Corvidæ.—In Spring, Rooks are recorded from Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, and Isle of May. Earliest date, Pentland Skerries 14th February, two seen on island, fresh S. Latest also at Pentland Skerries on 14th May. Light S. No rushes very apparent. Largest numbers, six on March 10th at Pentland Skerries, and eight on April 19th at same station. Most records (on different dates), in March six, and in April four. Fewest records (on different dates) in February two, and in May two. Direction of wind and weather on dates of record in February:—Fresh S., on 14th, two birds seen on Pentland Skerries; Fresh S. clear, on 23rd one seen at Pentland Skerries. In March, S.E. gale, rain on 9th, two or three seen at Pentland Skerries; light airs, variable, snow on 10th, six seen at Pentland Skerries; calm, haze on 4th, one seen flying S.W. at Bell Rock; light S.E. on 8th, one rested on dome of lantern. Fresh S. breeze on 13th, one seen flying W.S.W.; light W.S.W., haze, one flying S.W. on 22nd. In April:—light S.E. on 3rd, one seen at Pentland Skerries; light S.E. on 5th, four seen at Pentland Skerries; fresh N.E. on 19th, when eight seen at Pentland Skerries; N.E. light clear on 3rd at Bell Rock, one resting on window. In May:—strong N. on 6th, at Pentland Skerries, two seen; light S. on 14th, one seen at Pentland Skerries.

In July one record of Rooks at Pentland Skerries, fresh N.W.

In autumn, Rooks are recorded from N. Unst, Sumburgh Head, Girdleness, but much scarcer than in spring. Earliest date, 12th September, a pair, seen at N. Unst, flying S.W., and one on 19th at same place, also flying S. Latest, December 4th, at Girdleness, "large flocks,"[17] rushes, none apparent, unless any accompanied the rushes in October of Hooded Crows, but none recorded as accompanying the latter. Only records on two days in September, one day in November, and one day in December.

In Spring, Hooded Crows (Corvus cornix, L.) are reported from Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, and Isle of May. Earliest, February 23rd, at Pentland Skerries; latest, May 3rd at Pentland Skerries. No great rush; less than usual. Mr. Agnew's note at April 10th, "very few Hooded Crows this year." It is difficult even to fix an indication of a rush. All the records of Hooded Crows and Carrion Crows occur with either fresh S. or light S.E., excerpt a few of the latter, with N.E. clear, on April 15th. Of Carrion Crows, a slightly larger and more compressed migration, beginning on 8th March with twelve seen, ending 15th April; and an indication of a rush between 8th and 15th, flying N., recorded only from Bell Rock and Isle of May.

In autumn, a more decided movement of Hooded Crows, with a few Carrion Crows (the latter on October 24th to 26th), records from Sumburgh Head, N. Ronaldshay, Pentland Skerries, Girdleness, and Isle of May (none noted at Bell Rock). Earliest, at N. Unst (most northerly station); on Nov. 7th one got in court with broken wing, and at N. Ronaldshay on 8th, numbers; strong S.W. Next earliest, on 11th at Pentland Skerries, 3 seen. Mod. S., clear. Latest on December 4th at Pentland Skerries, and at Girdleness on January 4th at former, and Dec. 4th at latter (with large flocks of Rooks at the latter). Decided rush between Oct. 11th and 26th at Pentland Skerries (14th), Mod. E., and at Isle of May. The numbers recorded are, on 11th and 12th one shot by J. A. H. B.; no more till 23rd, eighteen flying N. (and Rooks), forty on 24th and forty on 25th, with one Carrion Crow. Continued on 26th; one lighted on lantern (rare). Again, in November; a number for some days (along with Ravens, at Sumburgh Head on 10th); also at Pentland Skerries a few, and the indication of a rush at Isle of May, on the 12th to 15th, flocks of nine and twelve having been seen on these dates.

