REPORT
ON THE
MIGRATION OF BIRDS
IN THE
SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1880.

BY

JOHN A. HARVIE BROWN, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S.,
JOHN CORDEAUX, and
P. M. C. KERMODE.

LONDON:
SONNENSCHEIN & ALLEN, 15, PATERNOSTER SQUARE.
1881.

Price Two Shillings.

Contents

Transcriber Note: Table of Contents was added for assistance to the reader.

PREFACE.

The following Report contains a Summary of the investigations of a Committee appointed by the British Association for the Advancement of Science at Swansea in 1880, an Abstract of which will be presented to the Association at its next Meeting.

The Returns relating to Scotland have been arranged by Mr. Harvie-Brown; those for the East Coast of England, by Mr. Cordeaux; and the West Coast of England, by Mr. Philip Kermode.

REPORT
ON THE
MIGRATION OF BIRDS
IN THE
SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1880.

"I am fixing correspondents in every corner of these northern regions, like so many pickets and outposts; so that scarcely a Wren or a Tit shall be able to pass from York to Canada but I shall get intelligence of it."—Alexander Wilson, in 1808. (Vide Constable's Edition, 1831, p. xlix.)

EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND.

Iceland and Faroe.—Schedules, letters of instruction, and additional remarks were forwarded through Mr. Alexander Buchan (Secretary, Scottish Meteorological Society, Edinburgh), to three stations, two of which, Stykkisholm and Reykavik, are in Iceland, and one at Thorshavn in Faroe. A fourth more northern station is secured at Fair Island for 1881, Mr. William Lawrence having kindly undertaken the work.[1] Our Faroe station has failed us this year, but we hope better things from it next.

[1] At a later date I received a letter (dated 17th March) from Mr. Lawrence, containing a few items of interest. During the week previous, "A number of Swans took shelter at Fair Isle, and a large flock of common Black Crows, with a few Jackdaws amongst them. The Hooded Crow is the common one here, and we never have the Black Crow here unless after, or during, gales of wind. Puffins and Guillemots arrived somewhat later this season, and a large increase appeared in the number of Gulls. Lapwings appeared, and one Coot was caught in a very disabled condition. Large flocks of Snowbirds are seen here. They came very early in winter, but disappeared again till now, when they have returned. A large flock of Wild Geese arrived here on the 14th inst. We do not often see them here. Four Swans were caught; the largest weighed twenty pounds, and the others from that down to sixteen pounds."

Printed schedules, letters of instructions, and additional remarks were forwarded to twenty-six stations on the East Coast of Scotland and the Shetland and Orkney Islands, making, with the Iceland and Faroe stations, thirty-nine in all for 1880. With Fair Isle for 1881 we shall have forty stations.

Eight stations on the East Scottish coasts returned filled-in schedules, against thirteen last year, out of a total of twenty-six. This shows a falling off from last year. The reasons for this I have endeavoured to explain in my general remarks further on, under both East and West Coast. Scarcity of birds is reported from several stations.

The stations from which co-operation was asked are the following, commencing with the most northerly. Those from which returns have been received are marked with a *; those which sent returns both last year and this year have two **; those which sent none last year but have done so this year have a † prefixed; those which sent returns last year but none this year are printed in italics. In future Reports we will prefix to each station the years in which these stations make returns. A marked improvement appears, however, in the returns which we have received, these being fuller than in 1879.

We would like, however, to direct the special attention of our reporters, both on the East and West Coasts, to the desirability of recording exactly the directions of flight of the birds observed in every case, so far as practicable, arid to minutiæ of dates, even of single occurrences. Let us also impress that even a single accurate return, or one entry only in a schedule, is often of value; and even if solitary occurrences of birds take place at a station, such should be sent to me, though the schedule be otherwise a blank. The interest has this season been better kept up on the West Coast stations than at the East Coast ones, judging from the scarcity of returned schedules from the latter. When no schedules are returned, I would esteem it a great favour if the lighthouse-keepers would kindly drop me a post-card, stating if there is any reason for no returns being sent, such as pressure of duties, scarcity of birds, or other causes.

In connection with the migration of 1880, I have to mention that considerable aid to the work has been given by Mr. James Hardy, of Old Cambus, Berwickshire. He writes to me (22nd Feb. 1881), "I have drawn out a scheme of all the memoranda I can find about last year's migratory birds. I only await a Northumberland and Berwickshire list to have it ready." Later I received a summary of this from Mr. Hardy, which will be found at the end of this East Coast of Scotland Report. As an example of careful and minute field-study it is alone deserving of the attention of observers, and it proves valuable upon comparison with the other data. Those reading the lighthouse reports here under the species, should also compare with Mr. Hardy's local Berwickshire observations. I beg to propose Mr. Hardy as a member of our Committee.

† Records and Schedule dating after 22nd Nov. were filled in by Mr. John Wilson. Prior to this date they were filled in by Mr. William Anderson, who has been since transferred to St. Abb's Head.

‡ No schedule was returned, but one note upon Swans, in a letter, proves useful (vide Swan). "No birds struck the lights this year."

§ Schedule returned with the remark, "Nothing of importance has been observed at this station during 1880." In 1879 a similar scarcity noted at this locality.

║ We have lost a good observer here, Mr. George Maclachlan having left.

¶ I am anxious to receive returns from this locality, not having received any hitherto. I have to thank Mr. W. Anderson for a very full return at Sumburgh Head up to Nov. 22nd. I hope he will find St. Abb's as interesting a locality, though, I fear, the Great Siren horn, with its unearthly shriek, will prove a great scare to migrants in a fog.

I am also indebted to many other persons for interesting notes from various localities, bearing upon the subject of migration. A selection of these I will take notice of in the following report separately, under the head "Notes," as I consider it advisable to keep the one set of observations apart from the other. Further notice of similar observations will be found in my "Third Report on Scottish Ornithology," now preparing for press and partly read to the Natural History Society of Glasgow, on Jan. 25th, 1881, being a continuation of Reports read to the same Society, in 1880 and 1879, and relating to 1878-79, 1879-80. Many data will be found in these Reports having close and intimate connection with the Migration Reports proper.

As nearly as can be ascertained, notes have been kept by our east-coast reporters upon nine species of waterfowl and thirty species of land birds.

The new feature of this Report is the separate treatment of the spring and autumn migrations, owing to the greater length of time over which our reporters made notes. Another new feature is the obituary—or list of deaths—at the different stations.

In my Report on the East Coast of Scotland, however, I have not thought it necessary to keep the spring migration distinct, owing to the comparative scarcity of records on our East Coast, but in my West Coast Report I do so. Nor have I given an obituary for either coast, as the numbers on all the Scottish coasts is inappreciable. As will be seen further on, it is a very different matter at the low-lying lanterns of the light-vessels off the English coast. At the same time I sufficiently distinguish between the spring and autumn records, and where large numbers of birds are killed I make mention of it under the separate species.

SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES.

I have purposely in one or two instances varied the arrangement of the statistics under the species,—as, for instance, under the Corvidæ,—thinking that possibly such variation may place in juxtaposition certain fresh considerations or combinations in our study, or place these in a clearer light for future comparison.

Falconidæ.—Returns from N. Unst, Whalsey Skerries, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May, which, be it noted, are all insular localities. On Sept. 3rd one Sparrowhawk, chasing small birds, seen on Pentland Skerries at 9 a.m., fresh S.W. and haze. This appears the earliest date recorded on which the Raptores visit the islands on predatory raids in autumn. The only record at Isle of May was in the month of May, when two "falcons" were seen. On Sept. 13th a Rough-legged Buzzard (?) flew about all day on Whalsey Skerries, wind light S.E. and haze; and on Sept. 30th a "Glede Hawk" (from internal evidence probably a Peregrine) flew about; wind fresh N.E. and clear; seen at 8 a.m. On Oct. 3rd a "falcon" visited the Pentland Skerries, and flew round for a time; seen at 3 p.m., wind strong N. and haze; and on the same date and in the same place, two Sparrowhawks at 1.30 p.m. During Oct. 14th, 16th, and 17th, the so-called "Glede Hawks" remained preying upon Snow Buntings, and were joined by a Sparrowhawk (or Merlin ?) on the 17th, wind fresh N. to W., to strong N.W. At Sumburgh Head, Nov. 28th, a "Brown Hawk" was noticed at noon, during S.W. wind, with haze and rain; and a "large Grey Hawk," seen flying S., with fresh N. breeze, at 8.30 a.m.

Notes.—It is recorded that a White-tailed Eagle struck on Girdleness lighthouse a few years previous to 1853 ('The Naturalist,' 1853, p. 139). At North Unst the following species are noted as resident:—Three species of Gulls, probably Kittiwake, Herring Gull, and Great Black-backed Gull. Iceland Gulls appear from October till March, but were scarcer this year than any which Mr. Burnett remembers. The Black Crow (?), Hooded Crow, Snipe, Starling, Titlark, and House Sparrow are included amongst residents. An occasional White-tailed Eagle is seen, and several kinds of hawks. Of all the sea-birds the Petrel is the only one that strikes on the lanterns. As it is usually in the morning when the rock-birds are first seen on arrival in spring, the time of their arrival is supposed to be during the night, and the direction of their coming is unknown.—(Signed, Robert Burnett.) Mr. Burnett adds, "The only rare bird I have heard of in this neighbourhood was a Hoopoe." I paid a visit to the Isle of May on June 24th, 1880, and made Mr. Agnew's personal acquaintance. During a hurried visit of less than two hours my companion and myself rowed round the cliff portion of the island, and also landed and walked over a considerable part of the lower-lying portion of at the N.W. end. We saw the following species engaged in incubation:—Oystercatchers, Eider Ducks, Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, and Rock Pipits. We searched in vain for any species of Tern; a single Redshank was seen. Mr. Agnew's son saw a Black Guillemot a few days before, and Mr. J. H. Buchanan, who was out in the S.S. 'Fiery Cross' the previous Thursday, "thought" he saw one also. The Agnews cannot say if they breed there or not, but their being seen there occasionally would make it worth while, if time permitted, to search carefully the suitable clefts and caverns in the lower rocks. It was reported to me that the sea-birds have increased greatly on The May since the Sea-birds Bill came into force. The eggs, however, are still taken wholesale by fishermen from the Fife coast and elsewhere.

Owls.—The only record occurs at Auskerry, where one was seen after midnight on Oct. 21st, and remained about for some time; exact species not noted.

Note.—Curiously enough, on the same date, numbers of Short-eared Owls were to be seen in the flesh in the birdstuffers' shops in Edinburgh. This shows the value of even single records at lighthouse stations, as, were it not for the above Auskerry record, the other fact would stand alone.

Swallows.—During the spring migration these were taken notice of at Isle of May, Auskerry, and Sumburgh Head. The earliest record is at Isle of May, on April 30th, when two were seen flying N.W. at 10 a.m., flying with a light S.E. breeze, and clear. Then at Sumburgh Head, two on May 16th, one on 19th, and two on 29th, during the daytime; winds variable, fine, clear to haze, or showery; threatening but fine on 19th; and two were seen at Auskerry on May 31st at noon, wind S.S.E., haze. Lastly, on June 2nd, at Auskerry, two were seen flying S., against a S. gale, with haze; and this last is properly no doubt assignable to the commencement of the autumn migration.

Wren.—Recorded at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May only. On October 29th at the former, when one was seen flying about the island; wind N.E., with snow-showers; and on Oct. 13th, at the latter, with light E. wind, and clear.

Goldcrest, Regulus cristatus.—The only spring record is on April 12th at Sumburgh Head, where "some" were seen resting on the dykes between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; wind E., light, with fog. In the autumn migrations, they are recorded from two stations, viz., Tarbat Ness and Isle of May. They appeared on Isle of May on Oct. 8th, when a number were seen, having arrived during the previous night; wind strong S.E., showery. Mr. Agnew notes this as "an early appearance," and notes also "none seen here last year." On Oct. 15th more Goldcrests appeared on the same island at 4 a.m., and one was wounded at the glass; wind variable and light; clear. On Nov. 1st one bird struck at midnight, in strong N. wind, with snow.

Robin, Erithaca rubecula.—Occurred at three stations—Tarbat Ness, Bell Rock, and Isle of May. A rush appears to have taken place about the time of the earliest date—on the 15th August—past the Bell Rock. "Great numbers along with Wheatears, Redshanks, and many small birds unidentified, struck the dome and lantern between 1 and 2 a.m.; wind light N.E. and rain. None were found dead on the balcony, but many struck; some lightly, and flew away again; others harder, and were seen fluttering away into the darkness. No doubt many perished in the sea." The next date is the 18th Sept., at Isle of May, when one was seen. "None seen last year." On Oct. 13th, on Isle of May, another large migration was noticed, many being seen upon the island, having arrived during the night. On Nov. 2nd, at Tarbat Ness, one struck at 8 p.m.; strong N.W. wind, with showers.

Wheatear, Saxicola ænanthe.—The northernmost locality given is North Unst, where a few strike the lantern during the season, but no dates are given. Thence southwards, they are noted at five other stations, viz., Whalsey, Sumburgh Head, Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, and the Bell Rock. The earliest date is August 4th, at Pentland Skerries, where one struck at 11.30 p.m.; wind strong E., and haze. The reporter adds the note:—"Starlings and Wheatears generally strike at night, when the wind shifts with rain. They probably leave resting-places, and, when once on wing, are attracted by the light." On Aug. 14th another single bird struck at 10.15 p.m.; wind light S.E., and fog: three more on 15th, from 9 to 11 p.m.; wind the same, with haze. At Sumburgh Head, on Aug. 11th, one young bird struck; wind light N., and fog. At Whalsey, on 16th, about twelve old and young were flying round the lantern at 1 a.m.; wind light W., and haze. At Bell Rock, Aug. 15th, great numbers along with Robins. At Auskerry, Sept. 5th, three struck at 3 a.m.; wind strong S., with haze and showers. The latest date recorded is Sept. 13th, at Pentland Skerries, when two struck at 2 a.m.; wind fresh S.W., and rain.

Titmice.—At Isle of May, Aug. 10th and 11th, a migration was noticed: 10th, the first pair came to the lights, and one was wounded; 11th, great numbers were seen on the island; wind light E., haze.

Wagtail.—At Whalsey—the only station returning a record of this species—large flocks rested, arriving on Aug. 21st; wind light S.E., with dense fog, which lasted till 28th, on which date they all again departed.

Titlark, Anthus pratensis.—Noted as leaving Whalsey Skerries in the first week of September; wind at the time S. to S.E., with from haze to fog during the days. The note is added, "A few remain." These are probably Rock Pipits. The only other station whence I have records is the Isle of May. A very large migration of Titlarks (called "Woodlarks" in schedule) came during the night of Dec. 21st-22nd; wind light E., and clear; and on the 22nd, "The island was literally swarming with them; flocks of from twenty to one hundred or more." Mr. Agnew "never saw so many here before."

Turdidæ.—Records came in from Sumburgh Head in the north, to Isle of May in the south, and from Auskerry. One record at Sumburgh applies to the spring migration, viz., on April 1st, when several Blackbirds (Turdus merula) were seen at 10 a.m.; wind squally S.S.E; changeable weather, with haze and rain. In the autumn migration we have more returns, but none before Nov. 1st, when the first Thrush was seen at 2 a.m.; wind strong W., with showers, at Auskerry. At Isle of May, Nov. 1st, "Mountain Thrush" was seen at 2 p.m.; wind light S.W., and haze. Thereafter on Dec. 15th, at the same place, a very large flock of "Mountain Thrushes" at 2 p.m.; wind light S., and snow. Again, on 22nd, two birds of same species,[2] and one on Jan. 1st; wind light E. to S.S.E., and haze. At Sumburgh Head, Jan. 14th, 1881, one Blackbird at noon; calm and clear.

[2] There can be little doubt, I think, that Fieldfares are meant. Ring Ouzels are usually denominated "Mountain Blackbirds." Indeed, amongst a collection of local names which I have gathered, I find the name of "Mountain Thrush" applied to the Fieldfare.

Corvidæ.—The spring migration is referred to under Sumburgh Head on April 4th and 5th. On April 4th some Crows ["species not known">[ seen flying S.E.; wind S.S.E., fine. On the 5th a gale blew from the South. The autumn migration has eight entries under three stations, viz., Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries (five dates), and Tarbat Ness. Only two species—Ravens and Hooded Crows—are noted. At Pentland Skerries, two Ravens on Sept. 29th at 3.30 p.m.; wind moderate S., clear; one on Oct. 9th, wind light E.; and two on Jan. 13th, 1881, at 11 a.m., wind fresh N.E., with showers alternating with clear. At Sumburgh Head, Hooded Crows arrived on Dec. 5th, and remained all winter; and five were seen on Dec. 1st, at 2.30 p.m.; wind moderate W., and showers; and four on Dec. 29th, at 1.30 p.m.; wind light E., and clear; and two on Jan. 13th, at 11 a.m.; wind fresh N.E., clear, alternating with snow-showers. At Tarbat Ness great numbers continued along shore in Jan., 1881, owing to severity of the weather.

Starling, Sturnus vulgaris.—At Pentland Skerries and Isle of May. Earliest dates July 5th and 11th, at Isle of May. Latest date (but only three records altogether) 12th Sept., at Pentland Skerries. Four struck at 11 a.m.; wind fresh S., clear; Pentland Skerries, on 12th Sept. Flock of young at 10 a.m.; wind W., clear; remained two days at Isle of May on same date. Very large flock of young at 7 p.m.; wind N.W., light and clear, at the same station.

Chaffinch, Fringilla cœlebs.—At Isle of May, Oct. 19th, a few seen: this is rather later than usual.

Note.—The only record on the west coast agrees with this, however, at Bahama L. V. (q. v.)

