Silviinæ.--In spring, earliest record (Robin) is March 18th, at
Pentland Skerries, and with an E.S.E. gale and sleet; and the latest
(also Robin) on May 11th, at Sumburgh Head, fresh, S.S.E. A rush of
Robins at Isle of May on April 26th, when "large numbers" appeared;
fresh, S.E. and haze. Robins disappeared from Cromarty station on March
30th.
In autumn, earliest record at Isle of May on Aug.
16th,--Whitethroat,--when almost a rush might be recorded. On the
23rd again, at same place, large numbers of Whitethroats and Titmice.
At Cromarty station Robins reappeared, about a dozen being seen on
Sept. 15th, the first since spring. On Sept. 15th, a rush of Robins
at Isle of May, and on 22nd. Winds on all these dates easterly, with
fog, and on 15th "flying banks of fog." Records also of Blackcap on
10th, and more Blackcaps on 23rd; that on 10th with light W. wind, the
others light E. No records in October except at Chanonry, two on 15th,
strong squalls and S.W. Small numbers beginning of November, amongst
Thrushes, &c., _q.v._ stations; Pentland Skerries, light; Dunnet Head,
one record; the latest on Dec. 28th; and Jan. 30th, at Chanonry; light
squalls and sleet. Bell Rock and Isle of May (maximum). Blue-throated
Warbler on night of Sept. 2nd-3rd. In all three species.
Phylloscopinæ.--In spring a distinct movement of Goldcrests, but
nothing to compare with the autumn rush of 1882, though comparing
favourably with the spring rush of the same year. Earliest record,
April 1st, Isle of May; then singly or in small numbers till 13th, when
rather more, along with other species. Latest date of Goldcrests or
other Leaf-warblers, April 16th, at Pentland Skerries; one Goldcrest;
light N.E., clear. The first Chiffchaff on April 26th; also at Isle of
May; wind S.E. and haze; and some again on May 2nd; and Willow Warblers
and Chiffchaffs on May 15th.
In autumn a rush at Isle of May and no previous records; on Sept.
3rd (see _Saxicolinæ_); on the 2nd a S.E. gale, changing light W.,
very dark. Scattered records running through 10th, 11th, to 15th,
when another rush of Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs, and a solitary
Goldcrest on 22nd, with a rush of Robins. Goldcrests did not put in an
appearance much before Oct. 10th, when a rush took place that night,
with light E. wind and cloudy, again at Isle of May. Mr. D. M. Scott
speaks of the "smallest wrens he ever saw," which were seen at Sumburgh
Head, on Oct. 28th, which were probably of this species. Stations
recording are Sumburgh Head (one record); Tarbat Ness one record on
Oct. 30th [some years Caithness gets a large share of Goldcrests]; and
Isle of May. Three species.
Paridæ.--A few scattered notices in April and May at Pentland Skerries
on April 25th, 27th and 29th, with S. easterly and N.E. wind; rain,
haze or clear; and at same place on May 13th. _Note._--Mr. MacDonald
distinguishes between "Titmice" and "Tomtits." Titmice are probably
Cole Tits, and "Tomtits" Blue Tits, _Parus cæruleus_.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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