Tin: :\IIGRATI0NS of TFIE song-thrush 213 



the early autumn, a considerable number of the Thrushes 

 which have reared their broods with us, especially those 

 which inhabit the elevated and northern districts, emi- 

 grate towards the south. ^ There are a few records for 

 July which undoubtedly relate to migration of a 

 partial nature. These, however, must be regarded as 

 exceptional and due to pressure of very unsettled 

 weather, especially thunderstorms. - 



During the second week in August, but chiefly 

 towards the end of the month, there are clear indications 

 that emigration is taking place. The birds then come 

 under notice on the coast ; while the light-stations 

 afford positive evidence that Thrushes are quietly 

 slipping away from Britain.^ Though there are no 

 marked movements recorded for this month, yet there is 

 unmistakable evidence that a gradual and steady emi- 

 gration is in progress on all the coasts of Britain. 



These flittings-away become more general and pro- 

 nounced in September, and are witnessed throughout 

 October ; but the movements then are often of a very 

 complex nature, and are difficult to interpret, since they 



' Mr T. G. Laidlaw, whose home in Peeblesshire lies 900 feet above the 

 sea, informs me that the thrushes leave that district "to a bird" in the 

 autumn, and return during the early months of the year. A young bird 

 ringed in a nest in Aberdeenshire on 4th June 19 10, was shot in Portugal 

 on 6th November. 



2 On 8th July 1882, five Thrushes struck the lantern at Slyne Head 

 lighthouse (west coast of Ireland), one of which was killed. In 1885, on 

 3rd and nth July, several thrushes are recorded at the inner Fame. On 

 loth July 1905, one visited the lantern of the Bell Rock lighthouse. 

 A few were observed at the Eddystone lighthouse on 26th July 1909. 



^ As early as ist August 1884, six Thrushes struck the lantern of Dhu- 

 hearteach Rock lighthouse, two being killed ; while at the Eddystone, on 

 8th August 1902, Thrushes were crossing the Channel along with Wheat- 

 ears, " Warblers," and Curlews, and visited the lantern from 10.30 p.m. to 

 I A.M. (9th). Ringed British birds have been recovered in France and 

 Portugal. 



I. 02 



