Laridæ.—Every month in the year contains returns. Species noted are Herring Gulls, "Dirty Allens" (or Skuas), "Gulls," "Black-Backed Gulls," "Kittiwakes," "Grey Megs" (or Common Gull), Black-Headed Gulls, "Skua Gulls," Richardson's Skuas.
Spring and Autumn.—Every day plentiful in February, at XXVII. and XXVIII. B. Gulls arrived at XV. (Dunnet Head)—and left in August last—on 13th March 1885. Kittiwakes appeared first on 12th March, at XXVII., "earlier than usual," and very numerous by 13th; "came from S.;" N.W., light, clear. At XIV. seen all day flying around on 11th April; E.N.E., haze'; two Black B. Gulls sitting on rocks on 30th; S.S.E., haze. By April 20th, Kittiwakes had settled down in summer quarters on XXVII., and were in "multitudes" by 27th May. At XIV. a pair of Herring Gulls bred in 1884, and again in the present year, on same place; not before. In May, hundreds Black H. Gulls on the lochs near VIII. to breed.
Records unimportant in June and July, except that "Dirty Allens" are recorded at IV. on 2d July, and "Skua Gulls" at XIV. on 7th. In August, movement of Kittiwakes and other Gulls, and records continue numerously through the remaining months.
G. Terns,—a number arrived to hatch, "as usual," at VIII. on 14th May, and Lesser Terns at XIX. on 24th May. The latter disappeared again on 26th Aug.
Procellariidæ.—Autumn, July 3d, flying about the rocks at X. (Auskerry). In August, occasionally striking lantern at IV., VII., IX. (Start Point), and XV. (Dunnet Head). They breed at IX. among ruins of house, and under stones on shore.
September,—odd birds striking at IV. and at XIV. on five dates; three on 2d Sept, at IV., and two at same place on 6th. One record at IV. in October, and one at same place in November, usually in foggy or rainy weather.
Alcidæ.—More or less records every month. Arrivals. First spring visit of Guillemots and Razorbills at XXVII. on 8th March; remained in thousands to 15th; fewer up to 24th; disappeared and returned in multitudes to breed by 13th April; Puffins, Razorbills, and Guillemots. Also at VIII. "Rock Birds seen flying N. daily till 8th May." N.B.—Black Guillemots recorded at XXVII. on 5th May.
In Autumn.—Puffins last seen at XIV. on 7th Aug., and all other Rock Birds left except Kittiwakes, on the same day at XXVII.
Flock of Guillemots hung about XIV. for a time, and a few more seen on 24th. Large numbers of Guillemots and Razorbills, from 16th to 18th, at XXVII., when all left, and after a W. gale large numbers on 2d Dec. and again on 31st Dec. and seen occasionally till end of January. N.B.—Black Guillemots, one seen at XXVII. on 27th Jan. 1886. We think it quite possible Black Guillemots still breed on Isle of May, perhaps one pair.