100 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. 



Report, garvies are reported as very abundant around the Isle of 

 May, at which time the temperature at that point was 49° against 

 47° at Queensferry and 45° at Alloa. These shoals were accom- 

 panied by great numbers of Gulls at Isle of May. 



As early as March, 1884, vast numbers of Gulls are reported 

 to have been fishing off N. Unst in Shetland for many weeks 

 together, such an assemblage never having been observed before 

 by the oldest inhabitant. 



I feel convinced that a steady and carefully recorded journal 

 of bird movements will result in very extensive additions to our 

 knowledge of the natural laws which govern them. 



In conclusion, I may say that in the course of another year's 

 work we hope to be able to produce some certain data regarding 

 this matter of relative conditions of the temperatures of the 

 Arctic Ocean in 1884-5, and the data already given above, from 

 inquiries now being made by Mr. Alexander Buchan of the 

 Scottish Meteorological Society ; also the connections between 

 such data and the migrations of Entomostraca and " whales 

 food" ; also to institute a comparison with similar or dissimilar 

 conditions in other years. 



Mr. William Evans, a most careful and excellent Field Naturalist, sends 

 me records of the occurrence of high Arctic birds on the Firth of Forth in 

 1884. The Grey Plover, Knot, and Bartailed Godwit were seen on the 9th 

 August (which, however, was the first day Mr. Evans visited the shore). The 

 Sanderling was seen on the 14th August, and the Little Stint on the 20th. 



Anticipatory of our 1885 Report, it may interest our readers here to learn 

 that the spring migration of 1885 has developed still more extraordinary 

 results, such as the migration of Pied Flycatchers dining the first week in 

 May, past Pentland Skerries, Isle of May, and other stations ; and the 

 occurrence of such rarities as Ortolan Buntings, Bed-backed Shrike, &c, at 

 Isle of May about the same time. "White Wagtails also have been commonly 

 observed at land-stations. (Vide B. Gray, Esq.) 