Linnet, Fringilla cannabina ?—The spring migration represented only at Isle of May by one bird at 7 p.m.; wind light W., clear, on May 18th; and by two birds at 10 a.m. same night; wind light W., clear. In autumn, at Sumburgh Head, from sixteen to twenty seen on Dec. 2nd, at 10 a.m.; wind fresh N., haze and rain; and six on Jan. 3rd, 1881; wind strong S.W., haze. Previous to this latter date the weather was severe until Jan. 2nd, 1881. Snow and frost all gone on 3rd. "Until of late, birds very scarce."

Yellowhammer.—At Isle of May, first seen (only record) on Oct. 7th; wind N.E. gale, clear.

Snow Bunting, Plectrophanes nivalis.—Recorded from the following stations:—Whalsey, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Isle of May, Inch Keith. In all thirteen entries. Earliest date Sept. 13th, at Whalsey, when large flocks arrived and stayed thereafter all winter; wind on Sept. 13th N., with showers. Latest date noted Dec. 29th, at Pentland Skerries, when large flock seen on island at 11.15 a.m.; wind strong N.E., hail. Between these dates: Oct. 27th, at Isle of May, a flock at 2 p.m.; wind E.N.E., and heavy hail-showers. 28th, Pentland Skerries, a flock on the island at 1 p.m.; wind strong N.E., and hail. At Pentland Skerries, Nov. 6th, a few—five killed—from 7 to 11 p.m.; wind W., showers. At Isle of May, 13th, a flock at 2 p.m.; wind light W., clear. 29th, one bird killed at same station at 6 a.m.; wind light W., haze. At Sumburgh Head, Dec. 5th, ten seen at 1 p.m.; wind fresh S.W., haze and rain. At Inch Keith, Dec. 10th, large flock at 9 a.m., remained twenty-four hours; 15th, very large flock at 11 a.m.; wind light S., snow. At Pentland Skerries, Dec. 19th, flock at 2.15 p.m.; wind strong S.E., rain.

Note.—Mr. Hardy notes the earliest appearance on 18th Oct. in East Lothian—a single bird near Thornton Loch, on the public road, a field's-breadth from the sea-side. Wind N. and tempestuous, with heavy rain.

Sky Lark, Alauda arvensis.—Records from Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May. Earliest date Oct. 23rd, at Sumburgh Head; one seen singing for a short time; wind N.W., fine, showers, and sunshine. Then Dec. 17th, at Pentland Skerries, large flock all day on the island; wind fresh N.E., clear. Dec. 23rd, Isle of May, all left, not one to be seen. Latest record Jan. 13th, 1881, Sumburgh Head; five seen hovering round at 1.30 p.m.; wind light E., cloudy. 14th, two at 11 a.m., rested; wind light N., clear; and on Nov. 2nd, seven at 9 a.m., flying east or landwards; wind fresh S.E., hazy. On Dec. 3rd, flocks at 11 a.m.; wind E., flying S.

Rock Pigeon, Columba livia.—At Pentland Skerries, a flock seen at 2 p.m.; wind light S.W., snow on the ground.

Golden Plover, Charadrius pluvialis.—Records reached me from Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, Tarbat Ness, and Isle of May (ten entries, of which seven were at Pentland Skerries). Earliest date July 23rd, when six were seen flying about the island—Pentland Skerries—at 9 a.m.; wind light E. At Pentland Skerries, Aug. 11th, a flock flying S.E. at 10.30 a.m.; wind light W., clear. No more till Nov. 15th, when a flock remained a week at Auskerry, arriving at 11 a.m., with light N.E. wind. At Tarbat Ness, Nov. 11th, hundreds all day till 4 p.m.; wind N. to W. with snow. Nov. 21st, at 3.30 p.m., a flock on island at Pentland Skerries; wind fresh S.W., clear. At Pentland Skerries, Dec. 16th, a flock flying N. at 10.30 a.m.; wind fresh S.W., and snow. At Isle of May, Dec. 22nd, one bird. "They are not seen here every year, and most in severe weather."

Oystercatcher, Hæmatopus ostralegus.—At Sumburgh Head, Aug. 28th, all left after the fog of 21st—28th cleared away; as did other species, including Wheatears, Wagtails, and Rock-birds. At Auskerry, five arrived, with light S. wind and haze, and remained a week.

Heron, Ardea cinerea.—At Isle of May, July 22nd, a flock of six flying S. at 2.30 p.m.; wind light E., clear. At Pentland Skerries, Sept. 9th, seven at 5 a.m.; wind light W., clear. At Sumburgh Head, Sept. 19th, three flying about at 10 a.m.; wind N.W., and haze. At Auskerry, Oct. 8th, two arrived at 2 p.m.; wind light E., clear; and remained; and at same station on 21st, twelve arrived at 11.30 a.m.; wind light N., and remained.

Curlew, Numenius arquata.—One record (April 13th) belongs to the spring migration. One was seen flying S.E. at 11 a.m.; wind S., and haze. At Sumburgh Head, Aug. 12th, six seen flying W. and crying loudly at 12.30 p.m.; wind S.W., and haze. 2nd, seven flying about, and then taking off W. and crying loudly at 1 p.m.; wind light S.W., haze. At Auskerry, Oct. 9th, five at 1 p.m.; wind light E., clear; and remained. At Isle of May, Curlews had been on the island for weeks.

Note.—Mr. Dunn, Dalkeith Gardens, "heard a Curlew when calling, some 800 to 1000 feet up in the air." It was flying due W. on Dec. 26th. The sky was clear and the sun shining at the time—about 1 p.m. Wind light from W. in morning; calm at the time. For the previous six days the wind veered between S. by W. to N., the prevailing wind being S.W. Weather "very cold that day, and for a few days before and after." Being a station of the Scottish Meteorological Society, the above statistics are exact.

Redshank and Sandpiper, Totanus calidris.—At Isle of May, Dec. 27th, three Sandpipers seen at 4 p.m.; wind N.E., haze; and on Jan. 3rd, at same place, a Redshank shot.

Snipe, Scolopax gallinago.—At Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May. At Isle of May, Sept. 12th, one killed at lantern at 4 a.m.; wind N.E., fresh, and rain. At Pentland Skerries, Oct. 2nd, two killed at 8.30 p.m., during strong N. wind, haze, and rain. At Auskerry, Oct. 21st, two arrived at 3.45, and remained; wind strong N. At Isle of May, Jan. 12th, a number arrived at night; wind fresh N.E., and rain.

Woodcock, Scolopax rusticola.—At Isle of May, Oct. 9th, one seen at 5 a.m.; wind strong N.E., and showers; this is earlier than usual. At Isle of May, Oct. 19th, more arrived during the night or morning, with N.E. gale, and showers. At Auskerry, Oct. 21st, one arrived at 3.30 p.m., and remained; wind strong N., with sleet. On Nov. 16th considerable numbers came during the night. These are the latest Mr. Agnew remembers to have seen, by several weeks. At Pentland Skerries, Nov. 29th, one on the island at morn; wind strong W., and clear.

Goose, Anser.—On Oct 14th a flock of "Grey Geese" flying S.E., at 10.45 a.m., past the Pentland Skerries; wind fresh N.W., and showers. Again on Oct. 24th another flock of the same flying also S.E. at 5.15 p.m.; wind also fresh N.W., clear. Again on 26th Oct. a flock of the same flying N. at 6.30 a.m.; wind strong N., and showers; all the above probably indicating only a local migration—to and fro. At Isle of May, Oct. 26th, a large flock flying N., with westerly gale.

Note.—Mr. Dunn, Dalkeith Gardens, "observed a >-shaped flock of about forty Wild Geese, about six hundred feet from the surface of the earth, flying in an easterly direction on the 16th December. They made a considerable noise in their flight. The wind at the time was N.W., and for the six previous days it ranged from W. to N., on one day only chopping round to S., viz., on 15th, which was the day before we saw the Geese. Snow was lying on the ground at the time, and the next seven days were cold, dull, and stormy, with more or less snow falling every day. Flights of Geese are not common in this district, hence the interest taken in the above." Could we get a number of similar records from inland observers, how useful they would be for comparison with our coast stations.—[J. A. H. B.]

Swan, Cygnus.—At Sumburgh Head, Jan. 30th, 1881, twenty wild Swans seen, first a mile off, flying along the shore very slowly, and lowering, apparently much exhausted. At North Ronaldshay, Dec. 23rd, 1880, sixteen Swans seen; they stayed on a large loch about two weeks, during a heavy fall of snow, and flew off north when the thaw commenced.

Ducks.—Two records on April 1st at Whalsey and Sumburgh Head, referable to the spring migration. At Whalsey, Eider Ducks (or "Dunters") arrived about this date, and at Sumburgh Head, Sheldrakes arrived on this date, at 10 a.m.; wind strong S.S.E., with showers. In the autumn migration, notes have been taken at Whalsey, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May (eight entries). Eiders said to leave about August, and the note is added that, "after the Ducks have sat eight or ten days, the Drakes all disappear from the neighbourhood." On Sept. 12th, twelve male Eiders seen at 3 p.m.; wind S., and fine, with haze. At Pentland Skerries, Sept. 14th, a flock, mostly males, seen flying E.; wind light E., and rain. Sept. 25th, at same station, a flock of male and female Eiders flying E.; wind light E., rain. At Isle of May, Oct. 19th, a "small duck." At Isle of May, Dec. 22nd, "a flock of ducks" swam along shore. At Tarbat Ness, Dec. 30th, flocks of from eight to ten "ducks" seen from 2 to 3.30 p.m.; wind light N., and snow. At Isle of May, Jan. 13th, three "Wild Ducks" seen; wind E.N.E., gale, and snow.

Rock Birds.—Records at North Unst, Whalsey, and Sumburgh refer to spring arrival. At North Unst, April 25th, innumerable Puffins and rock-birds arrived; wind fresh N.W., and clear. At Whalsey, March 15th, the rock-birds arrived. At Sumburgh, March 4th, they arrived about 7 a.m. In autumn, all left Whalsey on Aug. 28th after the fog, which had hung since the 21st, cleared off. At Pentland Skerries, July 25th, a flock of Guillemots seen flying E. at 7 p.m., with moderate E. wind. On Aug. 4th, two flocks flying E. between 3 and 4 p.m., with light S. wind; and on Aug. 25th, three flocks seen flying E. between 5 and 8 p.m., with light S.W. airs.

Note.—Mr. M. Vaughan—to whom I am indebted for supplementary notes—writes that Rock-birds, Gannets, and Cormorants were scarcer than usual in Orkney during the first week in August. I have no return this year from Dunnet Head, but Mr. Geo. Maclachlan, says, "There are over 3000 Guillemots hatched here, and I am able to count (say) 175 in 350." At the Isle of May, Eiders arrived about Oct. 1st, coming, it is believed, to winter from the Isle of May and Fidra. They remain till end of March.

Gulls.—At Sumburgh Head, Oct. 23rd, one Iceland Gull seen at 8 a.m.; wind N.W., with showers. This is the first seen. They come in October and leave in April. At same station, Nov. 22nd, another Iceland Gull at 10 a.m.; wind fresh S.W., and clear. At Tarbat Ness, Dec. 24th, two ("Iceland Gulls") at 11 a.m.; wind light N.E., and sleet.

Note.—These "Iceland Gulls" maybe true Larus islandicus or Iceland Gull vera, but more probably are Glaucous Gulls (Larus glaucus). The incident below related is confirmed by a letter received from Mr. Jack, the head light-keeper at the Bell Rock lighthouse:—"Arbroath: A Fact for Naturalists.—Our Arbroath correspondent writes:—A curious story of a sea-bird is in circulation here, and I send it you, as it has been related to me on what seems fairly good authority. The other day a white Sea Gull of the Kittiwake variety was seen flying about the signal-tower of the Bell Rock lighthouse. The bird was evidently in distress, and one of the lighthouse-keepers opening a window, held out his hands, when it came to him. The bird, in taking a bait fixed to a line, had swallowed the hook, and the line, with its handle, a stick about a foot long, was dependent from the bird's mouth. The light-keeper cut away the string as far down the bird's throat as he could reach, and the bird flew away evidently relieved.—'Scotsman,' 1st May, 1880." Mr. Jack writes as follows, 10th May, 1880:—"It is quite true about the Sea Gull. It was so unusual to see a string attached to the bird, that I opened the window of my bedroom and leaned out to look at it, when, strange to say, it came towards me. Without thinking for a moment that the creature would really come to me, I held out my hands towards it, when it came close up to me. I took hold of it and brought it inside, and called to my two assistants (who were looking out of another window a few feet from mine) to 'look at this.' So surprised were they both at the whole affair, that after we had relieved the poor bird, one of my assistants declared that, when he got on shore in turn, he would state the case to the editor of the 'Guide' newspaper." "Poor little creature!" adds my correspondent, "it was a pleasant sight to see it on its flight away, and not as it arrived, weary and worn out." One has only to imagine the Bell Rock as the Ark in the midst of the waters, and the Gull a Dove. As I am speaking now of the Bell Rock, I may note here that large numbers of Long-tailed Ducks are reported by Mr. Jack as frequenting the vicinity of the rock in winter, constantly uttering their peculiar cry of "Co-co-candle-wick." Solan Geese are perpetually in sight summer and winter, flying round the rock or fishing. Mr. Jack also tells us that single birds of different species come crash against the dome or windows with terrific force, and rebounding off are seldom even seen, but leave often their blood and brains scattered about.

Skua, Lestris catarractes.—Reported as seen at North Unst first on April 18th. About the same number is counted, viz., six or eight each year. In autumn, at Sumburgh Head, one "Bonzie" was seen flying W. at noon; wind S.S.W., haze; and the note is added, "The first seen (in autumn?) for eight years."

Terns, Sterninæ.—Two records referable to spring migration at Whalsey and Sumburgh Head. Arriving at former about May 15th and at the latter on May 16th, at 9.40, with variable winds, fine, and clear. In autumn, records at Whalsey, Sumburgh Head, Auskerry, and Bell Rock. They disappeared from Bell Rock on Aug. 23rd, "not, however, from want of food, as plenty soil of herring are around the rock." They had been about the rock for a fortnight, feeding. They disappeared from Whalsey, Aug. 25th, after the fog of 21st—28th, at the same time with Wheatears, Oystercatchers, Wagtails, and rock-birds. At Bell Rock, Aug. 28th, about thirty old and young were seen feeding; and on the 29th these all left. At Sumburgh Head, Sept. 8th, a number flying about and crying at 9 a.m.; wind W., light and haze. At Auskerry, Oct. 1st, four flew round for a little about 1 a.m.; wind light E., rain.

Note.—Mr. J. T. Garriock, to whom I am obliged for a supplementary schedule from Lerwick, recorded in 'The Zoologist' for 1880 the arrival of Terns, apparently from the north, on May 22nd, when a pair was first noticed. In a subsequent letter to me, Mr. Garriock confirms his observation on the direction of their flight.

Petrel, Thalassidroma pelagica.—Occasionally strikes the lantern during the season at North Unst, but no dates given. At Whalsey, Aug. 16th, one caught at 1 a.m.; wind light N.W., haze. At Sumburgh Head, Aug. 3rd, three struck at 11 p.m.; wind N.N.W., dull, and sultry; and on the 6th, one struck at midnight; wind S., and haze. At Auskerry, Aug. 16th, one killed at 11.20 p.m.; light S. breeze, fog, and haze. One struck at Auskerry, Sept. 13th, at 3 a.m.; wind strong S., and haze.

Gannet, Sula bassana.—At Sumburgh Head, July 20th (earliest date), great numbers, adult and young, flying in all directions, feeding on herrings. At Pentland Skerries, July 19th, 30-40, flying E., wind N.E., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 20th, 50, flying E., wind fresh N., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 21st, 60, flying E., wind light N.E., clear, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 22nd, 25, flying E., wind light N.E. airs, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 23rd, 25-30, flying E., wind E., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 24th, 40, flying E., wind S.E., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., fog, haze; 26th, 60, flying E., wind mod. E., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., fog, haze; Aug. 4th, continuous flights, wind light E., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., fog, haze; 5th, continuous flights, wind moderate W., 4.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Note.—Solan Geese were observed daily in flocks going E., from July 19th to middle of Sept.; and going W. on Aug. 19th, 20th, and 25th. About the middle of Sept. young appeared amongst them. This note summarises to a great extent the above data. At Tarbat Ness, Oct. 18th, 19th, and 20th, great numbers flying N., wind S., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Since the return of the schedules Mr. Jack has written to me that—"On the 5th February, 1881, the Bell Rock station was visited by the largest flock of birds I have seen this winter, viz.. Larks, Rose Linnets, Starlings, and other species which I did not see well enough to make out. Time when seen, 2 till 5 a.m.; wind light S.W. on arrival, and on departure fresh N.E. Fog and rain. Great numbers struck, but none found dead, though doubtless many fell into the sea. I have observed during the last two winters that the Golden-crested Wren and the Common Wren have not visited us as usual. I have seen these small birds thick on the windows, night after night, during the fall of the year." It is interesting to note here that between the 2nd and 11th March, 1880, a similar great migration took place past the Bell Rock, of which an account is given in my last report for 1879 [vide Zool., May, 1880].[3] At Bell Rock, 18th Feb., a great number of Larks, 8 p.m., light E.S.E., haze. Great numbers struck, none lying dead. Apparently this flock was entirely composed of Larks greatly exhausted. A number seen asleep all night on window-sashes; left at first streak of dawn. Feb. 19th, a small number of birds (species not determined) flew about in the rays of light all night; wind S.E., fresh, haze. 25th, great number of Larks during the night; wind light W.; striking, but none found dead; left, flying N.W. March 10th, one Black Crow seen asleep on balcony rail; left flying N.E., at 7 a.m.; wind fresh W.S.W., haze. 17th, one "Snowflake" flying from N.W. to S.E.; wind W.S.W., fresh, haze. In a letter accompanying this later schedule, Mr. Jack writes (28th March, 1881):—"I am sorry to say our close companions during winter, Dunters and Sea Pheasants, are still with us in great numbers. This we know by long observation to indicate that winter is not yet past for a season, nor can we judge so until they have all been gone for a week at least. In the fall of the year, when we see them return, we well know that winter is at hand. When stationed in the Isles of Shetland I have often remarked, when I heard much howling going on amongst the seals, that no good weather could be looked for, and I have never known this to fail."

