EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND. 35 



July; and from that, on to 21st October, flocks on many dates; 

 wind S.E. in September at N. stations up to 20th, or thereby; 

 but in October northerly and westerly, or N.E. gales. When 

 direction of flight is given it is usually East in autumn, distin- 

 guishing, of course, between real migrants and only local 

 movements. Fifty Curlews at N. Konaldshay on 22nd August ; 

 remain all winter ; and a few shot usually by Mr. J. Tulloch. 



In ' autumn, a considerable migration ; a good Woodcock 

 year. Earliest migrants recorded: one at Pentland Skerries, 

 14th October, moderate E., after a N.N.E. gale ; with Snipe, and 

 rush of other species. Latest, about 17th November, at Isle of 

 May ; five shot. Kush of Woodcocks between 12th and 17th, at 

 Pentland Skerries ; but especially at Isle of May, on 4th (six 

 shot), 11th (four shot), 12th (ten shot). Few records in October, 

 and this migration was delayed by adverse winds during that 

 month.* A number are scheduled from N. Eonaldshay, on the 

 island, all day ; on 8th November light S.W. and rain, and the 

 remark, " I never saw so many Woodcocks on the island since I 

 came here." All left in a few days. One on 2nd December, at 

 Isle of May ; and on 12th and 20th January, 1855. Of Snipe, 

 not many records. Earliest, one at Isle of May, 23rd April ; and 

 on 1st May at Pentland Skerries. Three Jack Snipe at same 

 place, 4th July (an unusually early arrival, J. A. H. B.), moderate 

 E., fog. Latest, four at Isle of May, 28th November; and Jack 

 Snipe, one at Isle of May on 25th ; few records in October ; but 

 indication of a rush in November, with other species, between 

 16th and 20th. At North Konaldshay numbers of Snipe seen 

 rising out of all marshy places on 17th November. One Jack 

 Snipe torn open in striking.! At Torwood, near this, I saw 

 nineteen Woodcocks shot on 13th December (J. A. H. B.), and 

 many other good bags of Woodcock are on record this autumn 



* One Woodcock struck hard on the west side of the dome at Isle of 

 May, flying dead against light east wind, and was found next morning 100 

 yards to the N.E., and shot by a friend. Its breast was torn open, and much 

 lacerated. It may have struck the side of the dome, and glanced off; but 

 we were in the lantern-room at the time, and it sounded on the W. side. It 

 had evidently dropped after striking outside the balcony, and then, recover- 

 ing, flew straight for the Pilot House, the white-washed walls of which were 

 reflecting the lantern-light. 



f Some birds, even in light winds and haze, seem more impetuous than 

 others at the lantern-lights, such as Woodcock and Snipe. — J. A. H. B, 



