Ardeidæ.—Herons.—One record in February at Skerryvore, sitting on rock on 13th. Wind fresh W., and rain. One record in July at Rhinns of Islay, flying S.W.; W., clear on 16th. One record in August at Little Ross on 19th. Singles or pairs at four stations, viz., Butt of Lewis, Skerryvore, Rhinns of Islay, and Little Ross, on four different dates. Two in October at Rhinns of Islay, and two in December at same place. None of these appear to us at present to have any special significance.
Anatidæ.—Ducks, Geese, Swans.—In Spring two Eider Ducks at Lochindaul, swimming near the shore on 29th March. [It seems worth while to record the appearances of Eiders, owing to their wonderful and yearly increase in the Outer Hebrides within, our recollection since 1870, and earlier.—J. A. H.-B.]
In Autumn, at Skerryvore, four seen on 14th, and at Dhuheartach one Drake on 16th, and at Lochindaul one Duck on 30th. On 1st October two at Skerryvore, S.W., strong breeze; and a pair on the 20th at same place. In November two males and three females at Rhinns of Islay on the 4th, and two females and one young male at Skerryvore on 15th.
Stock Duck or Shieldrake.—One on 8th March at Rhinns of Islay, S.E. breeze. Very occasional entries of Ducks (Wild Duck) in April at Rhinns of Islay, from three to ten at a time.
Grey Geese [probably White-fronted.—J. A. H.-B.] on 12th and 25th at Rhinns of Islay. Wind northerly and westerly. One Widgeon at Lochindaul on 16th September. A few scattered notices of Geese, or Grey Geese, in October at Rona, Skye, (six) on 12th, at Rhinns of Islay (Large Goose), and at Kyleakin. In November 40 Geese at Rona, and flocks, 46 to 50, flying S. on 4th at Rhinns of Islay; 100 on 5th, flying S.; wind S.E., fresh. All other lighter records, flying east, with S.W. strong breeze. Barnacle Geese, five on 1st November at Rhinns of Islay rested on island, and one seen on 3d at Butt of Lewis, and five on 18th December at Rhinns of Islay, with "first snow." Also records of Teal (all in October), 40 Brent Geese at Rhinns of Islay on 6th, and 33 and 30 "Wild Geese" at same place on 20th and 21st January 1887.
Columbidæ.—Rock Doves, Turtle Doves, Wood Pigeon, &c.—Two records of seven and fifteen respectively at Rhinns of Islay on 4th and 5th September. One Turtle Dove shot on 25th at (?)
Rallidæ.—Corncrake or "Land Rail," Water Rail.—At Rhinns of Islay, first heard 26th May. At Lochindaul, first heard 20th May. At Kyleakin, first heard 25th May. At Lochindaul, last heard or seen 7th August. At Rhinns of Islay, one on island 29th September. At Rhinns of Islay, one Water Rail killed on 5th. Fresh E.
Charadriadæ.—Oyster Catchers, Plovers, Golden Plovers, Grey Plover, &c.—Oyster Catchers on 15th February at Lochindaul, "first seen this year." Light, clear, and N.E. One Plover at Rona 24th March, and "Sea Pies" at Dhuheartach on 23d May, the only entries in Spring.
In August, flock of Golden Plover at Butt of Lewis on 30th. Stray records at Rhinns of Islay and Lochindaul, and one record of Grey Plover at former on 20th. S.W., fresh and rain.
Slight movement on 2d and 5th September at Rhinns of Islay of Golden Plover, and "large number" on 12th at Turnberry, and a number at Little Ross on 28th. No very heavy records at any time. Flocks in October, but no records of important movements. Three records in December 17th, 18th, and 19th, at Rhinns of Islay. Few records of Oyster Catchers.