_Land Notes._--Lapwings seen in pairs on March 4th at breeding stations in Stirlingshire.
Scolopacidæ.--Spring. Curlews first heard at Pentland Skerries on March 2nd, when heard at 2.15 p.m.; mod. N.W., fog. Last on June 29th (but probably belongs to autumn) at same place, when a flock flying S.; light S., clear. A rush between April 7th and 15th, a few flying south between these dates at Isle of May,--scarcely an appreciable rush,--and one record in May.
In autumn, not a great many records of Curlews. Earliest July 4th, at Pentland Skerries, and on 15th and 29th at same station; also in August, and at same station a few records, most probably local movements. An apparent slight indication of a rush of Curlews in September at three stations,--Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May,--young and old; and up to 23rd, at Isle of May, numbers daily. Fewer in October, and occasional records up to January, 1884.
Of Snipe, a few scattered records in spring, in March and April. March 2nd to 9th, at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May; and April 12th and 26th, at same stations, winds mostly westerly; but on March 8th E.N.E., gale and snow.
In autumn, not abundant either, and scarcely require details. Occurred in July, August, October (a large flock at Sumburgh Head on 18th; gale and sleet showers), and December. In July, at Pentland Skerries only; in August, ditto; in September, not at all. In October, at Sumburgh Head and Pentland Skerries (and a Jack Snipe at Isle of May). December, at Sumburgh Head (a large number all day on 3rd); strong breezes, snow-showers; and a Jack Snipe at Pentland Skerries on 24th.
Woodcock.--In spring, one record on April 7th, at Bell Rock, flying about the rock.
In autumn, Oct. 13th and 14th, two single birds at Isle of May and Pentland Skerries; and on Nov. 1st and 13th, at Isle of May, N. Unst, and Shetland. The one on 1st accompanied the rush of other migrants. On Oct. 13th six were shot on Isle of May; wind due S., an unusual wind for migrants to arrive at Isle of May. At Chanonry, many local records of "Whaups" (Curlews)--probably the same flock of forty or fifty--appearing in stormy weather.
_Land Notes._--On the night of March 26th, at Dunipace, whilst standing at the front door (night bright and starry, and frost), a large flock of birds crossed overhead, flying south. The cries were difficult to make out, but belonged either to Whimbrels or other species of wader. The subject of the sounds of bird-cries at night would form good matter for explanation by those who have constant opportunities of hearing them. Wind N.E. up to March 27th, when a S.W. gale, shifting to S., with heavy rain. About fifty Curlews were seen at Caldarvon, west of this county, on March 11th, and three pairs on 17th (auct. Jas. Lumsden).