Nov. 1st, Pentland Skerries, one flying S., 7.50 a.m.; light N.W., cloudy.
Jan. 29th, Sumburgh Head, six (one shot); fair W., clear.
There was a very large movement of Herons in 1882, principally in October and November (see Report, 1882, p. 18).
Anatidæ.—Very few records either in spring or autumn. Spring: none. Autumn: Swans on Aug. 15th, at Tarbat Ness, two from the N., flying S.E. at 1 p.m.; N. strong, and clear. The only other records are in October, a large flock flying E. past Pentland Skerries at 12.20 p.m., with light W. and showers, "very rarely seen here." On 19th, Ducks (sp.?), three flying W. over same station at 10.30 a.m.; strong N.W. wind. On 13th, Eiders at Isle of May in large flocks, both males and females, all day; strong due S.; left at night. At Chanonry, local movements of Grey Geese and Grey Ducks to and fro in stormy weather, or from feeding to nesting ground. At Sumburgh Head, twenty-eight wild Geese flying S.; strong S.W., and snow on 25th; and on 28th sixteen wild Geese, also flying S.; gale from N.W. Land Notes.—At Kirkwall, twenty-five wild Swans frequented the Loch of Banks, and are described as being "very tame" ('Scotsman,' 27, iii., 83). A very large flock of Pink-footed or Bean Geese, probably the former, seen flying very high towards S.E. and crying, at Kippen on March 23rd. Fully 150 Wild Geese remained on Flanders Moss all spring after this date, and were seen last on April 23rd.
Columbidæ.—In spring, few records at Pentland Skerries and Bell Rock. On Feb. 19th, at former station, three Rock Doves flying E., 7 a.m.; S.W., fresh, clear. On March 4th, two Rock Doves at same station, seen at 3 p.m.; light variable, and haze. On April 20th, one Wood Pigeon at same station flying S.E.; fair S.S.E., fog. On May 12th, one Woodpecker flying S.W. past Bell Rock, 1.12 p.m.; strong S.W.; and on 28th, a few Rock Doves at Pentland Skerries; strong S., and fog.
In autumn only two records; one at Pentland Skerries, twelve Rock Pigeons, on July 23rd, on island; light N., haze and rain; and on Sept. 16th, one Wood Pigeon at 2 p.m., at Bell Rock, flying S.W.; light S.W. breeze.
Land Notes.—A male Columba œnas (Stock Dove) was shot at Garden, in this county (Stirlingshire), on March 15th, 1883. This species has been rapidly extending its range of late years in Scotland. See my paper on the Stock Dove (Ryl. Phyl. Soc. Edinb., 1883, p. 241, Feb. 21st). In 1884 at least four pairs are breeding in the Vale of Menteith.
Rallidæ.—Spring records meagre. One heard at Isle of May April 28th, marked "rare here." One heard at Pentland Skerries on May 6th, 5.50 p.m.; mod. S.S.E., clear. One heard first time at Cromarty station on May 20th; strong E., clear.
No autumn records this season.
Charadriadæ.—Spring records meagre. April 18th, at Pentland Skerries, three Golden Plovers at 5 p.m.; S.S.W. May 15th, at Auskerry, large flocks of Plovers all day; light E., and showers. May 17th, at Isle of May, one Oystercatcher; W., very fine.