackbird, Turdus merula.—Appeared at North Ronaldshay and the Bell Rock between Oct. 1st and Nov. 25th. A rush during this time recorded on three dates:—Oct. 1st, "Numbers flying about all night," at North Ronaldshay, wind S.E., strong, "along with Thrushes." Oct. 14th, four (two males and two females) killed; number flying about between 8 a.m. and dawn; wind N.E., fresh, with haze and rain. Nov. 25th, numbers, along with Thrushes, flying about all night; wind light E. breeze, haze.
Ring Ouzel (or "Mountain Blackbird"), Turdus torquatus.—Reported from Sumburgh Head only, where one struck at 4 a.m.; wind light N. at 5 a.m., S.W. gale at 4 p.m.; weather clear. A number of the same species were seen in the country about the same time, and supposed to be young birds. At Auskerry, where they generally pass in large numbers, none were observed.
Besides the above, "large Thrushes," probably Fieldfares,[3] passed or were caught at Auskerry, in October; four on the 15th between 1 and 4 a.m., wind light N., clear; six on the 16th between 2 and 4 a.m., wind S.S.W., strong, haze; and two on the 22nd at 3 a.m., wind strong S.W., and haze. Large numbers struck the lantern at the Bell Rock, and were lost in the sea between midnight and dawn on Sept. 7th, and again at the same station on Oct. 14th, between 3 a.m. and dawn. These were mixed in flocks of Blackbirds, Thrushes, and "various" other species.
[3] Afterwards identified as such by the head, wings and tail sent in later communication.
The great scarcity of Thrushes in Scotland all summer was caused by the severe winter of 1878-79 and late spring of 1879, a consequent "crowding down" upon lower latitudes taking place during that breeding season. I have referred very fully to this in my first Report on Scottish Ornithology for the Natural History Society of Glasgow for 1878-79 (now in MS., ready for press), read Sept. 30th, 1879. This scarcity is still felt. In the birch-woods of the west coast I saw small flocks on Oct. 28th, 1879.
Rook, Corvus frugilegus.—At Sumburgh Head numbers were seen about 9 am on Nov. 2nd, wind N.N.W., strong to fresh, with sleet and snow showers. "Rooks do not breed in Shetland, but are often seen in the spring time, but very seldom in the fall, crossing, as is supposed, between Norway and Scotland." At Dunnet Head about 100 Rooks, mostly young birds, were seen at 12 noon, with fresh breeze from S.E. to S.W.