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

In the spring of 1883 schedules were forwarded to forty-two stations, Arklow North Light-ship having been added to those of the previous year. Twenty-five replied.

In the autumn only thirty-five schedules were sent out, seven having been omitted, i.e., Mine Head, Wicklow Head, Lough Swilly, Eagle Island East, Slyne Head South, Loop Head, and Samphire Island. Thirty-four were returned, one station sending no answer.

A decided improvement in filling the schedules occurred in the autumn, the observations of some light-keepers extending over three or even four schedules. The labour of arranging the materials for this report and placing the entries under the head of each species has consequently been much increased.

In addition to the schedules the light-keepers at Coningbeg light-ship, Tuskar Rock, Rathlin Island, Killybegs, Tearaght, and Skelligs have forwarded lists of all the birds they have observed, whether migrating or otherwise. There is an evident disposition on the part of all to help us as far as possible in this enquiry. The light stations are arranged geographically—beginning at the Fastnet, in Cork, and going' round by the east to the west coast.

The number of migrants passing in the autumn seems to have been greater than usual. A great rush of Thrushes (including probably Redwings), Blackbirds, and Starlings, took place at our south eastern and southern stations between Oct. 25th and Nov. 2nd—notably at the Tuskar, on the Wexford coast, which is the best Irish station. Smaller rushes of these and other birds are also recorded, but it is premature at present to analyse the movements of each species or the dates on which they occurred. After a few years conclusions will be far more satisfactory.

The great majority of birds are killed striking on foggy, misty, or dark nights, and it is perhaps not impossible for a great migration to take place, and pass almost unrecorded if the night be fine and bright. Whenever a bird has been killed striking, it is so stated, and not left to be understood.

The bulk of the migrants appear to arrive on our south eastern coast, except such birds as the Barnacle Goose and Snow Bunting, which are mainly recorded from the north western stations, being rarely entered in the schedules from the east or south coasts.

An interesting feature this year is the occurrence of several examples of the Greenland Falcon on the west coast.

The winter of 1883-4 was exceptionally mild, and the entries due to local migration from frost and hard weather are probably few.

Many entries no doubt refer to birds not migrating at all, but none have been omitted, as it is difficult to know where to draw the line. It is desirable, however, that the light-keepers should state whether the bird is believed to be migrating or merely moving about the district from local causes.

In the schedules for next year a special column for the direction of flight has been added. This we think quite as important as the direction of the wind. Birds seem rarely to fly directly with the wind. Attention is drawn to this point in order to have it confirmed or otherwise.

In order to diminish the errors in the identification of species the light-keepers have been instructed to forward, when possible, a leg and wing of every bird about which they are doubtful, and we trust they will do so.

Some entries seem very improbable, and others are isolated and apparently valueless. When records accumulate, both may prove useful.

In addition to the little Skellig Rock—off the coast of Kerry—the Gannet also breeds on the Bull Rock fifteen miles further south, and a few are also reported as breeding in the Cow Rock quite close to it.

No matter what results are arrived at from this enquiry, it is satisfactory to be in correspondence with a number of observers on isolated points all around the coast.

The information supplied, if corroborated during several years by different light-keepers, cannot but be valuable, and we wish to impress on them the necessity of continuing to assist in this investigation.

To all the light-keepers who have given their time and attention to the subject we return our sincere thanks, especially as their assistance is voluntary and given solely for the advancement of knowledge.

Mr. Armstrong, Secretary to the Irish Lights Board, and Captain Boxer, R.N., Inspector of Irish Lights, have helped us in many ways by their advice and co-operation. The Commissioners of Irish Lights have given us every facility, and also material support by subscribing for forty copies of the report and distributing them among the light-keepers.

Alexander G. More.      
Richard M. Barrington.

List of Light-stations.

Abbreviations:

Sp. = Spring. Au = Autumn.
o = No reply. x = Schedule returned partly or wholly filled. * = No schedule sent to this station.

General Remarks of Light-Keepers.

Fastnet.—"Autumn: On the night of Nov. 2nd, the weather being hazy, there was a quantity of all species of birds came from the N.E., and several of them were killed by striking the lantern; but what was most remarkable was the quantity of large Moths, which I could compare to nothing but a heavy fall of snow, they were so numerous. In bad weather a few Seals frequent the rock, and a quantity of Gulls and Sea Parrots—the latter I have frequently seen killed and eaten by the Royal Gull. The Gannet is here all the year. No birds breed. On Nov. 2nd, from one a.m. to seven a.m., there were killed by striking the lantern twenty-two Thrushes, eleven Blackbirds, four Woodcocks, seventeen Starlings, eight Linnets, five Larks, and seven Robins. Wind S.E., light, hazy."—James Walsh.

Galley Head.—"Spring: The flight of the Gannet and Puffin is always to the west here. I have many times thought they must pass east by some other route. The Grey-backed Crow and Common Crow are seen all the year round. The Wagtail, Stonechat, and other small birds have almost disappeared this year. The Cuckoo I have not seen or heard this year. I have never been at a station with less birds about than this one. I am four years here, and there has not been one case of a bird striking the lantern."—John Whelan.

