Of Eider Ducks, two flocks at XXVII.—light S.E., clear—on 2d March; and by 16th April most of the Eiders left. On 4th April flock of fifty males and females, about equal in number, at XXVII. This lot left on 6th; numerous again on 20th; but breeding birds and a few about XXVIII. B. (Fidra) on 26th April. In May, on 7th, 10th, and 16th, three males and three females all day about island, and continued till 21st—breeding, no doubt. Long-Tailed Duck, 3, 2 [male] and 1 [female], at XXVII. on 26th February 1885 (only record). A few Wild Ducks at XXVIII. B. on 28th April. "Stock Ducks."—Two at XIV. on 2d May, where they breed. Three "King Ducks" are noted at Isle of May, and the note "different from Eider" added on 31st May 1885, and "had a white spot on the black wings." (?)
In Autumn.—We have records of Swans, Teal Duck, Stock Ducks, Ducks, Eider Ducks (or Dunters), Wild-drake, Barnacle Geese, and Widgeon. Stations returning are—VIII. (North Ronaldshay), returning "number of Ducks of different kinds, as Widgeons, Teal," and Eider Ducks "made appearance in great numbers" on 10th and 15th September respectively. At XIV., by far the largest returns of Ducks of sorts greatest in September. XIX.—"Barnacle" (?) Geese on 18th October.
At XXVII., record of Eiders, "all young birds except one old male," on 2d December; and latest record at XIV. of a flock near the rocks on 27th.
Columbidæ.—At XXVII. (Isle of May), a Turtle Dove shot on the 29th May—wind W., light, clear. "This bird had been severely wounded before."—J. A. A vast rush of Wood Pigeons is noted at XXVII. on November 29th, flying S.W. in countless thousands, making a rushing noise like a railway train. The wind after the great S.E. gale.[5]
[5] Shifted to W., and on the 29th inclined to N.W., but shifted back at night to N.E.
Rallidæ.—Spring records are:—
Heard at 4 A.M. at XIX. (Cromarty) on 19th May—light E., clear.
Heard by Keeper at XIV. (Pentland Skerries) when over in South Ronaldshay on 15th May. Heard on XIV. (Pentland Skerries), one pair, on 21st—wind S.E. They breed there.
One at XXVII. (Isle of May) on 14th, and again on 20th May.
No autumn records.