152 STUDIES IN BIRD-MIGRATION 



they are chiefly to be seen flying continuously along the 

 face of the cliffs, especially those on the west side of the 

 island. 



In autumn single birds, or at most two, are seen 

 simultaneously. The dates between which they have 

 been observed range from 4th September to 14th 

 November. 



CoTiLE RiPARiA, Sand- Martin. — Every year a few 

 appear in spring, at dates ranging from 14th May to 

 26th June; but on 19th May 1910, many were seen. 

 There are only three autumn records — namely, for 23rd 

 July, 26th September, and 9th October. 



There are but a few odd records of its visits to the 

 Shetlands ; and it would seem that this species reaches 

 Norway, where it is common in summer, by lines of 

 flight which do not extend to the Northern 

 Archipelago. 



Dendrocopus major. Great Spotted Woodpecker, — 

 The only year since these investigations were instituted 

 in which this species has appeared was 1909. In the 

 autumn of that year a small number appeared on 2nd 

 September, and were observed until 3rd October. One 

 or two specimens were obtained, all of which belonged to 

 the typical Continental race. I often saw these birds 

 during their sojourn, and they always appeared to be 

 very ill-pleased with their lot on Fair Isle, since they 

 frequently gave voice to their feelings by a peevish cry, 

 usually as they ascended the flagstaff or the equally 

 disappointing posts of the wire fences. They soon 

 forsook such unprofitable haunts and sought the faces 

 of the cliffs, where they doubtless fared much better, 

 though they must otherwise have found such unusual 

 retreats far from congenial. Some were seen searching 