"Autumn: I arrived at this station Nov. 6th, and from that date to the present from ninety to one hundred Sea Gulls are to be seen daily flying about the cliffs near the Lighthouse. No birds of any other species have been seen passing."—John Kelly. Feb., 1884.

Old Head, Kinsale.—"Autumn: I have only seen some small birds, such as Larks and Chaffinches, from Dec. 17th to Jan. 1st, 1884. There are Sea Gulls, Rooks, and Grey Crows seen here all the year round, also two Falcon Hawks. Starlings commenced to leave here the last week of November. Larks, Wrens, Titmice, and Twite Linnets are seen all the year round, and on the lake, three miles distant, large Duck, Widgeon, Coot, and Waterhens. On Dec. 15th I saw a large flight of birds going to the south at a great height, and suspect they were Golden Plover. The Curlew never leaves the marsh three miles from here. I never saw less birds than there is this winter."—Martin Kennedy.

Coningbeg Light-ship.—"Autumn: A great quantity of birds passed this station last month. I have not seen so many birds killed since I came to this station three years ago."—Patrick Cullen. Nov., 1883.

Barrels Rock Light-ship.—"Spring: I have observed very few land birds passing this year, and none about the ship in foggy weather, like other stations I have been at."

Tuskar Rock.—"Spring: A great absence of sea fowl this year. I consider it owing to the scarcity of fish."

Arklow North Light-ship.—"Autumn: As a rule all birds give the ship a wide berth when passing, and it is very hard to tell what they are. During thick foggy nights a large quantity of small land birds are killed striking our lantern."—William Daly.

Copeland Island.—"Autumn: A number of sea birds of different species resort to this locality in the autumn and winter months for feeding purposes, and are seen in greater or lesser numbers each day as the weather suits and feeding is plentiful. They are Gannets, Cormorants, Puffins, Grey and Royal Gulls, Sea-pies, 'Cranes,' Ducks, Teal, Curlew, and Sandpipers. None of these breed in the vicinity. On Oct. 10th a rush of Larks, Starlings, Linnets, Titmice, Thrushes, Blackbirds, 'Grey' Plover, and Snipe. Eighteen Starlings, six Blackbirds, twenty Larks, twelve Linnets, eight Titmice, four Thrushes, three Plover, and two Snipe killed striking lantern, and several injured but not killed."—John Walsh.

South Maidens.—"Spring: No birds strike the lantern in April and May. They do not strike until October. Twelve Gannets, twenty-four Ducks, six Sea-pies, and twelve Wild Geese are all the birds I have seen for three months."—Patrick Keenan.—"Autumn: I arrived here Sept. 25th, 1883, and saw no birds up to Oct. 15th, save Puffins, Sea Gulls, and Cormorants, and Sand Larks occasionally. Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Larks are rarely seen. Wild Duck do not strike the lantern glass."—Michael Barry.

Rathlin Island.—"April 12th: Blackbirds, Thrushes, Skylarks, Wild Ducks, Redshanks, Pigeons, and 'Sea Coot' seem to remain for the season. Autumn: I have never at any time during the migratory season for Ducks, Widgeon, Wild Geese, Barnacles, and Swan heard them passing at night as at other stations."—John A. Murray.

Innishtrahull.—"April 30th. A small bird with an orange tail, name unknown, struck, not killed." Wind S.W.; a gale. "Very little birds visited this island in May, June, and July, except a flock of Curlew." Autumn: "There has been a great absence of birds this winter, and no Snipe or Woodcock visited this place. Snow Buntings remained here all the past winter."

Dunree Head.—"Autumn: No birds resort to this station only Cormorants, which remain all the year and breed. I have been at several stations on the coast, but never was at a station so scarce of birds as this."—John Stapleton.

Tory Island.—"Autumn: Very few birds past this station. I suppose owing to its being so far out to sea. I am informed that birds pass more frequently the east side of the island. On the islands between this and the mainland large flocks of Barnacle stop during the winter months. I have not seen a Snow Bunting, Snipe, or Starling this season. During heavy frost, snow-birds frequent the island from the mainland, but return as soon as the thaw commences."—Thomas H. Sweeny.

Arranmore.—"Spring: Gulls and Puffins have laid great quantities of their eggs this year on the rock. A great many have been destroyed by the Grey Crow."—Henry Williams.

Killybegs.—"Autumn: The birds which breed around here are the Wild Duck, Wild Pigeon, Lapwing, Lark, Linnet, Swallow, Snipe, Common Wren, Thrush, Robin, Blackbird, Sparrow, Stonechat, Sand Lark, and Grey Crow."—Daniel Hawkins.

Broadhaven.—"Autumn: No birds strike this light."—Patrick Keenan.

Eagle Island, East.—"Since I joined this station in Sept., 1882, up to present date, Sept., 1883, nothing worth noting."—H. Stocker.

Eagle Island, West.—"There was absolutely nothing of interest to enter in schedule last autumn-. The sea has been crossing this island, I may say daily, for the last five months, and with the exception of a few Sea Gulls, which seem never to leave the locality, there were no birds visited." March, 1884.—Matthew Healy.

Blacksod.—"I have carefully looked out for birds, and seen none worth entering. I have seen several seals."—Robert W. Redmond.

Clare Island.—"In February very few birds are seen at this station. No birds strike this lantern. A great number of seals frequent this place in caves round the cliffs."—George H. Brownell.

