Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 5 (1901).djvu/312

284 4. Icelandic Forms.—It is reasonable to argue that Cygnus musicus, Bernicla leucopsis, Tringa striata, T. canutus, Calidris arenaria, Numenius phæopus, Colymbus glacialis, Motacilla alba, and possibly Plectrophenax nivalis, Dafila acuta, and Chaulelasmus streperus visit the Solway Firth from Iceland, and the continents or islands lying north or north-west of Iceland, as their breeding-grounds in several cases must be looked for in Iceland. Calidris arenaria sometimes arrives on the sands of the Solway late in May in thousands, though in autumn this species only occurs in small parties on the same foreshores. It is also a winter visitant.

5. North European Forms.—Great interest attaches to certain species which appear to visit us from their breeding-grounds in the extreme north of Europe, east of the Varanger Fiord, including Cygnus bewicki, Bernicla brenta, Tringa minuta, Squatarola helvetica, Totanus fuscus. The last named is not obtained annually on the Solway Firth, but few seasons, if any, pass without its note being recognized. It occurs between August and November, in immature dress. S. helvetica often appears on the estuaries in autumn in almost perfect nuptial garb, and full-dressed birds are seen in May. This species appears to be very rare in Western Britain north of the Solway Firth. It has been said that few, if any, Grey Plovers leave England in spring from any point north of the Humber basin; but this is a mistake. The fork of the Solway may act like a funnel, to catch up such individuals as have made their way up the Irish coasts, and desire to migrate in an easterly direction. But this Plover does not occur on the open coast of Cumberland, except as a straggler; it is not until the higher reaches of the Firth are attained that the Grey Plover checks its flight to alight upon the wet sands that it haunts so assiduously. Tringa minuta has occurred in every month from August to January, and exceptionally in June; but September is the month in which it usually appears, and at that season only young birds have been procured. As for Cygnus bewicki, it has occurred as early as October, and as late as April; but is usually met with in winter. Adults largely outnumber the cygnets, for Swans are very long-lived.

6. Pelagic Birds.—The wanderings of the various species of Laridæ ought, strictly speaking, to be recorded by some seafaring