[3] Later in March this year, viz. the 19th, an indication of a returning (?) migration of Shrikes is found in the occurrence of one bird at Bath Hill Wood, West Grange, Perthshire, not very far removed from the Alloa district. It was shot by Mr. J. Livingstone, and is now in the collection of Mr. J. J. Dalgleish.

General Remarks.

As already mentioned, we have received fewer returns this year from the East Coast than in 1879, having returns only from eight stations in 1880, against thirteen in 1879. This arises principally from actual scarcity of birds at many stations, and at some, from extra work devoted to duties of the reporters, owing to fogs and stormy weather. This scarcity appears to have extended all along our Scottish E. coast, and even showed itself for some distance down the East English coast. That, at no time, can our East of Scotland returns approach in magnitude those of the East English coast, I fully believe, because, in the weather most favourable for observation at the stations,—viz., foggy or thick nights,—lanterns placed a few feet above the water, as they are in lightships, must attract far more birds than higher lanterns at the lighthouses. The peculiar situations also of many of our Scottish stations—in the midst of towns (as at Cromarty and Kinnaird Head, in Frazerburgh), in inland bays and arms of the sea (as at Chanonry, and at many localities on our west coast)—must very materially alter the conditions of observation. At our more northern stations the lighthouses for the most part stand at great elevations, and it is worthy of note that from such stations as the Bell Rock, Pentland Skerries, and Whalsey Skerries, on the east coast, and Dhuheartach and Skerryvore, on the west coast, &c., we have the best filled schedules, showing that stations upon lower and isolated elevations are the best points of observation.

At the conclusion of my report for 1879, under the West Coast stations, I take notice of the N.W. to S.E. trend of the migration across Tyree and Loch Assapol in the Ross of Mull, and of the direction taken by birds across the narrow part of Scotland between the Firths of Forth and Clyde (vide 'The Zoologist,' May, 1880, pp. 202-204).

My present impression—from these and many similar observations in Stirlingshire and the districts named—is, that a semi-circular migration is probably carried on; birds which strike our coasts at more northerly points, or start from localities further north in Scotland itself, at certain points trend more southerly from their original E. to W. direction; and again, at certain other points, again trend more easterly from their previous N. to S. direction, and pass finally, as far as our British Islands are concerned, from N.W. to S.E. directions. This, of course, is more patent in some seasons than in others, depending upon prevailing winds and weather. Birds came to us all through the migratory season from E. to W. across the North Sea, except in 1879 at the Galloper Bank L.V. (Zool., May, 1880, p. 203). In 1879, I believe, as further indicated at the end of my report on the West Coast, that the migration was compressed by prevailing N.W. winds, and deflected further south, but in 1880 was more expanded, or less compressed, by prevalence of N.E. and E. winds, and that therefore the horizontal area of migration covered a larger surface. In 1880 we thus find birds migrating from directions south of East to directions north of West across the English Channel, or crossing from France to England (vide Cordeaux's Report antea). These points are put forward not as intended to be conclusive, but simply for the purpose of directing attention for further statistics. I will only further direct attention here to my "Third Ornithological Report for Scotland, 1880-81," read to the Natural History Society of Glasgow, session 1880-81.

In our last Report, 1879 (Zool., May, 1880), under our lists of lighthouses, we gave the descriptions of the lights, whether white or red, fixed, flash, revolving, or intermittent, or with other lights or action. What influence in attracting birds these various descriptions of light have, it would not yet be easy to ascertain, because—given the different colours and descriptions—we have them at different localities, which makes it almost impossible to compare them. However, broadly speaking, we would imagine the brightest, whitest, fixed lights to have most influence in penetrating fog or haze, and therefore of attracting birds. We considered it advisable to give these descriptions in our first Report, because we thought that in time such may prove of some value when our knowledge of migration increases. In the Report for 1880 we have not repeated these particulars, but, instead, we give, after the name of each lighthouse station, the heights of the lanterns above the sea, not because we can positively affirm that the height of any given light influences the total of birds seen or killed at that light, but because we believe that this particular may possibly elicit facts in future. Some of our reporters state extreme height above the sea as a cause of birds seldom or never striking the glass, or never being seen hovering round the light. Certainly, returns show a preponderance of deaths or other records, first, at lightships (the average height of the lights of which above the sea is only a few feet); secondly, at such stations—upon isolated rocks—as the Bell Rock, Dhuheartach, or Skerryvore (the lanterns of which are not more than sixty or seventy feet above the water); and a great preponderance above such stations as Cape Wrath (which is 400 feet above the sea) or other similarly elevated lights. During the daytime, whilst crossing towards the English coasts and past the lightships, flocks are usually seen flying low; and across the Firth of Forth and other narrow estuaries the same thing is observed. At times birds are seen passing high in air "almost beyond the range of vision," and when clouds or fogs rapidly lift or clear off during the time of migration, the said migration appears often to "cease to mortal vision," indicating, some say, a reascent to higher levels. Birds also are known to descend upon Heligoland almost perpendicularly from the sky, indicating, it is presumed, a course of migration at a great height, and a descent therefrom upon fog- or haze-covered land to rest or feed. To birds passing through the air above, a local fog beneath probably indicates land in the midst of water, and, if this be so, hence a descent upon it. The various numerical returns of those killed at lanterns are probably a good deal dependent on the height at which birds fly in foggy weather. We might call this the vertical area of birds' migration flight as opposed to lateral area.

Now it seems that light-vessels always return the best-filled schedules, and therefore a preponderance of birds are noticed all along the East English Coast, where light-vessels are most abundant. Whilst upon the East Scottish Coast the returns are infinitely smaller where there are no light-vessels, but only lighthouses, whose lanterns are at a greater height; and the question very naturally arises, "If the Scottish coasts were lighted with light-vessels, would not the number of records be very considerably augmented?"

Mr. J. Hardy's Notes from Berwickshire and the Borders.

Swallows.—Began to take up their residence on May 12th; left September 26th. Much later elsewhere in central districts.

Martin.—Returned on May 15th to sea-side nesting-places on rocks and cavern-mouths. On September 22nd the great body departed, and on 27th had all left but one.

Sand Martin.—April 23rd, on sea-coast.

Starling.—Most of the young birds had left the upper part of Berwickshire before October 31st.

Thrush.—March 21st, a few birds scattered here and there; very scarce. Left mostly by September; only a few later.

Redshank.—Dispersed before March 18th, when only one was heard. A pair returned March 20th. June 24th a pair had returned. On July 17th six or seven frequented the coast. On August 31st a small compact band noticed.

Eider Duck.—A flock of six appeared on the coast, March 18th and 22nd. There were eight on March 27th and four on March 30th.

Wild Duck (Anas boschas).—Continued on coast till March 22nd; greatly diminished by March 27th. One reappeared at sea September 25th. On October 16th they amounted to thirty, and on November 15th about one hundred were enumerated. In December they nearly all left the coast. On December 29th only nine remained.

Great Crested Grebe.—A party of twelve noted for the last time March 22nd, 1880. They reappeared, to the number of fifteen, on December 20th, and continued all winter.

Raven.—January 24th, one seen; storm of snow.

Curlew.—March 27th and 30th, most had left the coast; only one bird left on April 17th. One reappeared June 7th, and more on the 9th. A great flock on September 20th; shifted their ground before December 16th; only one or two left at the close of the year.

Pied Wagtail.—February 7th, one first seen; the next arrived March 27th. Left September 24th.

Wheatear.—March 25th, appeared off coast, but were absent on March 27th. March 29th, a little band of seven or eight arrived, but disappeared. April 17th, a few appeared inland. Noted again on the coast July 15th; September 17th, last seen. Were seen at Berwick, October 14th, but the conditions are very different from here.

Whinchat.—A family newly hatched on the coast a mile to the south of this on August 9th; not seen again.

Stonechat.—Not in some of its old haunts this year. On coast on Cockburn's-path, April 30th.

Redstart.—May 2nd. Scarce this year.

Sedge Warbler.—May 20th, arriving in a band of late migrants.

Willow Warbler.—April 18th, in garden. April 23rd and 24th, singing sweetly; last seen September 4th.

Swift.—May 16th.

Greater Whitethroat.—May 13th, arrived; 16th, general. August 6th, haunts the garden; a single bird left September 19th. Observed in some localities till end of October, but not here.

Landrail and Cuckoo.—Not heard in the neighbourhood this season.

Blackcap Warbler.—May 22nd, in Peasedean; not heard on 16th.

Spotted Flycatcher.—May 25th, numerous arrival along with other migrants, as was the case last year. Last seen September 5th.

Black-headed Gull.—June 11th, two returned to the sea-side; more appeared July 15th, 16th and 17th. By the end of the year the numbers were reduced to one or two.

Fieldfare.—October 31st and November 9th, arrived, but few in number, and only one remained to face the storms of 1881; very scarce. No Redwings seen here. A great scarcity or total absence is recorded from a large number of Scottish localities for the past two years.—J. A. H. B.

Wood Pigeons.—A large migratory band proceeding high over head flying from N. to S., on October 30th.

Snow Bunting.—A very large flock of Snowflakes arrived at Penmanshiel on October 30th, but left after resting a few days. Again numerous there, November 30th. A few remained at Old Cambus, January 7th, 1881. October 18th, one landed in East Lothian in a storm of wind and rain from the North, near Thornton Loch.

Grey-backed Crow.—November 5th, arrived.

Woodcock.—Did not leave till second week in May. Returned to Peasedean, November 2nd. One flushed at Blackburn, Chirnside, October 20th.

Lark.—December 16th, flock of about one hundred seen; most of them remained and departed in March.

Grey Linnet.—December 29th, flocks that fully numbered one hundred birds feeding on the sea-coast ploughed fields infested by wild mustard. Had all left, except four or five, by January 9th, 1881, when that number came to the stack- and poultry-yards.

Brambling.—Only two present in the great snow on January 15th and 19th—at corn laid out for poultry—along with Finches.

Wild Geese (Greylag probably).—February 8th, first band returning north. Continued in neighbourhood till April 24th. In autumn return first seen October 11th and 30th. Did not rest.

Lapwing.—In inland fields, March 7th. July 15th, returned to turnip-fields. Disappeared in January, 1881.

Grey Wagtail.—March 8th, a pair returned. On May 25th several new arrivals along with a rush of migrants, consisting of Flycatchers, Sedge Warblers, and Common Martins.

Waterhen.—March 9th returned to its breeding pools.

Heron.—April 17th, still three on the coast. On July 15th there were seven or eight. On August 6th there were sixteen, and on August 31st twelve.

Cormorant.—Began to disperse about March 9th, when there were six. Only one on March 18th, and two on March 25th. March 27th and 30th, only one. Were not again noted till August 9th and 12th, when only a pair had returned. Scarcer this winter than usual.

Rare Birds recorded by others on my List.—Hoopoe in Northumberland. One Greater Shrike in Berwickshire, others in Northumberland. Bohemian Chatterer, Kelso; Turtle Dove, Rough-legged Buzzard (one).

Notes from the Faroe Isles.

The following notes from Herr H. C. Müller and Dr. Madsen, of Thorshavn, Faroe, have been received too late for insertion in the General Report, but not too late for addition as an Appendix. These notes were all made after the 1st January, 1881. They came to hand on May 1st, 1881:—

Cygnus musicus.—Five Wild Swans were seen on Jan. 1st, 1881; three killed at Suderö on 22nd; one seen near Thorshavn on 10th; probably all belonging to the same flock. Wind S.W., force 3-4. Rain.

Numenius arquata.—One killed at Hvidenov, near Thorshavn, on Jan. 30th. Wind S.S.E., force 4. Rain.

Columba palumbus, Linn.—One seen along with Columba livia at Thorshavn on Feb. 7th. wind E., force 5. Rain and hail.

Larus tridactylus.—Four seen at Thorshavn at 10 a.m. on Feb. 10th. Wind E., force 3-4. Snow.

Alauda arvensis.—One hundred in a flock seen at Thorshavn at 9 a.m. on March 8th, 1881. Wind S.W., fine. For the five days previous storm from S.E.

Vanellus cristatus.—Four seen same time as the above noted Larks, in and after similar weather.

EAST COAST OF ENGLAND.

Printed forms of enquiry and letters of instruction were sent to thirty-seven lighthouses and light-vessels on the east coast of England, and, through the kind co-operation of Mr. Cecil Smith, to two of the principal lighthouses in the Channel Islands: independent reports have also been received from four stations on the east coast; and my best thanks are due to T. H. Nelson and C. Donald Thompson, Teesmouth; M. Bailey, Flamborough; Wm. Eagle Clarke and H. Bendelack Hewetson [Leeds]; notes from Spurn Point. J. H. Gurney, jun., Northrepps, and Major C. Russell, Essex, for supplying notices of the movements of birds in their respective districts. These reports have either been treated separately or incorporated with the nearest lighthouse. I have also received many interesting notes from Mr. Gätke, on the migration of birds over Heligoland from the commencement of June to the end of December, which are especially welcome as a most valuable addition to the report. Special thanks I also must tender to those various observers in the lighthouses and light-vessels scattered along the east coast. Altogether, out of forty-four stations, returns have been sent in from thirty-eight; two other stations report no birds seen during the autumn, from the circumstances of their situations in the midst of houses; and only from four have no returns been made. The observations are in many respects an improvement on those of the preceding year, exhibiting in a marked degree the intelligent interest taken by the observers in their work—work which it must be remembered is entirely voluntary, and often carried on under circumstances of considerable difficulty and discomfort.

The east coast stations are as follows, those making returns being marked with a *:—

As many of the reports range over a twelve-month, it is necessary to divide the remarks on the separate species into spring and autumn migrations. The numbers of species noticed are very greatly in excess of 1879.

SPRING MIGRATION, 1880.

SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES.

Pied Flycatcher, Muscicapa luctuosa (atricapilla, Linn.).—At Heligoland, Mr. Gätke reports, May 4th, great many fine old males; 5th, the same; 15th, E., many females, few males; 19th, S.S.E., all females.

Blackbird, Turdus merula.—At Cromer L.H., Feb. 12th, two killed against lantern, with thirteen Larks at midnight o.m.

Redbreast, Erithacus rubecula.—At Whitby L.H., March 1st, daylight, a flock of Robins.

Bluethroat, Ruticilla suecica.—At Heligoland, May 22nd, all males—perhaps one in ten a female.

Redstart, Ruticilla phœnicurus.—At Heligoland, May 1st to 10th, all males. Thenceforward females increasing. May 4th, E. by S. or E. by N., millions all males; 19th, all females.

Wheatear, Saxicola ænanthe.—At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., April 23rd, W.S.W., many, with Wagtails, passing to land. At Heligoland, March 31st, S.E., to April 3rd, S.E., male birds; and to May 1st, when females began to arrive. May 13th, E., all females.

Greater Whitethroat, Sylvia rufa.—At Cromer L.H., May 18th, 10 p.m., four killed and stunned against lantern.

Wren, Troglodytes parvulus.—At Whitby L.H., March 22nd, E., several at daylight. At Cromer L.H., May 16th, 4 a.m., one killed against lantern.

Pied Wagtail, Motacilla lugubris.—At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V. (see Wheatear). At Whitby L.H., May 9th, daybreak, many.

Sky Lark, Alauda arvensis.—At Cromer, Feb. 12th (see Blackbird). Feb. 16th to March 24th, several with Starlings killed and stunned during night.

Short-toed Lark, Calandrella brachydactyla.—At Heligoland, May 18th, a fine male captured.

Tree Sparrow, Passer montanus.—At Outer Dowsing L.V., April 18th, 11 a.m., sixty to S.E.; two came on board. April 26th, 3 p.m., hundreds to W.N.W.; ten came on board. From the position of this light-vessel it will be apparent that in the first instance the Sparrows were making for the coast of Holland, and on 26th for the English coast.

Starling, Sturnus vulgaris.—At Cromer L.H., Feb. 16th to April 10th, several struck lantern and killed along with Larks.

Carrion Crow, Corvus corone.—At Cockle L.V., June 8th, six to S.E.

Cuckoo, Cuculus canorus.—At Farne Inner L.H.. May 26th, W. strong, one seen. At Hunstanton L.H., April 18th, heard close to lighthouse.

Swallow, Hirundo rustica.—At Farne Inner L.H.. May 15th, two passed. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V.. May 9th, 2 p.m., two from S.E. to N.W.; May 22nd, great many S.E. to N.W., fresh breeze from W. At Hunstanton L.H., April 17th, one to S.; 19th, five to S. At Leman and Ower L.V., June 9th, five on board at sunset; 21st, one at 11 a.m. At Cockle L.V., June 23rd and 24th, 4.20 a.m., two each day to W. At Corton L.V.. May 22nd, one to W.N.W.; 20th, two to W.N.W. At Kentish Knock L.V., May 26th, 10 a.m., two very high to N.W. At East Goodwin L.V.. May 4th, 10 a.m., four S. to N. The observations tend to confirm what I have observed and remarked upon, that the Chimney Swallow in spring migrates in pairs; even when in flocks the pairs may be distinguished, as the males and females keep close company.

Swift, Cypselus apus.—At Whitby L.H., May 14th, several at noon to N.W. At Spurn L.H., June 7th, 7 p.m., fifty perched on gallery, none killed. At Hunstanton L.H., May 17th, one.

Wood Pigeon, Columba palumbus.—At Hasbro' L.V., May 28th and 30th, one each day to E.

Dotterel, Eudromias morinellus.—At Spurn L.H., May 15th, four seen near Kilnsea; 25th, small flock of eight.

Ringed Plover, Ægialitis hiaticula.—At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., April 2nd, first arrival at their breeding quarters on neighbouring sand, where about ten couples nest each year, leaving with the young in the autumn.

