In autumn, great coutinuous migration at Auskerry, July 30th, of old and young; light W. One flock on August 7th at Pentland Skerries all day; one flock stayed from March 15th to 24th at Sumburgh Head, and many large flocks also seen to the north of that place at the same time. In October two small Starlings, "one with a crest like a Crested Lark, raised and lowered it at will" [Rose-coloured Pastor?—J. A. H. B.] seen on 6th, light N. wind. Rushes took place on Nov. 1st, especially at Sumburgh Head and Isle of May (see also under [Thrush]). Latest, Dec. 31st, at Isle of May; but the Starling is resident all the year round at many of our stations.
Alaudidæ.—In spring at Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, and Isle of May. Earliest, Feb. 8th, a single bird at Bell Rock, and several on 9th at Pentland Skerries (see under [Thrush] at this date). Latest, April 6th, at Sumburgh Head, when they were found increasing, but not observed on arrival. A rush took place at Isle of May on Feb. 11th, 1 a.m. till daylight, light E. and fog, flying south (at least all struck the north side of lantern).[3] Other movements took place, but none of any magnitude; winds S. and W. in Feb., except the 11th, ut sup.; N.W., S.W. to E. on 20th, in March.
[3] Do the birds strike in light winds and fog upon the side facing the wind, or on the sheltered side? In heavy gales they strike hard with the wind, but touch and strike also on the Shetland side,
In autumn, a few records at N. Unst, Isle of May, and Inch-keith. Earliest, Sept. 21st, at Isle of May, a small flock, fresh E., clear. Latest, Nov. 26th, a single bird at N. Unst rested all night. Rushes, 11th to 20th, W., shifting to N. on 11th; W. gale on 19th and 20th. Also rush on 31st and Nov. 1st, along with other species, principally, at Bell Rock and Isle of May. Again a few in January, 1884, up to 17th, light W. winds and haze; and at Chanonry on 24th a flock, with strong squalls and sleet.
Emberizidæ.—In spring Snow Buntings began to appear on Feb. 9th,—but this may not belong to spring records,—when a large flock flew about all day on Pentland Skerries. They occurred also at Auskerry, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May. Earliest, as above. Latest, April 12th, at Sumburgh Head, when two were killed. No great rushes evident, but largest numbers passed in March, mostly with northerly or westerly winds. If any rush occurred it was between March 9th and 25th, indicated principally at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May. On 23rd, at Isle of May, a flock flying north. Common Bunting seen at Isle of May on Feb. 12th, and again on April 6th. Yellow Buntings at same place on March 5th and April 7th, in both cases females.
In autumn, as usual, we have numerous records, especially of Snow Buntings, at most stations, viz., N. Unst, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Tarbat Ness, Dunnet Head, Bell Rock, and Isle of May. Earliest at Isle of May on Sept. 21st. A rush on 22nd and 27th; fresh E. to heavy S.W. gale on 26th and 27th. Latest records to Jan. 18th, 1884. Bushes in September ut sup., a few in October, many all through November, but principally on 13th-15th, 16th, and in lesser degree on 1st and 2nd. Snow Buntings often appear with gales and snow or sleet, but during this month S. and W. winds rather prevailed. They arrived before the great W. gales, which began about the 16th. Of other species we have as follows: Yellow Bunting, "Grey Bunting," "Green Bunting" (? Green Linnet), and Cirl Bunting (one bird sent in spirits was not a Cirl Bunting, but a young male Yellow Bunting). All these are recorded from Isle of May, but no other station, and are distributed almost entirely in October and December; prevailing winds westerly, with stormy weather and gales.
Cuculidæ.—One spring record from Cromarty station: Arrived on April 29th; E., fresh breeze, haze.
One autumn record only, and the only record I have received from any station during autumn migration, viz., one young bird at Isle of May on August 23rd, light W., clear. Possibly amongst the many records of "Hawks" at other stations some occurrences of the young brown-coloured Cuckoo may have been included, as they are very like small Hawks in their flight.
Land Notes.—Cuckoo heard at Dunipace, Stirlingshire, on April 9th, 1883, a very early record. Not heard again till May. Cuckoo recorded from Busby, at Lee Farm, near Sheddens, on April 14th. Cuckoo heard on Tinwald Downs, Dumfries, on April 23rd.
Strigidæ.—In spring a Tawny Owl at Isle of May on April 28th, S.E. fresh, haze; and at Auskerry an Owl (which is probably the Short-eared Owl) came on the 14th, with stiff S.E. and showers, and remained a week. "This Owl visits Auskerry annually in May."