76 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. 



think, be doubted, and I expect that the unrestrained destruction 

 of them along a particular route will gradually effect a change in 

 their ways. I believe that the scarcity now for some years 

 generally noticed may be due in a measure to the ruthless de- 

 struction met with at certain points on the Continent in their line 

 of annual flight. 



Fresh instances are constantly occurring which show the 

 relation between the movements of birds and the state of the 

 weather. In connection with this point I quote the words of 

 Mr. Nicholas, keeper at Nash E., who writes: — ''I've noticed 

 whenever there is a lot of Gulls and Crows inland, it indicates a 

 gale. I first noticed this Oct. 13th ; on 14th there was a whole 

 gale. I have since that date observed the same thing before 

 every gale." 



The prevailing winds on this coast were : — From August to 

 Sept. 17th, easterly ; thence, to Sept. 29th, gentle to mod. W. ; 

 thence, to Oct. 8th, E., viz., mod. S.E. and E. to 5th, then with 

 more or less of N. On and after 9th, W. till 14th, with touch of 

 N. and strong; on 16th a whole gale, E., thence, to 24th, S.E., 

 fctrong breezes ; after which, to the end of the month, E. and 

 N.E. 



Birds have not been noticed in such large flocks as last year, 

 and there have been but faint traces of rushes. No rare birds 

 are reported. 



The most decided and general movement took place between 

 Oct. 16th and 27th ; after October, except among the Anatidce, 

 the occurrences being very scarce. The chief occurrences in 

 September were Wrens, Wagtails, Swallows, and Finches ; and 

 in October Starlings, Sky Larks, and the Turdidce. 



In the autumnal migratioii the difference in date of arrival, 

 as compared with last year, may be worth marking. So far as 

 our records show the Redwing was first noticed a month later, 

 the Blackbird six weeks, and Thrush three weeks, the Sky Lark 

 a month, Goldcrest twelve days, Wheatear and Greenfinch five 

 days, the Golden Plover fourteen days. The following are re- 

 corded earlier : the Meadow Pipit by two weeks. Swallow seven- 

 teen days, Starling nineteen days, Wagtail, Chaffinch, and Linnet 

 a few days. Of the Anatidce, Duclvs are noticed a few days earlier, 

 Geese considerably later. 



It is difficult to say anything positive as to direction of flight, 