Limicolæ.—From the 1st to the 18th of May, northerly and easterly winds blew persistently day and night on to the Lincolnshire coast; the consequence was that we had an almost entire dearth of all those many flocks of shore birds—as Godwit, Grey Plover, Knot—which visit the Humber mud-flats during the first fortnight in May, on their passage to the north. On the opposite coast of Yorkshire, under shelter of the sandy promontory of Spurn, they assembled in large numbers, feeding daily on the great expanse of muds left uncovered at ebb, and at flood crossing to the sands on the sea side of Spurn. A correspondent writes that, on May 7th, "countless thousands of waders lined the beach, like wreck, on the sea-side about a mile above Spurn; there were more than had ever been seen at once before."

Anatidæ.—At Flamborough L.H., July 2nd, a flock of Grey Geese were seen flying N. At Goodwin L.V., June 6th, 7.30 a.m., a flock flying to the E. Mr. Gätke reports from Heligoland that, on May 19th, three Snow Geese, Anser niveus, passed boat quite close, "whiter than snow, bills and feet redder than oranges, but alas! no gun at hand." King Eider, Somateria spectabilis, is reported from the Farne Isles on May 29th, and during the summer (Zool., 1880, p. 514; 1881, p. 62). On Feb. 27th, 1880, large flocks of Widgeon came into the Tees, and thirteen were shot by one discharge of a single-barrelled shoulder-gun. At the Outer Dowsing L.V., April 18th, Wild Ducks were seen migrating to N.W.; and on April 30th, every hour during day, to N.N.W. At the Goodwin L.V.. May 19th, shoals of Ducks from W. to E. From the Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., May 25th, 11.30 a.m., my correspondent writes, "Saw two Sheldrakes leave their nest with ten young ones at low water; had to travel half a mile before they reached the water; the male kept about six yards behind the young, the female leading; they were fifteen minutes in reaching the water; appeared just hatched; cock bird often looked behind to see nobody was coming." With reference to the spring migration of Wild Geese, Major Russell sends me the following notes from a correspondent on the Essex coast, whose house is situated on the south slope of a steep high hill:—"The Grey Geese were seen on Saturday, Feb. 21st, from 600 to 1000 flying in a triangular form, in a N.E. direction. I have repeatedly seen them sometimes passing for whole days, and have always noticed that we have never had any winter to speak of afterwards. They generally fly about a mile high. We very seldom see them going south. I suppose because the days are shorter, or possibly some may go another way; but they generally go north about this time of the year. I used to try to shoot them with a rifle to see what sort of Geese they were."

Alcidæ.—At Longstone L.H., March 9th, Guillemots and Razorbills assembled; 24th, Puffins. At Flamborough L.H., May 3rd, hundreds of Puffins arriving throughout the day, and on the same day a great number of Guillemots. From May 28th to June 2nd, great numbers of Guillemots and Razorbills were seen all day in the neighbourhood of the Spurn L.V., at sea six miles S.S.E. Spurn Point. The Guillemots, Razorbills and Puffins are later in their arrival and departure at the southern than their northern breeding-stations.

Pelecanidæ.—At Longstone L.H., March 9th, numbers of Gannets flying N. At the Farne Inner L.H., April 16th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Gannets were seen flying N. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., March 15th, twelve Cormorants came into Tees, about fifty in every year at this time, leave again after breeding-season till next March.

Laridæ.—At Farne Islands, April 8th, Gulls commenced assembling at their nesting-quarters. At Whitby L.H., Feb. 18th, Herring Gulls first appeared on the cliffs near lighthouse. July 4th, first young was seen on the wing. Sept. 2nd, all left, both young and old. At Spurn L.V.. May 28th to June 2nd, large numbers of Gulls were seen all day in the neighbourhood, along with Guillemots and Razorbills; these birds were probably not migrating, or even contemplating such a movement, but wanderers from Flamborough, following the shoals of small fry which approach the Humber about that period. At the Longstone L.H., April 29th, W., weather fine, first Sandwich Tern seen, and the last seen Sept. 8th. The Arctic Tern was first seen May 10th; last, Sept. 14th. At the Farne Inner L.H.. Sandwich Terns were seen on May 12th, and the Arctic May 15th, both species leaving together on Aug. 28th. The Siberian Herring Gull, Larus affinis, was seen at Heligoland on June 5th, and the Caspian Tern, Sterna Caspia, on the 22nd, the first Mr. Gätke has got there. July 23rd, repeatedly seen.

GENERAL SUMMARY SPRING MIGRATION.

Compared with the autumn notes on migration, the spring reports are very meagre, and few and far between. This is probably due to the fact that in the spring birds migrate, with rare exceptions, at night; and, as the weather is then finer, and the nights clearer and shorter, they do not run their heads so much against the lanterns of lighthouses and lightships. The spring migration is also carried on much more leisurely, migrants proceeding by easy stages northward, and we have none of those great rushes which are so characteristic of the autumn migration, when, with sudden changes of weather, flock after flock pour continually during the whole day and night on to our east coast. In the spring also the males of the Insessores migrate some time in advance of the females, as is very clearly shown in the Heligoland notes, as well as by the well-known arrival of our summer immigrants, as the Nightingale, Whitethroat, &c. The notes on spring migration taken in 1879, as well as in 1880, seem to point to the conclusion that, during the vernal migration, migrants strike the lanterns of lighthouses from 11 p.m. to the dawn of day, the majority after midnight; and not in the early hours of night, as is the case in the autumn.

AUTUMN MIGRATION, 1880.

SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES.

White-tailed Eagle, Haliæetus albicilla.—At Heligoland, Sept. 10th, S.S.E., windy, eight or ten.

Peregrine Falcon, Falco peregrinus.—At Heligoland, Oct. 24th, "all latter time and F. æsalon, scattered." As in every autumn a few on passage have been recorded in the eastern counties; one, an immature male, was shot near Spurn on Jan. 1st, 1881.

Hobby, Falco subbuteo.—At Heligoland, June 19th and 20th, S.E., some.

Kestrel, Falco tinnunculus.—At Heligoland, Sept. 25th, S., very little wind, a great many, few old.

Sparrowhawk, Accipiter nisus.—At Heligoland, enormous numbers crossed in the autumn, commencing Aug. 7th, eight or ten young birds; from thence to Sept. 18th, almost daily in greater or less numbers, all young birds. Sept. 29th, evening, the first old birds. Oct. 9th, young interspersed with old; 20th, many; 28th, still daily. An enormous majority of these must pass down the European coast, as the notices on our east coast are few and far between. At the Outer Dowsing L.V., Oct. 8th, one at sunset flying round lantern. At Leman and Ower L.V., Oct. 6th, 4.30 p.m., one to S.E. At Corton, L.V., Oct. 9th, one settled on ship. At Heligoland, Mr. Gätke says Sparrowhawks often arrive towards evening.

Common Buzzard, Buteo vulgaris.—At Heligoland, Sept. 18th, many.

Honey Buzzard, Pernis apivorus.—At Heligoland, Sept. 10th, with Sparrowhawks.

Rough-legged Buzzard, Buteo lagopus.—At Heligoland, June 19th and 20th, some. There was a considerable flight on to the east coast in October, Mr. J. H. Gurney recording (Zool., 1880, p. 570) about a dozen in Norfolk between Oct. 16th and the end of the month. Two were shot Nov. 1st on the Lincolnshire coast near Mabblethorpe, and one at Spurn later in the season. Several others have been recorded from time to time in the 'Field' and local papers, as either seen or obtained in various parts of England and Scotland. The following notices from the lighthouses may or may not refer to this species. At Whitby L.H., July 24th, 9 a.m., a large Hawk going S. At Hasbro' L.H., Oct. 24th, 11 a.m., four very large birds with heavy flight to S. At Kentish Knock, L.V., Oct. 13th, one very large Hawk soaring overhead. At Corton L.V., Oct. 19th, a large brown Hawk about ship—may perhaps have been a female Kestrel.

Hen Harrier, Circus cyaneus.—At Heligoland, Oct. 20th, some.

Long-eared Owl, Asio otus,—At Heligoland, Oct. 22nd, some. At Spurn, Oct. 28th, one shot. At Hasbro' L.V., Sept. 30th, 10 a.m., o.m. from E. to S.W., horned owl—probably this species. The Long-eared Owls arrive on our east coast, as a rule, later than Asio accipitrinus, and in much less numbers.

Short-eared Owl, Asio accipitrinus.—At Heligoland, Sept. 25th, S., very little wind, great many. Oct. 20th, again great many; 22nd, thousands. On our east coast they arrived in very considerable numbers in October. At Inner Farne L.H., Nov. 16th, 4 p.m., one. At Coquet Island L.H., Oct. 7th to Nov. 16th, with northerly and easterly winds, and from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., eight. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Oct. 4th to 27th, twelve, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., going E. to W. At Teesmouth, Oct. 3rd to 24th, nine. At Spurn, Sept. 29th, one shot; Oct. 19th and following week, many; 27th, several. On Lincolnshire coast, Oct. 19th and following week, very great many. At Inner Dowsing L.V., Nov. 4th, 7.30 a.m., one N.E. to S.W. At Dudgeon L.V., Oct. 5th, noon, one to W.; 23rd, 10.20 a.m., one to S.W. At Lynn Well L.V., Oct. 5th, 11 a.m., one; 4 p.m., one Grey Owl N.W. to S. At Leman and Ower L.V., Oct. 1st, one caught at noon. Many also arrived about Oct. 19th on the Norfolk coast. I have no notices of Short-eared Owls south of Yarmouth. The "great rush" took place on night of Oct. 18th or morning of 19th, the Woodcock arriving at the same time with a north wind. Heavy snow from north on Oct. 20th. The "great rush" over Heligoland was on Oct. 22nd.

Barn Owl, Aluco flammeus.—At Yarmouth, Oct. 19th, morning, one seen coming in from the sea.

Tengmalm's Owl, Nyctala Tengmalmi.—On Oct. 22nd a very fine example of this small Owl was shot at Saltfleet, on the Lincolnshire coast; wind strong from the north on 21st. Another was shot in Felyingdales, Yorkshire, near Robin Hood's Bay, late in December. At Heligoland, Nov. 22nd and 23rd, Hawk Owl, Surnia funerea, was seen flying about, but never within shot.

Great Grey Shrike, Lanius excubitor.—At Heligoland, Oct. 14th, N.W., windy, four fine old birds, pure white underneath; 16th, some; 17th, some; major, one. Nov. 10th, one fine old male. There was a very considerable immigration on to the east coast in October. At Spurn, one was seen during the first week in October, and subsequently in that month and early in November, many. The last from that locality I have a note of was a female, shot at Patrington, Holderness, on Jan. 20th, 1881. At Whiteley Sands, Northumberland, one early in October. One shot near Hartlepool Nov. 17th. One at Flamborough Head first week in October. Mr. J. H. Gurney has also recorded three shot in Norfolk in October; and many others have been mentioned in the 'Zoologist' and 'Field' as occurring in various parts of the country. One also was shot at North Kelsey, in Lincolnshire, at the end of February.

Spotted Flycatcher, Muscicapa grisola.—At Heligoland, June 3rd, some; July 13th, some; Aug. 25th, many; Sept. 3rd, N.W., 11 a.m., some; 9th, great many; 16th, some; 26th, less, passage varying over four months. At Farne Inner L.V., Sept. 15th, great many Flycatchers.[4] At Swin Middle L.V., Aug. 28th, o.m., many with Starlings round lantern.

[4] The term "Flycatcher" seems to be used somewhat indiscriminately for many of the small insect-catching birds. Some of these in this case are probably—as they are associated with Wheatears—Redstarts. At the Longstone L.H., also on the same date, several Redstarts appeared, both species migrating together and at the same time.

Pied Flycatcher, Muscicapa luctuosa (atricapilla, Linn.)—At Heligoland, Aug. 11th, E., fine, great many young birds, first arrivals, and so on to 24th, when they passed in "countless numbers"; 27th, still passing, but in less numbers; Sept. 8th, many; 13th, great many with others in potato-fields; 26th, less numerous; 27th, few. From Aug. 11th to end of Sept., about forty-seven days; "great rush" on Aug. 24th, none recorded from English coast.

Red-breasted Flycatcher, Muscicapa parva.—At Heligoland, Sept. 26th, one shot in Mr. Gätke's garden, and another obtained Oct. 21st.

Mistletoe Thrush, Turdus viscivorus.—At Casquets L.H., Alderney, Oct. 2nd, 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., with Ring Ouzels and Larks going W., six Mistletoe Thrushes striking.

Song Thrush, Turdus musicus.—At Heligoland, Sept. 16th, some numbers with Ring Ouzels; 24th, many of both; 25th, both all day; Oct. 6th, with Redwings, and on 16th with Redwings and Fieldfares; 20th, with Blackbirds and Redwings; 22nd, few; altogether, between Sept. 16th and Oct. 22nd, large numbers crossed the island. On the English side of the North Sea, Thrushes occurred at twelve stations covering the entire length of coast. At Farne Inner L.H., Oct. 29th, several. Nov. 20th, 22nd, 23rd, all day, with Blackbirds, Fieldfares, and Redwings; 26th, with Blackbirds. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Oct. 22nd, several and a few Redwings going E. to W., great many stopped on board and appeared very tired, early part of day foggy; 25th, several S.E. to N.W. At Whitby L.H., Nov. 23rd, snow, large flocks at intervals flying high. At Flamborough L.H., Oct. 21st, day and night. At Spurn L.H., Oct. 5th and 7th, many. At Great Cotes, about Oct. 19th, many. Dec. 9th, second arrival. At Cromer L.H., Aug. 3rd, midnight, three killed. Sept. 25th, 1.30 a.m., two killed. Dec. 10th, 8 p.m., two killed. At Leman and Ower L.V., Sept. 28th and 29th, during night. At Hasbro' L.H., Oct. 26th, 10 p.m., with a great many small birds, some killed. At Corton L.V., Oct. 22nd, continuous after daylight, E. to W., with Larks and Blackbirds, and again Nov. 7th. At Galloper L.V., Nov. 1st, 9 a.m., forty S.E. to N.W.: 2nd, 10 p.m. to sunrise, with Larks, Starlings, and Blackbirds, from E.S.E. to N.W., about 120 killed; 9th, about eighty to N.W. during night. At Kentish Knock L.V., Oct. 10th, one. At Gull L.V., Oct. 25th, with Larks and Linnets continuously all day. "Great rush," 19th to 26th Oct. There was a "second rush" Dec. 9th and 10th, preceding the outbreak of Arctic weather on Dec. 13th. Line of migration E. to W., S.E. to N.W. Time over which migration extended (exclusive of occurrences in December, as probably referring to local movements caused by severe weather) from Aug. 3rd, Cromer, to Nov. 26th, Farne Islands, or 126 days.

Fieldfare, Turdus pilaris.—At Heligoland, Oct. 16th, N.W. and easterly, in great numbers high overhead; 25th, some; 28th, numerous; and after this Fieldfares, Thrushes, and Blackbirds occasionally till first week in December. On the East Coast of England occur at ten stations from Farne Islands to Yarmouth. At Inner Farne L.H., Oct. 25th, forenoon, flocks to W.; 27th, same; Nov. 16th, flock. At Coquet Island L.H., Oct. 26th, 7 a.m., half-a-dozen. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Oct. 25th, 9 a.m., three, S.E. to N.W. Nov. 5th, 10 a.m., great many to W.; 20th, 11 a.m., large flocks from E.; 27th, great many E. to W. At Flamborough L.H., Oct. 21st, day and night, five killed. At Spurn L.H., Oct. 26th, 27th, 28th, great many. At Great Cotes, Dec. 9th, many, "second rush." At Corton L.V., Oct. 5th, one over ship, E. to W. Jan. 15th, 12.45 p.m., high overhead, W.S.W. At Galloper L.V., Nov. 1st, 9 a.m., fifteen, S.E. to N.W. At Yarmouth, Oct. 17th and 18th, early morning, very high. Mr. T. Southwell, of Norwich, saw a large flock near that city on Sept. 9th.[5] Excluding Great Cotes as referring perhaps to local movement from outburst of severe weather in the North, the Fieldfares were seen on their migration, first near Norwich, Sept. 9th and last at Teesmouth, Nov. 27th—eighty days. "Great rush" Oct. 21st to 28th.

[5] A flock of twenty-five were Seen at Woodham Mortimer, Essex, on Sept. 6th. See 'Field,' Oct. 2nd.

Redwing, Tardus iliacus.—At Heligoland, Sept. 6th, first flocks. Oct. 16th, N.W. and easterly, in great numbers, very high; 20th, many. English coast five stations from Farne Island to Yarmouth. At Farne Inner L.H., Oct. 29th, many. At Spurn L.H., Oct. 5th, plentiful. At Great Cotes, Dec. 9th, many, "second rush." At Hunstanton L.H., Sept. 18th, 10 p.m., one caught. At Yarmouth, Oct. 17th and 18th, with Fieldfares, very high. From Sept. 6th, Heligoland, to Oct. 29th, Farne Islands, fifty-four days; "great rush" middle of October.

Blackbird, Turdus merula.—At Heligoland, Oct. 19th, some; 20th, many; 28th, numerous. At Farne Inner L.H., Oct. 21st and 29th, one each day; Nov. 20th, 22nd, 23rd and 26th, many; "great rush" on these four days. At Coquet L.H., Nov. 20th, all day. Dec. 19th, many, with Larks and Plover. At Whitby L.H., Aug. 1st, at daylight, the first seen this year. Oct. 24th and 26th, several at daylight. At Flamborough L.H., Oct. 21st, day and night. At Spurn L.H., Oct. 27th, old cocks. Nov. 20th, Blackbirds in considerable numbers, with Thrushes, Redwings, and Fieldfares. At Great Cotes, Sept. 27th, young cocks. Oct. 19th, many. At Outer Dowsing L.V., Oct. 22nd, 3 p.m., four old males, E.S.E. to W. Nov. 26th, 1 p.m., three males, E.S.E. to W. At Cromer L.H., Nov. 6th, three. At Hasbro' L.H., 11 p.m., two struck, killed. At Corton L.V., Oct. 22nd, continuous after daylight, E. to W. Nov. 7th, 11 a.m. to sunset, with Thrushes; 9th, W. by N., several flocks to S.W., very low. At Galloper L.V., Oct. 22nd, 8.40 a.m., about four hundred and three hundred Starlings to S.W.; 31st, sixty; Nov. 2nd, about one hundred during night, thirty killed, to N.W. at sunrise; 6th, 10 p.m. to sunrise, about fifty; 9th, 10 p.m. to sunrise, sixty. At Casquets L.H., Alderney, Oct. 13th to 17th, Blackbirds at midnight. Are noticed at thirteen stations from the Farne Islands to Alderney. Great numbers appear to have crossed; at Heligoland commenced passing later than any other of the Merulidæ. There was a "great rush" on to the English coast, especially over the Corton and Galloper light-vessels, from Oct. 19th to 22nd; a "second rush" northwards of Spurn on Nov. 20th. Migrate both by day night; direction of flight E. to W. or S.E. to N.W.

