WEST COAST OF ENGLAND AND WALES, AND THE ISLE OF MAN.

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-nine 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, Robert Clyne.

*118. L.H. Chickens Rock, James Black.

*119. L.V. Bahama Bank, Charles Johns.

N. W. England.

*120. L.H. St Bees, Henry Nott.

*121. L.V. Selker, Daniel Kneale and George Cumming.

*122. L.V. Morecambe Bay, Henry Clavell.

*123. L.V. River Dee, S. Work and J. Clague.

North Wales.

124. L.H. Air.

*125. L.H. Menai, Joseph Steer.

*126. L.H. Skerries Rock, Wm. Jno. Rees.

*127. L.H. Holyhead Breakwater, Messrs Prichard, Roberts, and Hughes.

*128. L.H. South Stack, W. R. Burgess.

*129. L.V. Carnarvon Bay, Messrs Thomas and Hughes.

130. L.H. St Tudwalls.

*131. L.H. Bardsey Island, Thomas Bowen.

*132. L.V. Cardigan Bay, Messrs Rees and Comben.

South Wales.

*133. L.H. South Bishop, Alfred Frost.

*134. L.H. Smalls, George Baker.

*135. L.H. Great Castle Head, W. L. Davis.

*136. L.H. Milford (St Ann's), Jas. F. Spicer.

*137. L.H. Caldy, Wm. Ebben.

*138. L.V. Helwick, Messrs Webber and Howells.

Bristol Channel.

*139. L.V. Scarweather, Messrs Havells and Wynen.

*140. L.H. Nash (E. ), Henry Nicholas.

*141. L.V. Breaksea, Messrs Walters and Johnson.

*142. L.H. Flatholm, W. Dale.

143. L.V. English and Welsh Grounds.

*144. L.H. Usk, Amos Russell.

145. L.H. Avon.

*146. L.H. Burnham, William Lewis.

South-Western England.

*147. L.H. Bull Point, George Knott.

*148. L.H. Bideford Bar, Thomas Gilpin.

149. L.H. Lundy Island.

150. L.H. Hartland Point.

151. L.H. Trevose Head.

*152. L.H. Godrevy, Richard Trahair.

*153. L.H. Longships, Jno. W. Watson.

*154. L.V. Sevenstones, Daniel Norton.

*155. L.H. Wolf Rock, J. J. Chavner.

156. L.H. Scilly.

*157. L.H. Bishop's Rock, Jno. W. Troth.

158. L.H. Lizard Point.

159. L.H. Falmouth Harbour.

*160. L.H. Eddystone, William Ainger.

*161. L.H. Plymouth Breakwater, Arthur Ebgar.

*162. L.H. Start Point, William Jones.

*163. L.H. Portland Bill, William Frost.

*164. L.V. Shambles, William Clark.

165. L.H. Anvil Point.

*166. L.H. Hurst Castle, G. G. Appleton.

167. L.H. The Needles.

It is satisfactory to note that not only has the number of stations making returns been largely augmented, but also that the schedules have considerably increased in number from most stations.[10] It is pleasing, too, to observe the pains and evident interest taken by most of the recorders. 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 (Eddystone), Baker (Smalls), Clyne (Langness), Johnson (Longships), Jones (Start), Knott (Bull Point), Lewis (Burnham), Nicholas (Nash), Rees (Skerries), Walters and Johnson (Breaksea), Webber and Howells (Helwick), and Work and Clague (Dee), additional and especial thanks are due for sending the wings of the species unknown to them killed or captured at their respective stations. The result of the first efforts in this direction has been highly satisfactory; a very considerable number of wings have been received, representing the following species:—Turdus viscivorus, T. musicus, T. merula, T. torquatus, Saxicola œnanthe, Pratincola rubetra, P. rubicola, Sylvia cinerea, S. atricapilla, Phylloscopus collybita, P. trochilus, Acrocephalus phragmitis, Locustella nævia, Regulus cristatus, Troglodytes parvulus, Motacilla rayi, Anthus pratensis, A. trivialis, A. obscurus, Muscicapa grisola, Emberiza miliaria, Alauda arvensis, Caprimulgus europæus, Cuculus canorus, Gallinula chloropus, Tringa alpina, T. canutus, and Procellaria leucorrhoa.

Diary of the Migratory Movements as Observed at the various Stations.

The sequence of the stations is from north to south. The meteorological conditions prevailing during the more important movements are extracted from "The Daily Weather Reports"[11] issued by the Meteorological Office. 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;[12] while the force of the wind ranges from to 12.

The diction of the recorders has been adhered to as closely as possible. The identification of the species marked * has been verified from wings sent to the Committee.

SPRING.

Weather during the Week March 21st to 27th.

Weather—mild and damp throughout, with southerly (S.E. to S.W.) winds, generally moderate, but occasionally strong, especially in the W. Barometric pressure has been continuously highest over the Continent, and lowest to the westward and north-westward of our Islands, the gradients being, as a rule, moderate, and the distribution cyclonic. On the 24th, however, the continental anticyclone extended to the westward, over our islands, for a short time, and the winds backed to eastward at the southern and south-western stations, with a fall of temperature; but this change was very temporary. Temperature above its normal height—maximum varying from 60° to 65° in many places.—(From Weekly Summary in "Daily Weather Report," March 29, 1886.)

March 24th.

Langness L.H.—One Willow Warbler on lantern at 2 A.M. (Light E.; haze.)

Chickens Rock L.H.—Great numbers of Thrushes, Starlings, Wheat ears, and Larks flying round lantern at 8 P.M. (S., light breeze; haze.)

Selker L.V.—A great many Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Larks about the light from 12 P.M. to 4 A.M., some striking and going over the side.

River Dee L.V.—One Woodcock killed at 7.45 P.M.

South Stack L.H.—Several Siskins and Wheatears from 12 P.M. to 4 A.M. A few struck and killed. (S.E., 4; C. M. R.)

Eddystone L.H.—Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, and Wheatears from 8 P.M. to 10.30 P.M. A great quantity struck; 20 birds killed. (S. by W., and S.S.W.; C. V.)

March 25th.

Langness L.H.—One Blackbird (female) found dead.

Chickens Rock L.H.—Immense numbers of Starlings, mixed with Thrushes and Fieldfares, throughout the night. Large numbers killed. (S.S.W. fresh. Breeze increasing towards morning to a gale; haze and fog.)

Bahama Bank L.V.—Several Larks, Thrushes, and Starlings at 11.30 P.M. four "Grey Birds" killed.

Selker L.V.—A great many Larks, Starlings, and a few Thrushes flying about the light from 9 to 12 P.M. (Misty.)

March 26th.

Langness L.H.—One female Blackbird killed, and two Redwings killed on lantern at 4 A.M.

Chickens Rock L.H.—Mr Black says: "The same kind of birds were to be seen on this date as on the 25th, but very few struck, as the night was clear."

St Bees L.H.—Several Wheatears on the 26th and 27th.

Carnarvon Bay L.V.—Hundreds of Thrushes and Larks all night, 40 killed and 20 caught; they left at daylight, flying towards the east. (S.W., 5; G. M.)

Nash (E.) L.H.—A Swallow rested on the lantern from 6.30 A.M. till 7 A.M., and then left and flew N.E.

March 27th.

Langness L.H.—Several Starlings, a Lark, and a Chaffinch on the lantern from 2 to 4 A.M.

St Bees L.H.—19 or 20 Grey Geese at 6 P.M.

Selker L.V.—Starlings and Blackbirds flying about the light at 3 A.M.

Carnarvon Bay L.V.—10 Lapwings at 11 A.M. flying N.E. (N.W., 6; B. C. V.)

Eddystone L.H.—Blackbirds, Redwings, and Starlings in great numbers from 9 P.M. to 3 A.M. (28th); 20 struck and lost over, four caught. (S. by W., 4; C. R. M.)

Plymouth Breakwater L.H.—One Thrush killed at 3 A.M.

March 29th.

Langness L.H.—One Song Thrush and one Redwing struck between 10 and 12 P.M.

Selker L.V.—A great many Thrushes, Blackbirds, Starlings, and Larks from 12 P.M. to 2 A.M. One Woodcock struck, and was caught. "There were also a great many other birds." (S.W., 3; rain, thick mist.)

April 5th.

Eddystone L.H.—Two Red Linnets caught at 9 P.M., and two Ring Ouzels caught at midnight. (S.W. by W., 5; O. D. M.)

Weather for Week, April 18th to 24th.

Generally fair, but until the close of the week temperature was low for the time of the year, and frosts were experienced in the north of Scotland. Barometric depressions prevailed southward and south-westward of our Islands until the 23d, when a large and well-defined low-pressure system approached us from the southward, and passed in a north-westerly direction out into the Atlantic. As its centre skirted our south-west coasts, moderate gales from the E. or S.E. prevailed in the south of Ireland and south-west of England.—(From Weekly Summary, "Daily Weather Report," April 26, 1886.)

April 19th.

Langness L.H.—A Cuckoo seen at 10 A.M.

April 22d.

Langness L.H.—One Common Wren at 4 P.M.

River Dee L.V.—Flocks of Titlarks and Wagtails passing to the east during the whole of the day. (E.N.E. to N.N.W., 2; C. V.)

Carnarvon Bay L.V.—Six Black Crows flying east at 8 A.M.

Nash (E.) L.H.—Seven *Wrens at 10.30 P.M., three killed; the others remained till daylight. (E., 3; B. M.)

April 23d.

Chickens Rock L.H.—A Swallow at 9.30 A.M., flying N.E., and an Oystercatcher and a Carrion Crow sitting on the rock.

River Dee L.V.—Flocks of Titlarks and Wagtails, and small flocks of Swallows passing the whole of the day, flying east. Two Wrens and one Stonechat killed at midnight. (S.E., 3; C. U.)

Nash (E.) L.H.—Between sixty and seventy *Whitethroats at 10 P.M. twelve killed, the others remaining till daylight. (E., 2; B. M.)

Eddystone L.H.—Hundreds of Wheatears, and many Warblers and "Flycatcher species" from 9 P.M. to 12 P.M. "Scores against the glazing; none caught." (S.E., 1; C. M.)

April 29th.

Nash (E.) L.H.—Four Cuckoos passed west from 8.30 to 9 A.M. (S.S.W., 2; B. C. V.)

