16 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 



the 8th being the earliest and the 25th the latest date in 

 which the passages have been recorded, but it probably occurs 

 later. 



REDWING (Turdus iliacus). The Redwing appears to be much the 

 commonest member of its genus visiting the island. That 

 this should be so is not surprising, for the species is a summer 

 visitor to Iceland, and thus it is not unnatural that its passage 

 lines should more frequently lie to west than those of the other 

 species of Turdus, whose northern summer homes are in 

 Scandinavia, etc. 



A few appear in the earliest days of October, along with 

 Pipits and Wheatears, and later with Thrushes, Fieldfares, 

 Larks, Snow Buntings, etc. Sometimes the immigrants, remain 

 several days resting and feeding on the island. The latest 

 date for the autumn passage is the iSth November. 



During severe winters numbers have been known to seek 

 the island as a retreat, and in December 1902 they were 

 observed too weak to fly. 



On the spring passage, it is again the most numerous 

 Thrush visiting the Flannans. The yth April is the earliest 

 date for its appearance, and the passage lasts until the end of 

 the month, the agth being the latest record. During this 

 period it appears in company with Wheatears and Snow 

 Buntings, or with Larks, Wheatears, and Starlings ; sometimes 

 in great rushes. 



FIELDFARE (Turdus pilaris}. The Fieldfare is another bird of 

 double passage, occurring regularly in the autumn between the 

 dates 3rd October and igth November, and sometimes 

 remains a week on the island before moving on. In the 

 spring, when it is apparently much less frequently observed 

 than the other members of the genus, it appears late in 

 April. 



As a winter visitor it has occurred on a few occasions, but 

 does not make a long stay. 



BLACKBIRD (Turdus merula). Is numerous on double passage : in 

 the autumn, according to the records, from the nth October 

 to the 2oth November; and in spring from the ist March to 

 the i 2th April. 



It has on several occasions appeared in winter, but does 

 not appear to remain long on the island. 



REDBREAST (Erithacus rubecula). Single birds have been seen 

 occasionally, namely on the i5th November 1900; i3th May 

 1902 ; 3oth March, igth and 3ist October, and 3oth Novem- 

 ber 1903. 



