Mr. James Ewing, of Dhuheartach, says of the spring migration and the
long-continued east winds:--"A few Larks in March, and some Stonechats
in the first days of April, are all that we have seen of the spring
migration. I am convinced that a change of wind happening during the
migratory season tends more to lead the birds astray than strong
breezes. It will be interesting to note if there is any increase during
this autumn, as our light, which was red towards Mull, has been changed
to a white occulting light."
By the autumn schedules migration appears to have quite ceased here by
date of Dec. 7th.
Mr. W. M'Lellan speaks of the great scarcity of shore-birds, as
compared with other seasons. Where Curlews were seen daily in past
years only one was seen this year. Season very open and mild.
Mr. Alex. Murray, Lismore, writes:--"During the last five nights of
October we had the largest number of birds that I have seen for a long
time, and especially Gold-crested Wrens; but since that time up to date
(8th Jan. 1884) there has been little of note."
Mr. Andrew Lyall says, "Very few birds at Rhinns of Islay this season,
and not many striking." But the rush at end of October and beginning of
November was very marked.
Mr. David Waters has few night records to chronicle, most of his
observations being made during the day.
Mr. James Begg, Port Patrick, writes:--"Flocks of migrants very scarce
this winter. Great many sea-gulls flying inland and coming back to sea
daily. The Gannets commence to go south and return north in flight past
this station from March to September in great numbers."
Mr. William Wither sends a light schedule from Storr Head, and speaks
of the general scarcity of birds there, but at a locality a little
more inland birds are plentiful in summer and autumn, and Mr. M'Ivor,
teacher there, has kindly offered to keep land-notes another year.
Although so light at Dhuheartach, a considerable migration observed at
Skerryvore both in spring and autumn. On Oct. 30th (the date of the
universal rush of Thrushes, &c.) Mr. William Crow saw three Bullfinches
on the rock, wind S., fresh, and fog, and captured one of them with
little difficulty. "It appeared quite tame, I approaching it within
four feet. We placed a spare cage we had, with some linseed, within
six feet of it. The bird went in at once, and is still alive. It drank
fresh water to excess after being caught, and was ill all next day. It
revived afterwards, and is doing well."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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