Eddystone L.H.—A large number of Wheatears from 2 A.M. to 4 A.M.; none caught; a great many killed and lost over. (E.N.E., 8; C. P. M.)

May 10th.

Langness L.H.—Mr Clyne, in a letter, stated that on the 10th there were great numbers of *Whitethroats, *Sedge Warblers, and *Willow Wrens on the lantern.

May 11th.

Langness L.H.—Two Warblers found dead on lantern; killed between 12 P.M. and daylight. Large flock of Swifts flying north at 8.30 A.M. (Light E.; haze and showers.)

May 16th.

Langness L.H.—Several Whimbrels at 10 A.M. (Fresh N.E.; clear.)

AUTUMN.

Weather for Week, August 1st to 7th.

Weather—changeable; the pressure distribution being cyclonic and complex at first (causing north-westerly and south-westerly winds), then anticyclonic, and afterwards cyclonic, but of a simple type (causing southerly to westerly breezes). A small but well-formed anticyclone advanced over us from the westward during the 3d and 4th, but owing to a fall in the barometer in the west it moved southwards.—(From Weekly Summary in "Daily Weather Report" for August 9th, 1886.)

August 1st.

Nash (E.) L.H.—Two Cuckoos at 11.20 P.M. one killed and one caught alive. Four Swifts killed between 11 and 12 P.M. Eight Willow Warblers from 11 to 12 P.M. three killed. (N.W., 3; B. C.)

August 3d.

Flatholm L.H.—Six Chiff-Chaffs at midnight; one killed. (S.S.W., 3; B. C. M.)

Eddystone L.H.—Large numbers of small birds flying about the lantern between 10 P.M. and 3 A.M. One Sand-Martin and one Warbler caught. (N.E., 1; B. C. V.)

Start Point L.H.—*One Ring Ouzel and four small birds—*Willow Wren, *Whitethroat, *Wheatear, and *Tree Pipit—caught at 3 A.M. One Wren and a quantity of moths against the light at 11.15 P.M. Mr Jones says: "The small birds and moths against the light in still weather, is most times a sign of thick, misty weather to follow." One King Ouzel and three small birds caught at 11.30 P.M. (N., 2; O. V.)

August 4th.

Langness L.H.—Large number of Dunlin at 5 A.M. (N.W., light.) Several Swallows at 3 P.M. (S.W., light; clear.)

Flatholm L.H.—Small flock of Swifts at sunset. (W., 3; B. C.)

Start Point L.H.—A flock of about four dozen small birds at 3 A.M.; eleven captured, including *Yellow Wagtail (young), *Wheatear, and *Tree Pipit. (N., 4; O. C.)

August 9th.

Flatholm L.H.—Large flock of Swifts at sunset. (W., 2; c.) Eddystone L.H.—Several small birds, Wheatears, and Warblers, between midnight and 3 A.M. One "Rock Plover" killed at 2 A.M. Large number of small birds, Wheatears, and Warblers, from 11 P.M. till 3 A.M. two Sand Martins and one Rock Plover caught. (S. by W., 2; O. M. R.)

August 10th.

Langness L.H.—Two Whimbrels at 8 A.M.

Skerries Rock L.H.—A few Flycatchers from 8 P.M. to 11 P.M.; two killed.

Carnarvon Bay L.V.—Flock of Swallows going S.E. at 1 P.M.

Cardigan Bay L.V.—Fourteen Swifts passing to the S.S.W. at 8 P.M.

August 22d.

Nash (E.) L.H.—About ninety *Sedge Warblers round the light at 10.30 P.M. fourteen killed. (E., 1; B. C. M.) About two hundred *Whitethroats and fifty * Wheatears from 9 to 10.30 P.M.; eleven Whitethroats and four Wheatears killed.

Burnham L.H.—One *Sedge Warbler killed at 3 A.M.

Eddystone L.H.—Two Curlews seen at 1 P.M. flying E. (S., 1; B. C. M.) Mr Ainger says that these birds are seldom seen at Eddystone.

August 23d.

Nash (E.) L.H. Twenty to thirty Wheatears at 11 P.M. three killed. (S.E., 1; C. M.)

Eddystone L.H.—Several Wheatears and Warblers from 9 P.M. to 10.30 P.M. five caught. (S.W., 1; C. M.)

August 27th.

Selker L.V.—Blackbirds, Starlings, and Titlarks flying round lantern all night; disappeared at daybreak. (S.S.W., 3; O. M. B.)

Carnarvon Bay L.V.—Three Stonechats killed at 5 A.M. (S.W., 4; fog.)

Eddystone L.H.—Flocks of Oyster-Catchers all night; nine caught. Several Wheatears and Warblers all night striking lantern; three Warblers killed. (S.E. by S., 1; B. C. M.)

Start Point L.H.—One Blackbird and one *Spotted Flycatcher caught at 11 P.M. (W.S.W., 2; C. G.)

Weather for the Week, August 29th to September 4th.

The weather during the week was of two very distinct types. In the first of these a large anticyclone lay over Germany, France, and the southern half of England; and while in all these countries bright, dry, and very warm weather was being experienced, some of the maxima in England being as high as 87°, that over the western and northern parts of the kingdom and west of Norway was cyclonic, showery, and cool, with strong southerly and south-westerly winds. Very little change occurred until September 1st, when the anticyclone in the south began to spread west to Ireland, causing the wind to veer and lull, and making the air somewhat cooler and drier. On the evening of this day, however, a separate anticyclone was formed in the west, so that the wind veered to the northwards over England and the Bay of Biscay, while it was southerly and easterly in many other places. The conflict of air-currents brought about by these conditions soon produced thunderstorms and heavy rains over France. The change of temperature in England, owing to the northerly winds, rain, and heavy clouds, was very large—London being 26° colder at 2 P.M. on the 2d than on the previous day at the same hour. The shallow continental disturbances now moved northwards to our Islands, and the week closed with thunderstorms of great severity, prevailing in nearly all parts of France and the British Islands.—(From Weekly Summary, "Daily Weather Report," September 5th, 1886.)

September 1st.

South Bishop L.H.—Several Wheatears killed, by striking lantern, at 1 A.M. (W.N.W., 1; O. M.)

Burnham L.H.—One Sedge Warbler struck at 3 A.M. (E.S.E., 1; fog.)

Longships L.H.—A great many birds from midnight to daylight; three struck, one killed. (S. to N., 3; drizzle and fog.)

Wolf Rock L.H.—Several Wheatears striking lantern at 11 P.M. (N.E. by N., 3; C. R. V.)

Bishop Rock L.H.—About fifty Wheatears, one Starling, and a Blackbird from 12 P.M. to 3 A.M. four or five came to glass, but none killed. (N.N.E., 4; overcast.)

September 2d.

Langness L.H.—One Wheatear and one Willow Warbler on lantern at 2 A.M. (Light S.W.; clear.) Five Wagtails at 9.30 A.M.

Skerries Rock L.H.—Flycatchers and Wheatears flying round lantern at midnight. (N.E., 2; fine, clear.)

Eddystone L.H.—Hundreds of Wheatears from 9 P.M. to 4 A.M. (3d); none caught. (N.E. by E., 3; B. C. V.)

Plymouth Breakwater L.H.—Two Flycatchers struck and killed at 9.30 P.M. (N.W., 5; O. R. M.)

September 3d.[13]

Langness L.H.—A few Warblers on lantern from 1 to 4 A.M. A few House Martins at 9.30 A.M. A great many Wheatears all day. (Light N.E.; haze.)

Chickens Rock L.H.—Number of Stonechats (? Wheatears) flying round light all night.

River Dee L.V.—Scores of birds about the light from midnight till 4 A.M. One young "Sand-Lark," one *Whitethroat, and one *Moorhen killed; one Gull caught alive. (E.S.E., 2; fog.)

Smalls L.H.—Quail in the morning; Kestrel seen on rock in the evening. (E.N.E., 1; O. M.)

Nash (E.) L.H.—Four *Nightjars at 2.10 A.M., one killed; fifteen to twenty *Common Buntings from 2.15 to 3 A.M., eight killed; fifty to sixty *Common Whitethroats from 2.15 to 3 A.M., twenty-four killed; twenty to thirty *Willow Wrens from 2.20 to 3.20 A.M., seventeen killed; six young *Cuckoos at 3 A.M., two killed; fourteen House Sparrows and one Robin killed at 3 A.M. thirty to forty Wheatears at 3.10 A.M., two killed; three Blackbirds from 3 to 3.15 A.M., one killed. Mr H. Nicholas says that on the 3d "there was an enormous arrival of small birds, the greatest number ever seen here at any one time."

Longships L.H.—Several birds from 9.30 P.M. to midnight; three struck; one Lark killed. (S.E., 3; misty and rain.)

Bishop Rock L.H.—About one hundred Wheatears, two Ringed Dotterels, six or seven Curlews, and one Manx Shearwater from 11 P.M. to daylight; about twenty struck glass. Three Wheatears and one Manx Shearwater killed. (E.N.E., 2; overcast, misty.)

Eddystone L.H.—Hundreds of Wheatears and Larks from 10 P.M. till 3.30 A.M. none caught. One Blackbird and one Ring Ouzel seen.

September 4th.[14]

Chickens Rock L.H.—Numbers of Stonechats and a few Curlews flying round the light all night.

River Dee L.V.—About three dozen *Wheatears round the light all the night of the 3d and morning of 4th; several killed, also one young Sandpiper killed.

Skerries Rock L.H.—About two dozen Lapwings and Curlews and a few Larks flying round lantern from 9 P.M. to 10.30 P.M. (S., 3; thunder and lightning.)

South Bishop L.H.—A great many Wheatears and several Wrens striking lantern windows from 12 P.M. to 3 A.M. several killed, and a great many with broken wings. Several Blackbirds and Larks at 3 A.M. A company of Swallows at 11 A.M., flying E. Mr Frost states, "the first we have seen for some time." About half a dozen Stormy Petrels at midnight. (E., 4; C. R. M.)

Smalls L.H.—Numbers of Blackbirds, Starlings, Wheatears, and Swifts from 3 A.M. till daylight; many striking, several killed. (S.S.E., 2; O. R. M.)

Longships L.H.—Several Larks and other birds unknown from 11 P.M. to 2 A.M. two struck; a *Rock Pipit killed. (S.E., 3; rain.)

