The usual schedules were distributed to thirty stations on the East Coast of Scotland, Faroe, and Iceland. Twelve stations on East Coast of Scotland have sent in forty-one schedules out of the twenty-eight stations, including Faroe and Iceland.

From the Isle of May we have, as usual, the heaviest returns—fourteen schedules in all. Pentland Skerries again comes second with twelve schedules, and Bell Rock is the next in weight of returns.

In the following List of Stations, we indicate in Arabic type the number of years in which each station has returned records, and the consecutive numbers of the stations, as these coincide with those on the map. Hitherto we have indicated by asterisks, under each year as a heading, these particulars of returns, but after the fifth year these become cumbrous, occupying too much room. This year's returns, however, will again be indicated by asterisks. As will be seen below in an analysis of the returns for the past six years (see General Remarks end of W. C. of Scotland), the character of the lights at each station appears to have considerable influence on the bulking of records, the white-fixed-lights having the largest as a rule. We mark in the list of stations therefore their different values as migration stations. The numerals indicate the true migration values, though the class of light may not always correspond; and it remains to be seen if their character be kept up in the future. These are indicated by the following Roman numerals:—

EAST OF SCOTLAND.

Note.—Read in this place part of the General Remarks at the end of West Coast of Scotland.

(a) Notwithstanding the favourable description of light.

Diary from the Stations.

N. Unst.—Mr. James Edgar—formerly at Butt of Lewis—has sent useful schedules embracing from Feb. 15th to 21st Sep. and to Nov. 28th. "We have plenty of Ravens and Hooded Crows all the year, therefore I only notice uncommon flocks." "One pair of Hoodies, which has been about the rock for years, attends regularly at dinner time (1 p.m.) to eat up scraps. Their right is sometimes disputed by a half-tame Sea Gull. I had a good opportunity of examining 'Jenny Wren' this season. She remained for a fortnight."—In lit.

Sumburgh Head.—The old natives say they never before have seen such vast numbers of Gulls as during this year, around this station all the season onward from 8th March, 1884.[6]

N. Ronaldshay.—Mr. John Tulloch sent one schedule embracing the whole season from July 5th to Sept. 21st. I did not receive this till the first week in March. In future I would always like to have schedules returned immediately after last day of January, or as soon as possible after that date, as it is more difficult to work in stray schedules after the Report is written out.

Pentland Skerries.—Mr. J. Gilmour was called away from August 13th till Sept. 1st on a Board of Trade inquiry. During that interval a Solan Goose struck the Lantern Dome, and was found, but not killed ("this is very unusual"). A few Wheatears and one Goldcrest were seen also, during this interval. Gulls (a pair) bred on the island—a very unusual circumstance.

Easterly and southerly winds prevailed from March 10th to April 12th, with occasional S.W., varying to N.; 12th to 19th, N.E., fresh; 19th to May 4th, again S.E. and E., and N. on latter date, and so on till August with very slight variations, or light, variable.

In autumn, winds continued to prevail easterly, till about the 20th Sept., when they changed to westerly and northerly, and this appeared to be characteristic along the whole E. coast, thus making a visit paid by me to Isle of May, for three weeks in September and October, rather unproductive of visible migration. This N. & W. prevalence caused migration to be much dispersed, and no great rushes are recorded at Pentland Skerries or other stations. But on the 14th Oct., during mod. E., after N.N.E. and N.W. gales, a rush of Thrushes and Woodcocks will be found recorded. Between Oct. 17th and Nov. 7th winds very variable round three-fourths of compass, but almost never entering the fourth quarter between S. and E.—indeed only on three days. Strong N.E., weather cloudy and clear, very little haze. This continued till Nov. 30th, except on Nov. 11 a S. gale, on 8th S.W. gale, and on 20th a N. gale.[7]

Dunnet Head gives a light return. The daily to-and-fro migration of Gannets is spoken of in general terms, and the dates of arrival and departure of rock birds were "about the same dates as stated in last year's report."

Cromarty.—The prevailing wind at this land-locked station at the times of records, given between March 24th and Dec. 26th, were from W. and S.W. Dates of arrivals in spring and departures in autumn given. As before remarked, such land-locked stations give abnormal returns as compared with freely exposed stations, and the S.W. or W. winds were local.