Other species mentioned are Jackdaws, a few in February, at Isle of May, stayed between 16th and 21st, and one seen on 25th. None anywhere in March, but resident from April 1st till August 1st, when all left. Besides these, a few passing birds at Pentland Skerries, on April 4th ("rare"), "fatigued," fresh S.E., and two on 19th, fresh N.E. Three also on 22nd at Isle of May, fresh S.E. haze, and in May at Pentland Skerries, one, N.W., clear; resting on island. Jackdaws have one entry, August 1st at Cromarty. The note is added "have all left." In October, one Jackdaw again at Pentland Skerries (marked again, "rare"), light W., rain.

Ravens.—One record on April 4th; three seen at Sumburgh Head, probably resident at Fetlar, or in the vicinity. A number are recorded on one date in autumn, also at Sumburgh Head on October 10th. These spring and autumn movements may safely, we think, be looked upon as local and not regular migrations.

Cypselidæ.—Land Note.—At Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire, "Forth," first seen on May 9th after a wet day and cloudy; quite numerous on 11th; a warm sunny day.

Sturninæ.—All records of Starlings—spring and autumn—are light. Earliest in Spring, Feb. 15th, one at Sumburgh Head and a flock at Isle of May. Latest, Dec. 26th (autumn), a few at Isle of May. Most spring records in March; five records at four stations (Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, and Isle of May); on 7th (Sumburgh Head), 5th (Bell Rock), 2nd, large flock (Isle of May), and 17th (Pentland Skerries). Prevailing wind S.E., and haze. In April great numbers on 3rd (young birds) at Sumburgh Head, and large numbers on 15th. At Inchkeith a pair built for the first time for eight years, and reared young.

In autumn, large flocks every day, about beginning of August, at Isle of May (earliest) up to September 19th, when all left, mostly young. Up to date, wind easterly, changed on 20th to W. An increase observed on October 25th at Isle of May again. Intermittent and rare in November, all over, and on 18th a strong S.E. gale, apparently drove them all away. In December a few seen on 12th and 26th, and a few on Jan. 12th, 1885.

Larks.—Spring, heavy migration, but confined in time. Earliest February 5th, at Bell Rock, and a few on eight dates at Bell Rock, prevailing E. and S.E.; on 5th, light W. on 14th, 15th, and 16th, varying from gale S.E. at 9 p.m., on 15th, to W. Latest, April 3rd, at Sumburgh Head, great numbers (along with Thrushes). Greatest rush, March 6th, at Bell Rock. All left 7th and 8th, and were succeeded by a "great flock" on 8th again (with Thrushes) striking and rebounding into the sea.

In autumn, no records till September 9th, then one at Bell Rock; two other records in September, one at N. Unst and one at Pentland Skerries. On Dec. 14th a rush took place, with S.W. gale and sleet. Between 12th and 16th Nov. a great rush at Bell Rock and Isle of May; on change of wind from light S. to W. at 10.30 all left on 12th, but were succeeded by great rush on 15th. The greatest rush on 12th (see Thrushes). Another rush appears to have taken place on January 28th and 31st, and intermittent movements on 25th and a few other dates; a number on the 20th.

Emberizidæ.—Yellow Buntings at Isle of May, February 15th, two all day; light S.E. showers (earliest records of any Buntings). In March 5th, seven Buntings at Isle of May, fresh N.W. clear; and on 31st two Corn Buntings at Isle of May, fresh N.W. clear; and on 31st two Corn Buntings, fresh S. In April two single records of "Buntings," 5th and 21st, light S.E. with a movement of other species. In May, three records of Corn Buntings, on 2nd, 12th, and 22nd, at Pentland Skerries, W. and variable. In July a common (Corn) Bunting was observed at Pentland Skerries, on 7th, moderate S.E., fog.

In autumn, returns light, as compared with most years. Earliest Snow Bunting at Pentland Skerries on September 17th ("first seen"), one bird. In October, very few at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May, but thousands—a rush of Snow Buntings—at N. Ronaldshay on 12th and 25th October. Rush November 12th to 15th (with other species). Snow Buntings usually appear with gales and snow and sleet, but this year have come in clear weather as a rule. Great numbers at N. Ronaldshay on December 5th, and have been there since last date. A few stray records of Yellow Buntings in December, and in January, 1885, and one flock of Snow Buntings on Jan. 4th, 1885.

