A YEAR AT FAIR ISLE 65 



and Bramblings are numerous. Chaffinches have 

 increased in number, and Wheatears are again 

 plentiful and include several females. 



ist May. — East-south-east breeze ; very dull and 

 wet, and the birds skulking and difficult to find. 



Since yesterday two pairs of Wigeon, two Teal, 

 and several Willow- Wrens have appeared. A few 

 Hedge-Accentors and several White Wagtails were 

 also seen. 



2nd May. — Easterly light breeze ; clear. 



More female Wheatears to-day, many of the male 

 birds have passed on. Three Lapwings and one Water- 

 hen are arrivals. The species mentioned yesterday 

 again seen to-day, and a Lapp Bunting and a Wood- 

 cock also came under observation. 



4^i May.' — With the light, south-easterly breeze 

 many Wheatears of the large race {S. leucorrhod), have 

 appeared, and are to be found in all parts of the Isle. 

 An increase in the numbers of Hedge-Accentors also 

 noted. Eighteen Fieldfares seen ; but the Song- 

 Thrushes and While Wagtails are decreasing. A 

 Common Wheatear observed carrying nesting material 

 in its bill. 



5M May. — This has been one of the best days of 

 the season for migrants. The morning was uneventful, 

 but towards evening numbers of migrants were observed 

 all over the Isle. Light rain fell in the morning, with 

 the wind in the south-east ; but later in the day the 

 weather cleared and the wind backed to the east. 



The first Common Sandpiper for the season, numbers 

 of Chaffinches (mostly females), and several Snipe were 

 observed. Two Great Snipe were put out of some rough 

 grass. These were the chief arrivals seen up to noon, 



II. E 



