Schedules and letters of instruction, with stamped envelopes for wings, were sent to the fifty-three under-mentioned lighthouses and light-vessels on the West and South-West Coasts of England, the Coasts of Wales, and the Isle of Man, and returns have been received from the thirty-four stations marked with an asterisk.
The following is an enumeration of the stations included in this section of the Report:—
| No. on Map. |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Isle of Man. | |||
| 115. | L.H. | Point of Ayre. | |
| 116. | L.H. | Douglas Head. | |
| *117. | L.H. | Langness, | Mr Robert Clyne. |
| *118. | L.H. | Chickens Rock, | Messrs Black and Beggs. |
| *119. | L.V. | Bahama Bank, | Mr John West. |
| N. W. England. | |||
| *120. | L.H. | St Bees, | Mr Henry Nott. |
| *121. | L.V. | Selker, | Messrs Daniel Kneale and George Cumming. |
| *122. | L.V. | Morecambe Bay, | Henry Clavell. |
| *123. | L.V. | River Dee, | Mr S. Work. |
| North Wales. | |||
| 124. | L.H. | Air. | |
| *125. | L.H. | Menai, | Mr Joseph Steer. |
| *126. | L.H. | Skerries Rock, | Messrs Rees, Smith, Tomkinson, and Williams. |
| *127. | L.H. | Holyhead Breakwater, | Messrs Prichard, Roberts, and Hughes. |
| *128. | L.H. | South Stack, | Mr. W. R. Burgess. |
| *129. | L.V. | Carnarvon Bay, | Messrs Thomas and Hughes. |
| 130. | L.H. | St Tudwal's. | Messrs Davies and Parsons. |
| *131. | L.H. | Bardsey Island, | Mr Thomas Bowen. |
| *132. | L.V. | Cardigan Bay, | Messrs Rees and Comben. |
| South Wales. | |||
| *133. | L.H. | South Bishop, | Messrs Nicholas and Pell. |
| *134. | L.H. | Smalls, | Mr George Baker. |
| *135. | L.H. | Great Castle Head, | Mr W. L. Davis. |
| *136. | L.H. | Milford (St Ann's), | Mr James F. Spicer. |
| *137. | L.H. | Caldy, | Mr Wm. Ebben. |
| *138. | L.V. | Helwick, | Messrs Webber and Howells. |
| Bristol Channel. | |||
| *139. | L.V. | Scarweather, | Messrs Havells and Wyness. |
| *140. | L.H. | Nash (E. ), | Mr Henry Nicholas. |
| *141. | L.V. | Breaksea, | Messrs Walters and Johnson. |
| *142. | L.H. | Flatholm, | Mr W. Dale. |
| 143. | L.V. | English and Welsh Grounds. | |
| *144. | L.H. | Usk. | |
| 145. | L.H. | Avon. | |
| *146. | L.H. | Burnham, | Mr William Lewis. |
| South-Western England. | |||
| *147. | L.H. | Bull Point, | Mr George Knott. |
| *148. | L.H. | Bideford Bar, | Mr Thomas Gilpin. |
| 149. | L.H. | Lundy Island. | |
| 150. | L.H. | Hartland Point. | |
| 151. | L.H. | Trevose Head. | |
| *152. | L.H. | Godrevy, | Mr Richard Trahair. |
| *153. | L.H. | Longships, | Mr Jno. W. Watson. |
| *154. | L.V. | Sevenstones, | Mr Daniel Norton. |
| *155. | L.H. | Wolf Rock, | Mr J. J. Chavner. |
| 156. | L.H. | Scilly. | |
| *157. | L.H. | Bishop's Rock, | Mr Jno. W. Troth. |
| 158. | L.H. | Lizard Point. | |
| 159. | L.H. | Falmouth Harbour. | |
| *160. | L.H. | Eddystone, | Messrs Ainger and Gaudion. |
| *161. | L.H. | Plymouth Breakwater, | Mr Arthur Ebgar. |
| *162. | L.H. | Start Point, | Mr William Jones. |
| *163. | L.H. | Portland Bill, | Messrs Frost and Counter. |
| *164. | L.V. | Shambles, | Mr William Clark. |
| 165. | L.H. | Anvil Point. | |
| *166. | L.H. | Hurst Castle, | Mr G. G. Appleton. |
| 167. | L.H. | The Needles. | |
Our best thanks are due to the observers above named for their invaluable co-operation, and for the faithful manner in which they have filled in their schedules. To Messrs Ainger and Gaudion (Eddystone), Bowen (Bardsey), Clark (Shambles), Knott (Bull Point), Nicholas (Nash), Norton (Sevenstones), Rees and Smith (Skerries), Steer (Menai), Thomas and Hughes (Carnarvon Bay), Walters and Johnson (Breaksea), and Webber and Howells (Helwick), additional and special thanks are due for sending the wings of the following species killed or captured at their respective stations:—
| Date. 1887. |
Species. | Station. | Remarks. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar. | 11, | Lapwing, | Sevenstones L.V., | 1 caught. | |||
| " | 18, | Pied Wagtail, | Nash L.H., | 8 killed. | |||
| April | 24, | Willow Warbler, | Eddystone L.H., | .... | |||
| " | 30, | { | Whinchat, ♂ Redstart, |
} | Shambles L.V., | 40 caught. | |
| May | 3, | Reed Warbler, White throat, Wood Warbler, Willow Warbler, Redstart, |
Eddystone L.H., | many killed | |||
| " | " | Sedge Warbler, | Nash L.H., | 5 killed. | |||
| " | " | Willow Warbler, | " | 4 " | |||
| " | " | Whitethroat, | " | 42 " | |||
| " | " | Blackcap, | " | 1 " | |||
| " | 4, | Pied Flycatcher, | " | 1 " | |||
| " | 6, | Redstart, | Carnarvon Bay L.V., | 1 " | |||
| " | 15, | Whitethroat, | " | 1 " | |||
| " | " | Sedge Warbler, | Helwick L.V., | 3 " | |||
| " | " | Ring Plover, | " | 1 " | |||
| Aug. | 16, | Willow Warbler, | Skerries L.H., | 1 " | |||
| " | " | Sedge Warbler, | " | 1 " | |||
| " | 17, | Willow Warbler, | " | 1 " | |||
| " | 18, | " | " | 1 " | |||
| " | " | Sedge Warbler, | " | 1 " | |||
