EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND. 31 



Hawks, Falcons, &c, at most of the island stations — so many 

 indeed that we consider it unnecessary to notice them in full, as 

 we have hitherto done, except where rarities occur or where 

 distinct migratory movements are clearly seen. Eecords of 

 Falconidae run all through the year in most seasons, and 

 generally apparent, mostly due to local flights, pursuing 

 waders or land birds. Thus in February, March, April, 

 and May ; but apparently, in 1884, not observed in June 

 and July, re-appear in August, September, October and 

 November, but are not recorded in December this year. 

 Lightest returns in February, March, April and May in spring ; 

 lightest in August, November and December in autumn. 

 Heaviest returns in September and October. They participate 

 less in spring migration, and search of food, as at that time 

 they have more local habits and are preparing their nesting- 

 places, but more in autumn, because the young are hatched off, 

 able to look after themselves, and working hard in the " struggle 

 for existence." 



The species mentioned in spring are as follows : — Game 

 Hawk (Peregrine Falcon), Merlin, Eagles (seen several times at 

 Sumburgh Head in April, breeding near at hand), Sea Eagles, 

 Sparrowhawks. And in autumn, Game Hawk, Kestrel, " Yellow- 

 spotted Hawk ", " Large Yellow-spotted Hawk," t (Isle of May) 

 Merlin, Large Blue-backed, " with a white ring round front of 

 the neck, too small for a Goshawk." 



Note. — We want badly to have specimens for identification 

 of different Hawks. 



In September we have ten records of above species, at two 

 stations, and in October ten more also at the same stations, 

 viz. : Pentland Skerries and Isle of May ; on eight dates in 

 September and eight dates in October. 



We do not think more minute data will serve any useful 

 purpose, except where decided migrations of large numbers of 

 Hawks are observed, or distinctly foreign or new and unusual 

 species. 



Pelecanid^e. — We have records of Solan Geese in every 

 month in the year except January, November and December, but 

 on only one date in February, three in March, four in April ; but 

 bulking heavier. Great numbers in May, continuing in June, 

 increasing in July, and continuously in flocks in September. 



