134 STUDIES IN BIRD-MIGRATION 



its spring passage, yet it has only twice been detected 

 in autumn, and then only single birds were observed. 



The vernal movements commence with an observa- 

 tion for 7th May, from which date it has occurred down 

 to loth June; but it is most in evidence during the 

 middle weeks of May. 



Regarding the autumn, the single birds were detected 

 on 19th and 20th September in 1906, and both frequented 

 the standing corn — a fact which may account for our 

 want of success in observing it, for standing corn 

 cannot be searched. I know from experience on the 

 Yorkshire coast that this species is partial to such cover 

 when on migration. In spring its chief haunts are the 

 sides of ditches. 



AcROCEPHALUs STREPERUS, Reed- Warbler. — Has 

 occurred, presumably as a straggler, on four occasions 

 in the autumn : all these visitors were single birds and 

 came under my personal observation. Strange to relate, 

 these are the only known instances of the Reed- Warbler's 

 appearance in Scotland ; and are also, I believe, the 

 most northerly records of its occurrence in Europe. It 

 seems to be quite unknown in Norway, but visits 

 South Sweden, and is common in Denmark. 



The following are the particulars relating to the 

 Reed - Warbler's visits in Fair Isle, all of which 

 are for September, and at dates ranging from the 

 24th to the 30th of that month. On 24th September 

 1906, a male shot from potatoes.^ In 1908, one 

 found in standing corn on the 24th September, and 

 another in turnips on the 26th. In 1909, on 30th 

 September, a female was obtained on an oat-stook. 



^ I am now of opinion that this bird is a Marsh-Warbler {A. palustris) 

 in first plumage. 