Wolf Rock L.H.—Six Wheatears striking lantern at 11 P.M. (S., 3; C. R. V.)

Eddystone L.H.—Hundreds of Wheatears all night; thirty killed. (E.S.E, 3; C. P. V.)

Plymouth Breakwater L.H.—One Plover caught at 2.25 A.M. (E.S.E., 3; O. D. M.)

Start Point L.H.—A flock of about fifty small birds from 9 P.M. to midnight; two captured, a Wheatear and a "White-Breast." (E.S.E., 2; C. G. P.)

September 5th.

Langness L.H.—Two or three Goldcrests, several Swallows, and a large number of Pipits at 9 A.M. (Light E.; haze.)

Selker L.V.—Larks all night; one struck and killed. (S.S.E., 4; C. M. P.)

Burnham L.H.—One Sedge Warbler killed at 3 A.M. (S.W., 2; misty.)

Weather for Week, 19th to 25th September.

During the 21st the existing depression filled up over Brittany, and with its dispersal the high-pressure system in the north spread down our west coasts, while the wind moderated and backed to N. and N.W. generally. The shift of winds was accompanied by a decided fall of temperature, and on the 23d and 24th the maximum readings over our Islands were below 60° in almost all places. On the morning of the 25th the anticyclonic system had reached the west of France; the winds over our Islands now backed to S.W. and S., the temperature rising.—(From Weekly Summary, "Daily Weather Report," September 27th, 1886.)

September 20th.

Eddystone L.H.—Hundreds of Wheatears all night; nine caught. (E., 5; B. V.)

September 21st.

Langness L.H.—Large numbers of Swallows and a flock of Grey Linnets at 9 A.M.

Cardigan Bay L.V.—Twenty-four Swallows at 9 A.M. passing S. by W.

Helwick L.V.—About a dozen Swallows at 11 A.M. flying E.

Sevenstones L.V.—Three Swallows at 10 A.M. flying round the ship.

Eddystone L.H.—One Woodcock killed at 7.30 P.M., but lost over. (E.N.E., 9; O. Q. R.)

September 23d.

Langness L.H.—A few Wheatears at 5 P.M. (Light E.; clear.) Cardigan Bay L.V.—About twenty small birds, "Flycatcher species," passed to west at 8 A.M. (E.N.E., 2; B. C. V.)

Smalls L.H.—A great many striking during the night; several killed, including *Stonechat, *Whitethroat, *Willow Wren, *Chiff-Chaff, and *Sedge Warbler. Two female Blackbirds also killed. (N.E., 4; C. V.)

Helwick L.V.—"Some dozens of Willow Wrens and Whitethroats were flying around the light all night, some falling dead on deck, and dozens overboard."

Flatholm L.H.—Large flocks of Swifts and Starlings during the day. (W., 3; C. M.)

Eddystone L.H.—A great many small birds, Larks, Wheatears, and Warblers, from 9 P.M. to 4 A.M. One male Ring Ouzel caught. (E.N.E., 4; C. M.)

September 24th.

Chickens Rock L.H.—Four Goldcrests and two Thrushes struck at 10.30 P.M. (Light breeze, S.W.; haze.)

South Stack L.H.—One Robin caught on lantern at 11.45 P.M. (W.S.W., 3; C. V.)

Flatholm L.H.—Large flocks of Swallows, Wagtails, and other small birds all day, passing S.W.

Bull Point L.H.—A number of small birds, "of two species" [*Whitethroat and *Willow Wren], flying about the light at 4 A.M.; four killed. (S., 3; O. M.)

Bishop Rock L.H.—Several Wheatears and "Furze-chats" came to glass at 1 A.M. (N.E., 3; misty.)

Eddystone L.H.—Great many Wheatears and Warblers, and one Sand Martin, from 8 P.M. to 4 A.M. Two Ring Ouzels, females, caught. (E. by S., 2; C. G. V.)

Start Point L.H.—One small bird, and one "Whitebreast," fluttering about the light at 9.30 P.M. (Calm; C. G. V.)

Weather for the Week, 3d to 9th October.

Up to the night of the 2d the conditions had been cyclonic and unsettled. At the beginning of the week an anticyclone lay over the North Sea, while depressions of considerable size, but of no great depth, moved northwards along our extreme western coasts. South-easterly or southerly winds, therefore, prevailed generally; in the west they were strong in force, and the weather cloudy; but in the east and south-east light breezes and fine weather were reported. On the 4th the thermometer exceeded 75° in many parts of England. By the 5th the anticyclone had moved northwards to Scandinavia, and as it did so a second high pressure system appeared over Spain. These conditions were accompanied, as usual, by the formation of shallow depressions in the intervening regions, one of which lay over the east of England on the morning of the 6th, subsequently moving northwards to Scotland; and a second, which advanced over our south-west coasts on the 7th, and ultimately filled up over the north-east of France. On the 9th a larger and much deeper depression had appeared in the west, and in the course of the day it moved northwards, occasioning south-easterly or southerly gales at many of our western and some of our northern stations.—(From Weekly Summary, "Daily Weather Report," October 11, 1886.)

October 3d.

Langness L.H.—A few Thrushes and Blackbirds on lantern at 2 A.M. (Fresh E.; haze.)

Chickens Rock L.H.—Large flocks of Thrushes and Blackbirds, a few Larks, and one Ring Ouzel, from 9 P.M. till daylight; large numbers killed. (S.E., fresh breeze; haze.)

Selker L.V.—A few Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Larks flying about the lights throughout the night; six killed.

Menai L.H.—A Thrush caught alive at 2 A.M. A number of Linnets caught at 10 A.M. old birds.

South Stack L.H.—A Blackbird caught on lantern at 11.50 P.M.

Wolf Rock L.H.—One "Turtle Dove" at 11 A.M. (S., 5; B. C. V.)

Eddystone L.H.—Several small birds (Wheatears and Warblers), a Blackbird, and a Ring Ouzel, from 7 P.M. till 3 A.M. several killed. (E. by N., 4; C. M.)

October 4th.

Langness L.H.—A few Common Thrushes striking lantern from 9 to 10 P.M.

Chickens Rock L.H.—Flocks of Thrushes, mixed with Blackbirds, Larks, Starlings, and other small birds, from 9 P.M. till daylight; a few killed, but principally flying in the rays of the light. (S.E. strong breeze; haze.)

River Dee L.V.—A few small birds about the lantern during the night, species not known; one "Flycatcher" found dead on deck. (S.S.E., 2; O. M.)

Skerries Rock L.H.—Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Larks flying round lantern from 12 (midnight) to 4 A.M. (S.E., 4; cloudy, misty.)

South Stack L.H.—A few Thrushes, a Goldcrest, a Lark, and a Starling caught at lantern between 12 P.M. and 4 A.M. (E.S.E., 4; C. M.)

Cardigan Bay L.V.—Large flock of Meadow Pipits flying S.W. at 7 P.M. (E.S.E., 4; G. M.)

Helwick L.V.—"Some dozens" of Wheatears around the light at 2 A.M. many killed and falling overboard.

Flatholm L.H.—Small flocks of House Martins all day, going south.

Wolf Rock L.H.—Three Sea Swallows at 3 P.M. (S.E., 5; B. C. V.)

Eddystone L.H.—Two Larks, one Thrush, and one Starling caught from 9 till 12 P.M. (S.E., 7; C. G. L. V.)

October 5th.

Langness L.H.—Large flock of Grey Linnets, a few Sky Larks, and about twenty Swallows at 9.30 A.M. A great many Thrushes flying about lantern from 7 to 8 P.M. One Missel Thrush caught. (E., fresh; haze.)

Chickens Rock L.H.—A few Thrushes, Starlings, Blackbirds, Stonechats, and Larks flying round the light all night. Three Goldfinches sitting on lantern at 4 A.M. (Variable light breeze; haze.)

Bahama Bank L.V.—Several Thrushes, Blackbirds, and a great many Larks flying round the light at 10 P.M. Four Thrushes killed, and three caught alive; six Larks killed. (S.S.E.; misty, rain.)

Selker L.V.—A great many Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Larks flying round the light. Four Thrushes killed from 8 to 12 P.M. (S., 4; M.)

St Ann's High L.H.—Large number of small "Flycatchers" flying against the lantern during the night; fifteen killed.

Bull Point L.H.—A Lark struck glass at 3 A.M., but not killed. (S.S.E., 3; B. C. M.)

Wolf Rock L.H.—A Kestrel Hawk remained from 9 A.M. to sunset, and then flew N.E.

Eddystone L.H.—Two Quails (male and female) caught at 2 A.M. (S., 3; C. R. M.)

Portland Low L.H.—Three or four Linnets flying about from 1 to 3 A.M. (S.E., 2; C. V.)

October 7th.

Langness L.H.—A good many Swallows at 9 A.M. Skerries L.H.—Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and "Flycatchers" at 3 A.M. two or three dozen struck lantern. (S.E., 2; misty.)

South Stack L.H.—Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and Wrens at 4 P.M. several struck lantern; a few killed. (S.E., 2; C. M. R.)

Cardigan Bay L.V.—A flock of Martins at 9 A.M., passing S.S.W.

Helwick L.V.—A large number of "Pinks" (Fringilla cartels) passing to south at 7 A.M.

Wolf Rock L.H.—Four Sea Swallows (Sterna) appeared at 2 P.M., and left for east at sunset.

October 8th.

Langness L.H.—A Hedge Accentor and a Wheatear at 4 P.M.

Selker L.V.—A great many Thrushes from 2 to 5 A.M. two killed. (S.S.E., 3; misty.)

Skerries L.H.—Thrushes, Blackbirds, Wheatears, and Flycatchers at 4 A.M. some killed. (Calm, misty.)

Cardigan Bay L.V.—Sixteen Skylarks and two Chaffinches at 10 A.M.

Portland Low L.H.—Twenty Swallows at 10 A.M.

Weather for Week, 18th to 23d October.

