THE BIRDS OF FAIR ISLK 149 



the low rocks and reefs at the south-west corner of 

 the island. Here, when the sun exerts its genial 

 influence, flies are numerous. During rain and dull 

 weather many were seen on the newly - sown sodden 

 land, apparently endeavouring to find something where- 

 with to sustain life. Such are the shifts to which some 

 birds are put during certain stages in their great 

 migratory flights : no wonder many perish. 



MusciCAPA ATRiCAPiLLA, Pieci Flycatcher. — This 

 species occurs in both the spring and autumn, on its way 

 to and from its northern summer haunts, but is only 

 observed in comparatively small numbers. Unlike the 

 last species, it is most abundant in the autumn. 



In spring its visits range from 6th to 17th May; 

 while those of the autumn have been noted between 3rd 

 and 27th September. At the latter season it is a 

 frequent visitor to the lanterns of the lighthouses, and is 

 often killed. 



During its sojourn, it frequents the cliffs, fences, and 

 small enclosures about the houses. All the old males 

 have assumed their winter dress ere they appear in the 

 autumn, and I have never seen a bird either at Fair Isle 

 or elsewhere, during my many autumn pilgrimages in 

 search of migrants, which showed the slightest trace of 

 the pied plumage which renders it such a beautiful and 

 conspicuous object in spring. 



MusciCAPA PARVA, Red-bveasted Flycatcher. — This 

 unusual visitor to such a northern station occurred several 

 times during the autumn of 1906, and once in that of 

 1907. I was present on these occasions, and saw the 

 birds and obtained specimens. There is only one record 

 for spring. 



The following are the particulars of the visits : — On 

 II. K 2 



