_In Autumn._--Large flock of Snow Buntings at Dunnet Head on 23d, and
small numbers at N. Unst on 19th, 20th, and 23d. The first seen at
Pentland Skerries this season was on the 1st October, fresh S. haze;
and four again on the 12th. Not numerous anywhere all this month.
Bulked largest in November and December; few at N. Unst; flocks at
Pentland Skerries on four dates of 4th to 17th, and a good number at
Isle of May on 6th. Flocks at Isle of May in December, and a few at
Sumburgh Head and Pentland Skerries. Yellow Hammer only once mentioned
at Isle of May on 10th February--a single bird. Common Bunting, single
birds, on 8th, 15th, and 27th March, at Pentland Skerries; once
in April at same station; once in July ditto; very few records in
September, same station; and in October, same station. None later, nor
at any other station.
Alaudidæ.--Larks.--Larks are entered under every month in the year
except July and August. They are least abundant in April, May, and
June--of these months in which they do occur in Spring,--and in
November and December. Numbers and rushes in September and October in
Autumn, and in January 1887. (Probably local movements.) Large numbers
in Spring 1886, on 15th February.
_In Spring._--They visited Isle of May, and stayed for some weeks in
February. Other slight records occur at Pentland Skerries and Bell Rock
same month. Considerable movements also all March at Isle of May and
Fidra.
_In Autumn._--Greatest numbers in September, on 25th to 29th, at
Sumburgh Head; and on 27th and 29th at Isle of May. Strong W. and S.W.
winds. A very heavy and very general rush is recorded during October
from each and all of the following stations:--Pentland Skerries, 16th;
Isle of May, 18th to 28th, culminating at latter date, preceded by
"great numbers" and "large numbers" on preceding dates; at Inchkeith
(9th, "flocks of") and at Fidra; 5th to 6th, and 14th to 17th,
"numbers" and "flocks all day." ["Wood Larks" are also mentioned by
name, but probably Pipits?--J. A. H.-B.] "Great flocks" again at Isle
of May on 22d.
Sturninæ.--Starlings.--_In Spring._--Absent from N. Unst between 1st
and 18th February. Returned to the rock again on 26th. Visit Isle of
May for some weeks in February, and remain in still larger numbers till
late in March, but decreasing again in April. Preparing to breed at
Fidra by 16th April. Breeds also at Isle of May, but cannot quite be
looked upon as a resident there. Nests found on Fidra in June. Flocks
of young every day at Isle of May in August. Rush did not take place
till 5th at Fidra, 28th at Isle of May. Seemed to be collecting for
some time previous to great rush on 28th. First autumn movement noticed
at N. Unst was not till 10th to 12th November; then seen daily. Last
record at Fidra on 25th November.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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