236 STUDIES IN BIRD-MIGRATION 



centre, and the southern province of Wales and shores 

 of the Bristol Channel ; while during March there are 

 return flights across the Irish Sea to north Wales and 

 south-western Scotland. Generally, the birds set out 

 after dark, but Skylarks are occasionally recorded as 

 migrating during the day, those from the southern 

 portion of Ireland making for the south-east, while 

 those from the Wicklow coast proceed due east. The 

 night movements are often performed in company 

 with Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Starlings. The winter 

 visitants to the Hebrides leave for the mainland of 

 Scotland about the same time, and call for no special 

 remark. 



Spring Passage from Southern to Northern and 

 Central Europe along the British Coasts. — These move- 

 ments take place during March and early April, but 

 there are Eddystone records dating as late as the 

 third week of the latter month, when the last of 

 the Skylarks appear at that station in company with 

 Wheatears, Ring - Ouzels, Willow - Warblers, Field- 

 fares, and Redwings. It is probable, however, that 

 the bulk of the Skylarks arriving at this time on 

 the southern coast of England are en route for North- 

 Western Europe. After reaching our shores, they 

 move northward along the coasts, and finally quit 

 the country in company with those which have 

 been wintering in Great Britain and Ireland, as 

 well as with emigrants and transient visitors of other 

 species. 



Local Spring Movements of Native Birds. — Those 

 home-bred Skylarks which left certain districts in the 

 autumn in search of more suitable retreats in our 

 islands in which to pass the winter, return to their 



