Land Notes.—On the night of March 26th, at Dunipace, whilst standing at the front door (night bright and starry, and frost), a large flock of birds crossed overhead, flying south. The cries were difficult to make out, but belonged either to Whimbrels or other species of wader. The subject of the sounds of bird-cries at night would form good matter for explanation by those who have constant opportunities of hearing them. Wind N.E. up to March 27th, when a S.W. gale, shifting to S., with heavy rain. About fifty Curlews were seen at Caldarvon, west of this county, on March 11th, and three pairs on 17th (auct. Jas. Lumsden).
Scolopacidæ (Waders).—Earliest spring migrants were Sandpipers and Redshanks at Pentland Skerries on Feb. 9th (time of migration of Thrushes, q.v.); and on 17th, ditto. On April 27th a Purple Sandpiper at Isle of May (No. 57 in spirits).
Autumn. Earliest July 20th, at Pentland Skerries, Redshanks; and a few records of these and Sandpipers to 31st. In August a few records of the same, and one Turnstone (identified) (No. 60 in spirits). In September great flocks of Sandpipers flew in rays of light at 9 p.m.; light E.N.E., and fog. In end of October and beginning of November Sandpipers and Red-shanks participated in the rush of migrants at that time at Pentland Skerries especially; light S.W. Large numbers on 5th; strong N.W., and showers; and numbers up to 21st, all day; strong N.W. In December, rushes on 12th; N.W. gale, snow; and up to 21st, very likely local movements.
Sterninæ.—Records of either migration very scanty. First seen in spring was at Pentland Skerries on May 13th, at 3.30 p.m.; light S.W., haze; and again at same place two seen flying north on June 20th. On June 3rd, at Sumburgh Head, two; fresh W., cloudy. Lesser Terns arrived at Cromarty on May 23rd.
In autumn, first record Aug. 7th, at Pentland Skerries, when those breeding there all left, except one or two, with fresh N.W., clear. At Bell Rock, on Sept. 19th, a flock kept flying round the rays of light all night (i.e., 19th-20th); light E.N.E.; and on Sept. 27th one immature bird appeared after a heavy gale from W. the previous night. The above, I think, is the first occurrence I have of Terns flying round and round within the rays of light of a lantern. Lesser Terns disappeared from Cromarty on Aug. 26th; S.W., strong, clear.
Laridæ.—In spring, large numbers arrive about March 1st for breeding purposes at Pentland Skerries, and leave about the middle of August. On March 21st, at Isle of May, Kittiwakes arrived in large numbers at 9 a.m.—their first appearance; wind fresh E.S.E., cloudy and cold; and by April 3rd had steadily increased in numbers. At Auskerry, May 18th is given as first appearance of "Sea Maws"; strong N.W., and haze; and a Black-headed Gull was seen, with light N.E. and clear, at Pentland Skerries. At same station, record of two Black-backed Gulls on June 27th; fresh S.E., and haze completes spring records.
In autumn, at Pentland Skerries during July the daily movements of Gulls may be worth reproducing in detail. All the July records I have are from this station, and also all the August ones.
1883, July 12, Pentland Skerries, one "Chaser" flying N.W., 2.15 p.m.; light E., haze.
July 18th, Pentland Skerries, three Black-backed Gulls flying N., 2.30 p.m.; mod. N.W.
July 23rd, Pentland Skerries, one "Chaser" flying W., 10.20 a.m.; light N.