The weather during this period has been much quieter than last week, but conditions have been by no means settled, and several depressions—mostly shallow—have appeared in the neighbourhood of the British Isles. On the 17th the deep disturbance which had crossed our Islands reached Holland, and was apparently filling up. In the course of the day, however, a subsidiary disturbance, more southwards, down our W. coasts. During the 18th and 19th the depression over Holland and the subsidiary disturbance (which had then reached the Bay of Biscay) dispersed gradually, and moderating north-easterly winds were reported over the greater part of the United Kingdom. A depression was found in the English Channel on the morning of the 20th; this, in the course of the ensuing 24 hours, moved northwards to the North Sea, where it eventually dispersed. Its progress was attended by very heavy thunderstorms over the midland and eastern counties of England; and on the 21st the phenomena were reproduced over the northern districts. At the close of the week the weather over our islands was under the influence partly of a well-marked depression over the Bay of Biscay and partly of an anticyclone extending over Scandinavia. Easterly winds, therefore, prevailed generally; in the N. they were light in force and the weather fair, but in the extreme S. they blew freshly with occasional rain.

October 19th.

Langness L.H.—One Redwing at 9 P.M. A large flock of Wild Duck at 5.30 P.M. (N.E.; fresh, showers.)

Selker L.V.—A dozen Crows going S.E. at 10 A.M.

Skerries L.H.—Blackbirds and Thrushes around the lantern at 9 P.M.

South Stack L.H.—Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and one Goldcrest from 9 to 10 P.M. a few caught. (E.N.E., 7; C. M. R.)

Scarweather L.V.—Four Chaffinches at 7.30 A.M.

Breaksea L.V.—Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, and Fieldfares around the lantern from 8 P.M. to midnight. One Wren killed. (E.N.E., 3; O. M. L.)

Godrevy L.V.—Several Redwings at 7 P.M. a few killed.

Wolf Rock L.H.—Four Terns at 4 P.M.

Eddystone L.H.—Redwings and Starlings from 7 to 10 P.M.; many caught and more lost over. (N.E., 2; C. M. and C. M. D.)

Start Point L.H.—Many Thrushes, also Ring Ouzels and Spotted Flycatchers; fifty Thrushes, two Ring Ouzels, and two Flycatchers captured.

October 20th.

Langness L.H.—Twelve Missel Thrushes flying W. at 7.30 A.M. A large flock of Lapwings appeared at 3 P.M. A Goldcrest on lantern from 9 P.M. to 3 A.M.

Chickens Rock L.H.—Large numbers of birds were observed flying round the lantern, and a Lark and a Goldfinch perched.

Selker L.V.—Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Larks in numbers at lantern all night and on early morning of 21st; many struck and lost over.

Morecambe Bay L.V.—One Linnet, three Starlings, and three Larks on deck at 10.40 A.M.

Dee L.V.—Flocks of Titlarks all forenoon; one Wren on deck at 8.15 A.M.

Menai L.H.—Flocks of Linnets, Starlings, and Crows on the shore at 7 A.M.

Skerries L.H.—Three dozen Starlings and Larks killed at 10 P.M.

Holyhead Breakwater L.H.—A Starling and Goldcrest captured at 9 P.M.

South Stack L.H.—A great number of Blackbirds, Thrushes, Starlings, and Larks; also one Goldcrest, one Robin, and one Chaffinch flying around the lantern from 8 P.M. to midnight.

Carnarvon Bay L.V.—Starlings, Finches, and Larks at sunrise; many caught on deck. (N.E., 3; C. M.)

Bardsey L.H.—"Eighty Blackbirds and about fifty Thrushes killed at lantern."

Cardigan Bay L.V.—One Rook and two Chaffinches at 11.30 A.M.

Smalls L.H.—One Corncrake killed at lantern.

Scarweather L.V.—Six Larks, three dozen Sparrows, and three dozen Linnets passed N.E. between 8.30 and 10.30 A.M.

Nash L.H.—Two Skylarks killed at 10 P.M., and eleven Starlings killed between 10 and 10.30 P.M.

October 21st.

Langness L.H.—A Woodlark at 1 A.M. on lantern. Five Swallows at 9.30 A.M. flying S.W.

Selker L.V.—Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and other birds, unknown, around the lantern until daylight this morning; many killed.

Morecambe Bay L.V.—Six Blackbirds, eleven "Titlarks," and five Skylarks flying S. during the forenoon.

Carnarvon Bay L.V.—Blackbirds, Thrushes, Starlings, and Snipe. One Blackbird, six Thrushes, and one Snipe found dead at 5 A.M.

Helwick L.V.—Six to eight dozen Larks passing S. at 11 A.M.

Nash L.H.—Two Song Thrushes killed at 9.30 P.M. four Redwings killed between 9 and 11 P.M. (N., 4; C. M.)

Start Point L.H.—One "Titlark" at 8.30 P.M.

October 23d.

Helwick L.V.—Two Thrushes and a female Blackbird killed at 3 A.M.

Nash L.H.—A Woodcock killed at 2 A.M.

Godrevy L.H.—A great number of Redwings, Thrushes, and Starlings all night; some of each killed. (E., 6; G. M. P.)

Longships L.H.—Scores of Starlings and Thrushes all night; a great number striking.

Weather for Week, 24th to 31st October.

Conditions not pronounced. During earlier portion of week the weather dull, and at times wet over the southern and south-western parts of the United Kingdom, fine but rather foggy elsewhere; later on the rain spread northwards over England and Ireland, and the wind veered from E. to S.E. and S., with a rise of temperature and damp, close air. Pressure highest over Sweden and the Baltic, and, as a rule, lowest over the Bay of Biscay and off our south-western coasts, the gradients for easterly winds being steepest on the 25th. Two depressions appeared, the second of which, apparently larger but not a deep system, approached the Irish Coasts on the 30th, and, moving northwards, caused freshening southerly winds and rain in the west; while light southerly breezes were felt at the eastern station, with very mild but dull and damp weather.—(From Weekly Summary, "Daily Weather Report," November 2d, 1886.)

October 24th.

Carnarvon Bay L.V.—Ten Greenfinches and Chaffinches on deck all day; four caught.

Cardigan Bay L.V.—Several flocks of Starlings and Skylarks going S.W. during the day.

Nash L.H.—A few Blackbirds and Redwings between 4.30 and 5 A.M. a few killed.

Godrevy L.H.—Great numbers of Redwings, Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Starlings all night; several killed.

Longships L.H.—Scores of Thrushes and Starlings all night; a good many captured.

Wolf Rock L.H.—Twenty "Grey Birds" flying around the lantern at 10 P.M.

Bishop Rock L.H.—Several Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, and Fieldfares from 11 P.M. to daylight; six killed.

Eddystone L.H.—Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, and Larks from midnight to 3 A.M. fifty to sixty striking.

October 25th.

Helwick L.V.—A Blackbird and a Lark killed at 2 A.M.

Nash L.H.—Large flocks of Lapwings passing S.E. from 7 to 10 A.M. Flock of Redwings passing S. at 10 A.M. Six Song Thrushes killed at 8.20 P.M. Ten Blackbirds killed between 8 and 10 P.M.

Godrevy L.H.—A great number of Redwings, Thrushes, and Starlings all night; several killed.

Longships L.H.—A few Puffins going S. during the morning. A good many Starlings, Thrushes, and Larks all night; several killed.

Wolf Rock L.H.—Twenty-four "Grey Birds" about lantern at 12 P.M.

Bishop Rock L.H.—Several hundreds of Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Fieldfares, Ring Ouzels, and "Copperfinches" from 9 P.M. to daylight (26th). Sixty Redwings, five Fieldfares, three Ring Ouzels, and one "Copperfinch" (? Fringilla montifringilla) killed. Mr Troth remarks; "This is the largest migration that has been seen at the Bishop Rock for five years."

Eddystone L.H.—Thrushes, Redwings, and Starlings from 11 P.M. (24th) to 5 A.M. a great number striking and falling over. Missel Thrushes, Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Fieldfares, Ring Ouzels, Larks, Starlings, Finches, and Warblers from 6 P.M. to 5 A.M. (26th); between one and two hundred struck and lost over; twenty-nine caught. All the birds struck the windward side of lantern during heavy rain.

Portland Low L.H.—Thrushes at 4 A.M. Sixty Chaffinches at 2 P.M.

Shambles L.V.—A number of Larks hovering round the lantern at 8 P.M.; a great number striking and falling over.

October 26th.

Cardigan Bay L.V.—Two Chaffinches on board, and several flying around all night.

Nash L.H.—A large flock of Lapwings flying around the lantern at 1 A.M. one killed. Woodcocks at 3 A.M. two killed. Goldcrests at 3.40 A.M.; two killed. Fieldfares at 4.10 A.M.; four killed. Skylarks at 5 A.M. four killed. Four Snipe at 9 P.M., passing S.E. Missel Thrushes at 9.50 P.M. one killed. Bramblings at 10 P.M.; one killed. Snipe at 10.30 P.M.; four killed. Mr Nicholas remarks; "Large numbers of birds flying around the lantern all the morning, but at sunrise a good many were passing S.E. A Green Woodpecker was seen with the others at mid-day."

Bull Point L.H.—A Blackbird killed at 2 A.M.

Wolf Rock L.H.—A Blackbird killed at 5 A.M.

Eddystone L.H.—Blackbirds, Fieldfares, Thrushes, and Redwings from 6 P.M. to 4 A.M. (27th); about sixty killed. (For early morning observations at this station see 25th October.)

Portland Low L.H.—One Snipe killed at 7 P.M.

October 27th.

Langness L.H.—Four birds struck between 7.30 and 9 P.M. A Starling and a Common Thrush killed.

Bahama Bank L.V.—Several Thrushes from 10 P.M. to 4 A.M. (28th); one killed.

Skerries Rock L.H.—Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and Starlings from 8 P.M. to midnight; several killed.

Nash L.H.—A Wren killed at 2 A.M. a Robin and Black Redstart killed at 2.10 A.M. A Red-winged Starling[15] (Agelæus phœniceus) captured at 3 A.M. Redwings at 10.40 P.M. a few killed.

Longships L.H.—A Goldcrest at lantern at 3.30 A.M.

Eddystone L.H.—(See yesterday for information on this morning's observations.)

October 28th.

Langness L.H.—One Blackbird at lantern at 9 P.M.

Morecambe Bay L.V.—Three "Dish Washers" (Motacilla) flying S. by W. at 10.30 A.M.

South Stack L.H.—Several Blackbirds and Finches flying round the lantern all night.

Carnarvon Bay L.V.—Finches and Linnets all day; "two Brown Linnets captured."

Helwick L.V.—A Thrush killed at 1.30 A.M.

