In spring, records come from five of the stations giving returns,
_viz._, Sumburgh Head, Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock and Isle
of May. The earliest, two Green Linnets at Isle of May, on Feb. 17th
(the only record of that month). Again, at Isle of May, Tree Sparrows
and Chaffinches on March 2nd--single birds. Latest, June 22nd, at
Pentland Skerries--four "Linnets." These are probably Twites or else
Grey Linnets. During April, between 1st and 5th, there was a rush of
Grey Linnets with light W. wind, clear, along with other species; and
during the month there are lighter movements recorded of the following
species:--Chaffinch, Sumburgh Head; Common Sparrow, Pentland Skerries;
Green Linnets, Isle of May; Bramblings, Tree Sparrows and Bullfinches.
Wind at Sumburgh Head light S.E., but elsewhere generally light W. and
usually clear. In May a small flock of Sparrows at Auskerry, from the
14th to 31st; one Brambling, one Chaffinch, one Green Linnet, between
10th and 15th, with fresh N.N.E. wind.
In autumn, at North Unst, one flock, Oct. 17th; S.E., light, haze;
Sumburgh Head, considerable migration in October--November with other
species (see Thrush). Pentland Skerries, small indication as compared
with more southerly stations; Chanonry, light; Tarbat Ness, full
migration; Bell Rock, rush; and Isle of May, rushes. Earliest, Aug.
5th; numbers of small flocks; wind light W. at Isle of May. Latest,
Dec. 26th, at Isle of May. Rushes:--General rush of migrants, Sept.
22nd, at Isle of May, in which Bramblings participated; Oct. 13th,
at Tarbat Ness, Bramblings, wind due S.; also rush of same, 15th and
16th, same place; and rush also of Tree Sparrows, Chaffinches, "Green
Buntings" (? Green Linnets), and Linnets, at Chanonry; strong breeze
and showers; movements all through October of these same species; also
Linnets at Pentland Skerries; Siskins ("Sisting" of schedule), one
flock, old and young, on 7th, at Tarbat Ness, and again five on Oct.
29th. Light S., haze, on 30th at Pentland Skerries--date of principal
rush,--but westerly gales at Tarbat Ness on 29th. At the time of rush
between Oct. 13th and 16th, at Tarbat Ness, the wind began at due
S.; 14th, strong S., and to noon on 10th; then to W. and west gale at
night of 15th. West gales continued to end of month. By Nov. 1st to
3rd a vast rush at Bell Rock and Isle of May, and also at Sumburgh
Head. By the 5th, rush all over and almost all left. Pentland Skerries
did not appear to participate largely in this rush. The species are
chiefly Chaffinches and Bramblings, also Green Linnets, Gray Linnets
and Sparrows. Prevailing winds westerly. In December, fewer records
at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May. Winds prevailing N.W. and W.
At Dunnet Head "Linnets" are reported present all the year round. In
January, 1884, one or two light records of Brambling and Greenfinch
at Isle of May. Latest, Jan. 12th. _Note._--Mr. Gilmour, Pentland
Skerries, writes he was not sure of the Chaffinches at that station,
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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