THE BIRDS OF FAIR ISLE, NATIVE AND MIGRATORY 9 



the thick vegetation a few yards ahead, to run before us, con- 

 cealed in the furrows, until again pressed, when they repeated 

 their tactics. In this way the various species of Warblers 

 cost us a lot of trouble ere their identity was established. 



The ubiquitous Twite also added to our difficulties. 

 After the corn was garnered, the numerous family parties 

 of this species gathered together and formed vast flocks ; and 

 these were joined by the immigrant Finches of various kinds, 

 rendering the latter very difficult to detect among hordes of 

 the native bird. 



In addition to the numerous birds of passage, a number 

 of native i.e. breeding species came under notice ; among 

 these was the Fulmar Petrel, which has quite recently estab- 

 lished itself as a summer visitor to the island. We also 

 obtained some interesting information relating to some birds 

 of the past, namely, the Sea Eagle, Great Skua, Rock Dove, 

 and a Tern, all of which are now banished as native species. 



Concerning the migratory and native (past and present) 

 birds, full particulars will be afforded under their respective 

 species in the systematic section, which forms the concluding 

 portion of this contribution. 



Before proceeding to the details relating to the bird-life 

 of the island, I desire to discharge, without further delay, a 

 pleasant duty. I have to express our sincere thanks to 

 John Bruce, Esq., of Sumburgh, for the privileges which 

 allowed us to wander at will over all parts of the island, and 

 to collect such specimens as we desired ; to the Commissioners 

 of Northern Lighthouses for the permission they graciously 

 granted which enabled us to reside in the Skadan Light- 

 house ; and to their Secretary, C. Dick Peddie, Esq., for 

 his kind co-operation, and for the loan of the photographs 

 from which two of the pictures have been reproduced. 

 Nor must I forget the acknowledgments due to Mr. and 

 Mrs. Wallace, of Skadan Lighthouse, who did so much to 

 make us comfortable and to assist us in every way. 



I. DIARY OF OBSERVATIONS. 



The following notes in diary form relate to the arrival and 

 departure of birds of passage during our sojourn. With the com- 

 mencement of each week the weather prevailing over Europe is 