Nash L.H.—A flock of from 80 to 100 Skylarks passed S. at 9 A.M.

Breaksea L.V.—Starlings, Larks, and House Sparrows from 7 to 10 P.M., flying round the lantern.

Flatholm L.H.—Five Thrushes, four Blackbirds, one Lark, and six Starlings killed between 1 and 3 A.M.

Longships L.H.—Puffins and Guillemots moving south all the morning.

Bishop Rock L.H.—A few birds at 3 A.M.

Eddystone L.H.—Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, and Starlings from midnight to 3.30 A.M. many struck and lost over.

Portland Low L.H.—One Fieldfare killed at 2 A.M.

October 30th.

Selker L.V.—Thrushes and Larks all nip-lit; eight Thrushes killed.

Skerries L.H.—Fourteen dozen Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and Starlings killed between midnight and 6 A.M. also a few Chaffinches seen, but none killed. (Misty, rain.)

Cardigan Bay L.V.—A good many birds at lantern all night.

Helwick L.V.—Two male Blackbirds and a Thrush killed at 11.30 P.M.

Bull Point L.H.—A Blackbird struck at 5 A.M.

Longships L.H.—Several Thrushes and Starlings all night; a few killed or captured. Puffins and Guillemots going south in the morning.

Eddystone L.H.—Numbers of Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, Larks, Finches, and "Flycatchers" from 9 P.M. to 5 A.M. (31st); a few striking, and two Blackbirds (females), two Thrushes, five Redwings, six Larks, and twenty-one Starlings captured.

Start Point L.H.—Blackbirds, Starlings, and a few small birds at lantern all night.

October 31st.

Langness L.H.—Three Blackbirds (one male and two females) on lantern from 3 to 5 A.M.

Dee L.V.—Hundreds of birds—*Thrush, *Missel Thrush, *Blackbird, and *Skylarks killed.

Skerries L.H.—A few Thrushes at midnight.

Carnarvon Bay L.V.—Blackbirds and Larks passing to S.W. in forenoon.

Bardsey L.H.—Six Blackbirds, six Thrushes, and one Jack Snipe killed at lantern.

Cardigan Bay L.V.—A male Blackbird struck lantern.

Bull Point L.H.—Six Blackbirds at 5 A.M.

Eddystone L.H.—Numbers of Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, Larks, Finches, and Flycatchers, from 9 P.M. (30th) to 5 A.M. a few striking; and two Blackbirds (females), two Thrushes, five Redwings, six Larks, and twenty-one Starlings captured.

Start Point L.H.—A few Larks at 3 A.M.

Weather for Week, 21st to 27th November.

During the week the distribution of pressure, temperature, and winds and weather, were all continuously anticyclonic. The system was formed over the British Islands on Sunday, the 21st, in a ridge which extended northwards from a small anticyclone, which at that time lay over France. On the 24th the system covered the North Sea, England, and the north-western half of France. For a day or two more the anticyclone grew higher, temperature became very low over the inland counties as the anticyclone increased, so that early on the 24th minima were recorded as low as 27°. The centre of the system now moved westward, and the temperature rose decidedly. On the 25th the anticyclone moved to the westward of Ireland, and had afterwards decreased in intensity. The winds during its prevalence were light to moderate at most of the coast stations, calm inland; but the most striking feature was the continued prevalence of dense fogs. At the close of the week the system was dispersing, and mild south-westerly winds were setting in on our western and north-western coasts, with rain, increasing to strong south-westerly winds, while large areas of low pressure skirted our north-western and northern coasts.—(From Weekly Summary in "Daily Weather Report," November 29, 1886.)

November 21st.

Holyhead Breakwater L.H.—A Thrush killed at 6 A.M.

Nash L.H.—Two Song Thrushes killed at 9 P.M.

Breaksea L.V.—A few Fieldfares from 8 to 11 P.M.

Eddystone L.H.—A Redwing and a Starling killed at 3 A.M. Twenty-one Stormy Petrels captured between 6 and 12 P.M. They came to the light in twos and threes, striking the lantern very gently.

November 22d.

Langness L.H.—A great many Blackbirds and several Starlings at lantern from midnight to 4 A.M. A Snipe at 10 A.M.

Selker L.V.—Thrushes at 1 A.M. one caught and one killed.

River Dee L.V.—Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Starlings; numbers killed.

Carnarvon Bay L.V.—Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Larks at 1 A.M.

Cardigan Bay L.V.—Several Larks, and other birds not known, flying around the lantern all night.

Helwick L.V.—Two Redwings killed at lantern.

Nash L.H.—A Woodcock passed to N.W. at 2 P.M.

Eddystone L.H.—Numbers of Fieldfares, Redwings, Thrushes, Blackbirds, *Blackcaps, *Skylarks, and Storm Petrels; several of each species captured, including one Reed Warbler and three Petrels, from 7 P.M. to 6 A.M. (23d).

Start Point L.H.—A Mistletoe Thrush killed at 3 A.M. A Leach's Petrel (Procellaria leucorrhoa) captured at 10 A.M., resting inside one of the ventilators.

November 23d.

Langness L.H.—A Redwing on the lantern at 12.15 A.M.

Bahama Bank L.V.—About a score Blackbirds, six "Grey Birds," and a dozen Starlings, flying round the lantern all night; a few killed.

Carnarvon Bay L.H.—Many birds around the lantern all night. A Missel Thrush killed and fell on deck; numbers of others falling overboard.

Helwick L.V.—Several Blackbirds, Larks, and Starlings flying about all night.

Nash L.H.—Six Skylarks and two Lapwings killed at 11.30 P.M.

Breaksea L.V.—A few Larks, Starlings, and Lapwings from 7 P.M. to 4 A.M. (24th).

Eddystone L.H.—Numbers of Fieldfares, Redwings, Thrushes, Blackbirds, Larks, Starlings, "Reed Warbler," and Stormy Petrels from 7 P.M. (22d) to 6 A.M. Very few striking, but some of each caught, including one "Reed Warbler" and three Petrels.

November 24th.

Selker L.V.—Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Larks all night.

Carnarvon Bay L.V.—A flock of Blackbirds going east at 1.20 P.M.

Helwick L.V.—Several Blackbirds, Larks, and Starlings all night.

Nash L.H.—Two Thrushes killed at 11 P.M.

Breaksea L.V.—A *Knot killed at 5.50 P.M. A *Dunlin killed at 11 P.M.

Bishop Rock L.H.—About 200 Blackbirds/Thrushes, and Fieldfares from 9 P.M. to daylight (25th); several killed.

Eddystone L.H.—Hundreds of birds flying about all night,—Fieldfares, Missel Thrushes, Song Thrushes, Blackbirds, Larks, Starlings, Lapwings, and Stormy Petrels; caught three Thrushes, four Starlings, three Larks, and eight Petrels.

November 25th.

Bishop Rock L.H.—About two hundred Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Fieldfares from 9 P.M. (24th) to daylight; several killed. A Linnet and "Copperfinch" (? Fringilla montifringilla) left the lantern at daybreak.

Eddystone L.H.—Hundreds Mistletoe Thrushes, Thrushes, Fieldfares, Blackbirds, Larks, Lapwings, and Stormy Petrels from 7 P.M. to 6 A.M. (26th); one Blackbird, two Thrushes, one Lark, one *Goldcrest, and three Storm Petrels.

Plymouth Breakwater L.H.—A Stormy Petrel caught at lantern at 9.45 P.M.

Start Point L.H.—Blackbirds at 2 A.M. one captured.

Shambles L.V.—A number of Starlings around the lantern at 2 A.M.

November 26th.

Selker L.V.—Thrushes, Blackbirds, Lapwings, and Curlews flying round the lantern from 4 to 7 A.M.

Carnarvon Bay L.V.—A flock of Lapwings at 10 P.M. one killed.

Smalls L.H.—Blackbirds, Fieldfares, Larks, and Starlings; a great number striking lantern.

Helwick L.V.—Several Redwings, Larks, and Starlings all night.

Eddystone L.H.—Hundreds of Lapwings, Fieldfares, Blackbirds, Thrushes, Missel Thrushes, Larks, and Stormy Petrels, from 7 P.M. (25th) to 6 A.M. many caught. A few birds seen flying about from 9 P.M. to 3 A.M. (27th); the Storm Petrels striking.

Plymouth Breakwater L.H.—Two Linnets at 10 P.M.

November 27th.

Selker L.V.—Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, Lapwings, and Curlews all night.

Carnarvon Bay L.H.—A flock of Lapwings at 2 A.M.

Cardigan Bay L.V.—Several Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Larks flying round the lantern all night.

Helwick L.V.—A few Blackbirds, Fieldfares, and Larks all night.

Scarweather L.V.—A Wild Goose going south at 9 A.M.

Breaksea L.V.—Larks and Snipe from midnight to 4 A.M. a Snipe killed.

Eddystone L.H.—A few birds flying about from 9 P.M. (26th) to 3 A.M. three Storm Petrels struck. A few Starlings, Thrushes, and Petrels from 9 to 12 P.M. several of each species captured.

Separate Notes on each Species.

This section aims at furnishing in an epitomised form information on the movements of the various species comprised in the Report. In addition, however, to the observations furnished by the various Lightkeepers—the more important of which form the Diary of observations—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.

Notes from Somerset, by Mr Arthur H. Macpherson.

Notes from Minehead, Somerset, by Mr E. G. Waddilove (per Rev. H. A. Macpherson).

Notes from North Devon, by Mr Oliver V. Aplin.

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.

Additional particulars and information on the Meteorological Conditions may, in most cases, be obtained by a reference to the Diary which precedes this section of the Report.

The species marked * have been identified from wings sent.

Turdus viscivorus (L.), Missel Thrush.—Spring: February 27th, Eddystone, many striking, one killed. April 9th, N.W. Merioneth, several small flocks. Observed in small numbers during the

Autumn: October 5th, Langness, one caught; 20th, Langness, twelve; 26th, Nash; 31st, *Dee L.V. November 23d, Carnarvon Bay L.V. 24th, 25th, and 26th, Eddystone.

Turdus musicus (L.), Song Thrush.—An important vernal movement from March 24th to 29th, affecting the coast generally.

Autumn: First noted at Chickens Rock, September 24th, when two were killed at 10.30 P.M. Afterwards present at the movements of the latter half of October and late November. Eighty were killed at Bardsey Light on October 20th.

