THE PENTLAND SKERRIES. 53 



Skerries on April 6th, 1884, and again at N. Eonaldsay on 

 April 4th, 1885. They seem to be rarer on the return journey; 

 we have only a few notes of them in the schedules for autumn. 



Whinchats (one reported in March 1887, and again in March 

 1889) occur every spring, but are rare ; also Stonechats, though they 

 are not common either, and are probably as much seen in the 

 other islands as on migration ; they are, however, very local. 



Kedstarts are generally rare. They come about the middle of 

 May (May 17th, 1888, abundant) ; earliest, April 29 ; at times much 

 more numerous in autumn, as in September 10th and 12th, 1889 ; 

 seen as early as August 14th. The Black Kedstart has occurred 

 twice, once on March 31st, 1884, and again on April 24th, 1889. 



Sylviince. Eobins occur on both migrations ; they are as a rule 

 more numerous in spring, when at times they are very abundant, 

 as on April 19th, 1886, and April 14th, 1889. They occasionally 

 remain during the winter. 



The Whitethroat (?) has only occurred once or twice in spring. 

 The Blackcap seems only to have been recorded once, in October 

 1888. 



Phylloscopince. Goldcrests do not figure very largely in the 

 schedules, but occur on both migrations ; they are principally seen 

 in the autumn, once as early as September 3d. 



Willow Wren. It seems strange there is no return of this 

 very common warbler, but our excellent correspondents may have 

 included them either under " Titmice " or " Whitethroats." 



It is remarkable that there should be no record of the migra- 

 tion of the Sedge Warbler, as this is one of the commonest warblers 

 in the islands. 



Accentoridce. The Hedge-sparrow is recorded once or twice in 

 April ; in one instance with the note " not very common." They 

 seem to be still rarer in the autumn. 



Paridce. Though " Titmice " are recorded in several instances 

 it seems probable that other species are meant, most likely some of 

 the smaller warblers, judging from the description given and the 

 usual dates of arrival, May. All true Tits are excessively rare in 

 Orkney. 



