THE BIRDS OF FAIR ISLE 117 



seasons come under notice on its return passage in 

 spring. 



The dates for this bird's appearance in autumn range 

 from 25th August to 9th September. It is not uncommon 

 during the latter month and in the first week of October 

 in most years, while the latest date for its presence is 

 29th October. At this season it is to be found in the 

 wilder portions of the island, and chiefly among rough 

 grass, on the seeds of which it feeds ; but after the corn 

 is cut it often seeks the stubbles. 



In spring it appears to be much scarcer, but has come 

 under notice on five occasions, between 25th March and 

 2nd May. An. adult male in summer plumage was 

 observed on the last-named date. On its spring visits 

 it has been chiefly detected among the hordes of Twites, 

 and on account of the company it then keeps is very 

 liable to be overlooked. 



Alauda arvensis, Skylark. — The Skylark is found 

 at all seasons of the year, but observation has demon- 

 strated that the native birds are summer visitors and 

 quit the island in the autumn, their place being taken 

 later by visitors from the North, some of which remain 

 the entire winter. 



The home birds leave early in September, and the 

 first foreigners appear soon after, from about the 19th 

 and onwards to the early days of November (the 5th 

 latest), often in vast numbers. Only a small number 

 remain for the winter. 



The return of the native birds commences as early 

 as the end of February. In March the arrivals are 

 pronounced, and are continued, on the part of birds on 

 their passage north, throughout April. 



Alauda arborea, Wood/ark. — Though this species 

 II. H 2 



