In autumn, in September, one Owl on 28th at Pentland Skerries, strong N.N.E. and showers. In October four single records of Large Owl at Pentland Skerries on 31st and 13th, and of Short-eared Owls at Isle of May on 3rd and 13th. None in December, and one Owl at Pentland Skerries all day on island on 1st; light N.W. showers.
Land Notes.—Short-eared Owls were reported unusually abundant on Flanders Moss, Stirlingshire, in the autumn; and I saw two as late as the 31st January, 1884, on Latham Moss, in the same county, so that some appear to remain all winter.
Falconidæ.—Spring records in March and April only, March 2nd to April 30th. At Pentland Skerries and Isle of May all single or light entries; wind easterly, except on March 2nd, when it was S.W. and clear, and one Kestrel was seen. The Merlin is twice noted. "Light Brown Hawks twice at Isle of May and Pentland Skerries."
In the autumn, at Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, and Isle of May. All July records, three in number, at Pentland Skerries, of "Sparrowhawk," "Large Brown Hawk," and "Large Hawk." In August five records, three at Isle of May of Sparrowhawk and "Hawks"; one at Pentland Skerries of "Falcon Hawk"; and one at Sumburgh Head of one Large Brown Hawk. The "Falcon Hawk" is described as "hovering," so is more likely a Kestrel Hawk. In September ten records; two at Pentland Skerries, two "Hawks" and one "Game Hawk," and at Isle of May one Sparrowhawk caught at gratings, and a "Hawk." Hawks are usually found attending the rush of small migrants. In October only one record, a Game Hawk at Pentland Skerries; four in November, all at Pentland Skerries. None in December, and five in January, 1884. One bird Mr. Agnew "feels almost sure was a Goshawk, and not a Sparrowhawk." The rush, if any, would appear to be in September, but its faintness precludes us from any feeling of certainty. A late schedule from Sumburgh Head contains record of an Eagle ["Silver-crested Eagle"; probably the Sea Eagle] wounded at Fitful Head by Mr. Birnie. At 11.15 a.m. on January 29th, 1884, this bird landed on the high rocks, half a mile north of the Read. Mr. Birnie says it cannot live long, as it was severely wounded. Mr. Birnie is employed by the landed proprietors to kill all the birds of prey in Shetland. He has killed a large number of Black-backed Gulls, Hooded Crows, Ravens, &c.
Water Birds.
Pelecanidæ.—In entering records of Gannets or Solan Geese I believe the best way is to arrange the data in tabular form. Spring records are only returned from Pentland Skerries; but, considering the central position on the tract through the Pentland Firth, I think all records from there are of use and value, if we desire to arrive at conclusions regarding the movements of this species.
Spring,
March 26th, Pentland Skerries, three Gannets flying E.; strong N.E., and clear.
April 6th, Pentland Skerries, one Gannet, 4.45 p.m., flying E.; light W., clear.
May 7th, Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks of Gannets all day, flying E.; strong N., haze.