Pelicanidæ.--Gannet. N.B. As we have indications of directions of
flight in most cases, and as records occur in every month, except
October, November, and December, I take spring and autumn together, and
trace out the movements of Gannets with extra care. Stations reported
from: Cape Wrath, Rhu Stoir, Butt of Lewis, Island Glass, Monach,
Skerryvore, Lismore, Rhuvaal, Skervuile, Portpatrick, Mull of Galloway,
Little Ross, Douglas Head. Earliest, Jan. 2nd; flying south (autumn ?),
at Skervuile; one same day, flying north (?); latest, October; leave
Cape Wrath in first week. Last minute record, Sept. 30th, at Lismore,
flying south. The greatest movements or rushes as follows:--The first
week in March they arrive in all weathers, all day, flying west till
midday at Cape Wrath, and return after that till dusk. They are not
seen after first week in October. "Great numbers" on April 12th at Mull
of Galloway. Intermittent in May, except 5th, at Island Glass, when
they were seen all day--about thirty-five in all--wind S.S.E. Between
20th and 30th, at Skervuile, flying in all directions, along with Gulls
and sea-birds. In July flocks flying north, on 26th, at Cape Wrath,
and continued to do so till end of August. Daily average about forty.
Flying past all August; flying north on 13th at Portpatrick all day.
Great rush flying north in thousands on 3rd, 4th, and 5th at Rhu Stoir.
Small parties or flocks flying south on 5th at Skerryvore, and S.W. at
Douglas on Aug. 26th. "Numbers" and "flocks" in September, flying south
at Lismore, Skervuile, and Douglas. N.B.--I have been particular here
in noting records, as I believe interest attaches especially in the
connection of the migration of birds with that of fish.--J. A. H. B.[4]
[Footnote 4: For an essay on which subject I offered a prize at the
late International Fisheries Exhibition in Edinburgh, which was not
competed for.]
Ardeidæ.--Heron. Note.--"Large Black Cranes" are recorded as passing
Rhuvaal on Feb. 12th and 16th, wind N. to S. clear; and mod. S.E.
clear. I cannot learn what these are.--Autumn: At Monach, Rhuvaal,
Douglas. Earliest Aug. 24th, at Rhuvaal; latest Nov. 18th, at Monach,
when eighteen were seen--a rush?
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