Curlew.—Numerous records at most of the stations, dating from Feb. 5th, at Rhuvaal, on to November. An appearance of a rush northwards on May between 14th and 16th, when flocks seen flying north at Rhinns of Islay; also on 16th, at Lismore, during the day. Records also at Loch Ryan, Skerryvore, &c.
In autumn, at Stornoway, Monach, Barra Head, and most stations indeed; earliest, July 25th, at Skerryvore, when five Curlews seen flying N.E., on to Nov. 16th, at Sound of Mull. Between Sept. 16th and 30th, at Stornoway, seen every day on the shore, and large numbers on the 30th.
There is only one record of Whimbrel under the name "The Small Curlew," when two were seen at Skerryvore flying about the rocks. I wish we could more exactly trace the lines of migration of the Whimbrel, or "May fowl" of the Hebrides, in both spring and autumn (see remarks of Mr. D. Gray in the Atlantic, antea). No records of Redshanks or Sandpipers. Four species.
Laridæ; Sterninæ.—Arrivals in spring recorded as follows:—At Rhu Stoir, three Terns on May 10th; light N. breeze. At Stornoway, Terns "arrived as usual about this time," and left in August. At Skervuile, arrived on 14th, and more seen on 16th. The first came with a fresh S. breeze and rain. At Corsewall first observed was on May 11th.
In autumn. Terns, as already stated, left Stornoway in August, but "about ten days later than usual." The last seen at Skervuile was on Sept. 6th. At Sound of Mull, on Sept. 30th, a flock rested for two hours, and then flew away S.E., composed of old and young together. Moderate wind.
An utter absence of records of any Gulls, Skuas, "Boatswains," or any other Laridæ. One or two species?
Procellariidæ.—One record of Storm Petrel at Lismore, where it is accounted very rare, on Oct. 3rd, when one was killed; strong N.W. wind, and haze. One species.
Alcidæ.—At various stations taken notice of as follows:—At Barra Head, a few seen on Feb. 4th; fresh S.W., banks of fog. No records in April. "Marrots" and "Razorbills." At Barra Head, numbers seen of same, and Puffins, on April 27th; light S.E. wind. A few Puffins seen on May 1st; and fresh N.E. A great many more on May 2nd; fresh N.E. At Butt of Lewis, first Razorbills seen on April 25th.
In autumn, Marrots leave Barra Head Aug. 12th, along with the bulk of Razorbills, but Puffins not till Aug. 25th. Marrots and Razorbills left with fresh E. wind. Puffins left in fresh S. wind.
Cormorants arrived about same time as Razorbills and Aleidæ, but remain about six weeks later at Butt of Lewis; and at Kyleakin there is record of a flock of twenty-eight flying W. on 13th, with S.W. breeze. Four species.