In March, on 7th, four Larks at 114, N. to S.W., clear. On 12th, a number at 93, and 12 at 94; and up to 15th, also at 109. In April, a rush took place on 14th, and leading up to it from the 12th at 93, 94, and 102; wind, light easterly. Again, large numbers on 18th May at 86, and many remain till end of August.
In Autumn.—A rush, but not very large, at 102 on 16th; fewer on 17th September. A rush again on 17th October at 94, and indications at 90, 94, 102, 109, 113 throughout October, and up to 17th of November. Another rush at 94 on 11th November, and small rush at 102 all forenoon on 16th. Stations 101, 109, 110, and 114 participated, but in a very small degree.
Sturninæ.—Starlings—In Spring: Four days in February, a few only at 101, 110 (Corsewall), 114, between 12th and 23d. Also a few light returns on five days in March, at 93, 109, 114, between 8th and 24th. Bush from 9th to 20th April, principally 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, at 113 (Mull of Galloway)—wind S.E. and S.S.E. and haze—but also rush at 94 (Dhuheartach) on 14th, and on 11th and 20th at 110 (Corsewall). No more records till June 27th, when thirty to forty at 113 (Mull of Galloway), "mixed old and young."
In Autumn.—Earliest on 15th August at 102; hundreds old and young flying about all day—wind S., clear—and on 19th at 89 (Rona). "Starlings" on 19th August. In September, flocks on four dates—7th, 16th, 18th, and 25th—at 90 (Kyleakin), 112 (Portpatrick), and 113 (Mull of Galloway), almost a rush—"flights," "flock," etc., being itemed. In October, all the month, from 10th to 30th, rush at 94 on 17th (strong E.); rush at 102 on 21st; "great numbers," "flying about from daylight till 10 A.M.," light, east. "Great numbers" on 30th at 109 (Turnberry). In November, 4th to 20th, almost continuous. Such records as "rush all night" on 10th at 94. "Thousands from 10 A.M. till dark" on 16th at 90 (Kyleakin), flying south. "Numbers all morning," 10th (all day), 13th, and 14th, at 102 (Rhinns of Islay). "Numbers" at 110 (Corsewall) on 10th and 11th; and indications at following stations throughout the autumn—89, 90, 102, 93, 94, 101, 102, 108, 109, 110, 112, 113, 114. A most general and abnormally extensive migration. In December, latest 31st to January 1886—20th January, "some" at 102 and 114.
Corvidæ.—In order of abundance in Spring: February (one), March (one), April (four records), May (two). 1. Ravens—Seven on three days in April, 4th, 17th, and 20th; two days in May, 1st and 13th—light S.E., or variable. 2. Grey Crows and Black Crows, one day in February; six birds on March 16th; two on one day in April at 94. Wind easterly.
In Autumn.—In order of abundance in autumn: Nine months: August (three dates), September (two), October (eleven), November (six). Of Ravens, two on 20th and 22d February; seven on 9th September, W. gale. Grey and Black Crows or "Crows," one record on 7th August, "seen flying S.W. at 102; wind E., light clear;" 500 on 17th at 102 of "Crows" flying S.W. to sea, then turned and went N.W. (These large flights are no doubt Rooks, not "Crows," not "Carrion Crows," not "Grey Crows.") "Black Crows and Carrion Crows" (i.e., I suppose, "Rooks and Carrion Crows."—J. A. H. B.) are also given at 102 in October; wind always easterly. All November, indications, but no great rush. No records in December, but one in January 1886. "A flock of sixty on 25th at 102." Rooks and Jackdaws, few. Stations returning Corvidæ are in order of largest returns—102, far beyond all other stations; 86, 94 (Jackdaws one), 101 (Rooks), 113. Species are in order of numbers—Carrion Crows, Ravens, Rooks, Jackdaw.
Cypselidæ.—29th April, one at 90 noted, and others at 90 again on 15th September, the only records of Swifts.
Cuculidæ.—Cuckoo, first heard 30th April at 90 (Kyleakin) and at 113 (Mull of Galloway). First heard at 101 (Skervuile) on 6th May, at 110 (Corsewall) on 8th May, and on 11th at 108 (Lamlash). No autumn records.
Strigidæ.—Grey Owl.—One large Grey Owl, 17th October, at ______? (omitted in Ledger).
Falconidæ.—April and June. Mostly, no doubt, local visits of "Hawks," "Falcon Hawks," "Sparrow Hawks," at 86, 93, 94 (daily in April). Also in autumn, of the same and Kestrel, and a "Large Hawk" at 102 on 11th November, flying east, wind S.W., haze; and at 98, 102, and 108, in addition to the above stations in spring.