| " | " | Willow Warbler, | Nash L.H., | 10 " | |||
| " | " | Sedge Warbler, | " | 35 " | |||
| " | " | Spotted Flycatcher, | " | 14 " | |||
| " | 25, | Willow Warbler, | Skerries L.H., | 12 " | |||
| " | 29, | Sedge Warbler, | " | several. | |||
| Sept. | 17, | Grey Wagtail, | Eddystone L.H., | .... | |||
| " | 18, | Turnstone, | Skerries L.H., | 1. | |||
| " | 20, | Sedge Warbler, | Nash L.H., | 27. | |||
| " | 21, | Whitethroat, | Eddystone L.H., | .... | |||
| " | " | Tree Pipit, | " | .... | |||
| " | " | Dunlin, | ;" | .... | |||
| " | " | Wheatear, | " | .... | |||
| " | 21, | Sedge Warbler, | Eddystone L.H., | .... | |||
| " | 23, | Blackcap, | Menai L.H., | 1. | |||
| " | 30, | Pied Wagtail, | Eddystone L.H., | .... | |||
| " | " | Meadow Pipit, | " | .... | |||
| " | " | Yellow Wagtail, | " | .... | |||
| Oct. | 3, | Albino Starling, | Bardsey L.H., | shot. | |||
| " | 9, | Common Thrush, | Breaksea L.V., | 1. | |||
| " | 17, | Chaffinch, | Skerries L.H., | .... | |||
| " | 30, | Wren, | " | .... | |||
| Nov. | 3, | Rock Pipit, | " | shot. | |||
| " | 7, | Chaffinch, | Nash L.H., | 1. | |||
| " | " | Redwing, | " | 6. | |||
| " | " | Common Thrush, | " | 11. | |||
| " | " | Short-eared Owl, | Skerries L.H., | shot. | |||
| " | 8, | Golden Eye, | " | ♂. | |||
| " | " | Jack Snipe, | " | shot. | |||
| " | 9, | Grey Plover, | Nash L.H., | 4 killed. | |||
| " | 11, | Chaffinch, | Bull Point L.H., | 1 " ♂. | |||
| " | 13, | Water Rail, | Nash L.H., | .... | |||
| " | 14, | Blackcap, | " | 15 killed. | |||
| " | " | Stonechat, | " | 4 " | |||
| " | " | Woodcock, Snipe, Skylark, |
" | 3 " 6 " 104 " |
|||
| " | 19, | Knot, | " | .... | |||
| " | 21, | Coot, | Breaksea L.V., | 1 killed. | |||
In addition to the observations furnished by the various Light-keepers, the following notes have been incorporated:—
Observations made in Cumberland, communicated by Messrs Macpherson and Duckworth.
Notes from the North-West Coast of Merioneth, by Mr G. H. Caton-Haigh.
To the above-named ornithologists, and to Mr W. Cecil Scott, of Leeds, the writer begs to tender his best thanks for their valued co-operation.
Summary of Observations.
January.—On several occasions during the month a few Thrushes, Fieldfares, Blackbirds, Larks, Starlings, and Curlews were observed at the lanterns, but all the movements recorded appear to be purely local in their nature.
February.—The same species are occasionally and locally noted as in January; but on the 17th, Wheatears were noted at the Chickens Rock lantern, and a Ring Ouzel was shot at St Tudwal's—these harbingers of spring making their appearance with the south-westerly winds and mild weather which then spread over our islands.
March.—The month commenced with a spell of anticyclonic weather—cold, gloomy, and foggy over England during the daytime, but with sharp frosts at night. The effect of this weather led to a renewal of the local movements of the Turdidæ, Chaffinches, Larks, Starlings, Lapwings, etc. Shallow local disturbances followed, and on the 15th, which was a most miserable and unsettled day all over England, there was a very great rush of birds at the Nash, flying before very heavy snow, from 8.30 A.M. to 3 P.M. Mr Nicholas says, "two or three hundred birds could be seen at a time," and that he recognised Skylarks, Starlings, Snipe, Woodcocks, Lapwings, Golden Plovers, Mallard, Teal, and many other birds flying in the snow. Anticyclones followed, prevailing until the 20th, producing a good deal of fog and severe frosts. The frost caused some of the lanterns to be visited by the usual gipsy species, but, among others, a "Woodcock, eight Pied Wagtails, and a Kingfisher were killed. Unsettled weather followed. On the 29th an anticyclone advanced completely over the British Islands, and with it fair, dry, quiet weather prevailed until the end of the month. On the 29th, amongst other species, scores of Wheatears fluttered around the Eddystone light; on the 30th, Razorbills and Puffins put in an appearance at their summer haunts on the Calf of Man; and Puffins arrived at St Tudwal's on the 31st.
April.—The month commenced with cold winds and showers of snow and sleet. After the 5th the disturbing conditions passed away, and on the 7th fine bright sunny weather was established, though the temperature remained low. On the 10th, Ring Ouzels and Wheatears were recorded, and the first Swallows appeared at four stations between Devon and the Isle of Man on the 11th. On the 17th the fine weather broke, and changeable, unsettled conditions prevailed over the country generally. During this period Ring Ouzels, Wheatears, and Willow and other Warblers were observed at the Eddystone, and a few Swallows at various stations. Towards the end of the month fine weather again prevailed, and on the 30th a Cuckoo was beard at St Bees, and numbers of Whinchats and Redstarts were captured at the lantern of the Shambles light-vessel.
