Читать книгу Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1881. Third Report онлайн

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Alcidæ.—Razorbills. Spring: Whalsey Skerries and Isle of May, along with Guillemots. First arrivals at Isle of May, Feb. 25th. "Invariably arrive at Isle of May, remain a day or two, and leave again." Second visit March 16th, at Isle of May; arrived on third visit to breed, April 15th, but at Whalsey Skerries not till 30th. N.B. Dates of arrival, and of preliminary visits from all rock bird stations in Scotland, much desired by committee. Autumn: All left Sumburgh Head on Aug. 6th; all left Whalsey Skerries on Aug. 15th. Unusually large rush, flying S., passed Pentland Skerries on Nov. 12th; at this station they pass almost daily, but this is date of general stampede. Hundreds swimming round Isle of May on Dec. 15th, the latest noted record here this year; and Mr. Agnew considers their numbers at this late date quite unusual. Besides the 75 identified species, or thereby, I have innumerable records of species which cannot be recognised by description; and especially numerous are the records from Isle of May, Mr. Agnew being very desirous of learning more about them. He sent me numerous birds for identification; amongst those not sent or recognised, two birds, "never before seen," resemble a Cuckoo in every respect, but smaller; others, called "Redtails" (? Redstarts), came in a flock on June 3rd, and stayed till July 2nd. A great many entries are simply "small birds" from Aug. 16th and 17th, and Sept. 14th to 30th. On Oct. 25th "a few more pretty birds, with red breasts, forked tails, and two black stripes on head." On Oct. 27th, one "pure white down belly and round back, black spot a little above tail, wings on top side a dun black, head and neck same, red legs, bill like a Starling, size of a Plover." Again on Nov. 2nd, two, "the general colour that of a Lark, same size, three dark or black stripes down back, and one white feather each side of tail." It is worthy of remark that these unknown species struck most during easterly breezes (J. A. H. B.) I trust another season to be better prepared to have some of these identified. I have only mentioned them here to draw attention to the fact that probably rare things, like the Blue-throated Warbler (C Wolfi), may turn up. I might easily offer suggestions as to what these unnamed are, but I do not think any practical use would come by doing so.