THE BIRDS OF THE FLANNAN ISLANDS 15 



siderable arrivals on 8th September, with White Wagtails and 

 Wheatears ; on the loth, from 8.30 to 10 P.M. ; and again on 

 the iith, with Wheatears and White Wagtails. 



The earliest arrival chronicled for the autumn is the 2;th 

 of August 1900, when it appeared in considerable numbers, 

 and the latest for the 8th October 1903, when it was abundant 

 with other migrants. 



The records for spring are few, but on the 2oth May 1904 

 it is said to have been numerous at midnight along with 

 Wheatears. 



ROCK PIPIT (Anthus obscurus). Resident and extremely abundant. 

 It was marvellously tame, being almost indifferent to one's 

 presence, and came freely into the house. Some examples 

 were much larger than others, and it is probable that all were 

 not natives of the island. 



[The Goldcrest (Regulus cristatus) has never been observed 

 at the Flannans. It is a well-known bird to all the light- 

 keepers, and its absence from the long list of migratory passeres 

 is worthy of remark.] 



LESSER WHITETHROAT (Sylvia currucd}. One was sent to me in 

 the flesh, which had been captured on the 23rd of September 

 1904, two days after our departure. 



GARDEN WARBLER (Sylvia hortensis). One was observed searching 

 for flies on the face of the rocks on the north cliff on the i6th 

 of September, and remained until the iSth, perhaps longer. 



Other Warblers have occurred and have been entered in 

 the schedules as " Whitethroat," "Blackcap," and " W T illow 

 Warbler," perhaps correctly, but it is very desirable that they 

 should be identified beyond a doubt, before been accepted as 

 visitors to the islands. 



SONG THRUSH (Turdus mustcus). A visitor on migration in the 

 spring and autumn, and occasionally in winter. 



The earliest date on which the Thrush has been chronicled 

 for the autumn is on the 4th of October 1904, when a single 

 example appeared. It is not until towards the end of the 

 month named that it comes in numbers, along with Redwings, 

 Blackbirds, Larks, etc. ; and the passage lasts until mid- 

 November, the i gth being the latest record. Some of these 

 migrants remain on the island for a few days ere they pass on 

 their way southwards. A few appeared on the island on i3th 

 December 1903, and there are two similar records for the 

 first week in February in 1903 and 1904, in one instance along 

 with Blackbirds and Redwings. 



The return movement northwards takes place in March, 