Ring Ouzel, Turdus torquatus.—At Heligoland began moving very early in the season. Sept. 9th, some, with T. musicus; 24th, many; 25th, great many, whole day, passing on. Oct. 7th, many, young birds; 27th, some. None recorded at any station on the English coast, which is rather remarkable.[6] At the Casquets L.H., Aug. 16th, midnight, misty, "Ring-Thrushes," four striking. Sept. 6th, midnight, N.E., rain, four struck. Oct. 2nd, 11 p.m., rain, four struck, and again on the 7th, 3 a.m., rain, four struck. Ring Ouzels were moving along the French coast as early as Aug. 16th; over Heligoland Sept. 9th to Oct. 27th. A very fine example of Tardus Naumanii (the first that has occurred there), a young bird, was captured on Oct. 10th; N.E., windy.

[6] Lord Lilford (Zool., 1881, p. 24) records the first Ring Ouzel of the season in North Northamptonshire on Sept. 21st; and two are also recorded in 'The Zoologist' (1881, p. 26), as seen near Harwich, Oct. 10, 1880.

Hedgesparrow, Accentor modularis.—At Heligoland, Sept. 26th, pretty large numbers, first comers. Oct. 5th, great many in garden; 8th, great many; 9th, same. At Spurn L.H., Oct. 17th, very abundant. At Great Cotes, Sept. 21st, in bean-fields near coast. Not observed at any other stations.

Redbreast, Erithacus rubecula,—At Heligoland, from Sept. 9th to Oct. 9th, great numbers passing over island. At Coquet L.H., Sept. 10th and 16th, 10 a.m., one each day. Oct. 23rd, 5 p.m., one caught on glass. Dec. 28th, noon, one. At Whitby L.H., Sept. 27th, 10 a.m., a large flock of small birds containing many Robins remained a few hours and then went S. At Hunstanton L.H., Sept. 5th, one. At Northrepps, Norfolk, Oct. 14th and 15th, many noticed, evidently immigrants. At Hanois L.H., Guernsey, Aug. 14th, midnight. Redbreasts with many other birds, some killed.

Bluethroat, Ruticilla suecica.—At Heligoland, Sept. 9th, E., fine, several; 17th, N.E., wind, much rain, many.

Redstart, Ruticilla phœnicurus.—At Heligoland, Aug. 12th and 13th, young birds. Sept. 3rd, 11 a.m., N.W., great many; 8th, many; 9th, great many; 16th, many, about half old birds; 17th, enormous numbers, same; 25th and 26th, many. At Longstone L.H., Sept. 15th, several on reef. At Farne Inner L.H., Sept. 15th, many "fly-catchers" with Wheatears (see notes, Flycatcher, M. grisola). At Teesmouth, many amongst the bents which grow upon the Tees breakwater early in September (not previously noted in this locality). At Flamborough, last week in August, great many. At Spurn, Sept. 3rd, many, left to a bird night of 3rd. At Northrepps, Aug. 30th and 31st, "swarming." At Yarmouth, large numbers first week in September. At Shipwash L.V., Aug. 30th, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., large numbers to W.N.W. The immigration of this species is very interesting from the large and unusual numbers which can be traced along the east coast from the Farne Islands to the Shipwash L.V., off the mouth of the Thames. They arrived along the entire length of the coast during the latter part of August and early in September. At the Shipwash L.V., the most southern station, they were going W.N.W., and at all other stations, after touching land, evidently followed the coast-line to the south. The migration was confined very closely to the coast, the birds going but a short distance inland. In nearly every case they migrated in company with or at the same time as the Wheatear.

Stonechat, Saxicola rubicola.—At Heligoland, Aug. 11th, young. Sept. 3rd, 11 a.m., great many; 9th, same. Oct. 1st, 2nd and 3rd, old birds.

Whinchat, Saxicola rubetra.—At Heligoland, Aug. 23rd, great many young birds, the first of them; 24th, also great many. October, first week, old birds. Mouth of Deben river, Suffolk coast, Nov. 1st.

Wheatear, Saxicola œnanthe.—At Heligoland, July 5th, small flights, young birds; 24th, same. Sept. 16th, great many, about half old birds. At Farne Inner L.H., Aug. 10th, several. Sept. 15th, forty to fifty. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Aug. 30th, 10 a.m., fog, two came on board. Sept. 10th, great many Wheatears from S.E., and "several small birds of a dark green colour" (Redstarts?), some on deck. At Teesmouth, Sept. 10th, an unusually large number along the banks between Hartlepool and Sneaton Snook, also Redstarts. At Flamborough, last week in August, in great numbers, with Redstarts. At Spurn, Sept. 3rd, with some Redstarts. Oct. 27th, last seen, an old bird. At Great Cotes, September, first fortnight, very great many. At Northrepps, Aug. 30th and 31st, great numbers and Redstarts. Altogether there was a very large immigration on the east coast from the Farne Islands to Yarmouth the last week in August and early in September.

Saxicola deserti, Rupp.,[7] a fine old male, in perfect summer plumage, occurred at Heligoland on June 23rd, wind W., calm, warm. Saxicola leucura, Aug. 11th, E., fine, one, undoubtedly, but not shot.

[7] It is worthy of note that on the same day a fine example of Papilio podalirius, the scarce Swallow-tail, was taken on the island. This butterfly was added to the British list on the authority of Haworth, but no authenticated British specimen is known: its occurrence on Heligoland adds to the probability of its capture in England, [Saxicola deserti also occurred at Alloa, in Scotland, on Nov. 28th, 1880.—J.A.H.B.]

Sylviidæ.—Of the small warblers, Hypolais icterina, a fine male occurred in Heligoland on June 3rd; the same day some Willow Wrens and one Sylvia viridanus, a fine female, shot in Mr. Gätke's garden, making the third Heligoland example. On July 13th, Whitethroats; 24th, young Willow Wrens. On Aug. 24th, great many, also some Whitethroats and Garden Warblers; 27th, Willow Wrens in less numbers, and again in increased numbers on Sept. 3rd; on the 9th Chiffchaffs commenced migrating, also a great many Willow Wrens and Whitethroats came; on the 15th, forenoon, Willow Wrens and Sedge Warblers, great many in potato-fields; again, on 16th, S.E., calm, sunny, warm, Willow Wrens, Chiffchaffs and Garden Warblers, great many, less numbers of Blackcaps; 17th, Willow Wrens, Chiffchaffs and Garden Warblers, less of the latter; 25th, westerly. Willow Wrens, and great numbers of Chiffchaffs, Garden Warblers, Blackcaps and Whitethroats; the same day, P. superciliosus, one fine bird shot; besides this a large Phylloscopus, with very conspicuous wing-bar, was seen. Again, on the 26th, another P. superciliosus, and in the evening many Chiffchaffs, Garden Warblers and Blackcaps; 27th, Chiffchaffs, Garden Warblers, Blackcaps and Whitethroats; 28th, some Chiffchaffs; 30th, Chiffchaffs, Garden Warblers, one P. superciliosus seen, a grey Phylloscopus seen, tristis ? Some more Chiffchaffs, with many other birds, Oct. 8th, and one P. superciliosus; Chiffchaffs again on 9th, 10th and 11th; 13th, Willow Wrens, great numbers all this latter time also. After the middle of October the migration of the Sylviidæ appears to have ceased. At Flamborough a Willow Wren was caught on the morning after the great storm on the night of Oct. 28th, and at Spurn on morning of 28th a female Blackcap was shot by Mr. W. Eagle Clarke.

Golden-crested Wren, Regulus cristatus.—At Heligoland, Sept. 9th, great many, first comers; 25th, some; 27th, 29th and 30th, some. Oct. 4th, great many; 5th, also many with some R. ignicapillus, Fire-crested Wrens, first comers; 8th, great many Golden; 11, also great many; 22nd, daily some. At Longstone L.H., Oct. 22nd, one. At Farne Inner L.H., Sept. 15th, 9 a.m., E.N.E., six. Oct. 12th and 13th, several all day. At Coquet Island L.H., Oct. 14th, N.W., one. Nov. 9th, 11 p.m., N.W., gale, one caught on glass. At Flamborough L.H., Oct. 8th, hundreds seen. At Spurn L.H., Sept. 15th, E.N.E., first seen. Oct. 5th and 7th, plentiful; 15th, about a dozen, one caught; 17th, several; 26th, one seen. At Hasbro' L.V., Oct. 17th, 3 p.m., E.S.E. to W.N.W., two. At Cockle L.V., Aug. 18th, one caught on deck. Oct. 9th and 18th, one each day also. On Suffolk coast, mouth of Deben, Nov. 1st, Goldcrests. At Kentish Knock L.V., Oct. 1st, one; 10th, two on board. At Shipwash L.V., Sept. 1st, 6 to 8 p.m., large numbers to N.W. Dec. 8th, 10 a.m., flock to W.S.W. At Hanois L.H., Aug. 14th, o.m., N., Goldcrests, some killed. First observed at the Guernsey lighthouse, Aug. 14th; last at Coquet Island, Nov. 9th. Migration extending over eighty-eight days.

Wren, Troglodytes parvulus.—At Farne Inner L.H., Nov. 23rd, several. At Whitby L.H., Sept. 27th, 10 a.m., Wrens with many other small birds, remaining a few hours and then going south. At Spurn L.H., Sept. 21st, one caught on lantern. At Great Cotes, early in October, many. At East Goodwin L.V., 10 a.m., four from N.W. came on board.

Paridæ.—Oct. 14th, N.W., windy. Great Titmouse (Parus major), some; Blue Titmouse (P. cæruleus), a great many passed over in the afternoon of Oct. 10th, N.E., windy; and again a great many on the 11th, under the same conditions. At Great Cotes, Oct. 14th, Great Tit, many; Blue, some; and Coal Titmouse (Parus ater), a few. Dec. 9th, P. major, several, "second rush." Migratory flocks of the Long-tailed Titmouse (Acredula rosea) occurred near Cromer in October.

Motacillidæ.—At Heligoland, Aug. 27th, Blue-headed and White Wagtails (Motacilla flava and alba), great many young birds. Sept. 1st, M. flava, pretty large numbers with other birds, all restless, passing over; 9th, E., fine. Yellow Wagtail, Budytes (M. Raii), great many; 15th, forenoon, M. flava, astounding numbers, late in afternoon in great flights overhead, going north to south; 27th, M. alba, some. The only migration of Wagtails over Heligoland in August and September, with one exception, appears to have been confined to these two well-known European species—the Blue-headed and White Wagtails of the Continent. The Grey Wagtail (M. sulphurea) was first observed at Great Cotes first week in October, and on Norfolk Coast, Sept. 25th.

Tree Pipit, Anthus trivialis.—At Heligoland, Aug. 22nd, young birds; 23rd, same; 24th, same, but less numbers; 26th, Meadow Pipit (A. pratensis), great many (oftentimes with smart breeze), also many Tree Pipits; 31st, Richard's Pipit (A. Richardi), one. Sept. 1st, Tree Pipits, pretty large numbers; 9th, E., fine. Tree and Meadow Pipits, great many, and two A. Richardi seen; 15th, forenoon, Richard's Pipit, some, once seven together, none shot; late in afternoon. Meadow Pipits, great flights. Tree Pipits less; 16th, Tawny Pipit (A. campestris), two; 27th, Meadow Pipits, a few. Oct. 6th, Meadow Pipits with Larks in great flights passing overhead. At Coquet L.H., October, 9 a.m., half a score Titlarks. At Spurn, Sept. 6th, migrating with Swallows, but in separate flocks, bents full of Titlarks arriving from sea, came from N.E., wind W. At Leman and Ower L.V., Sept. 13th, Titlarks, numbers on board, fifteen caught. At Swin Middle L.V., Aug. 29th, 6 p.m., two Titlarks and six species of small birds on board, left for W. At Casquets L.H., Aug. 18th, 2 a.m., about fifty struck. Sept. 6th, midnight to 3 a.m., twenty struck. Rock Pipit (A. obscurus), Sept. 28th, first seen on Lincolnshire coast; Sept. 22nd, on Norfolk coast.

Shore Lark, Otocorys alpestris.—At Heligoland, Oct. 4th, about twenty; 5th and 6th, some; 17th, twenty to forty; 19th, great many; 20th, flights from twenty to one hundred; 21st, great many; 23rd, still larger flights; 26th, a few. Also great numbers in November and up to Dec. 18th; on Nov. 15th, thousands, in flights of hundreds. On the English coast the occurrences of the Shore Lark have been numerous. At Farne Islands, one shot in the autumn. At Scarborough, Mr. Roberts states that since the severe weather in January, 1881, Shore Larks in small flocks have visited the coast, and several have been shot and taken to him. At Spurn, Dec. 12th, flock of thirteen seen. My informant, who is well acquainted with the bird, says, "resting apparently as I was within six yards of them." At Skegness, Lincolnshire coast, last week in October, eight shot. Near Bedford, Oct. 28th, several seen, two shot ('Field,' Nov. 6, 1880). On Norfolk coast a flock at Blakeney, which remained near the place for two months, and others near Yarmouth. At Dover two procured in December.

Sky Lark, Alauda arvensis.—The entrances of the migration of the Sky Lark at the East Coast stations are far too numerous to note separately. In many cases they occupy a large portion of the returned schedules, and individually far outnumber any other species. At Heligoland the migration commenced Sept. 25th, already great many overhead; 27th, 9 to 10 p.m., passing. Oct. 5th, morning, great many; 6th, afternoon, great flights overhead; 19th, late in forenoon, great flights passing on; 20th, with Starlings, hundreds of thousands passing overhead and over the sea; 21st, same; 27th considerable passage in the night; 28th, many thousands over the sea; and after this in flights through November and December. On our East Coast they are noticed at thirty-one of the stations making returns, from the Farne Islands to the Casquets, Alderney. At Farne Island L.H., Sept. 30th to Oct. 31st. At Coquet L.H., Dec. 19th. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Sept. 25th to Nov. 21st. On Oct. 24th, all day, "great rush." Nov. 21st, "second rush." At Teesmouth, Oct. 6th to 30th. At Whitby L.H., Oct. 14th to Nov. 23rd. At Flamborough in October. At Spurn L.H., Sept. 15th to Jan. 13th. At Spurn L.V., Oct. 6th to 27th—from 9th to 15th every day continuous. At Great Cotes, September, last week, every day and on to Nov. 4th. At Outer Dowsing L.V., Oct. 13th to Dec. 6th; "great rush," Oct. 13th to end of month; "second rush," Nov. 12th. At Inner Dowsing L.V., Oct. 27th to Jan. 4th. At Dudgeon L.V., Oct. 4th to Dec. 15th; "great rush," Oct. 17th and 20th, and night of 27th. At Lynn Well L.V., Oct. 5th to 23rd, on seven days great numbers; 11th, 12th and 13th, continuous during day ("great rush"); after this, from Oct. 23rd to Jan. 3rd, in less numbers. On Jan. 1st, 2nd and 3rd, with Knot; sixteen Larks and fifteen Knots killed against lantern. At Hunstanton L.H., Oct. 8th, great many. At Cromer L.H., Sept. 20th to Jan. 2nd, eleven struck and killed. At Leman and Ower L.V., Sept. 28th to Oct. 27th, on eleven days, day and night; Oct. 23rd, 26th and 27th, "great rush." At Hasbro' L.V., Sept. 1st to Oct. 22nd. At Hasbro' L.H., Sept. 13th to Dec. 27th, thirty killed. At Newarp L.V., Sept. 24th to Oct. 17th. At Cockle L.V., Sept. 27th to Oct. 22nd; Oct. 11th and 22nd, continuous. At Corton L.V., Oct. 7th to Nov. 7th; Oct. 22nd, continuous. At Galloper L.V., Oct. 9th to Nov. 11th, on seventeen days in large flocks, up to five hundred in a flock; Oct. 31st, 11 p.m., half a gale, thirty killed; Nov. 2nd, 10 p.m. to sunrise, about same number, and many on night of 6th, with other birds. At Kentish Knock L.V., only on Oct. 17th. At Shipwash L.V., Sept. 18th, Oct. 4th and 8th, Nov. 22nd; all day, continuous on Oct. 4th. At Swin Middle L.V., Oct. 21st to Jan. 12th. At Tongue L.V., Sept. 27th to Oct. 30th; "rush," Oct. 22nd. On Sept. 27th, hazy, fifty in ship round lantern at 11 p.m.; when stars came out they left. At Goodwin L.V., Sept. 27th to Nov. 7th. At Gull L.V., Oct. 18th to Nov. 2nd. At South-sand Head L.V., Aug. 27th to Nov. 9th. At East Goodwin L.V., Oct. 8th to Jan. 12th. Enormous numbers crossed at these four Goodwin Stations. At Casquets L.H., Oct. 2nd, 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., sixty killed.

