Pentland Skerries

“ During seventeen years that the present principal light-keeper has been there, he does not think that more than a dozen birds have struck the glass. Altogether, few of our Scottish stations are situated in as favourable positions for observation as the lightships of the English coast. Perhaps the Bell Rock and Isle of May are the most favourable in the south, and the Pentland Skerries and some of the Orkney and Shetland stations in the north. ”

“ At present we cannot positively state from our present data whether an actual or only an apparent preponderance of birds pass south of the Tweed in autumn. It appears a little curious to find, however, a highway of migration by the Pentland Firth so much further north than the stations mentioned. Writing from North Ronaldshay Mr. Tulloch remarks upon the usual scarcity of birds there, and says "they keep more direct for the mainland"; and he remarks also upon the abundance of birds seen in September and November at Pentland Skerries, where he was lighthouse-keeper for four years. ”

“ Nov. 21st, at 3.30 p.m., a flock on island at Pentland Skerries; wind fresh S.W., clear. At Pentland Skerries, Dec. 16th, a flock flying N. at 10.30 a.m.; wind fresh S.W., and snow. At Isle of May, Dec. 22nd, one bird. "They are not seen here every year, and most in severe weather."
Oystercatcher, Hæmatopus ostralegus.—At Sumburgh Head, Aug. 28th, all left after the fog of 21st—28th cleared away; as did other species, including Wheatears, Wagtails, and Rock-birds. At Auskerry, five arrived, with light S. wind and haze, and remained a week. ”

“ Mr. Agnew writes:—"The night of Sept. 2nd was very stormy, wind S.E., shifting to N.E., with heavy rain. The birds were all in large numbers throughout the night, except a Blue-throated Warbler, adult, which was solitary." On the 12th, nearly all Wheatears left the Isle of May. On the 4th, at Pentland Skerries, a rush all day with strong N. wind and rain. Indications at Bell Rock very faint throughout. In the vast rush of Turdidæ and other species (see Turdidæ under date) of Nov. 1st, one solitary Wheatear is first recorded, the first notice since Sept. 12th. ”

“ The time occupied is thus between August 16th and Nov. 19th. A rush took place between Oct. 13th and 14th, or say about the middle of October, and again about November 19th at Pentland Skerries, Tarbet Ness, and Girdleness.
Larks migrated or came most under notice in S.W. winds, but also in S.E., N.E. (as at Pentland Skerries, when thirty-six were seen) , and W. Our data from the Scotch coasts are too limited this year to admit of conclusions, unaided by the English returns. Haze and fog are recorded on all the days noticed. All records give hours of passing at night from 6 p.m. ”

“ His pictures of birds are admirable, but he would have to keep up the standard, or even improve it, to be of scientific value to us.
Procellariidæ.—Records scarce in spring and autumn. At Auskerry, arrived for first time on July 30th, but as early as 6th eggs were laid at Pentland Skerries. Being a bird of nocturnal habits, the arrival cannot, we fancy, be easily fixed at all times. ”