16 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. 
seemed that a vast flock had arrived, as they now swarmed in 
the rays of light, and, striking hard, fell dead on balcony, or 
rebounded off and went over the rail, falling into the sea. At 
3 A.M. another flock seemed to have arrived, as the numbers now 
increased in density ; at the same time, all kinds crowded on to 
the lantern windows, trying to force their way to the lght. 
The noise they made shrieking and battering the windows, etc., 
baffles description. The birds were now apparently in thousands. 
Nothing ever seen here like it by us keepers. Wherever there 
was-a light visible in the building, they tried to force their 
way to it. The bedroom windows being open as usual for 
air all night, they got in there and put the bedroom hght out. 
All birds went off at 6 A.M., going W.S.W. Redwings were most 
in numbers; Starlings came next, Blackbirds, Fieldfares, and 
Larks.” The later rush in November seems to have taken place 
entirely at night also: “ No birds were seen throughout the day- 
hight of the 11th and 12th November, and the movement ceased 
at midnight of the 12th,’ when the wind became strong from 
S.W. All birds visiting here between October 18 till December 
12 were composed of both old and young, also male and female ; 
but young birds most in number. Many hundreds lost their 
lives. 
Inchkeith.—Robt. Grierson sends a schedule with the follow- 
ing diary: “During the night of the 5th September a small 
flock of birds was observed hovering around the lantern at 11 
p.M., wind W., light breeze and haze, and two young Stonechats 
were caught.” At midnight, also, two more; and other small 
movements are given. 
Fidra.—William Ross. Arrival of the Solan Geese noted 
on March 27; also Eider Ducks. Mr Ross sends two well-filled 
schedules, but is disappointed with the results. He need not 
we think, as Fidra lies somewhat landlocked and out of the 
stream. We are much obliged to him for the first Schedules 
from the new Firth of Forth Station. Mr Ross writes under 
date of July 24: “Solan Geese, Gulls, and all sea birds have 
deserted our island entirely. About a dozen sparrows are now 
our only feathered visitors ;” and on Aug. 4th—“ Having been 
on the mainland, I was quite surprised to see the numerous and 
varied flocks of many kinds of birds, not one of which came 
near our island.” 
