ESSEX BIRD-MIGRATION. 149
(R) D 50753 Hanover, Germany 16/5/31 Essex -/1/32
nestling
RT9756 adult Chipping Norton, 15/2/34 Little Wakering 1/7/34
Oxon., released Horse
Guards' Parade
Starling Sturmis vulgaris vulgaris L.
Movements at Light-stations.
1879. Next to the Lark, the Starling occupied the most
prominent position in the reports. It was noticed at seventeen
stations, including Galloper, Kentish Knock and Nore. Enor-
mous numbers passed the southern stations in October,
November and December. Sometimes in separate flocks,
sometimes mixed with other birds. They crossed at all hours
of day and night and in all winds and weather. The Starling,
like the Lark, appeared to have a particular facility for immola-
ting itself against the lantern ; at the Galloper (see Skylark).
Direction of migration to east coast.
1880. Next to the Lark this species undoubtedly took the
second rank numerically amongst the migrants. At the Galloper,
13th October to 11th November, nearly every day large flocks
went N.W. day and night, sometimes alone, at others with Larks
and small birds. At the Kentish Knock, on 8th, 10th and 13th
October to W.S.W., with Larks and many other birds. At
Swin Middle, 28th August, flocks to W. with other birds and
30th October to W. with Larks. The young migrated first ;
the old in October and November. They crossed in the greatest
numbers at the more southern stations, travelling at all hours
of the day and night in westerly and north-westerly directions,
constantly associated with Larks in their migrations. The
majority crossed from 19th to 26th October. Again there was
a second rush near the end of November and a third in the second
week of January, before the outbreak of severe weather.
1881. In the autumn at nearly all our mid and south-east
stations from 30th August to 11th December. On the English
coast during last fortnight in October, both day and night, often
associated with other migrants. Line of migration to W., S.W.,
N.W. and W.N.W.
1882. First at Whitby, 3rd August, great many near light-
house to 15th December, at Spurn ; altogether at nineteen
stations covering the east coast of England, the bulk crossing