Cuculidæ.—Only records are May 11th, one at Isle of May, and at same station June 11th and 17th, light S.E. and clear, both dates.

Strigidæ.—No records.

Falconidæ.—As usual there are numbers of records of Hawks, Falcons, &c., at most of the island stations—so many indeed that we consider it unnecessary to notice them in full, as we have hitherto done, except where rarities occur or where distinct migratory movements are clearly seen. Records of Falconidæ run all through the year in most seasons, and generally apparent, mostly due to local flights, pursuing waders or land birds. Thus in February, March, April, and May; but apparently, in 1884, not observed in June and July, re-appear in August, September, October and November, but are not recorded in December this year. Lightest returns in February, March, April and May in spring; lightest in August, November and December in autumn. Heaviest returns in September and October. They participate less in spring migration, and search of food, as at that time they have more local habits and are preparing their nesting-places, but more in autumn, because the young are hatched off, able to look after themselves, and working hard in the "struggle for existence."

The species mentioned in spring are as follows:—Game Hawk (Peregrine Falcon), Merlin, Eagles (seen several times at Sumburgh Head in April, breeding near at hand), Sea Eagles, Sparrowhawks. And in autumn, Game Hawk, Kestrel, "Yellow-spotted Hawk", "Large Yellow-spotted Hawk," (Isle of May) Merlin, Large Blue-backed, "with a white ring round front of the neck, too small for a Goshawk."

Note.—We want badly to have specimens for identification of different Hawks.

In September we have ten records of above species, at two stations, and in October ten more also at the same stations, viz.: Pentland Skerries and Isle of May; on eight dates in September and eight dates in October.

We do not think more minute data will serve any useful purpose, except where decided migrations of large numbers of Hawks are observed, or distinctly foreign or new and unusual species.

Pelecanidæ.—We have records of Solan Geese in every month in the year except January, November and December, but on only one date in February, three in March, four in April; but bulking heavier. Great numbers in May, continuing in June, increasing in July, and continuously in flocks in September. But in October only one record, and that on the 2nd. We will yet have to see where all our Gannets congregate during these three months; they are absent from our British coasts, or, at least, at their scarcest.[18] From the date of the first (February) record the almost invariable direction of flight given is "flying east," or easterly; but one record at Sumburgh Head gives "a number flying N. on April 11th, light N. clear,"[19] on to the date of September 17th. But on the 19th September an unmistakable change takes place, and while we still find up to October 2nd, Solans flying east, we also find that from Sept. 19th Solans were also flying west, past all the stations sending returns, viz., Pentland Skerries and Dunnet Head. I wish more correspondents both on East Coast of Scotland, at say Noss Head and Buchanness, and St. Abb's Head, and on the West Coast at Barra Head, Stoir Head, and Rhinns of Islay, would return daily records of the movements of Gannets, specially noting the direction and flight of flocks.

Solan Geese bulked largest in July, flying E., and the return rush appears to have taken place two months after, in September. On January 5th, 1885 there is one record of five Solans flying E. Fresh W. cloudy at Pentland Skerries. We would ask Mr. Gilmour, or the principal light-keeper at this station, to carefully record any movements of Solans during the winter months which come under his observations.

Since the above was written a late schedule from N. Ronaldshay reports Solan Geese flying north every day between July 5th and about Sept. 1st in flocks all day of torn two or three to twenty.

To 1885.—In February, 1885, seven Gannets flying W. on 12th, and three on 21st.

Ardeidæ.—Herons are recorded from March to June sparingly. None in July or August. Sparingly again in September, none in October, and a few in November,—a very light migration as compared with 1882.

