Saxicolinæ.—In spring considerable arrival of at Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, and Isle of May. Earliest (a single Stonechat (vera) S. rubicola) on March 20th, at Isle of May, with light E. wind and haze. [N.B.—In our Third Report, p. 8, the first record was on 29th of Wheatear, but this record in Mr. Agnew's schedule was entered as "Stonechat." Owing to the confusion existing between the Wheatear and "Stonechat" it is usually almost impossible to know to which the name Stonechat is applied. The true Stonechat is very like a Whinchat, and in no respect resembles the Wheatear, except in the sound of its voice.] The next earliest was of three Redstarts (or Firetails), on March 29th, also at Isle of May, S.E. fresh, haze. Indications of a rush of Wheatears between April 5th and 13th, at Isle of May; and much lighter indications of single birds at same dates at Pentland Skerries. Redstarts scarce; two on April 27th, one on 26th at Isle of May, and a few at same place. These in every instance with light or fresh S.E. winds in April, and light N.E. in May.
In autumn a considerable migration, commencing on August 20th; first record at Isle of May—"Stonechat" [one earlier record occurs at same place on July 14th, but it is perhaps difficult to say to what this belongs, as Wheatears breed annually on Isle of May]; one killed at lantern. Fresh N.W. wind, and terminating as far as schedules indicate, by Nov. 11th. In this statement are included Wheatears, "Stonechats," [true Stonechats identified], Redstarts; but there are no records at any stations of Wheatears or Stonechats between Sept. 12th and Nov. 1st. October is, curiously enough, entirely blank of any returns of Saxicolinæ, and there are only two records in November. The rushes took place end of August, culminating on the night of Sept. 2nd-3rd, when a great rush of Wheatears, Redstarts, and also Chiffchaffs, Robins and Sedge Warblers, Wood Warblers, and Golden and Grey Plovers took place. The absence of any record of Thrushes or Turdidæ at this date at any of the stations is noteworthy. Mr. Agnew writes:—"The night of Sept. 2nd was very stormy, wind S.E., shifting to N.E., with heavy rain. The birds were all in large numbers throughout the night, except a Blue-throated Warbler, adult, which was solitary." On the 12th, nearly all Wheatears left the Isle of May. On the 4th, at Pentland Skerries, a rush all day with strong N. wind and rain. Indications at Bell Rock very faint throughout. In the vast rush of Turdidæ and other species (see [Turdidæ] under date) of Nov. 1st, one solitary Wheatear is first recorded, the first notice since Sept. 12th. In all three species of Saxicolinæ with certainty.
Note.—The true Wheatear, "white on the rump," is intended in the return from Pentland Skerries.
Silviinæ.—In spring, earliest record (Robin) is March 18th, at Pentland Skerries, and with an E.S.E. gale and sleet; and the latest (also Robin) on May 11th, at Sumburgh Head, fresh, S.S.E. A rush of Robins at Isle of May on April 26th, when "large numbers" appeared; fresh, S.E. and haze. Robins disappeared from Cromarty station on March 30th.
In autumn, earliest record at Isle of May on Aug. 16th,—Whitethroat,—when almost a rush might be recorded. On the 23rd again, at same place, large numbers of Whitethroats and Titmice. At Cromarty station Robins reappeared, about a dozen being seen on Sept. 15th, the first since spring. On Sept. 15th, a rush of Robins at Isle of May, and on 22nd. Winds on all these dates easterly, with fog, and on 15th "flying banks of fog." Records also of Blackcap on 10th, and more Blackcaps on 23rd; that on 10th with light W. wind, the others light E. No records in October except at Chanonry, two on 15th, strong squalls and S.W. Small numbers beginning of November, amongst Thrushes, &c., q.v. stations; Pentland Skerries, light; Dunnet Head, one record; the latest on Dec. 28th; and Jan. 30th, at Chanonry; light squalls and sleet. Bell Rock and Isle of May (maximum). Blue-throated Warbler on night of Sept. 2nd-3rd. In all three species.
Phylloscopinæ.—In spring a distinct movement of Goldcrests, but nothing to compare with the autumn rush of 1882, though comparing favourably with the spring rush of the same year. Earliest record, April 1st, Isle of May; then singly or in small numbers till 13th, when rather more, along with other species. Latest date of Goldcrests or other Leaf-warblers, April 16th, at Pentland Skerries; one Goldcrest; light N.E., clear. The first Chiffchaff on April 26th; also at Isle of May; wind S.E. and haze; and some again on May 2nd; and Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs on May 15th.
In autumn a rush at Isle of May and no previous records; on Sept. 3rd (see [Saxicolinæ]); on the 2nd a S.E. gale, changing light W., very dark. Scattered records running through 10th, 11th, to 15th, when another rush of Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs, and a solitary Goldcrest on 22nd, with a rush of Robins. Goldcrests did not put in an appearance much before Oct. 10th, when a rush took place that night, with light E. wind and cloudy, again at Isle of May. Mr. D. M. Scott speaks of the "smallest wrens he ever saw," which were seen at Sumburgh Head, on Oct. 28th, which were probably of this species. Stations recording are Sumburgh Head (one record); Tarbat Ness one record on Oct. 30th [some years Caithness gets a large share of Goldcrests]; and Isle of May. Three species.
Paridæ.—A few scattered notices in April and May at Pentland Skerries on April 25th, 27th and 29th, with S. easterly and N.E. wind; rain, haze or clear; and at same place on May 13th. Note.—Mr. MacDonald distinguishes between "Titmice" and "Tomtits." Titmice are probably Cole Tits, and "Tomtits" Blue Tits, Parus cæruleus.
In autumn, in September, a few at Isle of May, on 4th, 5th, 18th, 19th; on the 4th and 19th, travelling with "Stonechats"; also at Isle of May; winds westerly and northerly. In October, one record at Inchkeith; wind light S.W., which seems the usually chosen wind at this locality for birds migrating. In November, on the 18th, one bird, which is either a Cole Tit or a Great Tit, at Isle of May.
Acrocephalinæ—Accentorinæ.—A Solitary record of one Sedge Warbler, at Isle of May, on May 17th, constitutes the whole spring returns.