"A Game Hawk was on the island a good part of the summer, and made sad havoc among the Terns" (schedule, 10th August 1887). This may partially account for the shifting of nesting sites of the Terns so frequently, to which we allude elsewhere ("Vertebrate Fauna of the Outer Hebrides," in the press. David Douglas).
[Two of the schedules refer entirely to Solan Geese, as requested. These from the various stations should be separately considered and reported upon in the final digest.—J. A. H.-B.] They bulk about the Pentland Firth largest in August; and only stragglers are seen by 1st October (see letter). No great movement to date of 1st October of other birds, except the last two days, 29th and 30th September. Rush shortly at date expected—(see schedules). Mr John Gilmour, under date of 5th November, sends wings and feet of a Yellow Bunting. It was shot on the 2d November. He goes on to say—"we had not many birds here during October, as compared with what I have seen in former years; the wind was never in the east during the whole month. But the wind having shifted to S.E. during the first three days of November, with a strong gale, we have had a considerable 'rush' of Fieldfares, Redwings, Goldcrests, Song Thrush, Blackbirds, Woodcock, Snow Bunting, and Yellow Bunting. There is also, with little doubt, a Hoopoe, described as seen on 9th October." All the lighthouse keepers at Pentland Skerries assist keenly in the work, during their watches, viz., Messrs Mercer (principal), M'Gaw and Dawson (assistants).
Dunnet Head.—David Laidlaw and James Carson.—One schedule.—"Gulls came to the cliffs to breed a fortnight earlier, and left a fortnight earlier, about the middle of February to middle of September." Hawks and Carrion (?) Crows (Hooded?) frequent the cliffs in the breeding season. Gannets reported during July, August, and September, passing and repassing in such quantities, that it would be quite impossible to form any idea.
Noss Head.—James Ferrier.—One schedule.—Note: "The Cormorants breed here under the headland, and never leave all winter; go forth to feed early, and return to rest in the evening." [Query: Is this the real Cormorant, or only the Shag? I fancy the latter most probably.—J. A. H.-B.]
Buchan Ness.—William Ross.
Bell Rock.—James Jack.—Unfortunately a spring schedule is lost. This one dates 1st September to 21st. But the spring schedule was, Mr Jack says, very light, and few birds seem to pass this way in spring except Larks.
Inchkeith.—Robert Grierson.—March 14th to October 16th, seven entries under seven dates.
Separate Report under Genera and Species.
Turdidæ.—Thrushes.—Returns commence in January, and between 1st and 23d, Blackbirds, Fieldfares, occur in small numbers, and one Thrush on 23d; wind variable, from fresh S.W. to strong E. on 7th, rest westerly; all at Pentland Skerries.
February.—A single record of Blackbird at Pentland Skerries on 24th.