Alaudidæ.--In spring at Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock,
and Isle of May. Earliest, Feb. 8th, a single bird at Bell Rock, and
several on 9th at Pentland Skerries (see under Thrush at this date).
Latest, April 6th, at Sumburgh Head, when they were found increasing,
but not observed on arrival. A rush took place at Isle of May on Feb.
11th, 1 a.m. till daylight, light E. and fog, flying south (at least
all struck the north side of lantern).[1] Other movements took place,
but none of any magnitude; winds S. and W. in Feb., except the 11th,
_ut sup._; N.W., S.W. to E. on 20th, in March.
[Footnote 3 1: Do the birds strike in light winds and fog upon the side
facing the wind, or on the sheltered side? In heavy gales they strike
_hard with the wind_, but touch and strike also on the Shetland side,]
In autumn, a few records at N. Unst, Isle of May, and Inchkeith.
Earliest, Sept. 21st, at Isle of May, a small flock, fresh E., clear.
Latest, Nov. 26th, a single bird at N. Unst rested all night. Rushes,
11th to 20th, W., shifting to N. on 11th; W. gale on 19th and 20th.
Also rush on 31st and Nov. 1st, along with other species, principally,
at Bell Rock and Isle of May. Again a few in January, 1884, up to 17th,
light W. winds and haze; and at Chanonry on 24th a flock, with strong
squalls and sleet. [3] Emberizidæ.--In spring Snow Buntings began to
appear on Feb. 9th,--but this may not belong to spring records,--when
a large flock flew about all day on Pentland Skerries. They occurred
also at Auskerry, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May.
Earliest, as above. Latest, April 12th, at Sumburgh Head, when two were
killed. No great rushes evident, but largest numbers passed in March,
mostly with northerly or westerly winds. If any rush occurred it was
between March 9th and 25th, indicated principally at Pentland Skerries
and Isle of May. On 23rd, at Isle of May, a flock flying north. Common
Bunting seen at Isle of May on Feb. 12th, and again on April 6th.
Yellow Buntings at same place on March 5th and April 7th, in both cases
females.
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