REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY FOR 1904 203 



REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY 



FOR 1904. 1 



By JOHN PATERSON. 



IN contrast to the weather of the preceding year, which 

 presented some striking features, that of 1 904 followed 

 tradition March dry and cold, April the wettest month of 

 the year, " winter lingering in the lap of May," and so on. 

 In 1903 spring migration began early, but got a 

 memorable set back from the long-continued inclemency of 

 April. The writer must always recollect that month as the 

 first of its kind in which he had ever failed to hear the 

 welcome cadence which constitutes the song of the Willow 

 Wren, and no doubt, in some such way, the spring of 1903 

 will have impressed itself on the minds of other Scottish 

 ornithologists. The year 1904 has no such unenviable 

 distinction. Its ornithological features, as far as they are 

 revealed, chiefly by the communication, most obligingly sent 

 in by the light-keepers, and by correspondents to this Journal 

 and to the writer, are here set down in specific order. 



TURDUS MUSICUS (Song-Thrush). The principal spring movements 

 occurred between 22nd February and 2oth March. On the 

 8th of March 200 were observed at Burntisland, the wind being 

 easterly, and the weather dull. These birds dispersed during 

 the day. The principal autumn movements were between i2th 

 October and ist November. 



T. ILIACUS (Redwing). Last seen on the mainland in several 

 localities between ist and 3rd April, a great rush is reported 

 at the Flannans on i 2th and i5th. First appearances on the 

 mainland in autumn are reported from Kirkliston, 8th, and 

 Beith, i3th October. During the whole of that month and 

 until 8th November, reports from lighthouses generally speak 

 of its abundance. 



1 This Report has been written on new lines. We cordially endorse Mr. 

 Paterson's hope that in future the information communicated may not be confined 

 to records of occurrences only. There are other features, such as extension of 

 range, weather influences, habits, etc., which might with advantage be incor- 

 porated. We hope it will be possible in future Reports to give the names of 

 those who have contributed information, and we desire to place on record our 

 appreciation of Mr. Laidlaw's valuable services in the preparation of the Reports 

 for 1898 to 1903 inclusive. EDS. 