Slyne Head, North.—"Spring: I beg to remark that at all times sea birds are to be seen on this coast, their numbers being chiefly regulated by the feeding for them."—Robert Tyrrell.

Arran Island, North.—"During the months of January and February no birds are seen except a few Sea-pies and Sand-larks. It must be in consequence of the very wild and stormy weather."—Thomas Fortune.

Straw Island.—"Spring: The different species of sea fowl are very scarce this season. I believe from the want of small fry. None breed on this island, it being low and flat. Autumn: Birds scarcely ever strike the lantern in consequence of the light appearing in a different direction to the general flight of birds, being also a red light. It is 26 feet above high water, and ten miles from land. I have remarked a greater number of Blackbirds and Starlings this winter than since the great frost of 1880. On Oct. 28th a flock of Wild Duck alighted, apparently much exhausted, and remained a few hours, and went S.E., towards land."—Charles Boyle.

Tearaght.—July 30th. "The following birds are still on the island, viz., Guillemots, Sea Parrots, Kittiwakes, Grey Crows, Sea-pies, Razorbills, Manx Shearwater, Stonechats, and, I think. Choughs and Falcons (Blue Hawks). All these breed on the island. Dec. 18th, birds remaining: Grey Linnets, Rock Pigeon, Thrushes, Mackerel Cock (on water). Blackbirds. Residents, Titlarks and Common Wren. The 'Mackerel Cock' is about the size of a Razorbill, but it is not the Razorbill. Thousands of them are round the rock now. Feb. 2nd, 1884." (See under Manx Shearwater).

Dursey Island.—"The Gannet breed on the Bull Rock, several hundred. On the Cow Rock, distant three-quarters of a mile from the Bull, a few also breed. I believe the Gannet did not breed on the Bull until after the Skellig light was erected." [This was in 1826. R. M. B.]—Michael Shea. "Very few birds breed on this island, except the Wild Pigeon, Jackdaw, and a few Sea Gulls. On the Bull Rock, four miles N.W. of Dursey Head, the Gannet and Puffin breed in great numbers, coming about March 1st and leaving Oct. 1st."—James Keenan.

Eagle.

Clare Island.—"The Eagles still inhabit the cliffs, and have been as usual destructive to young lambs and fowls belonging to the inhabitants. In December they make very bold, and not having sea birds to feed on, are often observed near the villages, principally when the wind is east."

Greenland Falcon.

Blackrock Mayo.—Nov. 9th. "Two grey speckled Hawks at three p.m., wind strong W., showery. One shot; it measured four feet from tip to tip of wings, and had down under its feathers like a sea bird."

Slyne Head, North.—Dec. 2nd, one White Hawk, at two p.m.; wind N., clear. First seen here, and very tame.

Tearaght.—Dec. 12th, Mr. P. Sheehy, assistant-keeper, saw a White Hawk; wind N.W., strong breeze, and gloomy. March 23rd, 1884, one white spotted Falcon shot. April 2nd, another much smaller and whiter shot.

[This has been an extraordinary year for the occurrence of the Greenland Falcon, no less than eight having been obtained at various points along the west coast of Ireland from Donegal to Cork, and one Iceland Falcon at West Port.—R. M. B.]

Hawks.

Fastnet.—Sept. 14th, one flying east.

Dungarvan.—Dec. 17th, two Falcons passing S.W.

Tuskar Rock.—Feb. 25th and 27th, March 3rd and 10th, one Hawk seen at daylight; 26th, 'two Sparrow Hawks; Oct. 13th and 15th, one seen.

Arklow North Light-ship.—May 4th, one Sparrow Hawk, 7.20 a.m., on lantern; Feb. 22nd, 1884, one hovering about ship nine a.m.

Kish Bank Light-ship.—Oct. 30th, three Hawks hovering about ship; flew to N.W.

Rockabill.—Aug. 31st, one caught on balcony.

Rathlin Island.—June 25th, one Sparrow Hawk at noon; Aug. 28th, one Sparrow Hawk and one Falcon Hawk; Dec. 8th and 20th, two Falcon Hawks at noon.

Innishtrahull.—March 23rd, one Hawk, 11.50 a.m.; wind strong W. April 15th, one, two p.m.; wind N., fresh. May 15th, a Grey Hawk, at two a.m.; wind N.W., misty. During August several "Brown Hawks," which remained most of the month; Dec. 8th, one Brown Hawk.

Lough Swilly.—April 3rd, one Hawk, four p.m.; May 14th, one Sparrow Hawk; June 22nd, two Hawks.

Arranmore.—April 12th, Peregrine Hawks breed on island; 15th, one Sparrow Hawk; May 6th, four Hawks; June 28th, one; Sept. 4th, one.

Killybegs.—Aug. 14th, one hovering about.

Blackrock Mayo.—Dec. 10th, two Falcons flying N.E., high; wind S.W., gale. Dec. 19th, one Falcon, one p.m.; wind W., fresh, gloomy. Dec. 24th, two Sparrow Hawks, flying S.E.; wind S., gale.

Clare Island.—Two Kestrel Hawks build their nest, as usual, in the vicinity of the Lighthouse.

Arran Island, South.—April 8th, four "Holland Hawks," six a.m.; wind S.S.E. They remain here.