Anatidæ.—Thirteen Swans at N. Unst seen flying N.W. on April 3rd, light airs, clear, and at same station three seen resting on the loch on Oct. 30th, wind light S.W. and rain. Of geese no spring records. In autumn, fifteen Wild Geese on Oct. 26th, flying S.; strong W. gale on 25th, and N.W. on 26th. In November, three grey geese seen flying west at Pentland Skerries; wind fresh W.N.W. clear (marked "rare"). Of Eider Ducks, earliest notice at Isle of May, a few small flocks on March 23rd, W. to N.W.; a large flock ("very few hitherto") on April 19th, and another (the same?) on May 11th. No more, except such as breed there, at least no records till Sept. 24th; thirty-four Eiders (three old males and one King Eider with them). This flock had, however, been frequenting along shore for some days. The King Eider was a splendid male, and was watched a whole day at six or eight different vantage-points with a powerful glass. Next day, while all the Eiders were still there, this bird disappeared. During the three weeks I spent on Isle of May in September and October, flocks of Eiders were never absent, shifting their position according to the direction of the wind, and diving, as is their habit, in the very midst of the angry surf. The largest number counted in a flock was fifty (six males) on Oct. 6th.[20]

Teal, one record at Pentland Skerries on June 25th, light N.W., resting on island; and one Wigeon at Isle of May on June 11th; one Wild Duck, one Teal, Isle of May, Oct. 1st; large numbers of Wigeons and Scaups in the Moray Firth by Nov. 16th, and Barnicle Geese; one Teal and one R. B. Merganser, shot at Isle of May (in mus. Isle of May) on 25th and 27th Nov. But at N. Ronaldshay Eiders began to arrive by September 1st, and remain all winter in hundreds.

Columbidæ.—Wood Pigeons: one at Isle of May on 6th September, light W., clear; a large flock flying N.W., wind N., light, clear, on 14th November; about one hundred on 26th, flying N., wind light W.N.W. No other records from any other station. An increase on resident numbers of Rock Doves observed at Pentland Skerries on 14th November.

Land Note.—In January, at Glenboerie, Stirlingshire, Stock Doves appeared, and my keeper sent in two along with two Wood Pigeons. This species is rapidly spreading and increasing in Scotland. (See last Report, p. 25.[21]) This is the first record in E. of Stirlingshire.—J. A. H. B.

Rallidæ.—Corn Crake arrived at Pentland Skerries, 17th May; heard first time at Cromarty on 14th May; and one recorded at Isle of May, with rush of other migrants, on the 11th.

In autumn, the last old Corn Crakes were seen at Pentland Skerries, but young are still on island on 12th September; but on 7th November, at same station, one young bird was still frequenting the island; and on 8th January is again recorded, with the remark, "This bird seems to have been here all the season;" and therefore the records above, from 12th September to 8th January, 1885, probably all refer to the same solitary young bird, which, perhaps unable to leave at the time, yet has been able to survive the winter. We would like to hear more of this bird's behaviour, if Mr. J. Gilmour can give us further notes.

Charadriadæ.—Lapwing or Peewit, a light movement only in spring, and scarcely any records at all in autumn. A few at Sumburgh Head on 14th and 22nd; light S.S.E.; and on 25th, fresh N., a few all day on island; a few single or light entries in March at Isle of May; most (seven) on 17th; and in June, two on 9th, at Sumburgh Head; lighter returns than in 1883, even; one at Pentland Skerries, 1st December. Scarcely any movements of Golden Plover recorded, and only at Pentland Skerries, 4th July, a flock; several one day in August, fresh S.E., fog; and at Sumburgh Head large flocks on 26th and 28th September. At N. Ronaldshay flocks of Golden Plover visit the island, about the 25th August, and many remain all winter. Oystercatchers, few records are given; two at Pentland Skerries on 16th March, and very large numbers at Sumburgh Head on 29th August.

