Report on the Migration of Birds in the Autumn of 1879. [First Report]

This volume presents a painstaking survey of autumn bird migration in 1879, compiled from reports sent by lighthouse keepers along Scotland’s east coast. The authors coordinated a network of twenty‑six stations, gathering handwritten returns that detail the timing, numbers and routes of dozens of species as they passed the rugged shoreline. Their methodical approach – from the fixed white lights of Shetland to the revolving red beacons of Aberdeen – offers a rare snapshot of Victorian field science in action.

The collected notes reveal a striking scarcity of most waterfowl, yet they capture dramatic encounters with wandering owls, hawks and the impressive White‑tailed Eagle. Observers also comment on how harsh November winds and severe winter weather shaped the birds’ movements, providing vivid, moment‑by‑moment accounts that bring the era’s natural history to life. Listeners will find both the statistical rigor of the reports and the lively anecdotes of the men who watched the skies, all framed by the stark beauty of Scotland’s coast.