Tearaght.—Jan. 30th, one Falcon? one p.m.; wind N.W., clear. March 2nd, two Sparrow Hawks, also on March 3rd. They come and go occasionally the year round. Oct. 29th, one Hawk, colour grey, portions white and black, beak white, and white spot on crown of head. A pair of Falcons and "Sparrow Hawks" breed on the island.

Valentia.—Sept. 1st, two small Hawks; wind strong S.E. Also on Oct. 14th and Nov. 8th.

Owl.

Innishtrahull.—Feb. 15th, one "Brown Owl," two p.m.; wind N.E., gale, squally. Nov. 8th, "I have been told another snowy Owl was seen on the island about the 14th of last month, but not so large" as the specimen shot on Nov. 19th, 1882. "It was not observed by me." (See last year's Report).

Killybegs.—April 10th, one "Screech Owl," shot at six p.m. Rose out of a swamp in vicinity, an unusual visitor.

Thrushes.

Fastnet.—Oct. 22nd, ten Thrushes; Nov. 2nd, twenty-two killed striking.

Old Head, Kinsale.—Feb. 3rd, large numbers from sunrise to sunset, coming from the north. Dec. 16th, some hundreds; wind N., frosty.

Coningbeg Light-ship.—Oct. 26th, one alighted on ship; 28th, flocks about the ship from 9 p.m. until midnight; fifteen killed striking; wind light, S., gloomy. 29th, a great number about ship during night, many killed and fell overboard; gloomy. They made for the land. 30th, three struck at 3 a.m., killed. 31st, two about light 10 p.m.

Dungarvan.—Oct. 2nd, a great number of song Thrushes in vicinity all day. Oct. 26th, plentiful in fields about station. 28th, one "Redwing Thrush" struck 11.20 p.m.

Tuskar Rock.—Feb. 24th and 25th, Thrushes during day and night, some struck; fog and mist. Oct. 9th and 10th, Thrushes all night; a great number killed and disabled. Oct. 27th to Nov. 2nd, great numbers of Thrushes passed, many killed; weather foggy, with mist. On Oct. 29th, at 7 a.m., I found two large mountain Thrushes, with grey breasts and dark wings (Fieldfares?). Most of the Thrushes that are killed are small mountain Thrushes, never seen here except in winter, mostly in frosty weather. They have no regular round spots on breast—a sort of striped head and a great deal of yellow under the wings (Redwings?). Only twenty of the native Thrushes killed.

Arklow South Light-ship.—March 2nd, five on deck. April 22nd, three. Oct. 10th, one killed; weather hazy. Oct. 28th and 29th, six killed, striking; wind S., cloudy.

Arklow North Light-ship.—Sept. 16th, a large flock hovering about ship during the day. 19th, Thrushes killed striking about midnight. Oct. 29th and 30th, large numbers striking lantern; calm, overcast, hazy.

Kish Bank Light-ship.—Oct. 8th, one flighted at 10 a.m. 28th, one killed striking 10.30 p.m.; weather gloomy.

Rockabill.—Jan. 13th, Thrushes in night, some struck; weather misty. Feb. 17th, some Thrushes from sunset to midnight. Oct. 26th and 27th, large quantity killed in night; weather hazy, with light rain. Nov. 15th, Thrushes during night, some struck. Nov. 29th, five killed, overcast and cloudy. Dec. 28th, several struck at 8 p.m., mist and fog. Dec. 31st, two killed.

Copeland Island.—Oct. 10th, four killed striking, others injured; wind N., light, drizzling rain.

South Maidens.—Oct. 15th, twenty-four at midnight, sixteen of them killed against lantern; weather hazy, wind W., fresh.

Innishtrahull.—Nov. 1st, three at lantern; wind fresh, S. 2nd, three at lantern, 11.30 p.m., misty. Nov. 5th, three at lantern.

Tory Island.—Oct. 17th, four struck lantern, 10 p.m.; wind W., gale.

Killybegs.—April 1st, five Thrushes about all day. Oct. 24th, three killed striking; wind S.W., fresh, drizzling rain. Nov. 30th, two killed, drizzling rain. Dec. 19th, three killed, thick drizzle.

Oyster Island, North.—Jan. 10th, 1884, two "Missel Thrushes" in garden; flew S.

Blackrock Mayo.—Dec. 23rd, four Thrushes flying N., high; wind S., fresh.

Slyne Head, North.—Nov. 9th, eight; wind S.E. 30th, six; wind N.E.

Arran Island, North.—Nov. 4th, two Thrushes killed in morning. Dec. 10th, two Thrushes 10 a.m.; wind W.S.W., gale.

Tearaght.—Oct. 27th, one Thrush killed striking, 11 p.m.; wind fresh, S.E., foggy. Nov. 22nd, two or three, 2 p.m.; wind N.W., strong, hail showers.

Skelligs.—Oct. 20th, one at 1 p.m.; wind N., fresh, misty. Oct. 21st, three, remained during month. A couple about rock in December.

Dursey Island.—Oct. 10th, ten going east, 8 a.m.; wind W.

Fieldfare.

Fastnet.—Sept. 18th, four flying N.E.; gloomy. Oct. 22nd, five; 31st, six. Nov. 1st, four. Dec. 16th, three.

