In Spring, Hooded Crows (Corvus cornix, L.) are reported from Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, and Isle of May. Earliest, February 23rd, at Pentland Skerries; latest, May 3rd at Pentland Skerries. No great rush; less than usual. Mr. Agnew's note at April 10th, "very few Hooded Crows this year." It is difficult even to fix an indication of a rush. All the records of Hooded Crows and Carrion Crows occur with either fresh S. or light S.E., excerpt a few of the latter, with N.E. clear, on April 15th. Of Carrion Crows, a slightly larger and more compressed migration, beginning on 8th March with twelve seen, ending 15th April; and an indication of a rush between 8th and 15th, flying N., recorded only from Bell Rock and Isle of May.
In autumn, a more decided movement of Hooded Crows, with a few Carrion Crows (the latter on October 24th to 26th), records from Sumburgh Head, N. Ronaldshay, Pentland Skerries, Girdleness, and Isle of May (none noted at Bell Rock). Earliest, at N. Unst (most northerly station); on Nov. 7th one got in court with broken wing, and at N. Ronaldshay on 8th, numbers; strong S.W. Next earliest, on 11th at Pentland Skerries, 3 seen. Mod. S., clear. Latest on December 4th at Pentland Skerries, and at Girdleness on January 4th at former, and Dec. 4th at latter (with large flocks of Rooks at the latter). Decided rush between Oct. 11th and 26th at Pentland Skerries (14th), Mod. E., and at Isle of May. The numbers recorded are, on 11th and 12th one shot by J. A. H. B.; no more till 23rd, eighteen flying N. (and Rooks), forty on 24th and forty on 25th, with one Carrion Crow. Continued on 26th; one lighted on lantern (rare). Again, in November; a number for some days (along with Ravens, at Sumburgh Head on 10th); also at Pentland Skerries a few, and the indication of a rush at Isle of May, on the 12th to 15th, flocks of nine and twelve having been seen on these dates.
Other species mentioned are Jackdaws, a few in February, at Isle of May, stayed between 16th and 21st, and one seen on 25th. None anywhere in March, but resident from April 1st till August 1st, when all left. Besides these, a few passing birds at Pentland Skerries, on April 4th ("rare"), "fatigued," fresh S.E., and two on 19th, fresh N.E. Three also on 22nd at Isle of May, fresh S.E. haze, and in May at Pentland Skerries, one, N.W., clear; resting on island. Jackdaws have one entry, August 1st at Cromarty. The note is added "have all left." In October, one Jackdaw again at Pentland Skerries (marked again, "rare"), light W., rain.
Ravens.—One record on April 4th; three seen at Sumburgh Head, probably resident at Fetlar, or in the vicinity. A number are recorded on one date in autumn, also at Sumburgh Head on October 10th. These spring and autumn movements may safely, we think, be looked upon as local and not regular migrations.
Cypselidæ.—Land Note.—At Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire, "Forth," first seen on May 9th after a wet day and cloudy; quite numerous on 11th; a warm sunny day.
Sturninæ.—All records of Starlings—spring and autumn—are light. Earliest in Spring, Feb. 15th, one at Sumburgh Head and a flock at Isle of May. Latest, Dec. 26th (autumn), a few at Isle of May. Most spring records in March; five records at four stations (Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, and Isle of May); on 7th (Sumburgh Head), 5th (Bell Rock), 2nd, large flock (Isle of May), and 17th (Pentland Skerries). Prevailing wind S.E., and haze. In April great numbers on 3rd (young birds) at Sumburgh Head, and large numbers on 15th. At Inchkeith a pair built for the first time for eight years, and reared young.
In autumn, large flocks every day, about beginning of August, at Isle of May (earliest) up to September 19th, when all left, mostly young. Up to date, wind easterly, changed on 20th to W. An increase observed on October 25th at Isle of May again. Intermittent and rare in November, all over, and on 18th a strong S.E. gale, apparently drove them all away. In December a few seen on 12th and 26th, and a few on Jan. 12th, 1885.
Larks.—Spring, heavy migration, but confined in time. Earliest February 5th, at Bell Rock, and a few on eight dates at Bell Rock, prevailing E. and S.E.; on 5th, light W. on 14th, 15th, and 16th, varying from gale S.E. at 9 p.m., on 15th, to W. Latest, April 3rd, at Sumburgh Head, great numbers (along with Thrushes). Greatest rush, March 6th, at Bell Rock. All left 7th and 8th, and were succeeded by a "great flock" on 8th again (with Thrushes) striking and rebounding into the sea.
In autumn, no records till September 9th, then one at Bell Rock; two other records in September, one at N. Unst and one at Pentland Skerries. On Dec. 14th a rush took place, with S.W. gale and sleet. Between 12th and 16th Nov. a great rush at Bell Rock and Isle of May; on change of wind from light S. to W. at 10.30 all left on 12th, but were succeeded by great rush on 15th. The greatest rush on 12th (see [Thrushes]). Another rush appears to have taken place on January 28th and 31st, and intermittent movements on 25th and a few other dates; a number on the 20th.
Emberizidæ.—Yellow Buntings at Isle of May, February 15th, two all day; light S.E. showers (earliest records of any Buntings). In March 5th, seven Buntings at Isle of May, fresh N.W. clear; and on 31st two Corn Buntings at Isle of May, fresh N.W. clear; and on 31st two Corn Buntings, fresh S. In April two single records of "Buntings," 5th and 21st, light S.E. with a movement of other species. In May, three records of Corn Buntings, on 2nd, 12th, and 22nd, at Pentland Skerries, W. and variable. In July a common (Corn) Bunting was observed at Pentland Skerries, on 7th, moderate S.E., fog.