THE BIRDS OF FAIR ISLE 163 



passage. It also appears, but somewhat rarely, in 

 winter. 



In spring its visits are most regular during the latter 

 half of March and throughout April, but its numbers on 

 these occasions are small — single birds, or at most 

 three, being usually observed. It is seen irregularly in 

 May, and in June as late as the 28th. 



In autumn it is much more numerous, and I have 

 seen a party of as many as thirty on the wing 

 simultaneously — namely, on 12th September 1906. 

 A few visit the Isle in July, more in August, most in 

 September, a few in October, and sometimes in 

 November, and one on 13th December 19 10. 



On the nth of September 1906, three appeared in 

 the rays of the south lantern at 10.30 p.m., and remained 

 for over an hour, croaking unmusically all the while. 

 Several times they came close up to the light, and once 

 were within an ace of striking, but recovered themselves 

 just in time to avoid injury. 



There are few suitable feeding-grounds for these 

 birds, and hence they do not remain long ; single birds, 

 however, have been seen in the same haunts for several 

 days. 



CoLUMBA PALUMBUS, Ring-Dove. — Occurs regularly 

 on both passages, but is not numerous, eight being the 

 largest number of migrants seen together. When 

 disturbed whilst feeding on the land, these birds usually 

 betake themselves to the cliffs, where the Peregrine 

 alone can persecute them. 



In spring the northern passage visits have been 

 recorded from 23rd March to i6th June, but are most 

 frequent late in April and during May. 



In autumn it has appeared from 25th September to 