Turdus iliacus (L), Redwing.—Spring: March 14th, at Eddystone, along with Thrushes and Wheatears; 26th, Langness, two killed; night of 27th and morning of 28th, Eddystone, numbers; 29th, Langness, one struck.

Autumn: September 28th, Carlisle; October 2d, Carlisle, and many on the 7th; 13th, Wolf Rock, several; in numbers on the 19th. After at all the principal movements of the late autumn (October 18th to 31st, and November 21st to 27th).

Turdus pilaris (L.), Fieldfare.—Spring: First noted at Chickens Rock on March 25th, along with Thrushes; last seen on April 16th at Allonby, Comb.

Autumn: First on October 2d at Allonby, Cumb.; then on 24th at Bishop Rock, and afterwards in numbers during the movements of October and November (22d-27th).

Turdus merula (L.), Blackbird.—Important Spring movements, along with other Turdinæ and Wheatears, on March 24th and 27th.

Autumn: August 27th at the lanterns of the Selker L.V. and Start L.H. September 3d, Nash, three killed; Eddystone, one; September 4th, many. Great movements on October 3d to 8th, October 18th to 31st, and November 22d to 27th. Fifty were killed at Bardsey L.H. on October 20th.

Turdus torquatus, L., Ring Ouzel.—Spring: April 5th, Eddystone, two caught at midnight; April 12th, N.W. Merioneth, a pair.

Autumn: *Start, August 3d, one killed at 3 A.M. September 3d, Eddystone; 23d and 24th, Eddystone, one caught; October 3d, at Chickens Rock and Eddystone; 19th, Start, two captured; 25th, at Eddystone and Bishop Rock.

Saxicola œnanthe (L.), Wheatear.—Spring: March 24th, at Chickens Rock, South Stack, and Eddystone stations; 26th, St Bees; April 11th, Langness; 23d, at Eddystone in hundreds; 29th, at Eddystone.

Autumn: August 3d and 4th, *Start Point; 9th, Eddystone, in numbers; 23d, Nash, in numbers; 28th, Start, one killed; September 2d, Eddystone, in numbers; 3d and 4th, a general movement along the entire coast line; 20th, Eddystone; October 3d, Eddystone; 4th, *Helwick (dozens); 8th, Langness and Skerries.

Pratincola rubetra (L.), Whinchat.—Spring: April 24th, N.W. Merioneth, first seen.

Autumn: *Smalls, September 23d, one killed.

Pratincola rubicola (L.), Stonechat.—August 4th, *Start, one killed.

Ruticilla titys (Scop.), Black Redstart.—October 29th, Nash, one killed; November 3d, Langness, "female Redstart" observed at 11 A.M. 12th, Carlisle, one; December 5th, Langness, "a female Redstart;" January 21st (1887), Towyn, one shot (Field, January 30th, 1887).

Erithacus rubecula (L.), Redbreast.—Only a few records.

Autumn: First noticed at the great movement at the Nash L.H. on September 3d; September 11th, Langness, one at 3 P.M. 24th, South Stack; October 20th, South Stack, one; 27th, Nash, one.

Sylvia cinerea (Bechst.), Whitethroat.—Spring: April 11th, Langness; 23d, *Nash, in numbers; May 10th, at Langness, with Sedge Warblers and Willow Wrens; six killed and two injured.

Autumn: August 2d and 3d, *Start; 22d, Nash, many; September 1st, Longships, one killed; 3d, Dee L.V. and *Nash, many; 23d, *Smalls and *Helwick, some dozens; 24th, *Bull Point and Start.

Sylvia atricapilla (L.), Blackcap.—Spring: April 22d, N.W. Merioneth, arrived.

Autumn: November 22d, *Eddystone, one killed.

Regulus cristatus (Koch), Goldcrest.—Not numerous. The following are the only records:—

Autumn: September 5th, Langness, two or three; 24th, Chickens Rock, four at 10.30 P.M. October 2d, Chickens Rock, a few; 4th, South Stack, one; 20th, Langness, one; Holyhead, one, and South Stack, one; 22d, Skerries, one; 26th, Nash, two killed; 27th, Longships, one; 29th, Holyhead, two; November 25th, *Eddystone, one killed.

Phylloscopus sibilatrix (Bechst.), Wood Wren.—Spring: May 7th, Carlisle.

Phylloscopus rufus (Bechst.), Chiff Chaff.—Spring: March 24th, Ravenglass; April 2d, N.W. Merioneth, a good many.

Autumn: September 23d, *Smalls, one killed; 29th, *Bull Point, one killed.

Phylloscopus trochilus (L.), Willow Warbler.—Spring: March 24th, Langness; April 10th, Langness; 27th, Langness; May 10th, Langness, along with Sedge Warblers and Whitethroats.

Autumn: August 1st, Nash; 3d, *Start; September 3d, *Nash, fifty or sixty between 2 and 3 A.M., twenty-four killed; 23d, *Smalls and *Helwick, some dozens; October 6th, Langness, one at 2 A.M.

Acrocephalus phragmitis (Bechst.), Sedge Warbler.—Spring: April 10th, Langness, in numbers; May 10th, Langness, along with Willow Warblers and Whitethroats at midnight.

Autumn: August 6th, Start, two at midnight; 22d, *Nash, in numbers; *Burnham, one; 28th, *Start, one; September 1st and 5th, Burnham; 23d, *Smalls, in numbers.

Locustella nævia (Bodd.), Grasshopper Warbler.—Spring: April 27th, Allonby.

Autumn: *Skerries Rock, one killed at lantern in the autumn, date uncertain.

Accentor modularis (L.), Hedge Sparrow.—October 8th, Langness, one at 4 P.M.

Troglodytes parvulus (Koch), Wren.—Spring: April 22d, Langness, one; *Nash, seven at 10.30 P.M., four killed; 23d, Dee L.V., two killed; May 4th, South Bishop, two killed; 9th, Dee L.V., three killed.

Autumn: October 7th, South Stack, "Wrens;" 19th, Breaksea, one; 20th, Dee, one; 27th, Nash, one captured.

Motacilla lugubris (Temm.), Pied Wagtail.—Spring: March 19th, Selker L.V., one caught; 22d, St Bees; Selker, a good many; April 2d, Selker, a good many passing east; 22d and 23d, Dee L.V., "Wagtails" passing east.

Autumn: September 5th, N.W. Merioneth, exceedingly numerous; October 28th, Morecambe Bay L.V., "three Dishwashers" at 10.30 A.M.

Motacilla rayi (Bonap.), Yellow Wagtail.—Spring: April 29th, Allonby, Cumberland.

Autumn: August 4th, *Start, a bird of the year killed at the lantern.

Anthus pratensis (L.), Meadow Pipit.—Spring: April 2d, Selker L.V., "Titlarks;" 22d and 23d, Selker, "Titlarks" to E.

Autumn: August 27th, Selker, "Titlarks;" September 5th, N.W. Merioneth, numerous; October 4th, Cardigan Bay; afterwards present at the chief movements of the late autumn.

Anthus trivialis (L.), Tree Pipit.—April 16th, N.W. Merioneth, one; 20th, Carlisle; 24th, N.W. Merioneth, several.

Autumn: August 3d and 4th, *Start, several at 3 A.M. each day.

Anthus obscurus (Lath.), Rock Pipit.—Autumn: September 4th, *Longships, several between 11 P.M. and 2 A.M., two killed.

Lanius excubitor (L.), Great Grey Shrike.—Two shot in Cumberland in November. A female of the var. Major caught at Skinburness, Cumberland, on November 2d.

Lanius collurio (L.), Red-backed Shrike.—June 2d, N.W. Merioneth, a pair.

Muscicapa grisola (L.), Spotted Flycatcher.—Spring: April 22d, Scotby, Cumberland.

Autumn: August 27th, *Start Point, one caught; and October 19th, "three Spotted Flycatchers" between 6 and 9 P.M.

Muscicapa atricapilla (L.), Pied Flycatcher.—April 25th, Carlisle.

Hirundo rustica (L.), Swallow.—Spring: March 23d, Bull Point, two at 2 P.M.; 26th, Nash, one; April 15th and 17th, Langness, one each day; 27th, Nash, three; 30th, Nash, forty or fifty.

Autumn: August 4th and 6th, Langness, several; 10th, Carnarvon Bay L.V. September 4th, South Bishop, a company; 21st, at several stations; last at Langness and Wolf Rock on October 13th. [This species is recorded in The Field as observed during November at Lymington on 22d; Penzance, 23d; Falmouth, 27th; Portscatho, 29th; and on the 7th of December at Bournemouth.]

Chelidon urbica (L.), Martin.—Spring: April 20th, Carlisle; 26th, N.W. Merioneth.

Autumn: August 6th, Start, one caught; September 3d, Langness, a few; October 4th, Flatholm.

Cotile riparia (L.), Sand Martin.—Spring: March 23d, Rockliffe, Cumberland; 25th, Carlisle; 26th, St Bees.

Autumn: August 3d, Eddystone, one caught; 9th, Eddystone, two caught; September 24th, Eddystone.

Carduelis elegans (Steph.), Goldfinch.—Autumn: October 5th, Chickens Rock, three at lantern all night; 18th, Chickens Rock, one; 20th, at same station.

Ligurinus chloris (L.), Greenfinch.—Autumn: October 24th, Carnarvon Bay L.V., ten on deck all day;

Fringilla cœlebs (L.), Chaffinch.—Spring: March 27th, Lateness, one at lantern from 2 to 4 A.M. April 23d, Langness, one at 10 A.M.

Autumn: October 7th, Helwick L.V., a large number; 8th, Cardigan Bay L.V., two; 20th, South Stack, one at lantern, and Cardigan Bay L.V., two on board at 7.30 A.M. 25th, Portland, sixty at 2 P.M. 26th, Cardigan Bay L.V., two; November 1st, Scarweather L.V., about fifty at 1.30 P.M. This species appears to be chiefly noted at the light-vessels during the daytime.

Fringilla montifringilla (L.), Brambling.—October 25th, Bishop Rock, many "Copperfinches" from 9 P.M. to midnight; 26th, Nash, many; November 25th, Bishop Rock, a "Copperfinch."

Linota cannabina (L.), Linnet.—Spring: April 5th, Eddystone, two caught at 9 P.M.

