EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND. 15 



other seasons, in autumn, owing to northerly and westerly 

 winds. This, however, was followed by a great rush in Novem- 

 ber, for particulars of which the reader is referred to the details 

 under Species. The marvellous congregations of Gulls and their 

 prey the Sprat or Garvie (Clupea sprattus) are commented upon. 

 (General Kemarks). 



Isle of May. — In January, 1884, intermittent migration 

 continued. The great gale of 27th to 29th produced nothing of 

 any consequence — one Yellowhammer, however, being the first of 

 the species seen for some time. 



While rushes took place in spring at Bell Kock in March, 

 with the wind prevailing E., at Isle of May much smaller move- 

 ments are recorded, local winds apparently being more S. & W. 

 (See especially " Thrushes," but the remark applies to other 

 species also.) This is curious at two stations so close to one 

 another. Bush of land birds in April. Movements of Guille- 

 mots and rock birds somewhat different (see details). Partial 

 albino of the Willow Warbler captured (seen by me, J. A. H. B.) 

 Long spell of E. winds in April and rushes; but a light S.W. 

 wind on 30th, changing from S.S.E., brought a "wonderful 

 rush of land birds." This seems to me interesting, as proving 

 the station to lie in the direct route of migration, rushes occur- 

 ring both in the most favourable winds — S.E. or E. (i.e. for 

 spring migration), and those supposed to lie less favourable, and 

 following winds, viz. S.W. 



A later schedule — April 30th to June 3rd — shows evidences 

 of a decidedly late spring migration, for which it seems difficult 

 to assign a cause. This was also noticeable on land. It took 

 place in second week of May, with light S.W. and W. wind, 

 mist, fog, and rain ; principally of Warblers and insect-feeding 

 species. 



Very few records are given between June 11th and August. 

 A usual return of Warblers, &c, noted as rather early by 

 August 10th. Bush of same species, 19th and 24th. In end of 

 August and all September, on till about October 18th, winds 

 retarded migration, being N. and W. ; never, or very rarely, 

 S. and E., or S. of W. I spent three weeks and three days on 

 Isle of May, between September 24th and October 17th, and 

 during that time only witnessed intermittent and slack migra- 

 tion ; the only attempt at a night rush apparent being on the 