Dungarvan.—Oct. 14th, small flocks in fields; 18th and 26th, several.

Rathlin Island.—Nov. 29th, one, going S.; wind S.W.

Blackbird.

Fastnet.—Oct. 22nd, thirteen. Nov. 2nd, eleven killed striking.

Old Head, Kinsale.—Feb. 3rd, large numbers. Nov. 15th, from 100 to 150 seen this day. It is remarkable to see so many of these birds; wind S., strong.

Coningbeg Light-ship.—May 7th, three alighted on ship, 9.30 p.m.; wind E.N.E., rain. Oct. 10th, one caught on deck at 2 a.m. 28th, flocks, 9 p.m., until midnight, about the ship in great numbers; gloomy, wind light S., twenty killed. 29th, a great number about light, 8 p.m., until midnight; many struck and fell overboard. 31st, four at 10 p.m., hovering about light. Nov. 1st, two struck at 9 p.m., killed.

Barrels Rock Light-ship.—Oct. 29th, one male killed against lantern, 2.15 a.m.

Tuskar Rock.—Feb. 24th, Blackbirds during day and night, fog and mist; some struck lantern. 25th, 27th, and 28th, ditto. March 2nd, four males and seven females. Oct. 9th and 10th, constantly striking all night; a great number killed. Oct. 27th to Nov. 2nd, great numbers passed at intervals during day and night; weather misty. Numbers killed, 100 on Oct. 28th and 80 on 29th, besides hundreds disabled. Most of the Blackbirds are female; they are of a dull brown colour. Nov. 7th, two killed; 10th, one seen.

Arklow South Light-ship.—April 28th, one; wind light, S.E. Oct. 29th, twenty-six killed striking; wind S., light, cloudy.

Arklow North Light-ship.—April 30th, Blackbird, 11 p.m. to 11.50 p.m., flying round lantern; did not strike; weather hazy. Sept. 16th, large flock about ship. 19th, Blackbirds striking at midnight; weather hazy, with rain. Oct. 29th and 30th, large numbers killed striking, calm, overcast, hazy. Nov. 30th, two killed at midnight; weather hazy, with rain.

Kish Bank Light-ship.—Oct. 28th, two Blackbirds. Nov. 7th, two; 13th, several, from 6 p.m. until midnight, flying about lantern; clear.

Rockabill.—Jan. 13th, Blackbirds during night, some struck, weather misty. Feb. 17th, Blackbirds, sunset to midnight; rain and mist, some struck. Oct. 26th and 27th, large quantity struck lantern in night; weather hazy, with light rain. Nov. 15th, a dozen killed; 28th, six killed. Dec. 28th, four; 31st three. In all cases weather overcast or misty.

Copeland Island.—Blackbirds breed here, two pairs. Oct. 10th, six killed striking, others injured; wind light N., drizzling rain.

South Maidens.—Oct. 16th, four struck, 2 a.m., not killed; weather hazy.

Rathlin Island.—Oct. 31st, one killed striking.

Innishtrahull.—Nov. 1st, two at lantern; wind fresh S., gloomy, misty. 2nd, one at lantern 11.30 p.m.; wind S. 5th, two at lantern, 8 p.m.; wind light N.E.

Tory Island.—Oct. 18th, two struck, one killed, 9 p.m.; wind W.N.W., gale.

Killybegs.—April 1st, three about all day. Nov. 30th, one killed striking, drizzling rain. Dec. 18th, one killed; 19th, another, weather thick.

Black Rock, Mayo.—Oct. 22nd, four at 8 a.m.; wind S.W., fresh, misty, flying S., high.

Slyne Head, North.—Nov. 9th, six; wind S.E.

Arran Island, South.—May 15th, thirty "Blackbirds," 6 p.m.; wind N.W. They remain here. Dec. 13th, two struck, not killed, 11 p.m.; wind W.N.W.

Tearaght.—Nov. 20th, one Blackbird at 3 p.m.; wind W., fresh.

Skelligs.—Oct. 20th, two at 1 p.m.; wind N., fresh, misty. Remained during month. A couple about rock in December.

Ring Ouzel.

Rathlin Island.—April 18th, "one Blackbird," at 4 p.m.; wind strong S.E. This bird had a white throat. It was shot.

Robin.

Fastnet.—Oct. 27th, eight. Nov. 2nd, seven killed striking. Barrels Rock Light-ship,—Aug. 29th, one "Robin Redbreast," rested on ship.

Rathlin Island.—Nov. 1st, two about all day. Nov. 13th, one seen.

Straw Island.—April 11th, two "Redbreasts," 9 a.m., calm. Passed island for shore.

Arran Island, South.—July 1st, eighteen Robin Redbreasts, 9 p.m.; wind S.S.E., four killed.

"Blackcap."

Arklow South Light-ship.—April 4th, three "Blackcaps" dead on deck, 7 a.m.; wind fresh S.W., rain.

"Sallypickers" (Willow Wren or Chiffchaff).

Arklow North Light-ship.—April 29th, eight "Sallypickers" flying round ship. May 1st, three ditto.

"Stonechat" (Wheatear).

Galley Head.—April 4th, saw "Stonechicks," the first this year.

