Report on the Migration of Birds in the Autumn of 1879. [First Report] — John Shaqi
Report on the Migration of Birds in the Autumn of 1879. [First Report]Harvie-Brown, J. A. (John Alexander)
Science
Report on the Migration of Birds in the Autumn of 1879. [First Report]
Harvie-Brown, J. A. (John Alexander)
Birds -- Migration -- Great Britain -- Periodicals
Thanks are due to the various observers for the careful way in which
the schedules have been filled in. Excluding the Natatores, notes have
been taken on about thirty species.
SEPARATE REPORT OF EACH SPECIES OBSERVED.
Hawk.--At Dhuheartach on Oct. 5th, two struck lantern at 8 a.m., light
S.E. wind, and haze; and another on the 8th, at 7 a.m., calm, with fog.
At Mull of Galloway, on July 18th, a Sparrowhawk was killed at 11 p.m.,
S.E., light and calm, thick haze; and one on Aug. 15th, at 1 a.m., wind
variable, light air, fog and haze.
Owl.--I have only two records--one seen at Dhuheartach on May 30th, at
4 p.m., wind N.W., fog; and the other at the same place on Oct. 20th,
at 3 p.m., wind E.S.E., fresh, with haze.
Swallow, _Hirundo rustica_, L.--The most northerly station noted this
year on our west coast is Rhu Stoir, but two records here evidently
refer to the spring migration, being June 6th and 10th, when two
were seen on each day. The most northerly station noted during the
autumn migration is Ardnamurchan; thence southwards at Skerryvore,
Dhuheartach, Rhuvaal, Skervuile, Rhinns of Islay, and Loch Ryan. The
earliest date on which they were recorded is 29th July, when one was
seen at Dhuheartach at 6 p.m.; wind N., fresh, with clear weather.
The latest record is Sept. 25th, when forty or fifty were seen at
Rhuvaal, at 4 p.m.; wind S.W., fresh, with rain. The length of time
thus occupied by the migration along the west coast of Scotland was,
approximately, fifty-eight days. The greatest rush took place between
the 20th Aug. and 25th Sept.; and, as far as shown, at Ardnamurchan
and Rhuvaal. At Ardnamurchan, twenty rested all night on Aug. 20th,
and left in the morning. At Rhuvaal forty to fifty were seen, as
related above. Swallows appeared to migrate principally when the
wind is southerly (S.W. to S.E.), in light, variable, or fresh head-
or side-winds, and hazy weather. Exceptions are found, however, at
Dhuheartach on July 26th, when the wind was N., fresh, and weather
clear; and at Skerryvore on Aug. 17th, when one appeared at the lantern
about 10 p.m. (two hours after lighting up) in a N.W. light breeze,
with showers. Swallows migrate mostly by day, resting all night. My
returns show that they passed at all hours, but mostly before dark.
Martin, _Hirundo urbica_.--Martins are noticed at two stations only,
_viz._, Butt of Lewis and Corsewall. The migration lasted between July
29th and Aug. 16th, or during eighteen days (but data are defective).
They travelled during the day, resting around the lighthouses at night,
with S. to S.E. and S.W. winds; the only one killed was when wind was
N.N.E., at Corsewall.
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