THE BIRDS OF THE FLANNAN ISLANDS 83 



been fresh arrivals, as may also those observed on the igth 

 and 2oth. 



Each year a small number visit the island at intervals on 

 the autumn passage, but the earliest date for their appearance 

 hitherto was on the ist of October in 1902 ; and in most years 

 it is not until November, which is the chief month for their 

 arrival, that they are recorded ; and four appears to have been 

 the largest number seen in any one day previous to the rush 

 just described. In 1902 one was seen on the ist of February 



the only winter record. 



DUNLIN (Tringa alpind). The islands afford no suitable feeding 

 grounds for this bird, but a few visit them during the seasons 

 of passage. 



Two of these migrant visitors came under our notice, 

 namely, one on the 8th of September and another on the i6th. 



KXOT (Tringa canntus). The wing of a knot killed at the lantern 

 on the night of the i8th November 1902, was sent to me for 

 identification, and is so far the only evidence we ha.ve of this 

 bird's occurrence at the Flannans. 



PURPLE SANDPIPER (Tringa striata). A few are observed during 

 the winter months, and their identification established from 

 wings sent to me. None of these birds had put in an appear- 

 ance during our visit. The earliest record for their arrival is 

 for loth October 1904. 



REDSHANK (Totanus calidris]. Two records only : one on 28th of 

 May 1903, and another in rush of Redwings, Larks, Wheatears, 

 Starlings, etc., on the i5th of April 1904. 



CURLEW (Numenius arquata). A regular visitor on passage in both 

 spring and autumn. In spring it appears early in April ; and 

 in autumn from the first week in August to mid-November, 

 sometimes in fair numbers. A few small parties came under 

 our notice on the iith, i2th, and ijth of September. 



WHIMBREL (Numenius phaopus}. It would seem probable that 

 before the lighthouse buildings were commenced this bird 

 was a summer visitor to Eilean Mhor, for during the first summer 

 the artizans were engaged there a nest was found near to the 

 ancient building known as the "Blessing House," and the eggs 

 taken for food. Mr. Begg had this information from a man 

 who was present and who knew the birds well. 



The Whimbrel is observed annually on both its passages, 

 appearing from the very earliest days of May down to the 22nd 

 of the month, the latest date for which it is recorded in spring. 

 The return autumn movement is witnessed from the last days 

 of July until mid-September. We saw only two birds of this 

 species, namely on the i5th September. 



