[21] See Mr. Cordeaux's report on Stock Doves crossing German Ocean and General Remarks.
Rallidæ.—Corn Crake arrived at Pentland Skerries, 17th May; heard first time at Cromarty on 14th May; and one recorded at Isle of May, with rush of other migrants, on the 11th.
In autumn, the last old Corn Crakes were seen at Pentland Skerries, but young are still on island on 12th September; but on 7th November, at same station, one young bird was still frequenting the island; and on 8th January is again recorded, with the remark, "This bird seems to have been here all the season;" and therefore the records above, from 12th September to 8th January, 1885, probably all refer to the same solitary young bird, which, perhaps unable to leave at the time, yet has been able to survive the winter. We would like to hear more of this bird's behaviour, if Mr. J. Gilmour can give us further notes.
Charadriadæ.—Lapwing or Peewit, a light movement only in spring, and scarcely any records at all in autumn. A few at Sumburgh Head on 14th and 22nd; light S.S.E.; and on 25th, fresh N., a few all day on island; a few single or light entries in March at Isle of May; most (seven) on 17th; and in June, two on 9th, at Sumburgh Head; lighter returns than in 1883, even; one at Pentland Skerries, 1st December. Scarcely any movements of Golden Plover recorded, and only at Pentland Skerries, 4th July, a flock; several one day in August, fresh S.E., fog; and at Sumburgh Head large flocks on 26th and 28th September. At N. Ronaldshay flocks of Golden Plover visit the island, about the 25th August, and many remain all winter. Oystercatchers, few records are given; two at Pentland Skerries on 16th March, and very large numbers at Sumburgh Head on 29th August.
Scolopacidæ.—Scarcer in spring than in 1883, and no rush appreciable; no records in April, and only stray entries on 16th, 25th, and 30th May. In July various slight records; all local migrations for food, no doubt, even when flocking together; or it may be, beginning to migrate, when in flocks, on 22nd and 24th July; and from that, on to 21st October, flocks on many dates; wind S.E. in September at N. stations up to 20th, or thereby; but in October northerly and westerly, or N.E. gales. When direction of flight is given it is usually East in autumn, distinguishing, of course, between real migrants and only local movements. Fifty Curlews at N. Ronaldshay on 22nd August; remain all winter; and a few shot usually by Mr. J. Tulloch.
In autumn, a considerable migration; a good Woodcock year. Earliest migrants recorded: one at Pentland Skerries, 14th October, moderate E., after a N.N.E. gale; with Snipe, and rush of other species. Latest, about 17th November, at Isle of May; five shot. Rush of Woodcocks between 12th and 17th, at Pentland Skerries; but especially at Isle of May, on 4th (six shot), 11th (four shot), 12th (ten shot). Few records in October, and this migration was delayed by adverse winds during that month.[22] A number are scheduled from N. Ronaldshay, on the island, all day; on 8th November light S.W. and rain, and the remark, "I never saw so many Woodcocks on the island since I came here." All left in a few days. One on 2nd December, at Isle of May; and on 12th and 20th January, 1855. Of Snipe, not many records. Earliest, one at Isle of May, 23rd April; and on 1st May at Pentland Skerries. Three Jack Snipe at same place, 4th July (an unusually early arrival, J. A. H. B.), moderate E., fog. Latest, four at Isle of May, 28th November; and Jack Snipe, one at Isle of May on 25th; few records in October; but indication of a rush in November, with other species, between 16th and 20th. At North Ronaldshay numbers of Snipe seen rising out of all marshy places on 17th November. One Jack Snipe torn open in striking.[23] At Torwood, near this, I saw nineteen Woodcocks shot on 13th December (J. A. H. B.), and many other good bags of Woodcock are on record this autumn and winter. They were, however, unusually scarce in the shooting season. Of Waders, generally, there are many entries, including Redshanks, "Sandpipers," Purple Sandpipers (Isle of May and Pentland Skerries), Turnstones, Ringed Plover and Dunlin (Isle of May), which we do not consider it necessary to detail. The rushes of other species indicate also the details of the above.
[22] One Woodcock struck hard on the west side of the dome at Isle of May, flying dead against light east wind, and was found next morning 100 yards to the N.E., and shot by a friend. Its breast was torn open, and much lacerated. It may have struck the side of the dome, and glanced off; but we were in the lantern-room at the time, and it sounded on the W. side. It had evidently dropped after striking outside the balcony, and then, recovering, flew straight for the Pilot House, the white-washed walls of which were reflecting the lantern-light.
[23] Some birds, even in light winds and haze, seem more impetuous than others at the lantern-lights, such as Woodcock and Snipe.—J. A. H. B.
Sterninæ.—Few records. Terns arrived at Pentland Skerries on 11th May; and at Cromarty the Lesser Tern arrived on 4th May. The Terns left about the 20th August, and the Lesser Terns on the 15th, with light S.W. wind. In September a flock of Terns passed Bell Rock on the 15th, and on the 17th a flock kept round the lantern all night, strong N.W., and disappeared with daylight.
Note.—The birds called the Laughing Gull, by Mr. Agnew, are the Common Gull (Larus canus), not common at Isle of May.