Chanonry.—Practically blank as regards actual migration, all movements being local, Mr. J. McGill finding Scarts and Cormorants flying up and down the Firth, Wild Ducks feeding in frosty weather, and many Larks on Jan. 17th, 1884. Local movements of Green Plover in November and December. No certain migration discernible.

Kinnaird Head returns a blank schedule, with the positive statement "No birds." I am obliged to the head lighthouse-keeper for returning this schedule. Such if regularly returned would enable me to give always, year by year, a positive statement of negative value. I wish others on the Aberdeenshire coast would follow his good example.

Girdleness.—A light return during November 14th to 17th and December 1st to 12th. "Birds at this lighthouse very scarce, the situation being very exposed." A record of a Fork-tailed Petrel (seen by me on 15th August, J. A. H. B.) is of considerable interest. Dead calm and hazy; on E. side of lantern; about 12 p.m. Stomach contained only an oily matter (Geo. Sim) vide Proc. Ryl. Phyl. Soc. Edin. 1884. Bell Rock sends excellent schedules as usual. The early advent of a swallow—March 13th and 14th—is commented upon by letter. "It seemed much exhausted." Mr. Hutton, Bank Manager, Royal Bank, Arbroath—a gentleman much interested in ornithology—gave a full account of the occurrence in the 'Dundee Advertiser' of April.[8]

Between April 9th and Sept. 3rd scarcely any migration was observed at Bell Rock—only four records in that time on April 28th, April 30th, May 7th and 9th. But before and after these dates in spring and autumn, considerable migration is recorded in comparison, but decidedly slack, as compared with other seasons, in autumn, owing to northerly and westerly winds. This, however, was followed by a great rush in November, for particulars of which the reader is referred to the details under Species. The marvellous congregations of Gulls and their prey the Sprat or Garvie (Clupea sprattus) are commented upon. (General Remarks).

Isle of May.—In January, 1884, intermittent migration continued. The great gale of 27th to 29th produced nothing of any consequence—one Yellowhammer, however, being the first of the species seen for some time.

While rushes took place in spring at Bell Rock in March, with the wind prevailing E., at Isle of May much smaller movements are recorded, local winds apparently being more S. & W. (See especially "Thrushes," but the remark applies to other species also.) This is curious at two stations so close to one another. Bush of land birds in April. Movements of Guillemots and rock birds somewhat different (see details). Partial albino of the Willow Warbler captured (seen by me, J. A. H. B.) Long spell of E. winds in April and rushes; but a light S.W. wind on 30th, changing from S.S.E., brought a "wonderful rush of land birds." This seems to me interesting, as proving the station to lie in the direct route of migration, rushes occurring both in the most favourable winds—S.E. or E. (i.e. for spring migration), and those supposed to lie less favourable, and following winds, viz. S.W.

A later schedule—April 30th to June 3rd—shows evidences of a decidedly late spring migration, for which it seems difficult to assign a cause. This was also noticeable on land. It took place in second week of May, with light S.W. and W. wind, mist, fog, and rain; principally of Warblers and insect-feeding species.

Very few records are given between June 11th and August. A usual return of Warblers, &c., noted as rather early by August 10th. Bush of same species, 19th and 24th. In end of August and all September, on till about October 18th, winds retarded migration, being N. and W.; never, or very rarely, S. and E., or S. of W. I spent three weeks and three days on Isle of May, between September 24th and October 17th, and during that time only witnessed intermittent and slack migration; the only attempt at a night rush apparent being on the night of October 4th, at the time of total eclipse of the moon—wind Light W. at the time—some twelve Goldcrests being caught at the lantern.[9] A male Black Redstart was shot on October 24th, and a second seen on 25th. The principal rush of the year on November 4th instances the effect of a sudden change of wind. This must have been a very vast and determined rush, as many came also with a W. wind afterwards. This rush was composed principally of Finches and Larks, with considerable numbers of Turdidæ; but the great rush of the latter (Thrushes) did not take place till the rush of the Finches was past. Whilst the Finches and Larks greatest rush was on Nov. 4th, the greatest rush of Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Turdidæ generally was on 12th to 16th. (For particulars see details under Species).

Thereafter migration continued with less force up to Jan., 1885, the date of the last schedule to hand.

Inchkeith.—This land-locked station returns a light schedule—of considerable interest, however, as carrying out what has been remarked by us in previous reports, that when birds do occur here on migration it is usually with S.W. and westerly winds, whether in spring or in autumn. The Siskin seems to frequent Inchkeith as a regular migrant, and Titmice are also regular in appearance.