Autumn: August 22d, Langness, a small flock at noon; October 5th, Langness, a flock at 9 A.M., and Portland, three or four from 1 to 3 A.M. 28th, Carnarvon Bay L.V., with Finches all day; November 26th, Plymouth Breakwater, two at 10 P.M.

Linota rufescens (Vieill.), Lesser Redpole.—October 15th, South Stack, one caught at 7.30 P.M.

Plectrophanes nivalis (L.), Snow Bunting.—September 26th, Bishop Rock, one old bird.

Emberiza miliaria, L., Corn Bunting.—Autumn: September 3d, *Nash, fifteen to twenty between 2.15 to 3 A.M., eight killed.

Agelæus phœniceus (L.), Red-winged Starling.—October 27th, Nash, one struck and captured at 3 A.M. Mr Nicholas had intended to forward this specimen to me, but during his absence for a few moments it was most unfortunately carried off by a cat. He had, however, no difficulty in identifying the bird from the description given in John's "British Birds," and promptly reported the occurrence. A skin of the species (an adult) was at once forwarded to him in order to test his identification of the bird, and he replied "that the bird killed very much resembled the one sent, except that the yellow on the wings was rather paler; the tips of the wings and the back of the neck were more sooty black, and I think it was a little larger;"—a description indicating an immature specimen. During the late hours of the 26th of October and the early ones of the 27th an important migratory movement was taking place at this station:—At 9.50 P.M., Missel Thrushes; at 10 P.M., Bramblings; at 10.30 P.M., Snipe (four killed); at 12.40 A.M., Redwings (two killed); at 2 A.M., Wrens (one captured); at 2.10 A.M., Robins, and Black Redstart killed; and finally at 3 A.M., the Red-winged Starling. The wind prevailing at the time was a strongly easterly breeze; the weather cloudy, with passing showers of rain. Mr Nicholas is a most careful, intelligent, and painstaking recorder, and shows particular interest in our work, and there is little likelihood of his being mistaken in this matter. As an unbeliever in the unassisted occurrence of extra-Arctic American passerine birds in Europe, I would suggest that this was probably an escape from some vessel approaching the British coast.

Sturnus vulgaris, L., Starling.—The numbers and the frequency of the occurrence of this species is again manifest in the returns. It is impossible to do more than to refer to the diary portion of the report for particulars. Mr Caton Haigh, in his notes from the N.W. coast of Merioneth, remarks that many of the Starlings wintering there left during the second week of February, large flocks passing over flying due N. On the 26th of June, at 8 P.M., an immense flock passed over going S. It looked like a long, narrow stream, half a dozen yards wide and at least half a mile long.

Pica rustica (Scop.), Magpie.—September 28th, Cardigan Bay L.V., two Magpies flying around the ship at 9.30 A.M. October 22d, Langness, a Magpie at 9 A.M.

Corvus corone, L., Carrion Crow.—April 22d, Carnarvon Bay L.V., six at 8 A.M. going E. April 23d, Chickens Rock, one.

Corvus frugilegus, L., Rook.—Spring: March 23d, Langness, twelve at 9 A.M.

Autumn: October 20th, Cardigan Bay L.V., one.

Alauda arvensis, L., Skylark.—Spring: March 23d, Selker L.V., a small party; 24th, Chickens Rock, great numbers; 25th, at Bahama Bank and Selker L.V.'s; 26th, Carnarvon Bay L.V., many.

Autumn: September 3d, Eddystone in numbers; afterwards many and often.

Cypselus apus (L.), Swift.—Spring: April 29th, Carlisle. May 9th, N.W. Merioneth; 11th, Langness, a large flock. June 6th Eddystone, several.

Autumn: July 7th, Langness, large numbers. August 4th, Flatholm, small party; 9th, a large flock; 18th, Cardigan Bay, nine at 7.30 P.M. September 4th, Smalls, numbers; 19th, Lundy, thirty or forty (J. J. Philips, "Field," October 2d, 1886, p. 510); 20th, Lundy, one (Id.).

Caprimulgus europæus, L., Nightjar.—Spring: May 6th, N.W. Merioneth, but not common until the 22d.

Autumn: September 3d, *Nash, four at 2.10 A.M., one killed.

Gecinus viridis (L.), Green Woodpecker.—October 26th, Nash. Mr Nicholas reports a great many birds at the lantern during the early hours of the morning; at sunrise they passed S.E.; and that a bird of this species was seen among the others.

Cuculus canorus, L., Cuckoo.—Spring: April 19th, Langness, one at 10 A.M. 25th, Carlisle; 27th, Nash, one passed to N.; 29th, Nash, four.

Autumn: August 1st, Nash, two at lantern at 11.30 P.M. September 3d, *Nash, six [young of the year] at 3 A.M., two killed.

Accipiter nisus (L.), Sparrow-Hawk.—Autumn: September 14th, Bishop Rock, one appeared; 20th, Chickens Rock, one going E. at 7 A.M. 28th, Smalls, one in the morning.

Tinnunculus alaudarius (Gm.), Kestrel.—Autumn: October 5th, Wolf Rock, one; Smalls, one.

Pandion haliaëtus (L.), Osprey.—Autumn: August 16th, Breconshire, one fishing at Llangorse Lake (Philips, Zool., 1886, p. 417).

Anser ———? "Wild Goose."—Spring: March 27th, St Bees, about twenty at 6 P.M.

——— ———, "Wild Duck."—Autumn: October 19th, a large number at 5.30 P.M.

Anser segetum (Gm.), Bean Goose.—April 27th, about 120 passed over Allonby in a flock; eight more seen in July; and many seen in October and November.

Bernicla brenta (P.), Brent Goose.—Present on Solway till end of March.

Bernicla leucopsis (Bechst.), Barnacle Goose.—October 11th, arrived at Rockliffe.

Dafila acuta (L.), Pintail Duck.—October 23d, Cumberland, one shot.

Anas streperus, L., Gadwall.—Spring: March 11th, two seen at Bowness.

Autumn: August, Breconshire, a female shot (Philips, Zool., 1886, p. 417). October (last week of), Solway, a bird of the year shot.

Mareca penelope, L., Widgeon.—Spring: Allonby, two flocks of fifty or sixty on February 11th (evening, flying due E.). Ravenglass, last seen on April 23d. Flights of this and other fowl began to pass over Rockliffe in an E. or N.E. direction on April 21st, but the movement became accentuated on April 27th, on which evening large flocks began to pass up the Eden at 9 P.M. The movement continued in full swing up to 10.45, there generally being five minutes, and never more than ten, between parties; after 11th they continued to pass, but the movement had become less marked.

Autumn: Numbers at Monkhill on September 13th.

Clangula glaucion (L.), Golden-eye.—Spring: April 26th, last seen at Monkhill, Cumberland.

Autumn: October 21st and 24th, Allonby, Cumberland.

Œdemia fusca (L.), Velvet Scoter.—December 23d, a fine adult male shot on Eden.

Mergus serrator, L., Red-breasted Merganser.—April 13th, N.W. Merioneth, a flock of about a dozen, the last seen.

Turtur communis, Selby, Turtle Dove.—Autumn: September 11th, Minehead, Somerset, one. October 3d, Wolf Rock, a "Turtle Dove" at 11 A.M.

Coturnix communis, Bonnat., Quail—Autumn: September 3d, one in the morning. October 5th, Eddystone, two caught at 2 A.M.

Crex pratensis, Bechst., Corn-Crake.—Spring: April 26th and 27th, Carlisle and District. May 9th, Holyhead Breakwater, one at 2 P.M.

Autumn: October 9th, Skerries, one killed between 2 and 4 A.M.; 20th, Smalls, one killed.

Gallinula chloropus (L.), Moorhen.—Autumn: August 2d, *Nash, one killed at midnight. September 3d, Dee L.V., one killed.

Charadrius pluvialis, L., Golden Plover.—Autumn: August 25th, Burnham, one killed.

Squatarola helvetica (L.), Grey Plover.—Spring: May 7th, Allonby, Cumberland, six.

Eudromias morinellus (L.), Dotterel.—May 6th, Allonby, four seen, and again on the 8th.

Vanellus vulgaris, Bechst., Lapwing.—Spring: March 27th, Carnarvon Bay, ten at 11 A.M.

Autumn: September 24th, Skerries, about twenty. October 25th, Nash, flocks passing S. from 7 to 10 A.M. 26th, Nash, a large flock at lantern at 1 A.M. November 23d, Nash, two killed at 11.30 P.M. 24th, Eddystone, many at night; 26th and 27th, at Selker L.V., Carnarvon Bay L.V., and Eddystone.

Hæmatopus ostralegus, L., Oyster-Catcher.—Spring: April 23d, Chickens Rock, one.

Autumn: August 3d, Menai, two; 22d, Langness, seven; 27th, Eddystone, flocks.

Phalaropus fulicarius (L.), Grey Phalarope.—October 10th (about), near Winchester, one shot.

Scolopax rusticula, L., Woodcock.—Spring: March 24th, Dee L.V., one killed; 29th, Selker L.V., one caught.

Autumn: September 21st, Eddystone, one killed. October 18th and 23d, Nash, one killed each night; 26th, Nash, two killed.

Gallinago major, Gm., Great Snipe.—Autumn: September 9th, Cardiganshire, an adult male shot on Llanddewihip Mountain; 25th, Baytor Mere, Devon, one shot. October 22d, North Devon, a bird of the year shot; 30th, Carlisle, one shot.

Gallinago cœlestis (Frenzel), Common Snipe.—Autumn: October 21st, Carnarvon Bay L.V., one killed; 22d, Langness, one at 10 A.M.; 26th, Nash, four passing to S.E. at 9.30 A.M., four killed at 10.30 P.M. November 27th, Breaksea L.V., one killed.

Limnocrytes gallinula (L.), Jack Snipe.—Autumn: October 31st, Bardsey, one "Jack Snipe" killed.

Tringa alpina, L., Dunlin.—Spring: April 25th, N.W. Merioneth.

Autumn: August 4th, Langness, a large number at 5 A.M.

Tringa striata, L., Purple Sandpiper.—October 20th, Solway, one shot.

Tringa canutus, L, Knot.—Autumn: August 18th, Dee L.V., thirty at lantern from 9 P.M. to midnight.

