[19] At Sumburgh Head the migration appears local, "passing N. or S. during the herring fishery." In this connection see [General Remarks] regarding Gulls, at the end of West Coast of Scotland, and the movements of sprats (Clupea).
Solan Geese bulked largest in July, flying E., and the return rush appears to have taken place two months after, in September. On January 5th, 1885 there is one record of five Solans flying E. Fresh W. cloudy at Pentland Skerries. We would ask Mr. Gilmour, or the principal light-keeper at this station, to carefully record any movements of Solans during the winter months which come under his observations.
Since the above was written a late schedule from N. Ronaldshay reports Solan Geese flying north every day between July 5th and about Sept. 1st in flocks all day of torn two or three to twenty.
To 1885.—In February, 1885, seven Gannets flying W. on 12th, and three on 21st.
Ardeidæ.—Herons are recorded from March to June sparingly. None in July or August. Sparingly again in September, none in October, and a few in November,—a very light migration as compared with 1882.
Anatidæ.—Thirteen Swans at N. Unst seen flying N.W. on April 3rd, light airs, clear, and at same station three seen resting on the loch on Oct. 30th, wind light S.W. and rain. Of geese no spring records. In autumn, fifteen Wild Geese on Oct. 26th, flying S.; strong W. gale on 25th, and N.W. on 26th. In November, three grey geese seen flying west at Pentland Skerries; wind fresh W.N.W. clear (marked "rare"). Of Eider Ducks, earliest notice at Isle of May, a few small flocks on March 23rd, W. to N.W.; a large flock ("very few hitherto") on April 19th, and another (the same?) on May 11th. No more, except such as breed there, at least no records till Sept. 24th; thirty-four Eiders (three old males and one King Eider with them). This flock had, however, been frequenting along shore for some days. The King Eider was a splendid male, and was watched a whole day at six or eight different vantage-points with a powerful glass. Next day, while all the Eiders were still there, this bird disappeared. During the three weeks I spent on Isle of May in September and October, flocks of Eiders were never absent, shifting their position according to the direction of the wind, and diving, as is their habit, in the very midst of the angry surf. The largest number counted in a flock was fifty (six males) on Oct. 6th.[20]
[20] I saw some thirty or forty dead Eider Ducks and Drakes at a birdstuffers in Edinburgh in February, shot in Orkney by a Mr. Scott, of Meadow Bank, Edinburgh; I should be glad if Mr. Scott would tell me if he shot them for sport, or for what reason.
Teal, one record at Pentland Skerries on June 25th, light N.W., resting on island; and one Wigeon at Isle of May on June 11th; one Wild Duck, one Teal, Isle of May, Oct. 1st; large numbers of Wigeons and Scaups in the Moray Firth by Nov. 16th, and Barnicle Geese; one Teal and one R. B. Merganser, shot at Isle of May (in mus. Isle of May) on 25th and 27th Nov. But at N. Ronaldshay Eiders began to arrive by September 1st, and remain all winter in hundreds.
Columbidæ.—Wood Pigeons: one at Isle of May on 6th September, light W., clear; a large flock flying N.W., wind N., light, clear, on 14th November; about one hundred on 26th, flying N., wind light W.N.W. No other records from any other station. An increase on resident numbers of Rock Doves observed at Pentland Skerries on 14th November.
Land Note.—In January, at Glenboerie, Stirlingshire, Stock Doves appeared, and my keeper sent in two along with two Wood Pigeons. This species is rapidly spreading and increasing in Scotland. (See last Report, p. 25.[21]) This is the first record in E. of Stirlingshire.—J. A. H. B.