May.—On the 3d the depression which prevailed during the earliest days of the month passed away, and variable breezes, with fair weather in some places and local showers in others, prevailed until the 5th. On the 3d and 4th, extraordinary rushes of summer immigrants occurred at the Eddystone and Nash stations (and at Helwick on the 4th), when Wheatears, Whitethroats, Sedge Warblers, Willow Wrens, Wood Warblers, Blackcaps, Reed Warblers, Redstarts, Pied Flycatchers, and Swallows were killed—some in considerable numbers—at the lanterns. On the 16th and 18th, in varying weather, there were arrivals of summer and transient birds at the S.W. stations. Conditions afterwards were most unsettled until the 24th, the weather being wretchedly cold and rough. The only bird recorded during this period was the Swift—a species associated in some districts in England with such unsettled meteorological conditions. On the 25th a high-pressure system appeared, with northerly and easterly winds, though dull and cold for the time of the year. From this date to the end of the month there were continuous arrivals of summer birds, and many Sandpipers and Plovers passed the Eddystone on their way to the far north.
June.—The returns for this month are quite unimportant.
August.—The first movement from the breeding habitats was recorded for the 4th, when Curlews were noted at Menai, the Scarweather L.V., and at Bideford Bar. On the 11th, Whimbrel arrived, and, along with Willow Warblers, Sedge Warblers, and Whitethroats, struck against the Nash lantern. The weather entirely broke up on the 15th, and thunderstorms began to prevail. The 19th and 20th were very cold, and at night slight ground frosts occurred in several localities. During this spell of rough weather a number of summer birds were recorded as emigrating—Swifts, Swallows, Martins, Warblers, Flycatchers, and Land Rails. The weather then mended, and became fine and hot, and little migration appears to be recorded for the latter days of the month.
September.—The month commenced with a period of very rough weather, south-westerly and westerly gales blowing with great force in the Channel and on our South-West Coasts. On the passing, away of this severe disturbance, a series of smaller ones followed, and continued with little interruption until the middle of the month. The returns up to the 17th show an almost complete dearth of bird-movements during this interval. On the 17th an anticyclonic spell commenced, which lasted, without intermission, till the 25th, and concomitant with it were general migratory movements, full particulars of which are furnished in the Diary section of this report. A cyclonic distribution succeeded, during which the weather was on the whole fair and dry—foggy at times, and cold for the time of the year—and but little migration was noted.
October commenced with an anticyclonic stage—cold, dry, and fine, with westerly breezes in the north, easterly ones in the south. This lasted until the 9th, and during its prevalence not unimportant movements occurred from the 5th to the 9th, when Larks, Thrushes, Ring Ouzels, Finches, Warblers of several species, Swallows, and Gold crests appeared at the lanterns. After the 9th a period of very unsettled cyclonic weather ensued; the wind became northerly and increased in force, and showers of snow, sleet, or cold rain continued to fall over the United Kingdom; and cold and unsettled weather continued with us until nearly the middle of the month, with no migration. On the 15th the depression had disappeared, being replaced by an anticyclonic stage lasting until the 22d. During this favourable interval there were important and general immigrations and transient movements of winter birds. There followed a decided alteration in the stability of the meteorological conditions over the British Islands and their neighbourhood. Various systems appeared of a transitory nature, and the changes of wind and weather were consequently both sudden and frequent. The movements of birds recorded in our Diary for this changeable period which witnessed the close of the month were neither many nor important.
November.—The month commenced with a spell of exceedingly changeable, unsettled weather, which lasted uninterruptedly until about the 8th. During this period the only movement worthy of mention was the not unimportant one recorded for the S.W. stations on the 7th. On the afternoon of the 11th an anticyclonic period commenced, and prevailed, with little break, until the 17th. There were important general movements on the 11th (on which date a great many—Saxicola isabellina—was obtained at Allonby in Cumberland), 13th, 14th, with interesting observations on the 17th and 18th, at S.W. stations.
There were no other movements of importance up to the close of the year.
Diary of the Migratory Movements as Observed at the various Stations.
The sequence of the stations is from north to south. The wind and weather, as observed at the stations, are given in parenthesis: for the weather, the symbols of the Beaufort scale have been adopted;[8] while the force of the wind ranges from 0 to 12.
[8] Beaufort scale:—B. blue sky; C. detached clouds; D. drizzling rain; F. fog; G. dark, gloomy; H. hail; L. lightning; M. misty; O. overcast; P. passing showers; Q. squally; R. rain; S. snow; T. thunder; U. ugly, threatening; V. visibility, unusual transparency; W. dew.
The diction of the observers has been closely adhered to. The identification of the species marked thus * has been verified by the wings sent.
JANUARY.
January 1st.—Bahama Bank L.V., large number of Starlings and Thrushes at 9.40 A.M., flying W. (4, S.W.; B. C. M.)
January 5th.—Bahama Bank L.V., number of Starlings, Thrushes, and Larks flying round lantern from 10 P.M. till 4 A.M. Four Starlings, six Thrushes, and two Larks killed. (S., 5; snow.)
January 8th.—Chickens Rock L.H., Several Thrushes, Fieldfares, and Blackbirds flying round lantern throughout the night. (N.N.E. fresh breeze; haze.)
January 10th.—Bahama Bank L.V., about forty Thrushes and Larks flying round lantern all night; two Thrushes and one Lark killed. (S.W., 1; B. C. M.)
January 15th.—Chickens Rock L.H., number of Curlews flying round lantern all night. (S.E. strong breeze; haze.)
January 27th.—Chickens Rock L.H., number of small birds flying round lantern all night. (S.S.W. gale.)
FEBRUARY.
February 7th.—Cumberland, a Grey Phalarope at Silloth.
