CHAPTER XX 



A YEAR WITH THE MIGRATORY BIRDS AT FAIR ISLE 



This chapter is based upon the records contained in 

 the diaries of George Stout and myself for the year 

 1908. Its aim is to furnish a chronological account of 

 the movements witnessed during an entire year at a 

 famous station. Such a record is useful, since it 

 affords interesting and important information as to 

 the dates covered by the migrations of the various 

 species ; the birds travelling in company ; the habits 

 of the voyagers when en route ; the weather associated 

 with the movements and its influence as an incentive 

 to their performance, or as a deterrent to their progress ; 

 and other points of interest. 



In connection with the weather, it has been thought 

 best to give that recorded at Fair Isle itself, since the 

 types of weather in the British Isles, and their influences 

 on bird-migration, have been specially treated of in 

 Vol. I., pp. 171-187. 



The year 1908 has been chosen because it was 

 George Stout's last on the island, and hence we 

 have his best work. My contributions were made 

 during a five-weeks' sojourn in September and early 

 October. 



