T. A. Coward

“ THE PERILS OF MIGRATION
The dangers to which migratory birds are subjected during their journeys are but, little less than those which would befall them if they remained in unsuitable zones. During longer oversea passages fatigue and hunger weed out the weaklings sudden storms and adverse winds strike them Where no land is near, and they are carried often far from the goal they aimed at. Predatory birds accompany them, making toll en route, and predatory man waits for the tired wanderers with gun and net. Shore birds may rest upon the waves ”

“ Blizzards on continents, and to a less extent snowstorms in our islands, account for the death of thousands of travellers. And even in most favourable weather birds fall exhausted. During a stay on the Yorkshire coast in autumn, when migration was evenflowing and unchecked by adverse weather, I found several goldcrests which had reached land only to die, and though most birds came in without showing signs of fatigue, a few larks and starlings were so tired that they made little effort to escape when approached. ”

“ During his stay no birds came to the light except during dense cloud or fog, and they came in greatest numbers when an hour or two before the fog the sky was clear.
The experiences of Eagle Clarke, Seebohm and others who have spent migration seasons at light-houses might be quoted, but these two give a vivid description of what regularly takes place when weather conditions are unfavourable. Steady white lights are the most fatal to migrants, revolving lights, if white, are struck by some birds, but red lights seldom attract the passers. ”