The migration of the Lark was carried on all hours of day and night in all weathers from Aug. 27th to Jan. 12th. The "great rush" took place during the last fortnight in October, more crossing probably on the 22nd than any other day, and at Heligoland on 20th and 21st. A "second rush" a month later, on or about Nov. 21st, and a "third rush" on the outbreak of severe weather in the second week in January this year. General line of direction E. to W., sometimes N.E. to S.W., but generally, like the majority of immigrants this season, with a strong trend from points south of east. It is remarkable, as shown by the returns, how frequently Larks are associated in migration with Starlings, either in separate flocks or together; in fact, the two species seem to be inseparable. In a large majority of instances these two meadow-feeders are associated as if impelled to migrate by a common cause.

Wood Lark, Alauda arborea.—At Heligoland, Sept. 28th, four.

Snow Bunting, Plectrophanes nivalis.—At Heligoland, Sept. 17th, a few first arrivals; Oct. 20th, great many; 20th and 26th, a few; Nov. 20th, still great numbers, but very few old birds. At Farne Inner L.H., Oct. 28th to Dec. 20th; "rush," Nov. 16th, and again Dec. 20th. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., from Nov. 7th to the end of month, nearly on every day, immense numbers passed; all came from N., and were going S.W. At Flamborough, Oct. 8th, first seen; Jan. 13th, great many flocks. At Spurn L.H., third week in October, a few; 29th, many, after great gale from E. and N.E. At Great Cotes, early in November,—1st to 5th,—many; 24th, enormous flocks. At Yarmouth, middle of October. At Harwich, Oct. 30th, many in Orwell river; Nov. 4th, first flock seen near Dovercourt (Zool., 1881, p. 26). None are recorded from stations south of Harwich. The flocks consisted mainly of the young of the year and old females; very few old male birds. The immigration of Snow Buntings on to the north-easterly coasts in four distinct rushes, viz., at the end of October, in November, December, and January, has been attended with corresponding depressions of the barometer and outbursts of Arctic weather, viz., the great gale E. to N.E., Oct. 28th, with heavy snow in Scotland; Nov. 18th to 20th, sharp frosts and heavy snow-storms; Dec. 14th and 15th, the same; and Jan. 11th and 12th, same. Mr. Gätke has observed for some years a very marked decrease in the number of Snow Buntings crossing Heligoland. There has been a very great increase in the number arriving on our east coast for the last six or seven winters, and it is probable that, like the Shore Lark and other Arctic birds, the line of migration now runs further to the west than formerly.

Other Emberizinæ occurred as follows:—At Heligoland, Oct. 11th, Ortolan Bunting, Emberiza hortulana, many young; 24th, same; Sept. 1st, pretty large numbers; 8th and 9th, many; 15th, great many in potato-lands; 29th, Reed Bunting, E. schœniclus, many; Oct. 4th, great many; 6th, same; 8th, great many; 11th, same. Yellow Bunting, E. citrinella, 28th, many; and same and Corn Buntings up to Nov. 20th, few old birds. Little Bunting, E. pusilla, Sept. 26th, one; 30th, one; Oct. 11th, one. On the east coast of England, at Great Cotes, Sept. 30th, E. schœniclus, many. At Spurn, Oct. 26th, a few seen. At South-sand Head L.V., Aug. 29th, four to south.

Chaffinch, Fringilla cœlebs.—At Heligoland, Sept. 17th, great many beginning to pass; 25th, enormous numbers passing on high overhead in a westerly direction; 26th, hundreds of thousands high overhead; 27th, some; 28th, thousands so high overhead that they cannot be seen, only their call-notes heard, all day long; Oct. 6th, 7th, and 8th, great many; 11th, same; 27th, still many passing. Great numbers have also arrived on the east coast; they are noticed at fourteen stations, from the Farne Islands to the Goodwins. At Farne Inner L.H., Sept. 1st, 2 a.m., one killed against glass, S.W., misty. At Whitby L.H., Sept. 27th, "Finches," "great rush," with many other species. At Great Cotes, Oct. 13th, very large flocks of females and young of the year about this date. At Dudgeon L.V., Oct. 16th, one male caught on deck; 28th, same; Dec. 5th, one same, going W. At Lynn Well L.V., Oct. 5th and 23rd, many S.E. to N.W.; 25th, in smaller flocks to N.W. At Northrepps, Oct. 13th, Mr. J. H. Gurney saw a huge flock in a stubble-field on the cliff, which he thinks must have come in from the sea. At Leman and Ower L.V., Oct. 19th, 8 to 12 p.m., o.m., six caught on deck. At Newarp L.V., 2 to 3 p.m., Oct. 6th, 14th, and 18th, each day to S.W. At Cockle L.V., Oct. 6th, two on board caught. At Corton L.V., 7 p.m., several males alighted on deck; 15th, 6 p.m., one male caught. At Galloper L.V., Oct. 9th to Nov. 6th, on several days, sometimes with Larks, twelve Larks, nine Chaffinches killed night of Oct. 9th, o.m., heavy rain. At Kentish Knock L.V., Oct. 7th, two at sunrise to S.W.; 15th, two, male and female, caught; 17th, W.S.W., three or four hundred very high to S.W. At Swin Middle L.V. Sept. 18th, sunrise to 10 a.m., Chaffinches with Linnets to W. At Gull L.V., Sept. 28th, 9 to 11 a.m., continuous flocks of Linnets, Starlings, Chaffinches, and Mountain Sparrows to W., many of each on deck. The main immigration of the Chaffinch was from the middle of September to end of October, the bulk of the immigrants crossing south of Yarmouth. The "great rush" on or about Oct. 13th.

Brambling, Fringilla montifringilla.—At Heligoland, Sept. 25th, many; 27th, some; Oct. 8th, great many; and on 27th, still more, and also good many throughout November. On the English coast few have been observed. At Flamborough, Jan. 13th, some large flocks. At Leman and Ower L.V., Oct. 6th, one male caught.

Tree Sparrow, Passer montanus.—None are recorded as passing Heligoland. On our east coast they were observed at eleven stations, but none are recorded north of Spurn. In North-east Lincolnshire, Oct. 13th, very large flocks were seen about this date. At Dudgeon L.V., Oct. 5th, "Sparrows" to W. At Newarp L.V., Oct. 25th, six going W. by N. At Corton L.V., Oct. 7th, several alighted on ship for a short time, going E. to W. At Kentish Knock L.V., Oct. 9th, seven on board till squall had passed. At Shipwash L.V., Nov. 28th, flocks to N.N.W. At Tongue L.V., Sept. 28th, 11 a.m., o.m., about one hundred Sparrows on masthead; Oct. 24th, twenty to W. at noon. At North Foreland L.H., from October to third week in December, hundreds "mixed" were seen. At Goodwin L.V., Sept. 28th to Nov. 5th, on five days, often with Larks to W. At Gull L.V., Sept. 28th, continuous with other birds from 9 to 11 a.m. to W.; Oct. 16th, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., continuous to W. At East Goodwin L.V., Sept. 25th, Oct. 9th, and 11th, flocks flying about ship; 17th, flock from N.W. to S.E.; Jan. 8th, about one hundred from W. to E. towards French coast. From Sept. 25th to Nov. 28th, the majority passing across at the most southern stations the four lightships on the Goodwin Sands. It is possible that some of the entries of "Sparrows," where not distinctly specified, may refer to the Common Sparrow, which is now recognised as a regular immigrant.

House Sparrow, Passer domesticus.—At Heligoland, Mr. Gätke says, "Up towards the end of July all young Sparrows disappeared from the island," and "up to middle of September nearly all old Sparrows had also quitted the island." Oct. 10th, "Sparrows latterly influx," from which it appears that the local Sparrows leave, the young first, then the old, and their place is taken by a fresh arrival. At Spurn, last week in Nov., Mr. Hewetson saw an immense flock—hundreds upon hundreds—on the shore, evidently quite fresh arrivals; amongst them was a Reed Bunting. At Outer Dowsing L.V., Sept. 26th, 5 p.m., twenty House Sparrows came on board, travelling from S.E. to N.W.; and on Oct. 2nd, at 4 p.m., eight going E.S.E. to W. At Kentish Knock L.V., Oct. 10th, one Common Sparrow; and on 12th, two, till squall had passed, then to S.W. At Casquets L.H., Alderney, Oct. 13th to 17th, at midnight, Common Sparrows with Thrushes, Blackbirds, Starlings, and Wood Pigeons, to English coast.

Greenfinch, Coccothraustes chloris.—At Heligoland, Oct. 27th, many; Nov. 20th, great many. At Corton L.V., Oct. 31st, one, a male, caught.

Goldfinch, Carduelis elegans.—At Heligoland, Oct. 27th, some; also through November and December; on Dec. 17th, great many. At Great Cotes, some small flocks in North-east Lincolnshire in October and November, more than have been seen for many years. On Suffolk coast, mouth of Deben, Nov. 1st, seven.

Siskin, Carduelis spinus.—At Heligoland, Sept. 16th, a.m., "flights in my garden of (say) fifty; p.m., flights of hundreds"; 17th, "hundreds of thousands"—"flights like clouds"; 25th, many; Oct. 7th, great many; 27th, many still passing; Nov. 4th, W., still some flights. On English coast of Spurn, Oct. 27th, small flock seen. At Northrepps, Sept. 16th, seen by Mr. J. H. Gurney. Have also been reported as more plentiful than usual in other parts of country.

Lesser Redpole, Linota rufescens.—In Lincolnshire there were very considerable numbers in our east coast marshes early in October; in one instance, on the 7th, I saw a flock of two hundred in a stubble-field near the coast. At Spurn, Oct. 28th, Mr. Wm. Eagle Clarke saw a flock near Kilnsea.

Linnet, Linota cannabina.—At Heligoland, Oct. 4th, great many, first comers; 6th, some; 28th, with Twites, great many. On the English coast, Whitby L.V., Sept. 27th, with many others. At Corton L.V., Oct. 5th, one E. to W. At Swin Middle L.V., Sept. 18th, sunrise to 10 a.m., with Chaffinches to W.; and on previous day, Sept. 17th, all day to N.N.W. with Swallows. At Gull L.V., Sept. 26th to Oct. 25th, on six days with other birds to W. and S.W.; continuous all day on Oct. 24th and 25th. At South-sand Head L.V., Oct. 18th and 21st, Linnets with others all day; 26th, all day with others to W. and N.W. Immense numbers appear to have crossed from Oct. 1st to 26th at the stations off the Essex and Kent coasts; none, or very few only, at stations north of this.

Twite, Linota flavirostris.—Is not recorded on the English coast. At Heligoland, Oct. 16th, many passed, first comers; and on 17th, great many; 20th, great many; and on 25th, 26th, and 27th, lesser flights; 28th, many with Linnets.

Bullfinch, Pyrrhula europæa.—At Heligoland, Oct. 7th, one, young; 8th, one, young, in garden; 10th, some; 11th, a few; 19th, some; 25th, a few; and through November and December in small parties of ten to twelve; have not been seen on the island for ever so many years. At Spurn, some were seen last week in November; and during the last fortnight in the same month, many in North-east Lincolnshire. Mr. J. H. Gurney, writing from Reigate, Jan. 4th, 1881, says, "There are more Bullfinches in this part of Surrey than I think I ever saw." Extraordinary numbers were seen in Mayo and Sligo, Ireland, in the last autumn and winter (See 'Zoologist,' 1881, p. 133).

Crossbill, Loxia curvirostra.—At Heligoland, Oct. 7th, one young bird.

Starling, Sturnus vulgaris.—Next to the Lark, this species undoubtedly takes the second rank numerically amongst the migrants. The young birds crossed Heligoland in large numbers from June 15th to July 5th. The old birds beginning to move about Sept. 11th, and from that time to Oct. 27th, enormous numbers passed. On the English coast they are recorded at twenty-five stations, from the Longstone to the Hanois L.H., Guernsey. At Longstone L.H., Nov. 19th, large flocks to W. At Farne Inner L.H., Sept. 30th, to Nov. 13th (Oct. 15th, rush), when they passed all day westward. At Coquet L.H., Oct. 1st and 11th. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Nov. 27th, large flocks from S.E. to N.W. At Whitby L.H., July 23rd, one hundred young birds to S. At Flamborough L.H., great numbers in November. At Spurn L.H., Oct. 14th to Nov. 27th, Oct. 23rd and 24th, and Nov. 27th to 30th, all day from N. to S. At Spurn L.V., Oct. 17th, thirty came on board; 27th, Starlings and Larks; two dozen caught going S. At Inner Dowsing L.V., Jan. 4th, one dead on deck at sunrise. At Hunstanton L.H., Oct. 8th, 4 a.m., o.m., rain, E., hundreds with Larks round light, fifteen killed. At Cromer L.H., Jan. 3rd, 1881, 3 a.m., one killed. At Leman and Ower L.V., Sept. 28th and 29th, and Oct. 19th, during night; At Hasboro' L.H., Sept. 13th and 14th, 11 p.m. to midnight, with Larks, twenty stunned, young birds; 27th, midnight, four killed, young; Dec. 27th, midnight, with Larks and Blackbirds. At Newarp L.V., Oct. 13th to 25th, on three days to W. At Corton L.V., Sept. 27th, Oct. 4th, and Nov. 17th, E. to W. At Galloper L.V., Oct. 13th to Nov. 11th, nearly every day large flocks going N.W., day and night, sometimes alone, at others with Larks and small birds. At Kentish Knock L.V., Oct. 8th, 10th, and 13th, to W.S.W., with Larks and many other birds. At Shipwash L.V., Sept. 21st to Nov. 23rd, on several days, sometimes with Larks N. and N.W. At Swin Middle L.V., Aug. 28th, flocks to W. with other birds; and Oct. 30th, to W. with Larks. At South-sand Head L.V., Oct. 10th, continuous with others; also on 17th, 18th, 22nd, and 26th, to W. At East Goodwin L.V., Sept. 24th and 25th, hazy, flocks about ship with Sparrows on 25th; Oct. 16th, hundreds E. to W. At Casquets L.H., Oct. 13th to 17th, midnight, rain. Starlings amongst other birds to N.W. At Hanois L.H., Guernsey, Aug. 14th, night, with many others; Dec. 2nd, midnight, o.m., half a dozen struck. The young migrate first; the old in October and November. Have crossed in the greatest number at the more southern stations, travelling all hours of the day and night in westerly and north-westerly directions; constantly associated with Larks in their migrations. The majority crossed from Oct. 19th to 26th. Again there was a "second rush" near the end of November, and a third the second week in January, before the outbreak of severe weather.

Rose-coloured Starling, Pastor roseus.—At Heligoland, Sept. 17th, one, a young bird, occurred.

Grey Crow, Corvus cornix.—At Heligoland, Sept. 24th, commencing with flocks of thirty to forty, and passing at intervals to end of October, sometimes in immense numbers; Oct. 7th, towards evening an enormous flight, during night fifty caught by lanterns; and after this passing in smaller numbers to Nov. 2nd. On the English coast they were noticed at seventeen stations, extending from the Farne Islands to the mouth of the Thames. At Farne Inner L.H., Oct. 21st to Nov. 20th, to W. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Sept. 10th, two E. to W.; Oct. 12th, great many E.S.E. to W.N.W. At Teesmouth, Sept. 25th, two seen; Oct. 16th and 20th, many. At Whitby L.H., Oct. 24th and 26th, with Blackbirds at daylight. At Flamborough L.H., Oct. 8th, enormous numbers seen. At Spurn, Oct. 12th to Nov. 9th, great many. At Great Cotes, Oct. 9th, 5.30 p.m., gale from N.E., large flock came in, travelling from E. to W., very high. At Lynn Well, L.V., Oct. 10th to 14th, continuous every day from S. to N.W.; again 22nd and 23rd, all day S.E. to N.W. At Hunstanton L.H., Oct. 10th, 11th, and 12th, many E. to W., wind E.N.E. At Northrepps, Oct. 13th, many to N.W. At Leman and Ower L.V., Oct. 21st, 5 p.m., to N.W. At Cockle L.V., Oct. 11th, continuous to W.N.W., and E.N.E. At Corton L.V., Oct. 10th, very high, E. to W., wind E.N.E.; 11th, continuous 9 a.m. to noon. At mouth of Deben, Oct. 29th to Nov. 1st, in numbers. At Galloper L.V., Oct. 24th to Nov. 9th, many flocks. At Shipwash L.V., Oct. 12th, 30th, and Nov. 3rd, flocks N.W. and N.N.W. At Swin Middle L.V., Oct. 22nd, noon to 3 p.m., with Rooks. At South-sand Head L.V., Sept. 16th, ten "Crows" to N.W.—may have been Corvus corone; Nov. 4th, two hundred Crows to N.W. The majority of the Hooded Crows arrived from Oct. 8th to 23rd, the greatest number on any given day probably on the 11th. The main body passed on to the east coast between Flamborough and Yarmouth, with northerly and easterly winds, and travelling from E. to W., N.E. to S.W., and S.E. and S. to N.W.

Rook, Corvus frugilegus.—Enormous as have been the number of Crows crossing the North Sea the Rook has probably quite equalled them. None were noticed at Heligoland, or indeed at any station north of the Humber; but from Spurn to the Southsand Head they are recorded at sixteen stations, from Oct. 10th to Nov. 12th, the greatest number crossing undoubtedly on Oct. 21st, and the majority during the autumn at the more southern stations. Comparing the immigration of the Grey Crow with the Rook we find that the former crossed more to the north than the latter did. Thus Grey Crows are recorded from the Farnes to the mouth of the Thames: the majority into Holderness, Lincolnshire and Norfolk; the Rooks from Spurn to the South Foreland, the majority into the southern counties. Each, however, came from, and travelled to, the same points of the compass—E. to W., or N.E. to S.W., or S.E. and S. to S.W.

Daw, Corvus monedula.—At Great Cotes, Oct. 19th, several, with Rooks, coming in from the sea. At Northrepps, Oct. 14th, going N.W. At Galloper L.V., Oct. 17th, 7.45 a.m., Rooks and Daws, three to four hundred.

Jay, Garrulus glandarius.—Nil Return. There was, however, a considerable influx into North-east Lincolnshire on or about the last week in October.

