12 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. 



In Autumn. — Few records in August ; but on 31st numbers of 

 Wheatears at 10 p.m. at the lantern. Latest records of Saxico- 

 lince, 24th October at Pentland Skerries ; and next last there 

 also on the 2 2d, of Eedstarts, both females ; and on 26th of a 

 Stonechat at K Unst (? Wheatear). At Isle of May on 5th, 

 and at Fidra, " numbers all day " on the island, of " Stonechats " 

 (vera at Isle of May ? Wheatears ? at Fidra). A not very 

 great or decided rush in September, principally noticeable at 

 Isle of May and Fidra, of " Stonechats." 



Silviin^e. — Eobins, Whitethroats. — In Spring. — A great rush 

 of Eobins, with fresh S.E. haze, at Pentland Skerries, on 19th 

 April. " Good numbers " at Isle of May, on 23d ; also White- 

 throats remained all night at Isle of May, on 28 th April. A 

 rush took place of the latter at same station on May 3d; 

 "swarming" and culminating on 18th (one Willow Wren — 

 Phylloscopus — appearing with others on 19th). No Eobins are; 

 noted in May anywhere. 



In Autumn. — A solitary Eobin on 24th August at Cromarty 

 (very likely a local resident). A few odd birds in September. 

 One Whitethroat and three Eobins, all on different dates, at Isle 

 of May and Fidra ; the Whitethroat on the 1st at Isle of May. 

 Eushes all in October, and returns sent from the following sta- 

 tions, all of Eobins : — N. Unst (1 Eobin) ; Sumburgh Head, 1 ; 

 Pentland Skerries, Isle of May, and Fidra. Eushes mostly at 

 Isle of May and Fidra about 24th to 29th, and winds prevailing 

 easterly and south-easterly. No records in November. A soli- 

 tary record in December of two Eobins at N. Unst, and one on 

 7th January 1887 at Dunnet Head. Migration of Eobins 

 scarcely discernible in spring ; and short, sharp, and decisive in 

 October. Of Whitethroats large. Local, viz. — at Isle of May ; in- 

 dicated at N. Unst in spring ; and only one record in September 

 at Isle of May. 



Phylloscopin.e. — Goldcrest (or Gold-crested Wren), Chiff- 

 chaff, Willow Wren, Wood Warbler. — In Spring. — At Fidra 

 numbers of Goldcrests flying about on 24th March ; wind S.W., 

 light breeze. The only other spring record of this species is on 

 the 27th March at Pentland Skerries — a single bird ; mod. W., 

 clear. This appears to have been a sudden departure, probably 

 general, but not coming much under notice. Of the same 

 species we have not another spring record. 