February 10th.—St Tudwal's L.H., two Thrushes struck lantern at 6 A.M. Sevenstones L.V., a Bullfinch flew on board to rest at 1.30 P.M. (E., 4; clear.)
February 16th.—Carnarvon Bay L.V., large flocks of Thrushes and Larks all night; left for land at "fogbreak." One Thrush and one Lark killed. (S.S.W., 4; G. M.) Merionethshire, a great many Snipe appeared, but only remained two or three days.
February 17th.—Chickens Rock L.H., flocks of Thrushes, Blackbirds, Starlings, and Wheatears flying round lantern all night. (S.S.W. fresh breeze; haze.) St Tudwal's L.H., a "Ringed Ouzel" shot at 9 A.M.
February 18th.—Skerries Rock L.H., two Thrushes killed, midnight. (N. by E., 6; clear.)
February 20th.—Langness L.H., one Fieldfare struck lantern, and found dead at 4 A.M. (Light S.W.; showers.)
February 23d.—Langness L.H., one Song Thrush struck and killed at 2 A.M. (Strong S.W.; haze.)
February 24th.—Merionethshire, a Little Auk diving within gun-shot of the windows at 8 A.M. Weather very rough, with violent gales from S.W.
February 25th.—Merionethshire, flock of about a dozen Pied Wagtails. (Strong N.W.) No more till March 20th, when several appeared.
February 28th.—St Tudwal's L.H., a Blackbird and a Lark killed at 5 A.M.
MARCH.
March 1st.—Selker L.V., one male Blackbird struck the lantern and was killed at 12.30 A.M. (S., 3; B. C.) Larks, Starlings, and Blackbirds from midnight to 4.20 A.M. One male Starling struck lantern and was killed. (Calm: O. M.) Skerries Rock L.H., one Blackbird killed during night. (S.W., 2; clear.) Carnarvon Bay L.V., several Blackbirds at 2 A.M.; three caught; others left at daybreak. (S.S.W., 4; C. V.) Eddystone L.H., a Thrush caught at 11 P.M. A flock of Lapwings flying around the light at midnight. (N.E., 1; C. M.)
March 2d.—Selker L.V., large flocks of Chaffinches at 9.30 A.M. going S.W. Fifteen Chaffinches going S.W. at 11.30 A.M. (S., 1; O. M.) Langness L.H., one Starling on lantern at 3 A.M. One female Blackbird on lantern at 4.30 A.M., and four Blackbirds at 9 A.M. (Light S.W.; haze.) Smalls L.H., Starlings and Blackbirds striking window all night; many killed. (W., 1; O. V.)
March 4th.—Langness L.H., a Lark on lantern at 3 A.M. (Light S.W.; haze.) Caldy L.H., twenty Puffins at 6 A.M. (S.W., 5; C.) Eddystone L.H., Blackbirds and Thrushes from 3 to 5 A.M.; two caught. (E., 4; B. C. M.)
March 5th.—Smalls L.H., Lapwings at 3 P.M. (E.S.E., 3; O. M.) Five remained on the rock until the following day. Eddystone L.H., Blackbirds, Missel Thrushes, Starlings, and Larks from 3 to 4 A.M.; many striking. (E., 4; C. M.)
March 7th.—Carnarvon Bay L.V., two Lapwings at 8 A.M. "One fell alongside, and caught; it seemed fagged out." (E.S.E., 2; M.)
March 9th.—Eddystone L.H., numbers of small birds flying around the lantern all night; none striking. (Light and variable; C. M.)
March 10th.—Selker L.V., Larks and Thrushes all night; all disappeared at daybreak. (Calm; O. M.) St Tudwal's L.H., two Blackbirds on the island at 10 A.M. Eddystone L.H., small birds all night—Blackbirds and Thrushes resting on the roof. (E.; O.)
March 12th.—Bishop Rock L.H., "Puffins arrived. They are seven days later than last year."
March 15th.—Merionethshire, Woodcock, last seen. Nash (E.) L.H., "A very great rush of birds flying before a very heavy snow, from 8.30 A.M. to 3 P.M. (Wind E., 3; O. S.) Two or three hundred birds could be seen at a time as follows: Snipes, Lapwings, Golden Plovers, Starlings, Skylarks, Woodcocks (a few), Wild Duck, Teal, and many other birds which could not be named, flying in the snow."
March 17th.—Skerries Rock L.H., Thrushes and Starlings throughout the night. (Calm, misty.)
March 18th.—Selker L.V., one Woodcock, one Thrush, and two Larks found dead on deck, killed during night. (S.E., 3; snow, misty.) Nash (E.) L.H., eight *Pied Wagtails killed between 1 and 3 A.M. (N.E., 2; B. C. M.)
March 19th.—Langness L.H., twenty-one Geese at 3 P.M. flying N.E. (Light E.; haze.) Bahama Bank L.V., two Thrushes and two Starlings killed at 11.15 P.M. (S.E., 4; hazy.) St Tudwal's L.H., six Wild Geese flying N.E. at 5.40 P.M. Helwick L.V., a Kingfisher struck the lantern at 3 A.M. (S.S.W., 2; haze.)
March 20th.—Bahama Bank L.V., two Thrushes at 10.45 P.M.; one killed. One Flycatcher and one Lark flying round lantern at 10.45 P.M. (S. by E., 3; O. G.) Selker L.V., several Starlings and Larks flying about the light from 12 P.M. to 4 A.M. One Starling caught alive. Carnarvon Bay L.V., several birds all night. One Starling and one Blackbird killed. (S., 3; B. M.) Eddystone L.H., Larks and Lapwings at 3 A.M. (E.N.E., 4.)
March 21st.—Cumberland, Sand Martins at Cockermouth.