Pie, Pica rustica.—At Northrepps, Oct. 17th, Mr. J. H. Gurney observed two high up, going E.

Swallow, Hirundo rustica.—At Heligoland, Sept. 16th, passing S. At Farne Inner L.H., Oct. 1st, several all day. At Coquet L.H., July 10th, numbers; Sept. 20th, 6 p.m., four. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., July 27th, 6 to 7.30 p.m., wind S.W., moderate, six large flocks, fifty to sixty each, north to south; Sept. 15th, 4 p.m., large flocks to S. At Whitby L.H., Sept. 22nd, 4 p.m., last seen going S. At Flamborough L.H., Sept. 17th, midday, great many. At Spurn L.H., Sept. 6th, all day young Swallows passing along Spurn promontory towards S., each flock followed by Pipits. At Hunstanton L.V., Sept. 28th, large flock on lighthouse. At Leman and Ower L.V., July 29th, 6 a.m., numbers passed, some alighting on board, one struck and killed. At Hasboro' L.H., Sept. 1st, 2 a.m., fog, flock, several caught as they beat against lantern. At Winterton L.H., Sept. 3rd to 9th, round lantern every day. At Swin Middle L.V., Sept. 15th, all day to N.W.; 17th, with Linnets all day to N.N.W.; 18th, sunrise to 9 a.m., two hundred to W. At North Foreland L.H., July 28th, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., passing; 29th, six passed; Swallows also in numbers from five to forty were seen flying round lantern during the last week in September. At South-sand Head L.V., Sept. 23rd, twelve to W, At Casquets L.H., Oct. 7th, from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., S.S.E., rain. Swallows, Landrails, Water Rails, Woodcocks, King Ouzels, and Common Thrushes were seen round light; amongst the birds striking the glass were one hundred Swallows. At Hanois L.H., Guernsey, Sept. 30th, a flight passed south. Swallows were noticed migrating at fifteen stations on the east coast and in the Channel from July 10th, at Coquet Island, to Oct. 7th, at the Casquets, the greater part in September. Migrate both by day and night, and in very considerable flocks; general direction north to south, but at Swin Middle L.V., S.E. to N.W. Swallows remained very late in the autumn of the past year in some localities. In North-east Lincolnshire, Nov. 9th, a pair seen. In Essex, Nov. 4th. In 'The Zoologist' for 1881, p. 62, the editor records the late stay of the Swallow at eight stations, all southern ones except Dublin, from Nov. 22nd to Dec. 11th. It is rather remarkable that, in North-east Germany, Swallows are recorded in the German newspapers as taking their departure nearly a month before the average time.

Martin, Chelidon urbica.—At Heligoland, Sept. 1st, with Swifts passing on overhead, N.W., clear, little wind, warm. At Outer Dowsing L.V., Sept. 21st, sunset, two flying round lantern. At mouth of Deben, Nov. 1st, many Martins and Sand Martins seen. At South-sand Head L.V., Sept. 1st, twelve to S. One was seen at Henley-on-Thames on Dec. 18th (Zool., 1881, p. 62).

Swift, Cypselus apus.—At Heligoland, June 1st, some passing; Sept. 1st, passing on overhead; 16th, great many. At Whitby L.H., Sept. 16th, 4 p.m., flock to S. At Spurn L.H., Aug. 27th, 6.30 a.m., great number to S.; Sept. 6th, again migrating; on June 7th, at 7 p.m., fifty were seen perched on gallery of lighthouse. At Cockle L.V., July 11th, two to N.W. Very few have been observed in comparison with the enormous flight which passed up the coast in the autumn of 1879.

Nightjar, Caprimulgus europæus.—At Hasborough L.V., Sept. 24th, 10 p.m., one killed against lantern. Occurs every year at Spurn in the autumn as a migrant.

Cuckoo, Cuculus canorus.—At Heligoland, June 3rd, one old bird. At Whitby L.H., July 4th, one caught, a young bird. At Spurn, Sept. 7th, one seen, young. At Cromer L.H., July 28th, midnight, stunned.

Wryneck, Jynx torquilla.—At Heligoland, Aug. 13th, one young bird.

Hoopoe, Upupa epops.—One recorded in the 'Field' of Nov. 6th as shot at Redcar, middle of September. At Bridlington, Sept. 15th, one. At Holt, Norfolk, Sept. 22nd, one, a male, in a turnip-field. At Woodham Mortimer, Essex, one shot Sept. 20th. At Crofton, near Wakefield, Oct. 29th, one shot and another seen.

Bee-eater, Merops apiaster.—At Tetney Haven, seven miles S. of Grimsby, one on Aug. 16th (Zool., 1880, p. 511).

Great Spotted Woodpecker, Picus major.—At Spurn, Oct. 27th, one shot, a few red feathers on the crown of the head, and in an advanced state of moult. At Great Cotes, Dec. 8th, one.

King Dove or Wood Pigeon, Columba palumbus.—At Heligoland, Sept. 25th, twenty to thirty. At Tongue L.V., Dec. 30th, 2.30 p.m., nine "Pigeons" going N. At Casquets L.H., Oct. 13th to 17th, midnight, Wood Pigeons from French to English coast going N.W.

Turtle Dove, Turtur communis.—At Flamborough, first week in October, one. At Great Cotes, Oct. 8th, N.E. gale and rain, one seen. At Casquets, Sept. 7th, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., fifteen striking.

Golden Plover, Charadrius pluvialis.—At Heligoland, July 3rd, E., passing over day and night in great numbers; 4th, about twenty young birds; 23rd and 24th, young birds; Aug. 10th, flights of hundreds, all young; 12th and 13th, northerly, fine, many high overhead; Sept. 3rd, great number of waders during night; 8th and 9th, great many; 16th, a.m., flights of dozens, p.m. flights of hundreds; Oct. 28th, many thousands over sea. At Farne Inner L.H., Aug. 12th to 28th, flocks to and from land every day; Nov. 23rd and 24th, all day. At Coquet Island L.H., Nov. 21st and Dec. 10th, all day. At Teesmouth, Sept. 25th, twenty seen. At Spurn L.H., Sept. 5th, flocks "Plover" N. to S. during day. At Great Cotes, Dec. 9th, immense flights, old birds. At Dudgeon L.V., Aug. 7th, 3 a.m. to midnight, in small parties, general direction W.; 25th, some; Oct. 28th, about one hundred to W. None at southern stations.[8] The young birds of the year migrate across Heligoland as early as the first week in July, and so on into August. The old birds later and in separate flocks. The migration of old birds as seen at Spurn going towards the north is exceptional, the rule on the east coast being a few old black-breasted birds in August and September, often with Lapwings, then flocks of young birds, and later in November the "great rush" of old birds.

[8] My friend Major Seddon, of Waltham, informs me that, when at Spurn with his yacht, on the night of Aug. 22nd, he saw thousands of Golden Plover passing north along the sea-shore in detached flocks, flying in lines and arrow-heads; he was near enough to see that the upper parts were speckled with the "golden drop," and the under parts mottled black and white, as if changing from the summer to the winter dress.

Grey Plover, Squatarola helvetica.—At Heligoland, June 15th, 16th, and 17th, repeatedly; not mentioned afterwards in report. At Spurn L.H., July 25th, three on the muds; Aug. 29th, two. On Essex coast, Aug. 14th, Major Russell saw a flock or two, all having black breasts. The young arrive in August and September; old birds later in October and November; a few old birds having black or mottled breasts are often seen in July or early in August. Some birds of the previous year, or in their second summer, sometimes remain on the coast during the summer.

Lapwing, Vanellus vulgaris.—At Heligoland, July 3rd, with many others high overhead, day and night; 4th, in astounding numbers with Curlews. At Farne Inner L.H., Aug. 12th to 28th, with Golden Plovers to and from land daily. At Coquet Island L.H., Nov. 16th to Dec. 30th, on several days; "rush," Nov. 21st and Dec. 10th. At Spurn L.H., Sept. 5th, flocks N. to S. during day. At Great Cotes, Oct. 20th, gale from N., flocks E. to W. At Outer Dowsing L.V., June 21st, two came on board; left at 9 a.m. for W. At Dudgeon L.V., Aug. 7th, 3 a.m. to midnight, "Plovers," small parties, general direction W. At Lynn Well L.V., Nov. 7th and 23rd, Dec. 20th and 29th, S.E. to N.W. At Hasboro' L.H., Nov. 15th, Gulls and Plovers to S.; Dec. 17th, "Plovers" to S. At Cockle L.V., July 10th, two Lapwings to N.W. At Galloper L.V., Oct. 28th, 9.20 a.m., thirty "Pewit" to N.W. At Swin Middle L.V., Sept. 20th, "six birds like Crows."[9] At Casquets L.H., Oct. 7th, 12 p.m., flock to N.W. Appear to have crossed at irregular times, and at some stations in considerable numbers; from July 3rd, at Heligoland, to the end of December, at Lynn Well and Coquet Island.

[9] To which my correspondent quaintly adds in a note, "the six birds like Crows which passed on the 20th, cried 'pee-weet' as they passed."

Dotterel, Eudromias morinellus.—At Heligoland, July 24th, one shot. At Teesmouth, a dozen seen about middle of September. Very rarely observed at British stations during the autumn migration.

Ringed Plover, Ægialitis hiaticula,—At Heligoland, July 1st, great many with Redshanks the whole day passing on high overhead; 3rd, same, day and night; 5th, same. At Swin Middle L.V., very large flocks of "Ox-birds"[10] passed, going N.W., in October, November, December, and January.

[10] Dunlin ?

Oystercatcher, Hæmatopus ostralegus.—At Coquet L.H., Aug. 16th, N.E., great numbers all day. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Aug. 16th, flock of "Mussel-crackers." At Hunstanton L.H., from Aug. 2nd for several weeks, large flocks of Oystercatchers and Curlews passing S.W. at ebb, returning E. at flood.

Dusky Redshank, Totanus fascus.—At Heligoland, June 15th, 16th, and 17th, repeatedly. Redshank, T. calidris, July 1st, great many whole day passing high overhead, and on 3rd, day and night, with many others; 5th, also many; Aug. 10th, one Dusky Redshank, a young bird; shot; Sept. 3rd, night, great many Totani and Tringæ; Sept. 8th, great many also.

Knot, Tringa canutus.—At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Sept. 10th, first seen. At Teesmouth, July 30th, ten or twelve old birds. At Spurn, July 24th, one, an old male, in somewhat faded plumage, killed against telegraph-wire. At Great Cotes, Aug. 16th, large flocks of young birds in the Humber; November, first week, old birds. At Lynn Well L.V., Jan. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd (1881), 9 p.m. to midnight. Knots with Larks, fifteen killed.

Curlew Sandpiper, Tringa subarquata.—At Heligoland, July 4th, some few.

Purple Sandpiper, Tringa striata.—Several in October and November at Spurn, also on Lincolnshire and Norfolk coasts.

Temminck's Stint, Tringa Temmincki.—Sept. 29th, seen on North Norfolk coast.

Sanderling, Calidris arenaria At Spurn, Aug. 16th, in small flocks, young birds. In September and October, first fortnight very numerous, afterwards less.

Grey Phalarope, Phalaropus fulicarius,—On Lincolnshire coast, Oct. 21st, one, a female. At Harwich river, Nov. 17th, one seen.

Woodcock, Scolopax ruisticula.—At Heligoland, Sept. 25th, six to eight shot; 29th, some; Oct. 15th, six to eight; 16th, afternoon, about twenty shot; 21st, N.E. and N.N.E., stormy, some with Blackbirds; 22nd, S.W., squally, very great many flying about, seventy to eighty shot; Nov. 9th, S.W., one dozen shot during day; 19th, still some. At Farne Inner L.H., Oct. 20th to 29th, N. or E., on six days, one or two; Dec. 27th, one. At Coquet Island L.H., Oct. 30th, 7 a.m., one; Nov. 10th, 3 a.m., N.W., one killed; 16th, 9 a.m., two. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Oct. 13th, 22nd, and 26th, 9 to 11 a.m. one or two each day going E. to W. At Teesmouth, Oct. 5th, 6th, 19th, and 20th, one each day. At Flamborough L.H., Sept. 2nd, one seen near lighthouse; Oct. 19th, great flight, twenty shot, "small and very dark-coloured birds." At Spurn L.H., Oct. 5th, two; 19th to 22nd, upwards of one hundred shot near Spurn; 27th, five seen. On Lincolnshire coast, Oct. 19th, near Skegness, forty-three shot, seventy altogether during week. At Outer Dowsing L.V., Nov., 23rd, N.W., 2 p.m., three from E. to W.; Dec. 6th, 2 p.m., two, same direction. At Inner Dowsing L.V., Oct. 29th, one dead on deck at sunrise. At Lynn Well L.V., Oct. 28th, one with a Lapwing killed at midnight. Near Cromer, Oct. 19th, great flight, twenty shot in neighbourhood. At Corton L.V., Nov. 9th, noon, five to N. very low. On Essex coast, many seen between Oct. 29th and Nov. 1st; three came on board a smack off mouth of Deben. At Casquets L.H., Oct. 7th, 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., with other birds round lantern. Woodcocks began moving early in September; the "great flight" on to the east coast from Flamborough to Yarmouth was on the night of Oct. 18th or early morning of 19th, north-east gale, with snow in the north, and was followed by other flights on the next two or three days. Over Heligoland the great flight was on the afternoon of Oct. 22nd, with wind S.W., and squally. They were observed at fourteen stations, from the Farne Islands to the Casquets; are reported as scarce north of Flamborough and south of Essex, the main stream evidently coming into Holderness, Lincolnshire, and Norfolk.

Great Snipe, Gallinago major.—At Farne Inner L.H., Nov. 3rd, one on island.

Common Snipe, Gallinago cælestis.—At Farne Inner L.H., Nov. 27th to Dec. 27th, many. At Great Cotes, "great flight" from Oct. 20th to end of month, only remaining a day or two. On Essex coast, Oct. 29th to Nov. 1st, large numbers, but only remaining a few hours.

Jack Snipe, Gallinago gallinula.—At Farne Inner L.H., Nov. 9th, two to N.W.; 18th, two, same. At Great Cotes, Nov. 2nd, first seen. On Norfolk coast, Sept. 30th, one seen; are very scarce on the east coast this winter.

Bar-tailed Godwit, Limosa lapponica.—At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Sept. 17th, flock of twenty. At Teesmouth, Aug. 16th and 23rd, Sept. 1st and 5th, flocks each day. On Essex coast, Aug. 14th, a few of the immature second year birds—probably had remained on the coast all through the summer.

Curlew, Numenius arquata.—At Heligoland, July 4th, "astounding numbers early in the morning"; July 5th, some; Aug. 11th, 12th, and 18th, many passing overhead. At Farne Inner L.H., September, several. At Coquet L.H., July 30th, two seen; 31st, one score, northwards. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Sept. 15th, great many. At Whitby L.H., Aug. 2nd, 11 a.m., flocks going south, "supposed to be young birds." At Flamborough, great numbers last week in August. At Spurn L.H., Sept. 8th, four round lantern going N. to S.; 17th, 3 a.m., with Plover, two Curlews killed. At Hunstanton L.H., large flocks on coast from Aug. 2nd; Oct. 6th, o.m., rain, 7.80 p.m., one struck and caught. At Cromer L.H., Aug. 21st, 11.30 p.m., two struck, stunned. At Hasborough L.H., Oct. 8th, noon to 3 p.m., E., flights going S. At Winterton L.H., June 17th, 11 p.m., one seen going to W., passed close to lantern; Sept. 12th, 10 a.m., a dozen to W. At Kentish Knock L.V., Aug. 6th, one very high to W. At Swin Middle L.V., Aug. 26th to Sept. 17th, on five days at about 3 p.m., going N.W.; Jan. 2nd and 3rd, fog, on both nights, many with other birds round lantern; killed three Curlews, one Duck, thirty-two Larks, two Ox-birds; total, thirty-eight. At North Foreland L.H., July 27th, four to N.W.; Sept. 9th, five to N.N.W.; Dec. 4th, thirty to forty about. At North-sand Head L.V., Aug. 1st, noon, "shoals" E. to W. At South-sand Head L.V., Sept. 3rd, twenty to W.; 27th, twenty or thirty to W. At East Goodwin L.V., Sept. 6th, eight N. to S. The main body migrates in August and early in September; general direction E. to W., or up the coast from N. to S.

Whimbrel, Numenius phæopus.—At Teesmouth, July 4th, several flocks; 21st, eight or nine flocks. At Spurn L.H., July 25th, several. At Great Cotes, passing in July, August, and September, very high to south.

Heron, Ardea cinerea.—At Coquet L.H., July 28th, 5 p.m., one: Aug. 13th, 3 a.m., two; Sept. 4th, 6 a.m., two; Dec. 26th, 9 a.m., one. At Teesmouth, Redcar, Sept. 21st, five; 24th, one; Oct. 23rd, 4 p.m., N.E., mod. gale, two. At Flamborough L.H., June 12th, two. Only at the more northern stations. That some arrive on the east coast in the autumn there can be no doubt; a few years since one was brought in alive to Grimsby, taken at sea on board one of the Hamburg boats.

Water-Rail and Land-Rail, Rallus aquaticus and Crex pratensis.—At Casquets L.H., Oct. 2nd, 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., some killed; Oct. 7th, 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., several with Water Rails, some killed.

Whooper, Cygnus musicus.—At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Oct. 29th, 10.30 a.m., wind strong from N.N.E., six, all white. At Flamborough, during the severe weather early in January, 1881, several flocks came into Bridlington Bay, numbering from six to twenty in a flock. At Spurn, Dec. 31st, two Whoopers, one shot. Several in the Humber during the first half of January. At Inner Dowsing L.V., Jan. 21st, 1 p.m., five N.E. to S.W. At Corton L.V., Jan. 10th, 1881, a flock of about thirty very high to N.W. The severe weather commencing Dec. 30th brought considerable numbers of Wild Swans on to our east coast.

