Motacillidæ.—The only month in the year, from January to December, in which no return is made by Wagtails, is July 1885. All the entries are under "Wagtail." [N.B.—We would like to receive a good many Wagtails from all Stations in every month if possible. A little carbolic acid would preserve them.]
The first spring Wagtail is recorded at XXVII. (Isle of May) on 24th February, S.W. The last at same place on May 23d, but the species breeds there. April is the busiest month in Wagtails. A "rush" at N. Ronaldshay on April 4th. Next last date is at Fidra (XXVIII. B.), flying about feeding. A record from Dunnet Head says; "1st May.—Wagtails seen daily till end of July; breed about the cliffs," etc. The Yellow Wagtail is recorded from XXVII. on 8th May. If it had a black breast and very long tail, its right name is "Grey Wagtail," though yellow. If short tail, and very bright yellow, it is the true Yellow Wagtail, or Rays', a much rarer bird in Scotland. Was it the same as one Mr G. E. P. and H.-B. shot on Isle of May in October 1884?
In Autumn.—"Wagtails" begin to be observed on 17th July at XIV., and in about equal numbers in August (three dates in each month). Increase a little in September, and show indication of movement at XXVII. on 26th and 29th (old and young on 26th, and mostly old on 29th), only four dates at XIV. and XXVII., two at each. Two dates in October at XXVIII.; 1st and 8th unimportant; and three in December at same place—24th, 20th, and 26th. Noted, "These are extraordinary occurrences;" and the one on 25th, "had very little white upon it."—J. Agnew.
Motacillidæ 2.—Pipits.—First Spring Meadow Pipits at XXVII.—a single bird; light N.E., clear on 10th March, and "a number" on 18th; gale from W. for two days. Wind changed to N.E. at 5 A.M. In April, at XXVI. (Bell Rock), on 17th and 18th; wind S.E., fog. Rock Pipits.—At XXVII. (Isle of May), an increase over residents observed on 4th April, and more arrived to breed on 20th. Further increase on 2d May.
In Autumn.—Meadow Pipit ("Mosscheeper") at N. Unst, 7 P.M.; fresh N.W[1]. breeze and showers; and at XXVII. "mostly left" by 14th. A rush on 9th September of "Mosscheepers" at IV. (N. Unst) at night; wind S.W., light haze. Also at X. Ronaldshay "a number" of Rock Pipits arrived on 4th September, "and remain all winter." At XXVII., old and young mixed on 19th September. Last record of Meadow Pipits at IV., 1st November, and of Rock Pipits at XXVI. (Bell Rock), on 22d November.
Laniadæ.—One Red-Backed Shrike at XXVII. on 5th May, 1·9 A.M.; light N.E., clear, obtained;—in mus., Isle of May.
Muscicapidæ.—Spring.—Earliest at XXVII. On May 1st and 2d, three Pied Flycatchers arrived at 4 P.M. on 1st, stayed 2d, and others seen till 6th or 7th—a good number; wind S.E., haze and rain. Also on 2d, several all day resting on XIV. (Pentland Skerries). Numbers again on 20th and 21st at same place, and numbers, also including one old male, on 23d, and up to 24th. No other records in spring.
In Autumn.—One female Pied Flycatcher, at XIV.; light E., and thick haze. On 3d, numbers all day. At XXVII., some on 24th October; strong E., clear. Spotted Flycatcher at XXVII. One seen 11 A.M.; strong S.W., clear.
Addition to Isle of May, as above.—Red-Backed Shrike (L. collurio, L.), May 5th, 9 A.M.; light N.E., clear. Shot;—in mus., Isle of May, Curator, J. Agnew.
Hirundinidæ.—Spring.—Very heavy returns of Swallows, commencing lightly on 10th April; a few seen at N. Ronaldshay; E.N.E., light clear; and on the 19th, at XXVII., one with the remark, "this is early." First seen at XXVIII. B. (Fidra) on 24th. At X. (Auskerry) "flocks remain till 14th June;" came with S.E.S. and N.E. winds. Records numerous from X., XIV., XV., XIX., XXVII., and XXVIII. B. First seen at XIV. on 14th May. No great appearance of a "rush." Seen more or less all June at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May, but no June records from other stations.