Fastnet.—Sept. 14th, five young ones. Oct. 1st, twelve; 9th, twenty. Dec. 4th, seven; 16th, two.

Tuskar Rock.—Aug. 9th, three killed striking. Oct. 5th, "Stonechatters."

Arklow North Light-ship.—April 21st, one "Stonechatter" on deck 6 a.m.

Rathlin Island.—April 28th, flocks of Stonechats, picked up five; wind fresh S.E., misty, rain. May 2nd, six at 7 a.m.; 20th, seven.; 21st, ten all day about the station. Foggy and gloomy. June 3rd and 19th, three to six seen.

Innishtrahull.—April 28th and 29th, "Stonechickers," 2 a.m.; wind N. one day and S. the other. 30th, three, one struck lantern, killed; a gale from S.W. May 3rd, two; 5th, one. Sept. 20th, two struck lantern, not killed. Nov. 5th, two at lantern at midnight; gloomy, misty.

Arranmore.—April 3rd, four "Stonechatters arrived to build."

Rathlin O'Birne.—March 31st, April 1st and 6th, one to six Stonechats.

Killybegs.—I noticed during April and May some "Stonechatters."

Clare Island.—March 1st, some "Stonechatters" flying S., 11.30 a.m.

Slyne Head, North.—April 1st, Stonechats arrive and increase in number from this date. Aug. 2nd, Stonechats disappear; have not seen in what direction they come or go.

Straw Island.—April 5th, two Stonechats; wind N.W., very light, clear. Remained on island.

Arran Island, South.—May 18th, twenty Stonechatters. They remain here.

Tearaght.—May 26th, about half a dozen Stonechats arrived about this date. Sept. 20th, Stonechats left about this date.

Redstart.

Dungarvan.—Nov. 13th, one about garden, being the only one seen in vicinity for seven years.

Tearaght.—Oct. 27th, two Redstarts, male and female. May have been on island some time previous. Remained about a month.

Skelligs.—Oct. 13th, four birds of a slatish colour, red on back near tail, about the size of a Titlark; wind S.W., fresh. Fog and drizzle. Stayed all the month.

Goldencrested Wren.

Old Head, Kinsale.—Nov. 12th, five Goldencrested Wrens, one killed striking; wind strong, N.

Coningbeg Light-ship.—April 27th, one alighted on ship, 8 a.m.; 29th, another ditto.

Dungarvan.—Oct. 1st, two struck lantern; and on 2nd, 9th, and 10th one or two, but none killed.

Tuskar Rock.—Oct. 9th, one; 25th, one; 26th, two; 29th, two killed. Nov. 2nd, two seen.

Copeland Island.—April 7th, six killed striking; weather clear, wind S.E.

Arran Island, South.—June 20th, sixty "Goldencrested Wrens," 7 a.m.; calm, blue sky.

Wren.

Fastnet.—Oct. 9th, Wrens.

Old Head, Kinsale.—Jan. 20th, five "Common Wrens," going S.W.

Coningbeg Light-ship.—May 10th, two Wrens killed, 10 p.m.; wind moderate, N.N.E., clear.

Barrels Rock Light-ship.—April 26th, one alighted on ship. May 8th, one ditto. Oct. 8th, one alighted on ship.

Tuskar Rock.—April 4th, "Wrens of all sorts," constantly striking all night; several killed. June 24th, Wrens, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Aug. 3rd, six "Common Wrens," flying about rock, fog. Sept. 15th, three, one killed, fog. Oct. 22nd and 26th, one seen. Oct. 29th, "a small grey bird not much larger than a Wren with a black head," killed.

Rockabill.—Feb. 8th, Wrens during night, some struck; weather misty, wind S.E. Oct. 26th and 27th, Wrens about lantern in night; weather misty. Nov. 15th, some killed striking; wind S., rain. Dec. 31st, four killed.

Rathlin Island.—April 28th, flocks of Wrens, picked up twelve; wind fresh S.E., misty, rain. Aug. 14th, one killed striking, 11 p.m.; wind light S.E., misty.

Innishtrahull.—Nov. 22nd, two Wrens at lantern, gloomy; wind N.W., gale.

Killybegs.—Nov. 15th, three Wrens, with other small birds.

Blackrock Mayo.—Nov. 3rd, four Wrens, 11 a.m.; wind W.N.W., light, one killed.

Tearaght.—The Wren is resident.

Valentia.—Dec. 12th, four "Common Wrens"; wind light W.

Skelligs.—Sept. 20th, several "Common Wrens" seen occasionally during winter. They breed here.

Tits.

Tuskar Rock.—March 29th, 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., Tits striking, twelve killed; wind strong south, rain, and fog. May 8th, "Titmice" constantly striking, eight killed, from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.; wind N.W., and fog. 13th, constantly striking during night, twelve killed, fog, and mist. 15th, five killed, fog and mist. 19th, one seen. Sept. 16th, two killed.

Copeland Island.—April 25th, one "Titmouse," killed striking. Oct. 10th, eight killed striking; wind N., light, drizzling rain.

Wagtail.

Dungarvan.—Jan. 14th, one "Golden Wagtail," on rocks.

Barrels Rock Light-ship.—Sept. 18th, one rested on ship, and flew N.

Rathlin Island.—One "Water Wagtail," seen on Aug. 12th, Oct. 10th, and Dec. 27th.