Separate Report under Genera and Species.

Turdidæ.—In spring, migration at Sumburgh Head (April only, large flocks of Common Thrushes on 1st, wind light S.E., clear, along with Starlings and Linnets), and Pentland Skerries (indication in March, and partial and remittent in April, but no great rush evident). At Bell Rock (great rush recorded on 6th and 8th March of Thrushes, Ring Ouzels, light S.E. wind), and at I. of May, but rush not observable here on 6th and 8th, there being only two records of Blackbirds and a few Redwings, owing to local wind being light W. and haze. Earliest record at I. of May, Feb. 20th, one Redwing with Blackbirds and Thrushes; a rash, and latest records, also at I. of May, on 29th and 30th April, along with Robins, Redstarts, &c., with S.E., or light S.W., of Ring Ouzels. Light records in March; on 9th and 10th twenty Fieldfares—"a good number"—with light N.E., clear, and N.N.E. and rain.

In autumn the migration was pronounced, and whilst desultory movements continued during September and October, the heaviest rushes are recorded in the middle of November. Records of Dippers, one on Aug. 2nd and another (well described) on Aug. 29th, at I. of May; wind light W., clear. The place where they were observed was afterwards pointed out to me—viz., at the edge of a stagnant pool of water near the "Mill Door" on the I. of May. Earliest record of Fieldfare, Sept. 10th, at I. of May, light S., haze; latest of same species, on Dec. 31st, and Jan. 19th, 1885, also at I. of May; variable, haze. Earliest record of Common Thrush, also at I. of May, the day after, viz. Sept. 11th, light S., haze; and latest, at I. of May also, on Dec. 22nd, when "a few" were noticed. Earliest Missel Thrush on Sept. 27th (seen by J. A. H. B.), also at I. of May, with gale, W.S.W., and latest Oct. 14th; but others, no doubt, have escaped special records, and have been confused with other species. Earliest Redwings do not appear in the schedules till Oct. 2nd, also at I. of May (J. A. H. B.); on 7th a few more, followed by scattered records till Nov. 12th, when old and young struck in numbers at Bell Rock, and the rush of this and of Fieldfares took place on the 4th and 5th of November, continuing till the 17th, with Blackbirds, male and female, and intermittently until December. Earliest Blackbirds Sept. 11th,—"not many,"—at Isle of May.

Rush of Thrushes, Nov. 7th (light) at Pentland Skerries, and Nov. 30th, at I. of May (considerable). Rush of Fieldfares and Redwings (indicated) at N. Unst, on Nov. 5th, with a few Blackbirds,—all flying S.,—indicated at Pentland Skerries, 5th, 7th, to 12th, with Blackbirds and a few Thrushes and Woodcocks, on 12th. At Dunnet Head a few Blackbirds and Thrushes seen daily between Oct. 1st and Nov. 13th. Rush of Ring Ouzels ("great numbers") at Bell Rock; and rush of Fieldfares and Redwings at I. of May on 4th and 5th. At N. Ronaldshay also a rush visible on the 8th, with Woodcock, Crows and Rooks; Nov. 7th and 8th, wind E.S.E., a great rush. All during October the above-named Turdidæ appeared in small numbers, the wind prevailing N. and W., and scarcely ever S. and E. Stations sending returns of Thrushes are N. Unst, Pentland Skerries, Dunnet Head, Bell Rock, and I. of May. At the dates of the rushes they were accompanied by many other species. The rush at I. of May on 4th and 5th continued in great force after the wind shifted to S.E., with rain, after wind S. at noon, on 4th ("perfect weather for witnessing migration"), so fewer Fieldfares again on 5th, with wind—a W. gale, instancing the abruptness with which migration ceased owing to changes in the wind. A vast rush of Blackbirds, females predominating, on 12th, at I. of May, with S. haze and drizzle, but ceased utterly with change of wind to W. at 9 p.m. All birds striking on S.E. side, with the wind. Along with this rush came large numbers of Redwings and Fieldfares, Hooded Crows, one Yellow Bunting, large number of Larks, Robins, Bramblings, Chaffinches, eight Hedgesparrows, a few House Sparrows, two Woodcocks (shot). On the 15th Blackbirds as numerous as ever, but fewer Redwings and Fieldfares; hundreds of Snow Buntings, flying N. By the 17th Blackbirds were mostly males, but females had predominated up to that date. In January, 1885, between 4th and 21st, a few light records of Fieldfares and Thrushes, and a large number (rush?) on latter date. The rush on Nov. 4th consisted of Siskins and other Fringillidæ (these continuing in small numbers to the 6th, notwithstanding the change of wind). Mr. Agnew describes this as the largest rush of migrants this season at the I. of May, and it must have been very vast, close, and determined, when even on the 6th, with light W. wind, large numbers of Bramblings and Chaffinches still appeared. Other species participating besides the above were Siskins, Woodcocks (six killed), Rock Pipits, one Owl, two Falcons. (See notes upon weather under "Notes under Stations." We refer back to this account under other species, to dates).