Scolopacidæ.—Scarcer in spring than in 1883, and no rush appreciable; no records in April, and only stray entries on 16th, 25th, and 30th May. In July various slight records; all local migrations for food, no doubt, even when flocking together; or it may be, beginning to migrate, when in flocks, on 22nd and 24th July; and from that, on to 21st October, flocks on many dates; wind S.E. in September at N. stations up to 20th, or thereby; but in October northerly and westerly, or N.E. gales. When direction of flight is given it is usually East in autumn, distinguishing, of course, between real migrants and only local movements. Fifty Curlews at N. Ronaldshay on 22nd August; remain all winter; and a few shot usually by Mr. J. Tulloch.

In autumn, a considerable migration; a good Woodcock year. Earliest migrants recorded: one at Pentland Skerries, 14th October, moderate E., after a N.N.E. gale; with Snipe, and rush of other species. Latest, about 17th November, at Isle of May; five shot. Rush of Woodcocks between 12th and 17th, at Pentland Skerries; but especially at Isle of May, on 4th (six shot), 11th (four shot), 12th (ten shot). Few records in October, and this migration was delayed by adverse winds during that month.[22] A number are scheduled from N. Ronaldshay, on the island, all day; on 8th November light S.W. and rain, and the remark, "I never saw so many Woodcocks on the island since I came here." All left in a few days. One on 2nd December, at Isle of May; and on 12th and 20th January, 1855. Of Snipe, not many records. Earliest, one at Isle of May, 23rd April; and on 1st May at Pentland Skerries. Three Jack Snipe at same place, 4th July (an unusually early arrival, J. A. H. B.), moderate E., fog. Latest, four at Isle of May, 28th November; and Jack Snipe, one at Isle of May on 25th; few records in October; but indication of a rush in November, with other species, between 16th and 20th. At North Ronaldshay numbers of Snipe seen rising out of all marshy places on 17th November. One Jack Snipe torn open in striking.[23] At Torwood, near this, I saw nineteen Woodcocks shot on 13th December (J. A. H. B.), and many other good bags of Woodcock are on record this autumn and winter. They were, however, unusually scarce in the shooting season. Of Waders, generally, there are many entries, including Redshanks, "Sandpipers," Purple Sandpipers (Isle of May and Pentland Skerries), Turnstones, Ringed Plover and Dunlin (Isle of May), which we do not consider it necessary to detail. The rushes of other species indicate also the details of the above.

Sterninæ.—Few records. Terns arrived at Pentland Skerries on 11th May; and at Cromarty the Lesser Tern arrived on 4th May. The Terns left about the 20th August, and the Lesser Terns on the 15th, with light S.W. wind. In September a flock of Terns passed Bell Rock on the 15th, and on the 17th a flock kept round the lantern all night, strong N.W., and disappeared with daylight.

Note.—The birds called the Laughing Gull, by Mr. Agnew, are the Common Gull (Larus canus), not common at Isle of May.

To Mr. Agnew.—The true Laughing Gull is an American species; and our Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) may also be confused with your "Laughing Gull." "Common Gull" is the correct name of the bird you describe and name "Laughing Gull."

