In September the returns are still very light, indeed almost absent;
but in October during the whole month innumerable records. Larks
appeared at all the following stations sending returns:--Rona,
Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Skervuile, Rhinns of Islay, Lochindaul,
Turnberry, Corsewall, Mull of Galloway, and Little Ross; but all
notice of them is omitted in schedules from the other stations sending
returns, _viz._:--Butt of Lewis, Monach Isles? _q.v._, Barra Head,
Kyleakin, Rhuvaal, and Lamlash. [We are thus able to locate the stream
with some exactitude.] They appeared to be most abundant at Skerryvore,
and at Dhuheartach, "rushes" and "hundreds;" Skervuile, "rush;" Rhinns
of Islay (on 2d October), "thousands," and on 5th, "numerous." Then
S. of Clyde, "a great rush" at Corsewall; "rush" at Portpatrick (4th
October). All these large movements, except where specified, were on
the nights of 5th and 6th October.
In November only a few slight movements, 24th, 26th, to 29th at
_Kyleakin_ and at _Turnberry_.
In December light again at Dhuheartach, 18th to 27th; but heavy on 18th
and 19th at Rhinns of Islay, 1000 and 100; but these may and probably
were due only to local migration, influenced by severe weather on
mainland.
In January movements also of local importance and not numerous, January
being milder and more open on the West Coast than December; but at
Portpatrick a great rush is described as going from N.W. to S.E., 11
A.M. to 12, during a snowstorm. This may also, however, be only a
local movement still it is interesting as showing the _recognised line
of flight_ spoken of by Mr E. Service. In Ardnamurchan small flocks
appeared at Kilchoan at once on the advent of a severe snowstorm and
S.E. gale of wind--a local movement, of course.
In February many light movements are entered, but none of more than
local interest. These occur at Skerryvore, Rona, Skervuile, Turnberry,
and Corsewall.
Sturninæ.--Starlings.--A considerable movement. In February a number at
Turnberry on 9th, and light returns from Skerryvore, Skervuile, and
Turnberry on other dates, and at Corsewall. A few returns in March,
none in April, two in May, none in June and July. "Rushes" of old
and young in August at Rhinns of Islay on 18th, 19th, and 26th; wind
S.W., fresh, or W., light. Rush also indicated on 22d at Lochindaul;
odd birds only at Skerryvore; 130 at Lochindaul on the 30th. A few
movements in September. South of Clyde--"Great numbers" on 15th at
Portpatrick. North of Clyde--Light movements; eleven, twelve, sixteen
birds at Kyleakin. In October rushes recorded, especially at Skervuile,
Lochindaul, Turnberry, Mull of Galloway, at or about the date of the
general great rush of the year, _viz._, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th October.
Light returns in November, and a few in December.
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