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.
Laridæ.--In spring, large numbers arrive about March 1st for breeding purposes at Pentland Skerries, and leave about the middle of August. On March 21st, at Isle of May, Kittiwakes arrived in large numbers at 9 a.m.--their first appearance; wind fresh E.S.E., cloudy and cold; and by April 3rd had steadily increased in numbers. At Auskerry, May 18th is given as first appearance of "Sea Maws"; strong N.W., and haze; and a Black-headed Gull was seen, with light N.E. and clear, at Pentland Skerries. At same station, record of two Black-backed Gulls on June 27th; fresh S.E., and haze completes spring records.