258 Mr. W. Eagle Clurkc— J Month 



chief periods being from 1 a.m. to 1.45 a.m. and from 

 2.30 a.m. to 3 A.M ; but some of the species named were 

 observed at intervals until daylight appeared. There was 

 practically no tarrying at the lantern, owing to the attractive 

 periods being so short in duration, and the observations 

 attorded direct evidence that the movement was continuous 

 and that it was in progress for at least ten hours. 



The Song-Thrush and the Skylaik appeared to be the 

 most ai)undaiit species, and the latter was occasionally quite 

 a Tiuisance at the lantern. The extreme scarcity of the 

 Starling was remarkable, but, on the other hand, the abun- 

 dance of the Mislle-Thrush was noticeable. The emigrants 

 were at times very numerous, and though the atmospheric 

 conditions were nut greatly in favour of many striking the 

 lantern, yet those killed included 11 Thrushes, 8 Larks, 

 3 Mistle-Thrushes, 4 Blackbirds, and examples of the Meadow- 

 Pipit, Redwing, Goldcrest, Wheatear, Grey Wagtail, Wren, 

 and Storm-Petrel. 



I will now treat of the migratory movements observed 

 during the daytime. 



It will be well to preface the observations by remarking 

 upon the great difficulty of detecting small birds at sea. 

 This is chiefly to be accounted for by the fact that the 

 surface of the water being ever in motion forms a most 

 unsatisfactory background on which to " pick up " such 

 birds on the wing. Dark or sober-coloured species are 

 especially difficult to detect; but the few that shewed any 

 white in their plumage during flight came under notice 

 almost at once. 



The day migrations of land-birds observed, though of 

 considerable importance, were entirely confined to passage 

 movements across the Channel in a due southerly direction. 

 The species participating in these emigrations were few, and 

 consisted chiefly of Meadow-Pipits, several kinds of Wag- 

 tails, and Swallows ; but the number of individuals was 

 very considerable. A few Willow-Warblers, Linnets, and 

 House-Martins were also observed^ but their numbers were 