Calidris arenaria (L.), Sanderling.—May 20th, observed on Solway.

Totanus hypoleucos (L.), Common Sandpiper.—Spring: April 16th, Carlisle; 17th, N.W. Merioneth.

Autumn: August 15th, Ilfracombe, passing E.; 19th, Barnstaple.

Totanus canescens (L.), Greenshank.—March 26th, Solway, last seen; returned August 16th.

Numenius phæopus (L.), Whimbrel.—Spring: April 2d, N.W. Merioneth, one, and on 28th a small flock. May 16th, Langness, several at 10 A.M. 20th, Allonby, Cumberland, a few; 25th, Allonby, eight.

Autumn: July 27th, Allonby, two. August 10th, Langness, two. September 4th, N.W. Merioneth.

Numenius arquata (L.), Curlew.—Spring: March 22d, Selker L.V., one at 8 A.M. April 9th, N.W. Merioneth, many passing overhead during the night.

Autumn: August 22d, Eddystone, ten at 1 P.M. September 4th, Chickens Rock, a few in the evening, also at the Skerries, November 27th, Selker L.V., at lantern all night.

Sterna ——— ? "Sea Swallow."—Spring: Skerries Rock.

Mr Rees says,—"The Sea Swallow always comes to this island true to the morning of the 6th of May; then they leave for one week, and return again for the laying season."

Autumn: September 9th and 28th, Wolf Rock. October 2d, 4th, 7th, 13th, and 19th, a few observed at the Wolf Rock each day.

Sterna fluviatilis, Naum., Common Tern.—Spring: April 22d, N.W. Merioneth, a small flock; 25th, several large flocks. May 13th and 14th, a very large number; the weather rough and wet, with much snow on the mountains.

Autumn: October 16th, Minehead, Somerset, three.

Sterna macrura, Naum., Arctic Tern.—Spring: April 25th, N.W. Merioneth, a few with Common Terns.

Sterna cantiaca, Gm., Sandwich Tern.—Spring: April 2d, Ravenglass; 16th, Allonby (both in Cumberland).

Sterna minuta, L., Little Tern.—April 29th, Ravenglass.

Hydrochelidon nigra (L.), Black Tern.—Spring: May 13th, N.W. Merioneth, three in adult plumage.

Procellaria pelagica, L., Storm Petrel.—Spring: May 21st, South Bishop, six at lantern all night.

Autumn: October 16th, Nash, one killed. November 21st, Eddystone, twenty-one captured between 6 and 12 P.M. 22d, Eddystone, in numbers all night; 24th, 25th, 26th, and 27th, Eddystone, in numbers, many caught.

Procellaria leucorrhoa, Vieill., Leach's Petrel.—November 22d, *Start, one captured at 10 A.M., resting inside one of the lantern ventilators.

Stercorarius catarrhactes (L.), Great Skua.—October 16th, Minehead, Somerset, one seen along with other Stercorariinæ. (N.W., squally, showers; sea very high.)

Stercorarius pomatorhinus (Temm.), Pomatorhine Skua.—October 16th, Minehead, Somerset, twelve, along with other Stercorariinæ. (N.W., squally; sea very high.)

Stercorarius crepidatus (Banks), Richardson's Skua.—October 16th, Minehead, Somerset, six, along with other Stercorariinæ. (N.W., squally; sea very high.)

Puffinus anglorum (Temm.), Manx Shearwater.—September 3d, Bishop's Rock, one killed.

Puffinus ———?, "Large Shearwater."—September 14th, Bishop's Rock, "twenty Large Shearwaters during the day—not Manx Shearwaters."

Colymbus glacialis, L., Great Northern Diver.—December 21st, Hurst Point, two injured against lantern in the early morning.

Colymbus arcticus, L., Black-throated Diver.—December 29th, Solway.

Lomvia troile (L.), Guillemot.—Autumn: October 28th and 30th, Longships, Guillemots and Puffins moving S. all the morning.

Uria grylle (L.), Black Guillemot.—September 28th, Solway, a single bird observed.

Fratercula arctica (L.), Puffin.—Spring: March 3d, Bishop's Rock, appeared. April 3d, Caldy, first appeared.

Autumn: October 16th, 25th, 28th, and 30th, and November 2d, Longships, moving S.

Summary and General Remarks.

The Report for the West Coast of England and Wales, and the Isle of Man, refers to the seasonal movements during 1886 of 104 species.

The first vernal migratory movement occurred on the 24th of March, and was sustained until the 26th. During this interval Phylloscopus trochilus, Saxicola œnanthe, Pratincola rubicola, and Hirundo rustica, along with Turdus iliacus, T. pilaris, Scolopax rusticula, and also Turdus musicus, T. merula, and Alauda arvensis, were observed—all at the lanterns, save Hirundo rustica, which occurred during the daytime. The weather prior to this initiatory migration had been severe and unsettled, and the movement was concurrent with the temporary prevalence of favourable conditions (see p. 82) over our Islands.

The spring immigrants flowed in gently at intervals during April and early May. The only rush recorded was on the 23d of April, when many Wheatears, Warblers, and "Flycatchers" occurred—the movement being especially pronounced at the Nash and the Eddystone; minor barometric depressions and low temperature, the wind being N.E., had prevailed prior to the 23d, on which day more favourable conditions set in, producing moderate southerly and south-easterly gales, and a rise in the temperature. The immigration of summer visitors extended until the 10th and 11th of May, when Phylloscopus trochilus, Acrocephalus phragmitis, and Sylvia cinerea were killed, and Cypselus apus observed at Langness. Of the transvolant spring migrants, Numenius phæopus was noticed at Langness on the 16th of May.

August.—The autumnal movements commenced with an emigration of Cuculus canorus, Cypselus apus, and Phylloscopus trochilus, several of which were killed at the Nash lantern on the 1st of August. This was followed by movements of Phylloscopus rufa, Turdus torquatus, Sylvia cinerea, Saxicola œnanthe, Anthus trivialis, Motacilla rayi, Cotile riparia, and Cypselus apus, extending from August the 3d to the 9th, and chiefly observed at southerly stations. On the night of the 22d there was a great rush of birds at the Nash, when some hundreds of Acrocephalus phragmitis, Sylvia cinerea, and many Saxicola œnanthe were flying around the lantern from 9 to 10.30 P.M., twenty-nine being killed. Emigrating summer visitors were also observed on the 23d, 27th, and 31st of the month.

September.—On the 3d there was a decided rush of birds at the Nash, on which Mr Nicholas remarks as follows:—"There was an enormous arrival of small birds, the greatest number ever seen here at any one time." This singular movement lasted from 2.10 A.M. to 3.15 A.M., or a little over an hour, during which brief interval unfortunate individuals of the following species perished at the lantern:—Caprimulgus europæus, Emberiza miliaria, Sylvia cinerea, Phylloscopus trochilus, Cuculus canoras, Passer domesticus, Erithacus rubecula, Saxicola œnanthe, and Turdus merula.[16] A general emigration of summer birds on the 23d and 24th, when a very decided fall of temperature was recorded, was the only other movement during the month.

October.—There were important migrations of summer birds and partial migrants on the 3d, 4th, and 5th, commencing simultaneously with the passing away of adverse meteorological conditions (see p. 91). Afterwards the records indicate a complete blank until the 18th, up to which day the weather was exceedingly unsettled, with strong winds and gales. From the 18th to the 31st, conditions were quieter, with north-easterly, easterly, and south-easterly winds, and under what may be termed mildly unfavourable conditions (see pp. 94 and 96), a steady and unbroken flow of migrants was kept up; during which the winter visitors first appeared at the stations, where, also, the departing summer birds put in a final appearance for the season.

November.—The only movement during the month took the form of rush, and extended from the 22d to 27th. This was, doubtless, occasioned by the outburst and prevalence of low temperature (see Meteorological conditions, p. 100) then experienced in our Islands, causing birds—Turdinæ, Alauda arvensis, Vanellus vulgaris, Scolopax rusticula, Gallinago cœlestis, Numenius arquatus, and a few Regulus cristatus,—which would otherwise have been contented to remain with us, to seek more genial winter quarters.

The returns for this section of the coast again bear out the opinions expressed in former reports,—First, That the main body of the autumnal migrants reach the west coast of Wales and the south-west coast of England—and probably Ireland, too—by way of the Isle of Man; the north-western coast of England only receiving a comparatively small share in these movements; Second, That emigrants from Ireland, and other birds migrating viâ Irish routes, strike the British coast at the mouth of the Bristol Channel, along whose north shore it is believed many pass. It seems probable, however, from a careful examination of the records, that the right wing at least of these Irish migrants extends as far south as the Land's-End stations, and those from Land's-End to Start Point. This is made evident by the several independent—if they may be so termed—and important movements which are recorded in the diary, for this portion of the coast alone, under the following dates; August 22d, September 3d, and October 24th, 25th, and 26th, and which not only indicate the route followed, but also its origin (Ireland), by reason of the circumscribed area affected.

Corvus cornix, Plectrophanes nivalis, Asio accipitrinus, Bernicla brenta, Fringilla montifringilla, and Passer montanus are again absent, or very rarely mentioned in the returns; while Scolopax rusticula and Regulus cristatus were not at all frequent during the season under consideration.

Among the rarer or more interesting species observed may be mentioned Agelæus phœniceus, Ruticilla titys, Procellaria leucorrhoa, Stercorarius catarrhactes, Anas streperus, and Pandion haliaëtus.

Gallinula chloropus, Pica caudata, Gecinus viridis, and Emberiza miliaria (many of which occurred at the Nash on September 3d) may be mentioned as somewhat unusual migrants.

In conclusion, the writer would suggest to his colleagues the desirability of making an united report, instead of treating it by sections. This, it is thought, might readily be done, if the diary form were adopted, by giving under a common date-heading the information for the various coasts for that particular day; in which case the information for the East Coast of Scotland might lead, followed by the east of England, then the West Coast of Scotland, the coasts of Ireland, and finally the West Coast of England. By adopting such a readily feasible plan the significance and importance of each movement, the area covered by it, and the species participating in it, would be ascertained at a glance; while under the present arrangement, to obtain such very desirable and simple information, reference is necessary to no less than five separate reports.

Wm. Eagle Clarke.

The legs and wings referred to the Reed Warbler in the Irish Report are reserved for further examination.