In autumn, only two records in all; one at Isle of May on Sept. 12th, of one Sedge Warbler, with light S.E., haze and rain; and the other on Oct. 11th, at same place, of a Hedge Sparrow ("Blue Janet" of Schedule). One species of Marsh Warblers, and one probably Saxicolinæ.
Troglodytinæ, Common Wren.—On April 9th, one struck and killed (No. 66, in spirits); light W., clear!
In autumn, on Aug. 18th, at Sumburgh Head, a few remained two days; light W. and haze. Wrens not in large numbers accompanied rush of other migrants on Sept. 22nd and 23rd; fresh E. and very dark, at Isle of May. In October, one record at N. Unst, resting at 10 a.m.; S.W., light and haze ("a rare visitor.") It would be interesting to know if this was one of the large-footed form found in Faroe (T. Faröensis), or our common species.[2] In November, a few on 7th at Isle of May; and at Tarbat Ness, one on Oct. 27th; in November, three seen at Sumburgh Head, with strong breeze and hailstones.
[2] This I hope to be able to decide next year, should any turn up at this station.
Motacillidæ.—In Spring, at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May. Earliest, March 2nd, at Isle of May; light W., clear; with a rush of other migrants. Five seen on March 30th—"the most ever seen together in spring," at Isle of May, "by Mr. Agnew;" a gale from the S. the previous night, but wind westerly when seen; these birds flying north. Other records are with E. or S.E. winds, on 19th, 20th and 23rd. In April, two records at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May, on 3rd and 25th.
In autumn, records from Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock and Isle of May. Earliest, July 13th, at the first-named station, and again on 28th, with fresh N. wind and haze or rain. Scattered records in August, mostly at Pentland Skerries, with northerly winds; but two records, one with light S. and clear, and the other, Aug. 18th, with fresh W. and cloudy, when thirteen were counted. In September, a flock at Bell Rock on 1st; a few on 2nd, at Pentland Skerries; a number on 11th, with Robins, at Isle of May. In October, one record at Isle of May, on 10th, light E., haze; and the latest record at Isle of May, one bird on 7th. The Wagtails on Oct. 10th are described as very light-coloured, but from the good description it is easily seen that they are immature birds of probably the Pied Wagtail. But it is desirable to watch for very light or light-backed birds at Isle of May and elsewhere, and especially at Bell Rock, during the spring migration, as such may prove to be the continental White Wagtail.
Anthidæ.—In spring, the Rock Pipits resident at the Isle of May received considerable additions to their numbers on March 19th, and Meadow Pipits arrived in small numbers on 21st, which is an early date. On April 3rd, both had much increased in numbers. "Moss-cheepers," i.e., Meadow Pipits, are also noted at Bell Rock, on April 27th.
In autumn the movement was never great. Noted at Bell Rock, and, curiously enough, not at Isle of May, nor at any other stations. Duration: Aug. 9th—light S. breeze, fog, one resting—to Nov. 1st, when one was noted along with the vast rush of other migrants (see [Saxicolinæ]). Indication of the rush very faint about Sept. 1st, when a flock rested on the Rock; a few more seen on 16th, 19th and 22nd; winds light S.W. on 1st, light N.W. on 22nd, and E.N.E. on 19th; calm on 16th. On Oct. 9th also a flock flying with "Bullfinches." [These latter may, Mr. Jack thinks, be named wrong, and may be either Crossbills or Hawfinches.]
Land Notes.—A Waxwing, Ampelis garrula,—a male in full plumage,—was found at North Unst, of which Mr. Garrick writes me that it had been kept too long and could not unfortunately be preserved. Two very fine old Waxwings were shot at Kinneil Woods, near Borrowstonness (or Bo'ness), by Mr. D. Nichol, gamekeeper to Mr. Russell, Dundas Castle, on Jan. 18th, 1883.
Laniadæ.—A male killed at Helensburgh (Dumbartonshire), shot by Major Allan Colquhoun, Feb. 3rd, 1883.