224 STUDIES IN BIRD-IMIG RATION 



These late August movements include departures from 

 the Hebrides and other western isles, as witnessed by 

 birds observed at or killed against the lanterns of 

 Skerryvore and Dhu Hearteach ; but there is no appear- 

 ance of any emigration from Ireland in this month, 

 which is a significant fact. 



Throughout September the emigration is much more 

 evident on both eastern and western coasts, the Hebrides 

 contributing freely to the latter. A marked migration 

 is also recorded from Shetland,^ where the species is 

 chiefly a summer visitant. In Ireland, too, there is 

 evidence from the south-eastern stations that the exodus 

 has besfun. Towards the end of the month the move- 

 ment is more marked, especially in unsettled weather, 

 when Skylarks are recorded as emigrating by night in 

 company with Thrushes, Blackbirds, Ring - Ouzels, 

 Wheatears, Chiffchaffs, Whitethroats, Wagtails, 

 Meadow - Pipits, Turtle - Doves, and other birds. As 

 the season advances, emigration is naturally quickened, 

 but it is impossible to fix the exact period at which 

 the departures of our native Skylarks cease. After 

 September these migrations become merged with the 

 passage movements of the Continental Larks, also on 

 their way southwards to winter retreats beyond our area. 

 Our British Skylarks doubtless continue to quit our 

 islands during October, along with the foreign birds. 

 In some years a foretaste of cold, in others periods 

 of exceptionally unsettled weather, cause pronounced 

 " rushes " southward. 



' The emigrations from Shetland, where the nesting season is late, 

 commence during the third week of September, and they afterwards blend 

 with the passage movements of the Larks proceeding southwards from 

 Northern Europe. 