Saxicolinæ.—Wheatears in considerable numbers at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May (a rush). Earliest at Isle of May March 26th, light S., two; and a few more on 28th at same station, including two old males. Rush with S.E. to S.W. wind at Pentland Skerries, on April 6th, and considerable numbers at I. of May on April 3rd. Beyond these there are no other spring records of this species. On March 31st a single Black Redstart (in mus. Feilden & Harvie Brown) is recorded from Pentland Skerries; light S.E., haze.[10] We have also three single records of the true Stonechat at I. of May, on 2nd, 28th and 30th April, and one at Pentland Skerries on May 14th, light E. wind, struck lantern, not killed. On April 30th a rush of Redstarts along with Robins, Ring Ouzels, &c., at Isle of May. This concludes spring records.

In autumn records from N. Unst, one Redstart (the only one seen this year) and one Wheatear, on 7th and 12th September respectively; flew S.W. This is the earliest 1884 record of Saxicolinæ in autumn. Also from N. Ronaldshay, a number on 15th striking, and Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, and I. of May, of Wheatears, a few Redstarts, Whinchats, &c., and one Black Redstart, old male, shot (in mus. I. of May, present curator Mr. Joseph Agnew). Another was seen the following day—first on 24th, second on 25th Oct. (recorded in full in Ryl. Phyl. Soc. Proc. 1885, read 21st Jan., 1885); a Common Redstart seen at same time.[11] The records of all the species are light, and no rush, unless of Wheatears, ut sup., Oct. 22nd, at Isle of May, increasing by the 25th. During our stay on the island (27th Sept. to 17th Oct.) we observed a good many straggling birds. A few accompanied the rush of other species on Nov. 12th (see Turdidæ). One Whitethroat is returned from I. of May, striking face of lantern, "facing the wind," on Sept. 12th. Mr. Agnew has the note,—to date of the 19th of September,—"I am surprised at so few birds with such thick fog." Log, light to strong E., thick fog, or haze between the 12th and 19th, yet migration was tardy.

Silviinæ.—At Cromarty, Robins disappeared March 24th. We have then spring records from Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, and Isle of May, all in April. Earliest at Sumburgh Head, April 1st, when four appeared, strong S.E., haze, but the remark is added, "First time Robins have stayed all winter." Next records not till 28th, 29th, and 30th, at Bell Rock, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May, where there was a rush along with Ring Ouzels. The record at Bell Rock (28th) is one of very few records between the 9th of April and the 3rd of September.

In autumn, one return on Aug. 25th, as arriving at Cromarty, light S.W., clear. No more till Nov. 3rd, when "a few" at Isle of May. But next day a rush of other species (see under Turdidæ). There were, however, a few Robins frequenting Isle of May in September and October, and even the indication of a rush.

Phylloscopinæ.—Only a slight indication in spring of Goldcrests' migration, 2nd, 8th, 16th of April, single records at N. Unst and Pentland Skerries. But of Warblers a rush at Isle of May, along with Redshanks, and Robins and Ring Ouzels (see Thrushes), and in May one Wood Warbler at Isle of May; light S.W.

In autumn:—Goldcrest, earliest appearance at Isle of May, Aug. 31st (a female), along with a Sedge Warbler, light W., haze; then on Sept. 1st, one at Isle of May, and a few light records, 7th, 8th, 10th, 18th, and 27th. On 7th at N. Unst ("only the second occurrence of it observed here"), and intermittent and light till 4th Oct., when, during darkest time and total eclipse of the moon, I assisted in capturing and identifying twelve Goldcrests at I. of May lantern, about which I may have more to say in the "General Remarks." Again, on the 24th, numbers were seen, with light S. wind. Some Chiffchaffs seen at I. of May on Sept. 11th, and one at lantern on 27th (seen by J. A. H. B.). This constitutes all the important records of the species of Phylloscopinæ.