Wild Geese, Anser.—Under this general term numbers of Geese are recorded at east coast stations. At Heligoland, Sept. 6th, great many overhead; Oct. 19th, great flights. Anser brachyrhynchus, Oct. 15th, one young bird shot. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Sept. 15th, flock of fifteen "Grey Geese" N. to S.; 25th, six "Grey Geese" to S. At Teesmouth, Oct. 16th, 7 a.m., flock; 19th, 7 a.m., same. At Flamborough L.H., several flocks "Grey Geese" early in October. At Outer Dowsing L.V., Dec. 2nd, 11 a.m., five Wild Geese N.N.E. to S.W. At Lynn Well L.V., July 3rd, eight Grey Geese E. to W.; Oct. 3rd, twenty to south. At Winterton L.H., June 19th, 7 p.m., fifty flying very low. At Gull L.V., Sept. 21st, forty to S.; Oct. 19th, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., three flocks to S.; 30th, flock of forty to W. At East Goodwin L.V., Nov. 22nd and 23rd, two small flocks E. to W. and N. to S. At Casquets L.H., Sept. 7th, 2 p.m., Geese going W. Migration south in September and October, the main body in the latter month. At Winterton a flock was seen on June 19th, and a small flock at the Lynn Well L.V., July 3rd, which looks very much as if some remained on the English coast throughout the summer, as is the case with the Scoter and many of the Limicolæ, as Grey Plover, Godwit, Knot, and Whimbrel.

Egyptian Goose, Anser ægyptiacus.—At Farne L.H., Nov. 2nd, N.N.E., squally, 10 a.m., two seen flying northward. My informant also says that he shot a pair on the island in October, 1876.

Snow Goose, Chen hyperboreus.—At Heligoland, Dec. 25th, "one on cliff, not shot, no doubt about it."

Brent Goose, Bernicla brenta.—At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Sept. 25th, 11 a.m., first seen; Nov. 21st, flock of sixteen to W. At Spurn, great many in Humber, inside Spurn, in December and January; amongst these there was an unusual number of the white-bellied variety. On Essex coast, Oct. 6th, first heard of; 20th, one hundred or more seen on Buxby Sand.

Anas.—Under the general head of "Wild Duck," immense numbers of Ducks have been observed at various of the east coast stations. At Farne Inner L.H., Nov. 1st, "Mallard" flock to N. At Coquet L.H., Aug. 20th, large flocks all day to S.; Oct. 6th, one Eider; 22nd, N.; Dec. 23rd, N.; 31st, N.W., large flocks all day from N. to S. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Aug. 16th, six Teal; 26th, large flock from N.E.; Sept. 10th, twenty-six Sheldrakes, same day large flock of Widgeon; Oct. 12th to 22nd, immense number of Widgeon; Dec. 16th, large flock of Teal to S.E. At Teesmouth, Oct. 28th, Ducks in endless flocks morn and noon, all kinds, N.E. hurricane, hail, snow, rain. At Flamborough, Jan. 3rd to 7th, both Geese and Ducks to south in great numbers. At Spurn, Nov. 4th, great number of various sorts in Humber; and during the last half of December and in January, enormous flocks of various sorts driven into the river by stress of weather. At Outer Dowsing L.V., July 20th, 28th, and Aug. 10th, about 7 p.m., forty or fifty each day S.E. to N.N.W. At Lynn Well L.V., Sept. 25th, great quantities S.E. to N.W. At Winterton L.H., Aug. 23rd, twenty-one Sheldrakes to E. On Essex coast, Aug. 7th, Widgeon, six young birds seen; 28th, many, wind N.N.W. veering to N.N.E. At Galloper L.V., Nov. 9th, twenty "Smee Ducks"; Widgeon during night, At Kentish Knock L.V., Sept. 29th, calm, "Wild Ducks," flock at midnight N.E. to S.W. At Swin Middle L.V., Aug. 31st to Sept. 20th, on fourteen days "Wild Ducks" all going N.W. or N.N.W.; Sept. 5th, "great rush." At North Foreland, Sept. 25th, twenty to thirty to N. along shore; Oct. 6th, thirty or forty to S.W. At Goodwin L.V., Sept. 27th to Oct. 29th, "Wild Ducks" going E. to W. or N.N.W.; Nov. 4th to 29th, from N.W. to S.E. Migration extending from about the middle of July to the end of October. The greater part arriving in September and October, not only from the north and north-east, but also from S.E. and S.S.E. on to the English coast.

Black Scoter, Œdemia nigra.—The migration of this species appears greatly to have exceeded that of any other Duck. They have been seen in large numbers during the autumn at various stations on the coast and at sea, passing as a rule towards the south. At Teesmouth, Oct. 2nd, two Black Scoters seen. At Lynn Well L.V., Oct. 17th and 24th, large flocks of Scoters all day from S. to N.W. and S.E. to W. The direction in this case caused by birds passing over from North-west Norfolk to Lincolnshire coast. Jan. 1st, one killed against lantern. At Newarp L.V., Sept. 22nd to Oct. 15th, several days, flocks going to S.W. At Cockle L.V., Sept. 27th, 6 to 10 a.m., in large flocks to N.W . At Corton L.V., Nov. 16th, noon, hundreds N. to S.; Dec. 12th to 28th, numerous flocks from N.N.E. to W.S.W. and S.E. to N.W. At Tongue L.V., Dec. 29th, 9 a.m. to noon, several flocks to W. At Gull L.V., July 22nd and 23rd, flocks to S.E.; Aug. 20th to Dec. 3rd, on several days to W.S.W. and S. At South-sand Head L.V., July 21st, two flocks, thirty and fifty to S., and from this to Oct. 16th, frequent flocks going as a rule S. At East Goodwin L.V., July 5th, 6th, 9th, and 10th, first two days, small flocks E. to W.; on the 9th, a thousand or more going N. to S.

Colymbidæ.—At Farne Inner L.H., Sept. 10th, two. Great Northern Diver, Columbus glacialis, Nov. 2nd, six "speckled" about island. At Teesmouth, several Red-throated Divers, Colymbus septentrionalis, early morning. Mr. J. H. Gurney informs me that when Mr. F. D. Power was off Cley, on the Norfolk coast, this autumn, on Oct. 1st, he saw a remarkable flight of Red-throated Divers along coast eastward; they flew forty to fifty yards high, but rarely came near the boat; one shot had a perfect red throat.

Podicipitidæ.—At Hunstanton L.H., Sept. 2nd, 9 p.m., o.m., Little Grebe, Podiceps fluviatilis, struck and caught. At Hasboro' L.H., Dec. 3rd, 2 a.m., fog, Little Grebe killed, being the second in eighteen months. Sclavonian Grebe, Podiceps auritus, one, a female, was shot near Easington, Spurn, on Jan. 11th, 1881, and Great Crested Grebe, P. cristatus, in Whitby Harbour on the 16th of the same month.

Alcidæ.—At Heligoland, Nov. 26th, Common Guillemots in great numbers on the cliff, their breeding quarters; Dec. 10th, early morning, cliffs covered; 13th, thousands, at least half black-bearded.

Cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo.—At Hunstanton L.H., Aug. 24th, eight passing E.

Gannet, Sula bassana.—At Spurn L.V., Oct. 1st to 16th, many to S. At Outer Dowsing L.V., Oct. 27th, 9 a.m., eight to S. At Cockle L.V., Oct. 16th, several; 25th, fifteen to W.; 27th, great numbers. At Corton L.V., Oct. 16th, many to S. At Casquets, Aug. 22nd, and on Dec. 8th, manly to N.N.W. Was seen off the Casquets as early as Aug. 22nd. The main migration appears to have taken place in October, from N. to S. along the east coast.

Sterninæ.—At Heligoland, July, Caspian Tern, Sterna Caspia, frequently seen. At Farne Inner L.H., Aug. 28th, both the Sandwich and Arctic Terns left the islands. At the Longstone L.H., on the extreme outer reef of the Farnes, the Sandwich Tern was seen last on Sept. 8th, and the Arctic Sept. 14th. At Coquet Island L.H., Aug. 14th, N.N.E., great number of Terns all day about island. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Aug. 16th, great numbers this day; 29th, same.

Larinæ.—At Heligoland, the Siberian Herring Gull, Larus affinis, was seen off the rock on June 5th, N.W., strong. Little Gull, Larus minutus, Sept. 5th, enormous numbers on the water. Ivory Gull, Larus eburnea, Nov. 4th, westerly, seen on water. At Farne Inner L.H., Sept. 10th, the Gulls left islands. At Whitby L.H., Sept. 2nd, Gulls had all left, both young and old. At Filey, Ivory Gull, Larus eburnea, a fully mature example, a male, was shot in September; a young bird in the spotted plumage was also obtained in the same month. At Flamborough, Sept. 5th to 6th, Lesser Black-backed Gulls to south all day; wind S.W. by W.; equal proportion of young and old. At Spurn L.V., July 29th and 30th, "Smelt Gulls" all day; Sept. 28th, large numbers of Gulls continuous to south. At Lynn Well L.V., Aug. 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, great quantities all day from S.E. At Yarmouth, Mr. J. H. Gurney, writing Jan. 26th, 1881, says, "A correspondent at Yarmouth had recently twenty-seven Glaucous Gulls in the flesh, seven of which were mature." At Hasboro' L.H., Dec. 18th, 8 p.m., "Little Gull" struck and broke its neck. At Cockle L.V., Oct. 16th, Gulls during day; 27th, same. At Shipwash L.V., Nov. 29th, 10 a.m., large numbers to W. At South-sand Head L.V., July 29th, an unusual number seen.

Stercorariinæ.—At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Aug. 29th, two Skuas passed. At Redcar, Sept. 16th, twenty Richardson's Skuas passed; Oct. 28th, Mr. T. H. Nelson, writing in the 'Field' newspaper for Nov. 6th, 1880, states that, during the night of the storm on Oct. 28th, he saw considerable numbers of the Pomatorhine Skua, amounting to several hundreds, flying close to the esplanade at Redcar, and struggling to make headway against the gale; they consisted almost entirely of mature birds of the white-breasted variety, only three or four being dark birds, but whether immature or adult he could not ascertain. At Spurn L.V., Aug. 1st to Sept. 24th, a few Skuas passed going S.; Oct. 1st to 16th, many passed same direction. At South-sand Head L.V., July 29th, an unusual number of Skuas seen.

Procellariidæ.—At Coquet L.H., July 22nd, 11 p.m., misty, one Petrel caught against glass of lantern, examined and set at liberty. At Redcar, Oct. 28th, two Stormy and one Fulmar Petrels picked up during great gale. At Flamborough, first week in October, Stormy Petrel. At Spurn, Oct. 28th, Stormy Petrels after great gale. At Galloper L.V., Nov. 6th, 2 to 4 p.m., twelve Stormy Petrels about ship. At Gull L.V., Oct. 9th, 2 a.m., N., several struck glass, none killed.

Independent of these very numerous notes on known species, the schedules contain many notices of birds the species of which were either not known or not recognised. At the Hasborough L.H., Oct. 26th, 10 p.m., E., o.m., a great many various small birds; eight killed were Larks and Thrushes. At Swin Middle L.V., Sept. 9th and 12th, flocks of small birds passed all night to N.W. At Hanois L.H., Sept. 8th and 27th, fog and rain, evening to 9 p.m., great rush of small birds of many sorts.

General Remarks.

The report for 1880 compared with that of the previous year shows very similar results, as in 1879 a considerable proportion of the immigrants crossed at the more southern stations, or at the narrowest portion of the North Sea. If we divide the east coast into three divisions, one north-easterly from the Farne Islands to the Humber, mid-east from the Humber to Yarmouth, and south-eastern forward to the South Foreland, we find that in 1879 the main body of migrants passed in the south-eastern division; in 1880 they have been tolerably equally distributed over the mid and south-eastern. During the principal month of migration, October, the wind blew persistently day by day and week by week from northerly and easterly quarters, and to this cause we may fairly attribute the deflection of migrants to the south. In support of this I may quote the letter of Mr. Thos. O. Hall of the Longstone Lighthouse, who, writing under date Feb. 15th, 1881, says:—"The chief flight undoubtedly took place on the 15th and 16th of October, at which time I was on shore. I have been resident on the Farne Islands thirteen years, and during that time never remember seeing so few birds as we have had this autumn. I have remarked that when the flight takes place with the wind at E. or N.E., the body of birds is to the south of us about Whitby and southward."

Notwithstanding the enormous number of immigrants arriving, as shown in our returned schedules from each station, we may be quite certain these returns only represent an almost inappreciable percentage of the actual number on passage. On days of uncertain light or on clear fine starlight nights, when migration is carried on at a considerable height, immense numbers of birds might pass any station for hours without a chance of observation; and it is quite possible that, if the whole three hundred miles of coast were studded with floating posts of observation at the distance of half a mile, equal average results would have been obtained, our present stations on the light-vessels affording no more especial line of advantage than any other imaginary line drawn across the North Sea. Incredible although it may appear, we believe that the vast majority of the immigrants coming to us in the autumn in one broad front from east to west are such as cross with the intention of remaining the winter in some part or other of the British Islands, and naturally take the place of our own resident summer species which have left, or are about leaving us, for the south.

As in 1879 the main line of migration has been a broad stream from east to west, and covering the whole of the English east coast, this is the line mainly followed by the Passeres. Taking this line as a basis, we find birds also occasionally coming from points north of east; but in the vast majority of instances the migration has had a decidedly southerly trend, coming from points south of east, and even direct from the southward. Again, there is in the autumn always a steady stream of migrants which closely follows the coast-line from N. to S., composed of birds either moving from more northerly districts of our islands, or of such immigrants coming from the east as strike the coast in more northern latitudes and then follow it to the south. The great wide E. to W. stream of migration is composed of some few well-known species which regularly come to us in the autumn, the great body undoubtedly remaining to winter; placed in order of rotation according to their numerical superiority or otherwise, we find Alauda arvensis, Sturnus vulgaris, Corvus cornix and frugilegus, the Turdidæ, including two native and two northern species, with sparrows, linnets, and chaffinches compose the bulk of the immigrants. Others, as Ruticilla phœnicurus, the Saxicolæ, and other soft-billed insect-eaters, although coming from the eastward, persistently follow the coast-line to the south. All the Limicolæ and other shore birds, as well as the Geese, Ducks, Divers, Gulls, and sea-fowl generally, move from north to south as a general rule, the sea-fowl at some distance at sea, the waders along the coast. Although so far we have no stations, excepting Heligoland, on the European coast of the North Sea, we may, I think, fairly presume that there is similarly another stream of birds passing down the coast-line of Europe. Migration as observed on that island for many years points to the undoubted fact that the line followed by birds is, as a rule, from E. to W., and doubtless some portion of these Heligoland birds keep moving westward or south-westward, till eventually they strike our east coast. There are, however, many species which make Heligoland the western boundary of their autumn wanderings, and crossing, as they do, that island in enormous numbers, must eventually follow the coast-line to the south, for the simple reason that they never occur on our own coast, except as very rare or occasional wanderers; such are Motacilla alba and flava, Ruticilla suecica, Emberiza hortulana, Plectrophanes lapponicus, Anthus Richardi, and, in a less degree, Muscicapa luctuosa and Otocorys alpestris. These all, then, must pass southward along the European coast, as do doubtless an immense majority of those countless Sparrowhawks, Siskins, and more familiar birds which cross the island in the autumn migration; and just as occasionally some species, whose line of migration lies farther to the eastward still, turn up as wanderers to the old rock from the regular track, so do occasionally now one and now another of the regular Heligoland immigrants get blown across to one side.

The observations taken at some of our southern stations both in 1879 and 1880 show that, in the autumn, there is what may be called a double stream of birds crossing each other near the entrance of the English Channel, that is, from the Essex and Kent coast towards the S.E. on to the French and Belgian coast, and again in the opposite direction from the Belgian land to the coast of Kent. During the severe weather in the early part of 1881, as well as in December, flocks of birds came to us direct from the French coast, or from the south to the north. These must be considered purely local migrations, caused by outbursts of severe weather.

It is a curious fact that in nearly every case of birds passing the Casquets L.H. in the past autumn, they were travelling in a N.W. direction, or from the French to the English coast, a line of migration which does not seem to be in proper accord with what we should imagine migrating birds would or rather ought to take. On reference to the chart of the Channel it is apparent that any flocks leaving the French coast at or near Cape de la Hague, and crossing. Alderney, when once off the Casquets might as readily and easily steer for the Start Point on the English side as across the wide break in the French coast for Port Sillon, each being about equal distances from the Casquets.

As in 1879 birds have crossed in all hours of the day and night, and in all winds and weathers, the returns also show, as did the preceding, that they seldom fly dead to windward, except with light breezes, and that strong head winds are prejudicial to their passage. The line of flight mostly adopted is within three or four points of the wind; they will go on well, even with a beam wind or some points short of beam, if not too strong. Small birds have often much difficulty in making head against a strongly-opposing wind. Mr. John Cutting, writing from the light-vessel on the Galloper Bank, says, that out of the number of small birds passing that station in October and November against strong adverse winds, he could not think they would ever reach land, they made such very slow progress, the wind being too strong and the distance from land so great. Even such strong-winged birds as the Grey Crow do not always cross in safety; I have been told by an old fen farmer that, many years ago, when a great gale swept the Lincolnshire coast, at the time the Hooded Crow crossed, the coast was subsequently strewed with their bodies cast up by the sea.

Birds are noticed at the stations as sometimes flying high, sometimes low; often it will be observed with northerly and easterly winds they will fly high, and with winds in opposite quarters, low. The state of weather at the time of migration has more, we think, to do with the height at which birds travel than the direction of the wind. On clear light nights they travel high, as a rule, but in fog, and thick murky weather, rain or snow, not far above the waves. On thick nights, indeed, lost birds will wheel for hours round a lightship, but with the first break in the clouds or streak of early dawn are on their course again. At the Casquets, which is a revolving light, the larger birds follow the rays, but do not often strike the glass.