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
Thus it will be seen that from 2150 to 3080 were estimated to pass
westward within view of Cape Wrath, between July 14th and August 9th,
during fifteen days occupied on migration. All which were observed
passed during the day--say between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.--and apparently
in all winds and weather. From the Butt of Lewis Mr. Edgar supplies the
general information that the Solan Geese pass the station, arriving
first in May, and leaving in the latter end of October, but giving no
particulars as to direction of flight. At Mull of Galloway Solan Geese
are reported as passing, on July 19th, in flocks. Mr. N. B. Morrison
reports as follows:--"Saw them flying past to W.S.W. in wedge-shaped
flocks as if on a passage, or changing locality." This was during
the forenoon; wind S., light, and haze. "At 1 p.m. it began to rain,
and continued for twenty-four hours; rain guage at 9 a.m. of 20th,
1·72 inches. On 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and 24th, very strong breeze, and
showers; wind W.N.W. to S.W." Again at same station (Mull of Galloway)
flocks continued passing all day; wind S.E., fresh, fog, and rain,
flying in same direction. On 8th and 9th, wind S., gale; 10th, wind
W., strong. In a later note Mr. M'Gill believes "that the Solan Geese
strike the land first at Cape Wrath," and that the Geese which pass it
are from Suliskerry.
* * * * *
On the west coast of Scotland, also, many observers make particular
mention of the scarcity of autumnal migrants in 1879. At several
principal and important stations this scarcity is of course most
remarked upon, such as Butt of Lewis, Monach Island, Island Glass,
Skerryvore, and Dhuheartach. During long experience at these and other
stations, the several observers do not remember such great scarcity of
birds during the autumn migration. From other observers' remarks it
would appear that several of the west coast stations are not suitable
for observations being made, from their land-locked situations or other
local influences, such as Kyleakin, Sound of Mull, Corran Ferry, and
others.
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