March 23d.—Selker L.V., a great many Blackbirds and Thrushes flying about the light from 12 P.M. to 4 A.M. (5, S.S.E.; rain, misty.) Three Thrushes found dead on deck, and one Blackbird caught alive. (5, N. by W.; C. M.) Merionethshire, Golden-eye, last seen.
March 24th.—Merionethshire, one Whimbrel.
March 26th.—Langness L.H., several Thrushes striking between 9 and 12 P.M. One Redwing found dead. (Light W.; rain.) Selker L.V., a great many Thrushes flying about the light from 9 to 12 P.M. (5, S.W.; R., misty.)
March 27th.—Langness L.H., one ♀ Blackbird on lantern at 4 A.M. (Light W.; rain.) A few Wagtails at 3 P.M. St Bees L.H., first appearance of Pied Wagtail. Selker L.V., Thrushes and Larks flying round the light from 12 to 4 A.M. (5, W. by N.; R., misty.)
March 28th.—Langness L.H., "a Cuckoo at 10 A.M." (Fresh W.; clear.)
March 29th.—Eddystone L.H., Lapwings, Blackbirds, Missel Thrushes, Starlings, Fieldfares, and scores of Wheatears at the lantern between 12.30 to 5 A.M. One Blackbird and six Starlings killed. (Light and variable; B. C. M.)
March 30th.—Langness L.H., two Golden-crested Wrens, one ♂ Chaffinch, and a large number of Pipits at 4 P.M. (Light N.; clear.) Chickens Rock L.H., Razorbills and Puffins in great numbers all day. (Variable, frosty.) These birds breed on the Calf of Man, and Mr Black says they have come about a fortnight earlier than they did last year. Merionethshire, Meadow Pipit, small flocks. (Light E.)
March 31st.—St Tudwal's L.H., about fifty Puffins arrived at the island. Helwick L.V., forty Lapwings going N.E. at 10 A.M. (W., 3; clear.)
APRIL.
April 1st.—Merionethshire, Wheatear, first seen. "This is the latest date I have noted for the arrival of this bird." (Strong N. wind blowing.) Red-breasted Merganser, last seen, a flock of six adult males; very scarce all through the winter.
April 9th.—Merionethshire, "Chiffchaff. This unusually late date of arrival was probably owing to the prevalence of strong winds from N. and N.W., from the end of March till April 8th, when it changed to E. for some days. Abundant on April 10th."
April 10th.—Langness L.H., one Ring Ouzel and about a dozen Wheatears at 3 P.M. (Light E.; clear.) St Bees L.H., first appearance of Wheatear.
April 11th.—Langness L.H., one Swallow at 10 A.M. (Light E.; haze.) Holyhead Breakwater L.H., several Swallows about the lighthouse at 10 A.M. (O. B. C.) Cardigan Bay L.V., the first Swallow seen at noon going E.N.E. Bull Point L.H., three Swallows at 2 P.M. going E.
April 12th.—Burnham L.H., Sheldrakes congregating at their breeding-haunts between the two lighthouses.
April 14th.—Merionethshire, one Whimbrel heard.
April 16th.—Chickens Rock L.H., nine Swallows at 11 A.M. (E. strong breeze; haze.) Merionethshire, Willow Wren, in some numbers. (Light E.)
April 17th.—Merionethshire, one Blackcap seen. Common Sandpiper arrived. (Light S.W.)
April 18th.—Nash (E.) L.H., four Swallows going E. at 10 A.M. (E., 3; B. M.) Merionethshire, Whinchat, one seen. (S.W. light.)
April 19th.—Nash (E.) L.H., two Swallows passed to N.E. at 8 am. (N.W, 3; C. M.)
April 20th.—Langness L.H., a few Solan Geese at 7 A.M. (Light W.; clear.)
April 21st.—St Bees L.H., one Fieldfare killed at 11.30 P.M. (S.W., 4; fog and rain.) Selker L.V., one Thrush found on deck, killed during night. (5, S.W.; C. M. P.) Eddystone L.H., several Ring Ouzels, Thrushes, Larks, and numbers of Wheatears flying around the lantern from 9.30 P.M. to 2.30 A.M. (22d). Two Ring Ouzels (♂ and ♀), and one Thrush caught; several lost over. (S.W, 5; C. R. M.)
April 23d.—Cumberland, Cuckoo at Carlisle. Carnarvon Bay L.V., several unknown small birds around the lantern at 11 P.M. Merionethshire, Swallow, first seen. (Strong S.W.) Martin, one in the village of Penrhyndendraeth. (Strong S.W.)
April 24th.—Merionethshire, many Whimbrel. (Strong N.W, with hail showers.) Eddystone L.H., numbers of small birds—Warblers, Larks, Ring Ouzels—flying past the lantern from 10 P.M. to 3 A.M.; a Ring Ouzel and a *Willow Warbler caught. (N.E. by E, 1; O. P. V.)
April 25th.—Cumberland, Golden-eye and Widgeon, last seen at Monkhill. Merionethshire, Tree Pipit arrived. (Strong N.W, cold.)
April 26th.—Cumberland, Corncrake telegraphed at Cockermouth. Merionethshire, Cuckoo heard in the evening. It is said to have been heard on the 24th. (Strong N.W.; thunder and hail, and heavy fall of snow on the mountain.)
April 27th.--Holyhead Breakwater L.H., four Swallows flying E. at 4 P.M. (W.S.W., 6; B. C. P.)
April 29th.—Cumberland, Swallow arrived at Cockermouth. St Tudwal's L.H., hundreds of Puffins arrived. Merionethshire, Whimbrel, heard a flock going over at night.
April 30th.—Langness L.H., several Willow Warblers at 10 A.M. (Light N.E.; clear.) St Bees L.H., heard Cuckoo, first time this season. Portland (Low) L.H., a good few Wrens and Linnets at 2 A.M.; several killed. (E, 4; mist, rain.) Shambles L.V., small birds in quantity (name unknown) at lantern during the night; fifty caught. Wings of a *Whinchat and a *Redstart sent for identification. (E. by S, 3; cloudy.)
