EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND. 27 



April. March 2nd to 9th, at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May; 

 and April 12th and 26th, at same stations, winds mostly westerly ; 

 but on March 8th E.N.E., gale and snow. 



In autumn, not abundant either, and scarcely require details. 

 Occurred in July, August, October (a large flock at Sumburgh 

 Head on 18th ; gale and sleet showers), and December. In 

 July, at Pentland Skerries only ; in August, ditto ; in September, 

 not at all. In October, at Sumburgh Head and Pentland Skerries 

 (and a Jack Snipe at Isle of May). December, at Sumburgh 

 Head (a large number all day on 3rd) ; strong breezes, snow- 

 showers ; and a Jack Snipe at Pentland Skerries on 24th. 



Woodcock.— In spring, one record on April 7th, at BellKock, 

 flying about the rock. 



In autumn, Oct. 13th and 14th, two single birds at Isle of 

 May and Pentland Skerries ; and on Nov. 1st and 13th, at Isle of 

 May, N. Unst, and Shetland. The one on 1st accompanied the 

 rush of other migrants. On Oct. 13th six were shot on Isle of 

 May ; wind due S., an unusual wind for migrants to arrive at 

 Isle of May. At Chanonry, many local records of " Whaups " 

 (Curlews) — probably the same flock of forty or fifty— appearing 

 in stormy weather. 



Land Notes, — On the night of March 26th, at Dunipace, 

 whilst standing at the front door (night bright and starry, 

 and frost), a large flock of birds crossed overhead, flying 

 south. The cries were difficult to make out, but belonged either 

 to Whimbrels or other species of wader. The subject of the 

 sounds of bird-cries at night would form good matter for 

 explanation by those who have constant opportunities of hearing 

 them. Wind N.E. up to March 27th, when a S.W. gale, shifting 

 to S., with heavy rain. About fifty Curlews were seen at 

 Caldarvon, west of this county, on March 11th, and three pairs 

 on 17th (auct. Jas. Lumsden). 



ScoLOPAciD^ (Waders). — Earliest spring migrants were Sand- 

 pipers and Eedshanks at Pentland Skerries on Feb. 9th (time of 

 migration of Thrushes, q. v.) ; and on 17th, ditto. On April 27th 

 a Purple Sandpiper at Isle of May (No. 57 in spirits). 



Autumn. Earliest July 20th, at Pentland Skerries, Eed- 

 shanks ; and a few records of these and Sandpipers to 31st. In 

 August a few records of the same, and one Turnstone (identified) 

 (No. 60 in spirits). In September great flocks of Sandpipers 



