"Teal and Widgeon, reckoned rare in Unst, seen 23d November. The Starling is not of the Faroe species, but of the common species. Took particular note of this. Breed. Make for shore in winter at night—only with us during the day. Fewer land birds in 1887 than in most seasons, except greater numbers of Linnets (Twites?) in day time. Stormy Petrels were the most persistent night-callers we had. More Cormorants than usual in winter and more Eider Ducks than in former years. No Swans seen to date of 31st December 1887. Strange fact noted: No Solan Geese seen between October 28th and November 20th, although for certain there were plenty of fish about, and the weather fine."
Under date of March 7th, Mr Nichol in a letter describes a whale chase. Two large Finners off the shore of Balta Vöe (Physeter tursio), estimated at over 70 feet long. Not captured.
On 20th March a large Eagle pounced on a Hooded Crow and carried him off, flying past going north. In August occur records of Eagles on Hermann's Hill. Young had been destroyed [by the selfish edict then in force.—J. A. H.-B.]. A Little Auk, Mr Nichol says, "measured 8½ inches from point of beak to tip of tail," which is over the measurements in Johns' Book, which he has. [We are glad to find such care taken as this indicates.—J. A. H.-B.] Greater number of Gulls seen than usual in September, indicating greater abundance of fish.
"On the 24th December," says Mr Nichol, "at 10 A.M.—a rare occurrence—a flock of six Cormorants appeared, same time another flock of six. Both flocks flying round the rock one after the other. After once round, the hindermost flock went right away westerly. The other went three times more round the rock, as if looking for the other flock, before leaving also westerly. [Italics are mine.—J. A. H.-B.] To date 31st December. Not one been seen since, although before daily."
Mr Nichol relates another whale hunt at Unst, on Wednesday, 28th September 1887. Also unsuccessful.
I must pay a passing tribute to the admirable schedules sent in by Mr Nichol, including two entirely devoted, as requested, to movements of Solan Geese, which are sure to yield, some day, valuable information.
Sumburgh Head.—Mr James Youngclause.—A very short single schedule. Birds very scarce. Greenfinch found dead on 9th December. Mentions residents there, which may yet be utilised for minute records of distribution. Arrival and departure of rock birds—not one seen after the 12th August. No "rushes" of birds seen. (Assistant's name, Donald Campbell.)
North Ronaldshay.—John Tulloch.—Great numbers of Gulls on the Island all winter, living mostly in the turnip fields. "There are 100's (sic) to be seen in a field at times, feeding. They will hollow the turnip, leaving the outside skin only. The only way to keep them away is to shoot some, and hang them up on poles."
Pentland Skerries.—John Gilmour (assistant keeper—not "principal," as in last Report).
The Crossbill occurs (see letter of 2d August 1887, and schedule under date—22d July being date of occurrence).—"There were three of them on the island, and they remained over a week. This is in no mistake a rare bird here, and I have never seen it before."