MAY.
May 1st.—Caldy L.H., a Cuckoo on the island at 9 A.M. Helwick L.V., two Swallows flying N. about 11 A.M. Bideford Bar L.H., a Cuckoo, several "Mountain Larks," and one Swift at 9 A.M. (E, 4.) Portland (Low) L.H., two Swallows at 7.50 P.M.
May 3d.—Skerries Rock L.H., one Flycatcher killed at midnight. (E.N.E., 2; misty.) Merionethshire, one Swift. (Light E., dull and cloudy.) Nash (E.) L.H., a rush of immigrants from 9 P.M. until midnight—*Wheatears (twenty to thirty struck, seven killed), *Whitethroats (S. cinerea) (100 to 200 struck, forty-two killed), *Sedge Warblers (thirty to forty struck, live killed), *Willow Warblers (ten to fifteen struck, four killed), *Blackcap (four struck, one killed). (E., 2; M. D. R.) Bull Point L.H., several Swallows. Three Swifts at 6 P.M. Eddystone L.H., hundreds of birds this morning from midnight to 3 A.M.: Swallows, Wheatears, *Reed Warblers, *Whitethroats, *Wood Warblers, *Willow Warblers, and *Redstarts, many of which were killed and fell over; and Mr Gaudion tells me he "could scarcely walk on the gallery for them." (W.N.W., 3; C. G. V.) At 9 P.M. the movement was renewed, and lasted until 3.30 A.M. (4th q.v.)
May 4th.—Langness L.H., several Wheatears at 3 P.M. St, Bees L.H., heard Corncrake, first time this season. Merionethshire, Common Sandpiper, considerable numbers. Whimbrel, several large flocks. Selker L.V., two Swallows going S.W. at 3.30 P.M. (2, S.S.E.; B. C.) Helwick L.V., a great number of small birds around the lantern, also Curlews. Two Warblers and three Whitethroats killed. (N.E., 3; O. M. R.) Nash (E.) L.H. (continuation of last night's rush). A *Pied Flycatcher, ♂, killed at 2.30 A.M.; two *Wheatears killed at 3.15 A.M. (E.S.E., 4; C. M. D.) Bull Point L.H., two "Wrens" found killed against the lantern. Eddystone L.H. (continuation of last night's movement). Large numbers of small birds from midnight to 3.30 A.M., apparently the same species as yesterday. A Nightjar killed at 2.30 A.M. (W., 2; O. R. M.)
May 5th.—Merionethshire, Corncrake, first heard. (Light E.)
May 6th.—Langness L.H., a few Swallows and eight Lapwings at 2 P.M. (Fresh E.; haze.) Skerries Rock L.H., "Sea Swallows" (Sterna), flying round the island at daylight. (E.S.E., 5; misty.) Mr Rees says: "Sea Swallows always come to this island true to the morning of the 6th May; then they leave again for one week, and then return for the laying season." Carnarvon Bay L.V., a male *Redstart at noon. (Calm, fog.) Nash (E.) L.H., two Blackcaps passed lantern at 10.30 P.M. (N.N.E., 3; O. M. D.)
May 9th.—Nash (E.) L.H., a Sedge Warbler killed at 1 A.M. (N.N.W., 2; fog.) Eddystone L.H., a small flock of Golden Plovers passing at 2.30 A.M. A few Warblers flying round the lantern. (W. light; C. V.)
May 10th.—Nash (E.) L.H., four Sedge Warblers killed at 2.30 A.M. A few Wheatears struck at 3.30 A.M. (N.W., 3; fog.) A Willow Warbler at lantern at 9 P.M.; Wheatears at 10 P.M., one killed. (N.W., 3; B. C.)
May 11th.—Langness L.H., one Swift at 2 P.M. (Light W.; clear.)
May 13th.—Cumberland, nine Dotterel seen on a Solway marsh.
May 14th.—Langness L.H., one Cuckoo at 11 A.M. (Light N.; clear.) Merionethshire, Nightjar arrived. (Light E.) Nash (E.) L.H., one Cuckoo passed W. at 8 A.M., and two at 11 A.M. (N.E., 2; C. M.) A large flock of Swallows passed to W. at noon.
May 15th.—Langness L.H., a few Willow Warblers at 1 P.M. (Light N.; clear.) Several Whimbrel for the last three days. St Bees L.H., Some Whitethroats flying round lantern at 1.30 A.M. (N.N.E., 1; C. M.) River Dee L.V., Swallows passing the whole day, in ones and twos, all flying N.E. (N.N.E., 1; O. V.) Skerries Rock L.H., several Whimbrel flying round the island all day. (N.E., 4; misty.) Carnarvon Bay L.V., a *Whitethroat killed at lantern. South Bishop L.H., several Wheatears; a few striking between 12 P.M. to 3 A.M. (E.N.E., 3; C. V.) Helwick L.V., a good many birds flying round the lantern during the night; three *Sedge Warblers and one *Ringed Plover killed. (N.E, 1; O. M.)
May 16th.—Carnarvon Bay L.V., the first "Sea Swallows" (Sterna) appeared at 6 A.M. Eddystone L.H., large numbers of small birds—Wheatears and Warblers—striking lightly from 10 P.M. (? 15th) to 3 A.M. (N.N.E, 3; C. G. V.)
May 18th.—Merionethshire, Spotted Flycatcher arrived. (Strong N.W.; cold.) South Bishop L.H., several Swallows all day. Eddystone L.H., hundreds of Wheatears, Warblers, and Swallows from 12 P.M. to 3 A.M.; many striking the lantern and lost over; three Warblers killed. (W. by S., 3; C. D. M.)
May 19th.—Cardigan Bay L.V., two Swifts going E. at 11 A.M.
