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."