Innishtrahull.—May 5th, one Wagtail seen. Nov. 3rd, two.

Arranmore.—May 3rd, one Grey Wagtail.

Tearaght.—March 3rd, one Wagtail, 9 a.m.; wind light S.E.; remained only a few minutes. May 24th, another. None observed previous to this year.

Skelligs.—One seen in July; very rare.

Larks.

Fastnet.—Oct. 9th, sixteen, flying west; 22nd, seven; 31st, eight. Nov. 1st, seven. Nov. 2nd, five killed striking.

Old Head, Kinsale.—March 10th, large numbers from sunrise to sunset, with Linnets and other small birds.

Coningbeg Light-ship.—April 26th, two Larks killed, 9 p.m.; wind light, rain. Oct. 9th, three caught on deck, 5 a.m.; 10th, two caught on deck, 2 a.m.; 28th, flocks from 9 p.m. to midnight, about the ship. Light S. wind, gloomy; 29th, numbers about the light, 8 p.m. until midnight, many struck and fell overboard. Nov. 2nd, three struck lantern, killed.

Dungarvan.—Oct. 22nd, small straggling flocks all day.

Barrels Rock Light-ship.—Sept. 16th, flock of three or four dozen rested on ship, flying N. Oct. 19th, one seen.

Tuskar Rock.—Feb. 27th and 28th, and March 1st and 2nd, many Larks, some caught; weather foggy and overcast, with mist. Sept. 9th, a flock at 8 a.m.; 25th, another flock. Oct. 8th, three killed striking; 9th and 10th, constantly striking all night, many killed, mist and fog. At 8 a.m. on 10th, a large flock went west; 13th, a flock; 26th, thirty-five Larks killed striking, fog. Oct. 30th to Nov. 3rd, constantly striking at night, some killed; in day time about rock, and flying to N.W., weather misty.

Arklow South Light-ship.—March 2nd, six flying round ship. Flocks noted on Oct. 7th, 10th, 11th, 15th, and Nov. 7th and 8th; and on Oct. 20th, 21st, 27th; and 29th, a few passed. Seven killed on Oct. 10th and 11th, weather foggy. Oct. 29th four killed.

Arklow North Light-ship.—Nov. 26th, a large flock going N.W.; wind light N.W., clear.

Kish Bank Light-ship.—Oct. 26th, five passing N.W. Nov. 13th, several about lantern from 6 p.m. until midnight. Dec. 23rd, three flying west; 27th, one killed striking lantern, weather clear; 31st, two killed striking, weather gloomy.

Rockabill.—Oct. 26th and 27th, Larks about lantern in night; weather misty.

Copeland Island.—Oct. 10th, twenty killed striking, others injured; wind north, light; drizzling rain.

South Maidens.—Oct. 16th, eight "common Larks" killed striking; wind W.N.W., strong, weather thick.

Rathlin Island.—Oct. 29th, two killed striking; 30th, five killed, overcast, misty.

Innishtrahull.—March 13th, eight struck, not killed, at 4 a.m.; wind S.W., fresh, fog and mist. May 5th, one seen. Nov. 1st, two, 10.30 p.m., at lantern, gloomy, misty. Nov. 3rd, one; 5th, one at lantern at midnight. Dec. 8th, three Skylarks at 8 a.m.; wind S.W., fresh.

Rathlin O'Birne.—Skylarks noted on Feb. 2nd, which is earlier than on previous years. On March 30th and 31st, April 1st, 3rd, and 6th, from four to eight.

Killybegs.—April 22nd, several Skylarks observed about this time.

Oyster Island, North.—Dec. 26th, four Skylarks in a field; flew south.

Clare Island.—March 31st, about a dozen Larks. Oct. 31st, a flock of Larks flying about station; wind S.S.W., light. During November, small flocks at intervals.

Slyne Head, North.—Nov. 11th, eight Larks; wind E.S.E.

Straw Island.—March 22nd, eight "Field Larks" at noon; wind S., strong. Remained on island.

Titlark.

Fastnet.—Nov. 1st, fifteen.

Tuskar Rock.—Aug. 13th, Titlarks flying on rock. Oct. 21st, five, remained some time.

Arklow South Light-ship.—April 5th, one going east. Sept. 18th, two flying round ship; 21st, two flying east; 25th, five flying N.W. Nov. 3rd, a flock flying N.W.

Arklow North Light-ship.—April 21st, two on deck, 6 a.m. Sept. 20th, some Titlarks killed striking, hazy, with rain.

Kish Bank Light-ship.—May 11th, three. June 20th, two. Oct. 8th, four alighted on deck, 10 a.m.

Copeland Island.—April 12th, two Titlarks killed striking. They nest on island.

South Maidens.—Oct. 17th, six Titlarks, 10 p.m.; weather foggy.

Rathlin Island.—Aug. 23rd, three, at 8 a.m.

Innishtrahull.—Nov. 3rd, five Titlarks; 5th, one; 22nd, three.

Lough Swilly.—May 2nd, two, 4 p.m.; wind N., strong.

Arran Island, South.—Nov. 2nd, one Titlark striking at 4 a.m.; caught by keeper.

Tearaght.—The Titlark is resident.

