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
Lark.--The most northern station noted this year was Dhuheartach, and
thence southward they are noticed at M'Arthur's Head, Skervuile, Rhinns
of Islay, Lamlash and Corsewall. The earliest date is Aug. 17th, when
twenty struck at Dhuheartach between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m.; wind W., with
haze. The latest date is Dec. 6th, when one struck at 9 p.m.; wind
S.E., fresh, and haze, at Corsewall; the time thus occupied was one
hundred and twelve days (but the last was no doubt due to the severe
frost inland at that time). The previous date is Nov. 18th, which would
make the time only seventy-nine days. The greatest rush appears to have
been in October, about the 12th to 24th, but the numbers observed are
so small that it is difficult to judge. The locality most favoured was
Dhuheartach, whence I have returns on eight different dates, between
Aug. 17th and Nov. 24th. An earlier rush took place about Aug. 17th
to 21st, at Dhuheartach and Skervuile. A later rush about Nov. 15th
to 18th at Dhuheartach, Skervuile, and Rhinns of Islay, but of small
dimensions. Larks appear to migrate principally when the wind is W.
to S.W., or late in the season, when still more southerly, say S.
Exceptions occur at Dhuheartach on Nov. 24, when wind was N.E., fresh,
and weather clear; at Rhinns of Islay on Nov. 7th, wind N.W., light
breeze; at Skervuile on Oct. 10th, when wind was N.; they migrate in
calm, variable, light, or fresh winds, and are noticed at lanterns
principally in haze and fog. They migrate mostly at night, at all
hours, but the majority pass between 7.30 p.m. and 4 a.m. Those passing
during the day were travelling when the wind was N. or N.E.; those
passing at night when the wind was S. to W. So the returns show; but
whether this indicates any _law of migration_ or not remains to be
proved by further observation.
Lapwing.--The most northern station which they were observed to pass
at this season was Rhu Stoir; thence southward, they are reported at
Isle Ornsay, Lochindaul, Devaar, Pladda, and Portpatrick. The earliest
date given is Aug. 20th, when "flocks" were seen during the day in N.
wind and clear weather; the latest is Dec. 11th, when one was killed at
Pladda, at 2 a.m., wind S.E., light breeze, with haze. The next latest
date given is Nov. 14th, when twenty-two were seen at 8.30 a.m. at
Portpatrick, wind S.E., and haze. The time occupied, therefore, this
year is from eighty-six to one hundred and thirteen days. Rushes took
place about the 20th to 25th August, when several flocks passed Isle
Ornsay and Lochindaul; again, Sept. 16th to 25th, a flock at Devaar,
Portpatrick and Chickens Rock; another rush at Rhu Stoir, Portpatrick
and Lochindaul about Oct. 27th. Lapwings travelled in clear or haze,
rain, or showers, principally in S. and S.E. winds, on the west coast;
but also in N. wind on Aug. 20th, and in W. and S.W. at Rhu Stoir and
Lochindaul on Oct. 23rd and Nov. 1st respectively They appear to travel
equally by day and night.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account