Butt of Lewis.—Mr Robert Agnew, son of Mr Joseph Agnew (now at Monach Isles), sends three well-filled schedules, one being devoted, as requested, to Solan Geese after the date of September 4th.
Monach Isles.—Mr Joseph Agnew (late of Isle of May) sends eight schedules, one for Solan Geese. Mr Agnew says, "The Merganser is by far the most abundant of the ducks.... All Curlews come from the N. East, not one coming from the south (August). After coming so far, they turn inland; and, I have no doubt, the old are leading the young to previously well-known feeding grounds." "Geese seen flying S.E., as if from St Kilda" (August 17th). Statement that "one pair, at least, of Turnstones bred at Monach this year requires confirmation" (20th August). "Terns flying S.W., remarked as unusual" (30th). "I feel the place lonely to-day without the Terns. They must have seen their friends passing yesterday, and have gone off in pursuit" (31st August). "Sandpipers of sorts numerous by 1st September." "From 50 to 100 Cormorants on a rock remain fishing." October 22d: "I have never seen such a rush of Redwings alone without any admixture. They commenced to come about 7 P.M. last night, and continued to 'strike' till 4 A.M.; but many remained at the lantern till daylight. They were mostly all fine old birds. Most of those killed were on the N.E. side, so they must have been flying dead against the wind, which was blowing strong from the S.W." ... "It appears a S.W. wind here is best for migration." "Greenfinches and Bramblings noted on 27th, with a gale from the S.W. Very heavy migration."
Mr Agnew's letter of the 7th November 1887 is well worthy of careful perusal, but is too long for insertion here;[7] but the following short extracts, or digest, may be acceptable:—"The surprises I have met with during the last month beat all previous ones (as shown in the schedule to date). One of the few Goldcrests taken in the Long Island was found dead amongst other species."
[7] The materials have been utilised for a forthcoming work on the "Vertebrate Fauna of the Outer Hebrides."
On November 4th Mr Agnew reports the rushes of migrants as "very extraordinary." "That of yesterday larger than that of 1st," and in moonlight and clear. The advanced guard were Starlings from N.E., flying down the coast line, with wind "on the port bow." [Note.—Mr Agnew's notes are so voluminous and so interesting, that I hope some way may be found to utilise them more fully. Many letters deserve a better fate than oblivion. A great variety of species participated in this rush, including Woodcock.—J. A. H.-B.]
Barra Head.—Mr Chas. M'Fadzen sends two carefully filled schedules, in which the Geese referred to are mostly Barnacle.
Rona.—Messrs D. Dunnet and J. A. M'Gaw send one filled schedule, from February 15th to November 12th, with the further note: "Migration of birds here fewer in numbers than former years. Solan Geese all summer as usual."
Kyleakin.—Messrs D. MacCulloch and John Clyne send three well-filled schedules. Rush noticeable early in November, but greater rush 10th December of Larks and Linnets, yet not one seen near the lanterns.
Skerryvore.—Mr Thomas Dawson sends four good schedules—two on Solan Geese. Under date of 1st October, he says, whilst having little of importance to relate, that he witnessed a remarkable tussle between three Gannets and a large fish, two coming to help the first, which had remained a long time under water after striking, whilst no doubt struggling with its prey.
Dhuheartach.—Messrs Wm. Davidson and J. W. M'Guffie send four good schedules. The Siskin occurred on the 10th November, and was sent for identification, having been caught on the lantern. "Heavy rush" all night of 11th.