Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1881. Third Report

"Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1881. Third Report" by J. A. (John Alexander) Harvie-Brown and his colleagues is a scientific document from the late 1800s that presents the discoveries of a committee dedicated to examining the movement patterns displayed by birds around lighthouses and lightships. The study likely centers on the migrating habits of different bird species across the Scottish and English coasts, offering important details into their seasonal journeys. The report starts by the authors explaining the reasons for their studies, highlighting the significance of regular and structured recording of bird migrations, and they explain that this report is built on observations gathered by lighthouse staff and volunteers, who were responsible for monitoring bird movements during certain times in the spring and fall. The report opens with specific descriptions from the East Coast of Scotland, noting detailed bird sightings, the counts of birds, and the weather conditions.