May 20th.—Cumberland, twelve adult Richardson's Skuas flying past Silloth from W. to E. (After N.W. gale.)
May 21st.—Nash (E.) L.H., a large flock of Swifts passed W.S.W. at 5 P.M.
May 23d.—Langness L.H., large number of Swifts at 11 A.M. (Light N.; clear.) Chickens Rock L.H., two Terns at 7 A.M. (N.W. strong breeze; haze.) Holyhead Breakwater L.H., one Kingfisher at 8 A.M. (N.N.W., 3; gloomy.) Cardigan Bay L.V., four Swifts going N. at 2 P.M.
May 24th.—Langness L.H., one Willow Warbler and two Whitethroats at 1 P.M. (Light N.W.; cloudy.) South Bishop L.H., a few Swifts from 11 A.M. to 2 P.M.
May 25th.—Cardigan L.V., six Martins going E.S.E. at 3 P.M. Eddystone L.H., flocks of Sandpipers, Wheatears, Warblers, and Swallows from 9.30 to 12 P.M. One Sandpiper caught; many Warblers killed and lost over. (E. by N., 4; O. R. M.)
May 26th.—South Bishop L.H., large number of "Flycatchers" between 12 P.M. and 3 A.M.; many struck lantern, thirty killed. (E., 4; B. C. M.)
May 27th.—South Stack L.H., several "Siskins" from 10 P.M. till midnight. Cardigan Bay L.V., two Swifts at 7 P.M. Eddystone L.H., hundreds of birds here from 11 P.M. until 3 A.M. (28th?). Flocks passing, their call like Plovers; only Warblers close to lantern, and none caught.
May 28th.—South Bishop L.H., several "Flycatchers" from 12 P.M. to 3 A.M.; several struck, ten killed. (E.N.E., 2; C. M.) A Cuckoo and a small bird at 7 P.M., left rock and flew east. Godrevy L.H., a Cuckoo struck the lantern. Eddystone L.H.,—See under yesterday.
May 29th.—Cardigan Bay L.V., two Swifts at 7.30 P.M. Bishop's Rock L.H., a Turtle Dove and nine Swifts at 7 P.M. flying from W. to E. (E.S.E., 5; C. M. R.)
May 30th.—Nash (E.) L.H., a Cuckoo captured at lantern at 10 P.M. Eddystone L.H., flocks of Sandpipers passing lantern—a few striking—from 12.15 till 3 A.M. Also hundreds of Wheatears, Warblers, Swallows, and Swifts from 12.15 to 3 A.M. Great numbers of Warblers killed against lantern and cowl, and lost over. (E. by N., 4; C. D. M.)
JUNE.
June 1st.—Cumberland, two Black Terns seen near Carlisle. Eddystone L.H., several Swallows, Swifts, and Warblers from 12 P.M. until 3 A.M.; none caught. (E.S.E., 2; fog.)
June 2d.—Merionethshire, one Redstart. (Light E. wind.) Four Whimbrel to N., very high up. Nash (E.) L.H., a Swift killed at 10 P.M. (O. M. D.)
June 5th.—Merionethshire, the Red-backed Shrike not seen till this date.
June 6th.—River Dee L.V., five Swans flying N. at 10.30 A.M.; they passed very close. (S.W., 1; B. C. V.) Eddystone L.H., several Swallows and Swifts from 5 P.M. to 6 A.M. (W.S.W., 3; C. R. M.)
June ——.—Merionethshire, about the middle of June several large flocks of Mallard appeared on the river. One flock must have contained nearly a hundred ducks.
June 17th.—River Dee L.V.,, thousands of Sandpipers flying W. at 10 A.M. (S.E., 2; B. C. V.) Nash (E.) L.H., Cuckoos passing S.W. at 10 A.M. Bishop's Rock L.H., a Turtle Dove at 8 P.M. passing from W. to E. (S.E., 5; B. M.)
June 21st.—Selker L.V., flocks of Black Ducks at 9.15 P.M., and 7.30 P.M. (3, N.E.; B. C. V.) Helwick L.V., twelve or sixteen "Mackerel Cocks" (?Puffinus anglorum, from description sent) at 6 P.M. going W.
June 24th.—Selker L.V., ten Black Ducks going N.W. at 8.30 P.M. (1, N.N.E.; B. M.) Eddystone L.H., many Swifts "tapping against the glass from 10 P.M. till daylight." (E., 4; C. M. and C. V.)
AUGUST.
August 2d.—Merionethshire, several small flocks of Redshank.
August 3d.—Merionethshire, flocks of hundreds of Black-headed Gull.
August 4th.—Menai L.H., flocks of Curlews about shore all day. (Calm, clear.) Merionethshire, Cuckoo, one adult. Whimbrel appeared again; saw one, and heard several. Scarweather L.V., two Curlews at 8 P.M. Bideford Bar L.H., about 200 Curlew on the sands at 8.30 P.M.; also one Heron and thirty Ring Plovers.
August 7th.—Merionethshire, many flocks of Dunlin appeared. (Light N.W.)
August 8th.—Langness L.H., one Raven and one ♂ Wheatear at 4.30 A.M. (Fresh S.W.; clear.) Cardigan Bay L.V., two Storm Petrels at 3 P.M. around the vessel. Bideford Bar L.H., two hundred Guillemots at 11.30 A.M. going to sea, W.
August 10th.—Langness L.H., several Wheatears at 10 A.M. (Fresh N.W.; clear.) Skerries Rock L.H., one Cormorant at noon. (N.E., 6; B. C. V.) One Wheatear on island at 7 P.M. (N.N.E., 6.) Merionethshire, most of the Swifts left about this date.
