10 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. 



nests with 6 to 8 eggs ; also Terns, and many smaller birds. As 

 we are strictly prohibited from using a gun on this precious 

 island, I can't send you many specimens ; but if anything does 

 turn up, I will not fail to send it you." 



Later, under date of 1st October, in reply to inquiries, Mr 

 W. Eoss writes : " It was the latter half of August that these 

 Moths were so numerous ; and though in September there were 

 a few, it was nothing in comparison with the multitudes that 

 occurred the previous month. Some guide such as you suggest " 

 [referring to Johns' " Book of Birds "], " to enable observers to 

 recognise species, would be of immense advantage. I am woe- 

 fully deficient in this respect, and I am persuaded others are 

 equally so. I hope your Committee will succeed in supplying 

 some reliable book to render assistance in this respect." 



Separate Eeport under Genera and Species. 



TurdiD/E. — Thrushes. — In February the only returns are from 

 Bell Eock and Isle of May, between the 3d and 20th ; earliest 

 at Isle of May on 3d, one Missel Thrush ; N.E., light clear. 

 Other species mentioned are Blackbirds, Eedwings (along with 

 Larks and Starlings), at Bell Eock, with S.W. fresh breeze. 

 Great many struck and killed. Two female blackbirds at Isle 

 of May on 15th, and possibly remaining to breed. Mavises on 

 20th at Isle of May, and some Fieldfares ; showers of snow. 



In March no great movement, and a few records from Pent- 

 land Skerries of single or small numbers of Blackbirds, and one 

 Thrush on 10th and 23d. Solitary Eedwing on 23d at Isle of 

 May ; and numbers of Thrushes at Fidra (XXVIII. B.), flying 

 about all night. 



Spring. — In April scattered birds only up to end of the 

 month at Isle of May of Fieldfares, one Eedwing (23d), one 

 Eing Ouzel (21st) ; but on 19th, at Pentland Skerries, is entered 

 the record (which seems one of some importance) : " Eing Ouzels 

 and Song Thrushes a great rush ; strong S.E. and haze." And 

 on 26th : " A flock of Fieldfares (mod. S.E., haze), birds which 

 are seldom seen here in spring." Also on the 19th at North 

 Eonaldshay, a station not usually sending large spring returns : 

 " A great number of Thrushes were on the island. Stopped two 

 days;" wind S.E., haze. In May, at Isle of May, one record 



