MIGRATORY BIRDS: SPRING 113 



in 1884 remarkable for a warmth exceeding that experi- 

 enced during this month for many years, no less than 

 sixteen species of spring migrants were recorded as 

 having appeared in our islands. The March of 1886 

 was another month of exceptional geniality, and it, too, 

 had a goodly show of spring birds. On the other hand, 

 the March of 1883 was cold in the extreme, and only 

 the Ring-Ouzel, Wheatear, Chiff-Chaff, and Swallow 

 were noted. In 1885 the month was also remarkable 

 for its ungeniality, and likewise for the fewness of its 

 spring birds. 



Alongf with the British summer fjuests there arrive 

 on the south coast numerous Redwings and Fieldfares 

 from the south. These birds are returning to their 

 summer homes in Northern Europe, but it is doubtful if 

 they proceed beyond our shores during the month. 



Eviigratioii of Winter Visitors. — March witnesses 

 the beginning of the great departure movements, for 

 their summer haunts, of the birds which have been 

 winter cruests in our islands. The migrations north- 

 wards are much in evidence at suitably situated stations 

 on and near the more boreal sections of our coast-line ; 

 and much information concerning the species partici- 

 pating in them, and the dates at which they are 

 performed, will be afforded in the special study devoted 

 to Fair Isle. The departing visitors quit the mainland 

 during the night, and many make this, and other favour- 

 ably situated isles of the Orkney and Shetland group, a 

 resting place. 



The species quitting the British Isles and moving 

 northwards during March include Song - Thrushes, 

 Blackbirds, Redbreasts, Goldcrests, Chaffinches, Bram- 

 blings. Mealy Redpolls, Yellow Buntings, Reed Bunt- 



I. H 