Titmice.—The only spring records of "Titmice" are 12th, 15th and 24th May, at Pentland Skerries, in different winds, viz. light N.W., fresh S.W., and light S.E.[12]

In autumn slight movements in September and October; one on Pentland Skerries on 5th Oct.; one "Titmouse" on I. of May on 9th Sept., and on Oct. 4th at same station, an indication of Titmice having joined in the migratory rush of that date, seven appearing, with light W.S.W., wind and haze. On Oct. 9th we shot a "Blue Tit" (Parus cæruleus, L.) on I. of May, which had been haunting the fields for two or three days; light W., clear. First actual record of the species by name here.

Acrocephalinæ.—Accentorinæ.—At Isle of May a late rush took place of Sedge Warblers between 9th and 13th May, along with many other species, as follows:—Wood Warblers, Cuckoos, Meadow Pipits, Whinchats (vera), Flycatchers (till 14th), Fieldfares. Mr. Agnew remarks, "long of coming, and remaining longer than usual." Hedge Accentors bred for the first time on Isle of May, and I saw the old nest.

In autumn, earliest movement, a rush of Sedge Warblers, 10th August ("this is early"), with fresh S.E. wind and fog. Up to 19th a desultory movement, but on latter date a rush of Sedge Warblers, Whinchat, Wrens, Whitethroats (especially on 19th), Chiffchaffs, Starlings (q.v.). Hush again on 24th of small birds—Whitethroats and Warblers. On 31st a single Sedge Warbler killed. On Sept. 1st a number of Sedge Warblers, all at I. of May, light W., clear; and on 4th a number of Accentors (Hedgesparrows). In October several Accentors at I. of May on 27th, and a few of the same species on 6th and 7th November, and along with the general rush on 12th (see Thrushes).

Troglodytidæ.—Earliest record at Sumburgh Head on 22nd March, when four appeared at 12 noon; light breezes, showery. Also in April at same station, on 1st and 15th, six Wrens, with S.E., fresh, and haze, and fresh N., clear, respectively. Also at Pentland Skerries, on 1st April, one, and one on 12th, with, in both cases, fresh to strong S.E., and at Bell Rock, on 2nd April, one, strong S.E., haze, flying W., with a general rush of "small birds" resting or flying W.

In autumn, at N. Unst, Sumburgh Head, and Isle of May. Earliest at Sumburgh Head, on 7th Sept., seven seen; 12th at N. Unst, fine, one remained a week; and 17th, at I. of May, one. In October, odd ones on 7th; at N. Unst and Pentland Skerries, a number (almost a rush on I. of May, on 9th, and increased up to 25th). In November one at N. Unst; strong N. wind.[13] "Wrens" are also recorded, on Jan. 23rd, 1885, as still present on Isle of May, probably having wintered there.

Motacillidæ.—As early as Feb. 14th, at I. of May, a single record of a "Wagtail" flying N.W., clear, fine. [The entry "Wagtail," we presume, in most cases is applied to the black and white or Pied Wagtail.] On March 25th one "Wagtail" flying E. over Pentland Skerries, light S., clear. At I. of May one on 9th March, a few on 22nd, and "two males staying to breed" on 28th. On April 1st two single records at Pentland Skerries, and at Isle of May; wind at both places, fresh S.E., haze. In May, from 8th to 25th, light records on eight days, four on the 10th (the most), and "several" on the 11th (indication of a rush?). "Several" again on the 12th. On the 16th one at Bell Rock, light E., and on May 14th two Yellow Wagtails, light W. In July, on the 5th, one "Wagtail," moderate S.E., and one on 20th, light, variable, clear.

In autumn, no records in August. Spasmodic movements in September at N. Unst, few records, and these single. "Several" at Pentland Skerries on 2nd, strong N.W., and ditto on 8th, light, variable, clear, and on 23rd ditto, light N.W., showers. On 8th and 9th at Isle of May, indication of a rush, adult and young, increase on 9th over the 8th; light, variable, clear. Last record, one on Oct. 9th at Isle of May.