August 11th.—Langness L.H., four Oyster-catchers and a few Whimbrels at 5 A.M. (Light N.; clear.) Skerries Rock L.H., one Lapwing on island at 6 P.M. (N. by E., 5; B. C. V.) Nash (E.) L.H., four Willow Warblers struck (two killed), eight to ten Sedge Warblers struck (three killed), and three Whimbrel struck between 11 and 12 P.M. (N.E., 2; C. M.) Four Whitethroats killed at 1 A.M. (August 12th).
August 12th.—St Tudwal's L.H., the Puffins left the island. Cardigan Bay L.V., six Swifts and one Rook going S.E. at 8 P.M.
August 13th.—Skerries Rock L.H., two Yellow Buntings on island at 4 P.M. (N.E., 6; C. M. R.) Nash (E.) L.H., a Land Rail killed at 2.40 A.M. (E.N.E., 2; C. G. P.) Two Sedge Warblers killed at 9.20 P.M. (W.N.W, 3; C. G. M.)
August 14th.—Langness L.H., large numbers of Wheatears all day. (Light S.W.; clear.) Nash (E.) L.H., a Swift killed at 10 P.M. (S.E., 1; B. C. M.)
August 15th.—Langness L.H., large number of Swallows from 7 to 9 A.M. (Light S.; clear.) Nash (E.) L.H., two Swifts killed between 9 and 11 P.M. (E., 4; C. O.) Bideford Bar L.H., large flocks of Swallows from N. at noon. At 10 P.M. a Swallow struck lantern and was caught. (S.E., 2; C. M.) Eddystone L.H., "several Wheatears, Reed Warblers, and Willow Wrens from 9 P.M. (? 14th) till 3 A.M. The first autumn birds." A few caught. (N, 2; C. P. V.) Portland (Low) L.H., a Wheatear killed at 12 P.M. (E., 4; O. M.)
August 16th.—Chickens Rock L.H., six Wheatears, two Larks, and three Meadow Pipits on lantern from 12 till 3 A.M. (E. strong airs; haze.) St Bees L.H., four Willow Warblers struck glass at midnight, but were not killed. (S.E., 1; O. M.) Skerries Rock L.H., three Whimbrel flying S. at 6 P.M. (Calm, clear.) *Willow Wren and *Sedge Warbler killed against glass. Holyhead Breakwater L.H., two Yellow Buntings at noon. (N.E., 3; B. C.) South Stack L.H., several small birds flying round the lantern, 11 P.M. to midnight; one caught. Portland (Low) L.H., a Martin and a Common Wren killed in the early morning. (E.N.E., 5; C. M. D.)
August 17th.—Langness L.H., twelve Oyster-catchers at 6 A.M. (Light E.; clear.) Selker L.V., great many Meadow Pipits round light from midnight to 4 A.M.; two killed. (1 S.S.W.; O. M. P.) Morecambe Bay L.V., two Yellow Buntings flying about the vessel at noon. (E., 3; C. M.) Skerries Rock L.H., several "Flycatchers" striking glass at 12.50 A.M.; two killed. (E.,4; misty.) One Cormorant at 3 P.M. (N.N.E., 5; C. M.) Nash (E.) L.H., a Land Rail killed at 10 P.M. (N., 4: C. G. P.) Sevenstones L.V., two Storm Petrels at sunset. (N.N.W., 5; B. O.) Portland (Low) L.H., two "Wrens" struck at 3 A.M. (N., 5; C. M.)
August 18th.—Skerries Rock L.H., two Wheatears flying on island at 6 P.M. One *Willow Wren and one *Sedge Warbler killed against lantern. (N., 5; misty.) Nash (E.) L.H., ten *Willow Warblers, thirty-five *Sedge Warblers, and fourteen *Spotted Flycatchers killed between 9 and 11 P.M. (N.E., 4; C. G. P.) Four Swifts killed at 1 A.M. (19th). Eddystone L.H. (see 19th).
August 19th.—St Bees L.H., several flocks of Starlings about. "We are constantly visited by Wagtails after insects, which are attracted by the light during the night, and which stay about during the day. We have also a Robin occasionally." Morecambe Bay L.V., several "Mackerel Birds" about the station during the day. (N.; B. C.) River Dee L.V., flocks of Oyster-catchers passing the whole day. (N.E., 2; B. C. V.) Cardigan Bay L.V., a large flock of Swallows going S.W. at 9 A.M. Caldy L.H., ten Swallows at 3 P.M. Nash (E.) L.H., four Swifts killed at 1 A.M. Eddystone L.H., numbers of Wheatears, Willow Wrens, Reed Warblers, and Whitethroats from 9 P.M. (18th) to 3 A.M.; some striking and several caught. (N. by E., 4; C. P. V.)
August 20th.—Carnarvon Bay L.V., several flocks of Common Tern. Cardigan Bay L.V., several flocks of Swallows going S.W. at 9 A.M. Nash (E.) L.H., a Land Rail killed at 10 P.M. (N.E., 3; C. M.)
August 23d.—Eddystone L.H., a few small birds—Wheatears and Warblers—flying around the lantern from 9.30 to 12 P.M. (E. by S., 3; B. C. V.)
August 25th.—Skerries Rock L.H., twelve *Willow Wrens killed at the lantern.
August 26th.—Cumberland, five Greenshank shot at Silloth.
August 29th.—Skerries Rock L.H., *Sedge Warbler killed. Sevenstones L.V., several Storm Petrels from 5 to 6.30 P.M. (S.S.W., 4; B. O.)
August 30th.—Cumberland, two Widgeon seen, and one shot at Silloth. Langness L.H., several Swallows at 9 A.M. flying S.W. Solan Geese, a few passing westward every day for the last week or so. A few Wheatears every day. Large flock of Curlews and a few Whimbrel at 6 P.M. (Light to fresh S.E. to S.; showery.) Carnarvon Bay L.V., six "Grey Plovers" at noon going N.W. Nash (E.) L.H., twelve or fifteen Swallows passed S.S.W. at 7 A.M.