In autumn, Oct. 13th and 14th, two single birds at Isle of May and
Pentland Skerries; and on Nov. 1st and 13th, at Isle of May, N. Unst,
and Shetland. The one on 1st accompanied the rush of other migrants.
On Oct. 13th six were shot on Isle of May; wind due S., an unusual
wind for migrants to arrive at Isle of May. At Chanonry, many local
records of "Whaups" (Curlews)--probably the same flock of forty or
fifty--appearing in stormy weather.
_Land Notes._--On the night of March 26th, at Dunipace, whilst standing
at the front door (night bright and starry, and frost), a large flock
of birds crossed overhead, flying south. The cries were difficult to
make out, but belonged either to Whimbrels or other species of wader.
The subject of the sounds of bird-cries at night would form good matter
for explanation by those who have constant opportunities of hearing
them. Wind N.E. up to March 27th, when a S.W. gale, shifting to S.,
with heavy rain. About fifty Curlews were seen at Caldarvon, west
of this county, on March 11th, and three pairs on 17th (auct. Jas.
Lumsden).
Scolopacidæ (Waders).--Earliest spring migrants were Sandpipers and
Redshanks at Pentland Skerries on Feb. 9th (time of migration of
Thrushes, _q.v._); and on 17th, ditto. On April 27th a Purple Sandpiper
at Isle of May (No. 57 in spirits).
Autumn. Earliest July 20th, at Pentland Skerries, Redshanks; and a few
records of these and Sandpipers to 31st. In August a few records of the
same, and one Turnstone (identified) (No. 60 in spirits). In September
great flocks of Sandpipers flew in rays of light at 9 p.m.; light
E.N.E., and fog. In end of October and beginning of November Sandpipers
and Red-shanks participated in the rush of migrants at that time at
Pentland Skerries especially; light S.W. Large numbers on 5th; strong
N.W., and showers; and numbers up to 21st, all day; strong N.W. In
December, rushes on 12th; N.W. gale, snow; and up to 21st, very likely
local movements.
Sterninæ.--Records of either migration very scanty. First seen in
spring was at Pentland Skerries on May 13th, at 3.30 p.m.; light S.W.,
haze; and again at same place two seen flying north on June 20th. On
June 3rd, at Sumburgh Head, two; fresh W., cloudy. Lesser Terns arrived
at Cromarty on May 23rd.
In autumn, first record Aug. 7th, at Pentland Skerries, when those
breeding there all left, except one or two, with fresh N.W., clear. At
Bell Rock, on Sept. 19th, a flock kept flying round the rays of light
all night (_i.e._, 19th-20th); light E.N.E.; and on Sept. 27th one
immature bird appeared after a heavy gale from W. the previous night.
The above, I think, is the first occurrence I have of Terns flying
round and round within the rays of light of a lantern. Lesser Terns
disappeared from Cromarty on Aug. 26th; S.W., strong, clear.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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