Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1883. Fifth Report

by J. A. (John Alexander) Harvie-Brown

"Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1883. Fifth Report" by Mr. J. A. Harvie Brown and colleagues is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This report presents detailed observations and analyses of bird migration patterns during the spring and autumn of the year 1883, specifically reflecting on data collected from various locations including lighthouses and lightships. The focus on migration highlights the importance of weather conditions, geographical locations, and specific bird species involved in these natural phenomena. The opening portion of the report introduces the context of the study and the committee appointed by the British Association for the Advancement of Science to investigate bird migration, particularly at coastal regions and lighthouses. It includes acknowledgments of contributors who gathered data from different regions, explaining the methodology employed to track bird arrivals and departures. The portion also mentions specific observations from places like Iceland and the East Coast of Scotland, citing various bird species and their respective movements during the migration seasons, setting the stage for more in-depth analyses in the following sections.