WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND. 85 



falls of snow and consequent scarcity of food, have been frequently 

 noted this season. When crossing the Firth of Forth on the 

 15th December I saw many large flocks of Larks, both in the 

 morning and afternoon, flying steadily from N.N.W. to S.S.E. or 

 N.W. to S.E. Many Larks were afterwards seen feeding near 

 Leith, and notice of the fact sent to the papers by another witness. 

 The line of flight, as I have said, was from N. of West to S. of 

 East. I note the fact as having significance, even in a local 

 migration, at this locality. 



EocK Pigeon. — July 10th, sixteen Kock Pigeons at Island 

 Ghlais, flying S., 8 j).m., light N., haze and showers, refers 

 probably to a local migration. At Skerry vore two "wild 

 pigeons" (Rock Doves?) seen during calm hazy weather on 

 June 24th. 



Lapwing, Vanellus cristatus. — At Rhuvaal, Lochindaul, and 

 Portpatrick. Aug. 4th, at Lochindaul, large flocks seen all through 

 the month after this date : resident. Sej^t. 1st, two killed at 

 Rhuvaal, 11 p.m., strong S., haze. Sept. 9th, flocks flying S. at 

 9 a.m. at Portpatrick ; wind S.E., hazy. Sept. 15th, Lochindaul, 

 flocks all day; strong N. wind, clear. One at Monach on Dec. 

 27th, wind S., flying S. More northerly in 1879, viz., Rhu Stoir 

 and southwards. Earliest date Aug. 20th ; latest Dec. 11th. 



Note. — In Ireland Lapwings began to assemble on the shores 

 by July 22nd, as observed by Mr. Warren. 



Golden Plover, Charadrius pluvialis. — Only two records this 

 year from Island Ghlais and Point of Ayre : Dec. 3rd, twenty to 

 thirty at 9 a.m. flying S.W., light airs, showers, at the former ; 

 Jan. 12th, 1881, at the latter, a flock flying E., wind strong E., 

 clear. Two or three flocks were seen upon Monach on Dec. 27th, 

 at 1 p.m., flying along to shore, wind S., fresh breeze. A con- 

 siderable movement appears to have been observed at Monach on 

 this date. In 1879 three stations, most northerly being Skerry- 

 vore. Earliest date July 27th, at Portpatrick ; latest on Oct. 18th, 

 at Skerrj^vore. 



Ringed Plover. — On Aug. 13th twelve "Dotterels" arrived 

 upon Dhuheartach. These remain on the rock all winter, unless 

 driven ofl' by severe weather. 



Heron. — Two Herons seen at 2 p.m. at Rhu Stoir, N.W. gale, 

 snow showers. At Monach four Herons rested on the shore on 

 Oct. 28th, about 2 o'clock, wind strong N.E., with snow showers ; 



