Jynginæ.—Mr Agnew very ably describes the Wryneck as follows, and it was afterwards identified and added to collection, and the tail, which had been shot away, was recovered afterwards by chance by Mr Wm. Evans, and restored to the specimen. Mr Agnew writes, and we give it as showing how accurately to describe a bird for purposes of identification:
"One bird, total stranger; very like a Partridge in markings; size of a Lark; 4 toes on feet, 2 before and 2 behind; fore toes largest; one of the hind toes not so large as the other; bill about the size of a Pipit's; tongue protruding more than an inch, thickly covered with fine hairs; ¼-inch of the tip horn, sharp as a needle. Don't know what it is unless Ant-eater. Very sorry tail shot away. Sent to Small for the Collection."—J. Agnew.
Cuculidæ.—April 26th, an early date of arrival, flew low from Dirleton woods towards XXVIII. B. (Fidra); light S. breeze. In May, on 10th, at Cromarty, fresh N.E., showers; on 16th at XXVII., fresh W.N.W.; and on 28th at same station, moderate S.W., clear. No autumn records.
Strigidæ.—No spring returns. In Autumn.—Short-Eared Owls recorded from XXVII. (Isle of May), one of 9th October, 6 P.M., N.W.; one 14th, N.E. gale; and one shot on 31st. The only other record is at IX. (Start Point), when "an Owl made its first appearance on the 6th November."
Falconidæ.—Hawks, Sparrow Hawks, large Hawks, and Kestrel bulk pretty regularly, mostly, however, single birds at XIV. and XXVII. in spring. Many daily records no doubt refer to the same bird seen over and over again, especially when such relate to Sparrow Hawks and Kestrels. Such visits are no doubt only of local origin. "Large Hawks" at XXVII. are not Peregrine Falcons, as such are well known to Mr Agnew, but probably Buzzards or Harriers. One shot on 11th April unfortunately fell into the sea and was not recovered. A "Dark-Brown Hawk" also noted on 11th March at Isle of May.
In Autumn.—In August many local visits paid to flights of small birds at most insular stations sending returns, especially at IV., X., XIV., and XXVII. Falcons, Hawks, "large and small," few in September, none in October recorded, and a few in November. In former years three Eagles used to be seen regularly; are now believed to have been killed out at IV., and we know that orders and rewards have been given to the gamekeeper there for their destruction, as well as all "vermin."
Pelecanidæ.—Solan Geese.—Commencing in spring on 26th March, three seen flying east at XIV, strong N. wind. We may state here that winds seem to affect their passage very little at all times. Began to appear flying N. past VIII. (N. Ronaldshay) on April 18th, and flying east past XIV, 14th, 15th, and 20th—winds S.W. to S.S.E., and back to S.W., on the three dates respectively. An April "flock," and "flocks all day," by the 26th. Before that, usually in afternoons, and not in forenoons. In June "the number of Gannets flying, usually N. past VIII., increasing;" 10th, 19th, 20th, 25th, "flock," "flocks," "several flocks," "three." July to September, constant in "flights" of two to twelve. On September 4th, in haze and fog, flying N. past XIV., and always N. past VIII. Going E. still in October, few in November, and two records in December "seen fishing."
Ardeidæ.—At XIX. (Cromarty) seen on shore, 8 P.M., calm, haze. Two records in April at Cromarty and Fidra (XXVIII. B.); one in May at XXVII. (Isle of May); two in July—12th and 22d—flying N.E. at XIV.; three to six records in September at XIX. (Cromarty) and XIV.; one in October at XXVII.; and two records at XIV. and XXVII.
Anatidæ.—In Spring.—Between 2d and 19th February, a flock of "Barnacle Geese" seen almost daily flying E. at different hours of forenoon and afternoon; and on 6th and 25th two flocks. Wind usually N. and E., except on 8th, 9th, and 10th, when it was westerly. The above at XIX. (Cromarty). I heard from other sources of the unusual quantities of Brent Geese in the Cromarty Firth and elsewhere on the East Coast this season—i.e., 1884-85—and also in 1885-86. The Geese at XIX. continued to be observed on April 10th and 14th, 1885, but not later.
Of Swans, only one record at VIII. (N. Ronaldshay), when six seen.