Pipits.—The arrivals and movements of Rock Pipits (or "Mosscheepers" or "Tang Sparrows") are reported only from Bell Rock and I. of May in spring, in March and April; earliest 16th March at Bell Rock, latest 7th April; also at Bell Rock. At Bell Rock four single records, 16th, 29th and 30th March, and 7th April, and at I. of May, on 28th March, "more Rock Pipits arrived." At I. of May about twenty Meadow Pipits arrived on the 13th of February, and a considerable rush—or at least indication of a rush—began on the 1st April and increased on the 3rd, and a further increase observable on the 23rd; winds S. to E. and S.E.

In autumn I have no records till the 13th September, "large numbers," at Isle of May, of Rock Pipits,—"a large increase on those already there,"—and none again at same station till 14th October, when a number arrived and "all except such as will probably remain the winter" left on 16th. More again appeared on the 25th, and still more on the 31st; and by the 4th of November a rush, with other migrants. At Bell Rock only six records of straggling birds between the 5th and 22nd. Rock Pipits are also given as still on Isle of May on the 23rd January, having wintered there as predicted. Of Meadow Pipits considerable numbers, with light E. and fog, at Isle of May, on the 16th and 18th September, and a few more seen occasionally up to the middle of October. No other records.

Muscicapidæ.—In spring a rush of Flycatchers noticed at Isle of May on 4th May, but no other records given from any other station. Considerable numbers were observed. No other records of any species during the year.

Hirundinidæ.—In spring I have a single record of a Swallow (Swift?) as early as 12th March, which arrived much exhausted, with strong S.E. wind and mist (see remarks under Stations, antea). In April only two records of Sand Martin at N. Unst, on 27th, and at Sumburgh Head on 10th, with light S.W. and S., clear (marked as "not common").

Land Note.—Allan Water, in Stirlingshire, 13th April, and at Doune, same county, next day. Became numerous by May 3rd at Bridge of Allan. Kelso 23rd and 28th March, and again on April 10th (Dr. J. Grieve, in lit.).

In May, records from Sumburgh Head in the North, Pentland Skerries, Cromarty, and I. of May. Earliest at the land-locked station of Cromarty on 5th, light N. and showers; indication of a rush apparently, about 11th or 12th, at the more northern stations, and faint indications at I. of May (eight birds) on 12th, with the remark "very few this year." On the 20th and 22nd also, simultaneous appearance of a few at Sumburgh Head and Isle of May—"Records in all, ten in May, at four stations, on six dates, between the 5th and 22nd." This formula perhaps shows as well as any method, the distribution and arrivals on our East Coast.[14]

In summer, at I. of May one record of Swallow on 12th July, variable, light, clear; and one record of Sand Martin at I. of May on 18th July, fresh W. and clear. Note.—Summer records of Swallows usually occur in clear weather; compare with previous reports.

In autumn, in August two records at the more northerly stations, viz. Pentland Skerries, on 11th Aug., six birds, with fresh S., haze, and at Dunnet Head, on 16th of four birds flying E., with S.E. and fog. In September, Swallows left Cromarty, and were not seen after the 4th, at 1 p.m., wind light S.W., clear; all congregated on a housetop near the Lighthouse, and left suddenly at 1 o'clock. At Isle of May a few were observed on two or three dates in October, and on the 28th (Sunday) twenty were seen at 9 a.m. flying up and down the lee-side of the island hawking for flies; light S.W., clear.

Land Notes.—Without receiving any more returns from any East-Coast station, I myself observed a Swallow (Hirundo rustica) hawking persistently for flies over and across the lawn at Glendoune House, near Girvan, Ayrshire, on Nov. 8th (see West Coast Report). At Rothesay, Mr. John Grieve saw none during a stay there till 15th, when twenty or thirty were seen. None seen by him at Bridge of Allan after his return there on the 1st October.