Laridæ.—Kittiwakes arrived in great numbers at N. Unst on 13th March, strong S., hail and sleet. Gulls and rock birds arrived in great numbers at Sumburgh Head on 8th March, and again on 24th, light N.E., haze.[24] Kittiwakes arrived first on 16th March at Isle of May, and great many more on 24th, wind from W. to N.E. Great Black-backed Gulls are mentioned at Sumburgh Head and Pentland Skerries on 4th February and 4th March respectively. Three "Bonxies" seen at N. Unst, 20th April, the first arrivals, light E.N.E., clear. Richardson's Skuas, a number at Sumburgh Head, 3rd May, S. gale and snow. Kittiwakes first appeared at (or first record at) Pentland Skerries, 5th May (?). They began to return west, by our records, on 23rd July, several flocks of Gulls, flying W. Skuas, occasional records at Pentland Skerries; are apparently local in August. Kittiwakes all left Isle of May on 29th August, and hundreds of Gulls arrived. Flocks of Gulls all September at most stations, but no unusual numbers noted. "Gulls and Cormorants (J. A. H. B.) were wheeling high in air; not a good sign of the coming weather."[25] Iceland Gulls (called also "Snow Birds," in common with Snow Buntings) first appeared at N. Unst on 1st October, again seen on the 4th. "Gulls," of sorts, abundant at Isle of May by Nov. 17th; and garvies, or "sprats" (Clupea sprattus), in vast shoals round the island (see General Remarks). At North Ronaldshay numbers of Gulls seen, and a good many Black-backed Gulls remaining and feeding on the people's turnips! (or slugs or worms, J. A. H. B., 21st December). Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Great Black-backed Gulls, Kittiwakes, Black-headed Gulls, two common Skuas (J. A. H. B.), L. catarractes, a few Glaucous Gulls, one Little Gull recorded by J. A. H. B. at Kincardine, on the Firth of Forth. All the above species were frequenting the Firth of Forth, the Kittiwakes and commoner Gulls in hundreds and thousands. Sprats sold at 14s., 12s. to 8s. per ton at S. pier, at Kincardine; fields covered, mud covered, sea covered, air filled with Gulls. No such vast assemblage of Laridæ in Scotland since the invasion of Arctic Gulls in 1872-73 (see Proc. Glasg. Nat. Hist. Soc, Jan. 7th and 28th, 1873). The estuary of the Tay was quite deserted by garvies, or sprats, this season, and few Gulls seen there.[26]

Procellariidæ.—August, September, October, and November each contain a few records at N. Unst, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May. Earliest, 11th August, at N. Unst, one struck, not killed, fresh S.E., fog; and several struck on 19th. On 14th September several rested all night, from 11 p.m. to daylight, at N. Unst, fresh S.E.; and one next day struck, light S., fog; and one caught at Sumburgh Head same night. On 18th October one found, struck, but not killed; light, variable, rain. In November one struck at N. Unst; on the 16th November, "a young bird, having still the down." I have recorded also a Forked-tailed Petrel (Thalassidroma leachii), at Girdleness, on 15th August, 1884 (see Ryl. Phyl. Soc. Proc, 1885, read 21st January, 1885).

Alcidæ.—Razorbills and Guillemots, and Puffins: February 15th, several "Marrots" first seen, forenoon; strong S., clear; at N. Unst. February 3rd, large numbers of Razorbills and Guillemots arrived at Isle of May; seven killed at a shot. February 7th, large numbers of Razorbills and Guillemots arrived at Isle of May; light W., clear. February 20th, large numbers of Razorbills and Guillemots arrived at Isle of May. February 24th, Puffins innumerable at N. Unst; first seen; light S., clear. February 24th, Guillemots in flocks flying S.E., at Sumburgh Head; first seen. February 27th, Guillemots, continuous flock flying S.E. March 6th, Guillemots and Razorbills, thousands at Isle of May: "They have remained ever since they came, which is unusual; but some days more than others."—J. A. March 6th to 30th, ever increasing numbers of Razorbills and Guillemots; greatest rush of arrival at Isle of May on 30th. April 4th, multitudes, but all left at 4 p.m.; Isle of May. April 8th, multitudes in the morning. April 8th, multitudes, and now remain: "Arrived at night, as is usual when they intend to remain."—J. A. April 22nd, Puffins, which breed at Pentland Skerries, first arrived on 22nd. May 6th, at Pentland Skerries, a flock of Guillemots flying E. May 29th, flocks all day flying E. June 6th, six Guillemots flying W. July 8th, a flock flying E. at Pentland Skerries. September 5th, all rock birds seen last at N. Unst on this date. November 19th, forty or fifty Cormorants seen flying S. at 4 p.m. Query: "Are those the birds which were roosting on Isle of May in September and October, or passing birds?"—J. A. H. B. December 12th and 13th, large numbers; and again on 29th, at Isle of May. Unusually abundant in Firth of Forth, with Little Auks and Puffins, in January, 1885.

Our report on the E. coast of Scotland includes all schedules between February 1st, 1884, and January 31st, 1885, which have come to hand in time.[27]