Fringillidæ.—As in 1883, both in spring and autumn, Finches show themselves well to the front in migration; but while in some years Thrushes and Finches travel much together; in this year, whilst still many travelled simultaneously, as a glance at our data shows, yet the great rush of Thrushes did not take place till the rush of Finches was over. Thus, as will be seen, Green Linnets made a rush over in spring as early as 10th February, but the rush of Thrushes did not take place till later—about the 6th March. In the same way, while the greatest rush of Finches in autumn took place on the 4th November, Thrushes were not in force till the 10th and 12th. The extension of the migration of Finches in 1884, in time, dates Feb. 15th (three Grey Linnets at Pentland Skerries at noon, wind strong S.E. and clear) to Jan. 26th (four Green Linnets at Isle of May, wind variable, light, clear). The extension of the migration of Finches (of sorts) in 1884 in N. and S. direction, ranges from Sumburgh Head,—a single record of great numbers on the 3rd April, with strong S.E. and haze,—to Isle of May; earliest date 10th February, followed by rush on 12th; latest date Jan. 26th, four Green Linnets. To compare with the above, the extension in time of the Thrushes' migration dates also from Feb. 10th, but movements were much fewer so early—a single Redwing and a few Blackbirds and Thrushes, strong S.E., clear, up to 23rd January; rush between 19th and 23rd of Fieldfares, &c. The extension in N. and S. distribution ranges from North Unst,—a dozen Fieldfares flying S., light W., clear,—through Sumburgh Head; large numbers; and a rush on 1st April, strong S.E., along with Linnets, rushes at more southern stations taking place in March, on till our southern stations of Isle of May and Bell Rock are reached.

Now, taking the above general remarks, we will treat it more in detail, as this affords a good opportunity of making final tabular comparisons.

In spring, earliest at Pentland Skerries, three Grey Linnets at noon, as already recorded, light S.E., clear; latest Green Linnets (and latest Finches), 17th June, one at Isle of May. An early rush of Green Linnets on 10th Feb., after a N.W. gale previous night, and a great rush on 12th, with other migrants; and of Thrushes, Bramblings, Chaffinches and House Sparrows, at Isle of May. Intermittent movements during March at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May and Inchkeith, flocks of Chaffinches, Grey Linnets (25th), Bramblings, Green Linnets, and four Siskins (at Inchkeith on 25th, with light S.W. wind, with which, being a land-locked station, this species usually occurs), two Bullfinches, at Bell Rock, on 31st March, flying W. In April Chaffinches, Grey Linnets, and one Sparrow at Pentland Skerries, between 5th and 22nd; wind prevailing S.E., except on 12th and 17th, when light N.E. At Bell Rock one House Sparrow (female), exhausted, died after feeding on 31st. From the 9th April, when one Bullfinch was seen (and one the day before), scarcely any migration observed until Sept. 3rd—a few records only of "small birds" on April 28th and 30th and May 7th and 9th. At Isle of May a rush ("evidently") of many species, including Tree Sparrows, Bramblings (males), Chaffinches (males, but some females), from the 3rd, and during 4th, 5th and 6th, to 10th. The female Chaffinches came on 6th to 10th, but mixed males and females on the 10th. Tree Sparrows abundant. Rush tailing off, with light returns, on 10th, 16th, 17th and 23rd to 30th. In May Grey Linnets are reported to arrive, for the purpose of breeding, at Isle of May on the 29th. Other records run rarely of this species, and only a few intermittent records of birds flying W. or N.W. at Pentland Skerries, and a single bird at Bell Rock between 9th and 30th. One Sparrow (male) on 7th, and two on 9th, at Pentland Skerries; and two Bullfinches, flying W., with strong E.S.E. and haze—the only other May records. In June the last of the Tree Sparrows on 13th at Isle of May, strong S.E., completely ends the spring records, and we do not have another of any Finches till Sept. 8th.[15]

In autumn, no records in July or August recorded. Very light in September: two records of Grey Linnets on the 8th at Pentland Skerries, and of Siskins at Inchkeith on 10th; latest on Jan. 26th, four Green Linnets. Rushes (or indications) at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May, between 4th and 7th, of several species; Grey and Green Linnets, Bramblings, and an increase of Chaffinches on 25th and 27th. A rush of Linnets (and Larks) at Inchkeith on 23rd, with light S. breeze; "continuous flocks all day flying round." Most northern records of Finches in autumn at Sumburgh Head on 12th October. Great rush, 4th November, with many other birds; wind S. and haze during the night, S.E. in morning, and rain at 10 a.m. ("perfection of weather for visible migration"). At 9 p.m., gale from S.W. and heavy rain. Nevertheless, so persistent or so vast was this rush, that, even with W. gales and showers, a few Chaffinches, Tree Sparrows, House Sparrows, and Green Linnets were seen migrating at Isle of May—the largest numerical rush of migrants there this season; continued intermittently to end of December.[16] Large numbers on 12th December, flying N., light W., haze. Mr. Agnew has the note, "Never saw so many Finches in one year as this."