Skelligs.—Titlarks common all the year; they breed.

Yellowhammer.

Rathlin O'Birne.—Nov. 16th, Yellow Buntings around walls of station; 22nd, large flocks of Buntings all day.

Snow Bunting.

Rathlin Island.—May 16th, "shot a bird very like a Snow Bunting." Oct. 14th, thirty; wind N.W., squally. Some seen also on 15th, 17th, 18th; Nov. 7th, and one on 29th.

Innishtrahull.—Jan. 24th, continuous flocks of Snow Buntings for the rest of the month. Dec. 4th, flock at 11 a.m., apparently just come to island, and are on it ever since; wind N., gale. Seen on 7th, 8th, 9th, and on 25th, Snow Buntings all day; wind S.W., fresh.

Arranmore.—Jan. 23rd, Snow Buntings all day. Feb. 18th, eight. They leave in spring. April 27th, one shot. Aug. 18th, one Snow Bunting at 4 p.m.; wind S., fresh. Sept. 1st, eight. Dec. 8th and 11th, a few.

Killybegs.—An occasional Snow Bunting visits us, but I have seen none this winter nor during the winter of 1882-3.

Blackrock Mayo.—Oct. 30th, about thirty alighted on rock; wind S.S.E., fresh, misty. Nov. 30th, about forty, 9.30 a.m.; wind N., light. Dec. 4th, twenty. Jan. 10th, 1884, forty on rock; wind strong S.W., misty.

Arran Island, South.—Nov. 5th, six arrived on island at 2 p.m.; wind S., misty.

Tearaght.—Feb. 10th, Snow Buntings mentioned in last report, still on island; left about March 1st. Sept. 30th, about six, but may have been on the island some time previously. Remained about a fortnight.

N.B. Arranmore.—"Two Lapland Buntings shot, one on May 1st, the other on 4th, very rare, and the oldest person has never seen the same species before." [These were perhaps some stage of plumage of the Snow Bunting.—A. G. M. and R. M. B.]

Chaffinch.

Fastnet.—Oct. 29th, ten. Nov. 1st, nine. Jan. 5th, 1884, seven about the rock.

Old Head, Kinsale.—Dec. 16th, some hundreds; wind N., frosty.

Coningbeg Light-ship.—Oct. 27th, six about ship, one caught on deck; 28th, one alighted on ship; 29th, a great number about light, many killed, and fell overboard; gloomy. Nov. 13th, one rested on ship.

Tuskar Rock.—Oct 5th, Chaffinches; 13th, 19th, and 26th a few. Oct. 30th to Nov. 3rd, several during the night. Nov. 13th, four died on rock.

Arklow South Light-ship.—Sept. 21st, two. Oct. 29th, a flock; 31st, two.

Arklow North Light-ship.—Sept. 13th, six hovering about ship. Nov. 12th, five.

Kish Bank Light-ship.—July 14th, three at 4.30 p.m., stayed on ship until sunset, and then left. Oct. 8th, three alighted on deck, 10 a.m. Oct. 26th, one alighted. Nov. 7th, four alighted.

Slyne Head, North.—Nov. 11th, three "Finches," wind E.S.E.

Tearaght.—Oct. 26th, about a dozen "Finches, several kinds," but cannot give the names. Remained about a fortnight.

Sparrow.

Tuskar Rock.—March 1st, one Sparrow caught.

Rathlin Island.—June 5th, 13th, and 28th, a few Sparrows noted (perhaps breeding).

Killybegs.—May 10th, observed about thirty Sparrows. They build in old ruins in the neighbourhood. Aug. 11th, about sixty perched on stays of signal mast. Sept. 18th, 19th, and 20th, Sparrows flying towards S.W.; wind E. to E.S.E.

Straw Island.—March 30th, two house Sparrows, 10 a.m.; calm, wind S.

Arran Island, South.—July 26th, forty Sparrows, 8 a.m.; wind W.N.W., clear.

Goldfinch.

Arran Island, South.—April 3rd, six Goldfinches, 3 p.m.; wind W.S.W. They remain. July 28th, Goldfinches at 10 a.m. Nov. 12th, ten, at 9 a.m.; wind W.S.W., hovering about.

Valentia.—Oct. 4th, 10th, and Dec. 15th, two or three Goldfinches. They breed on the island.

Skelligs.—Seen in October. Breed on mainland near.

Linnets.

Fastnet.—Oct. 9th, Linnets flying west. Nov. 2nd, eight killed striking. Jan. 5th, 1884, five, all day.

Old Head, Kinsale.—March 10th, large numbers, sunrise to sunset. Dec. 5th, two hundred to three hundred.

Coningbeg Light-ship.—Oct. 9th, four killed on deck at 5 a.m.; 14th, two going N.E.; 22nd, one alighted on ship.

Dungarvan.—Oct. 1st, flocks of Grey Linnets coming from S.E. Nov. 29th, flocks of Grey Linnets all day about station.

Barrels Rock Light-ship.—March 21st, six flying north, and a few at end of March. May 8th, one. Sept. 27th, six. Oct. 8th, one; 19th, seven; 22nd, large flocks. Nov. 12th, five. Dec. 6th, one alighted on ship. Jan. 14th, 1884, one.

Tuskar Rock.—May 13th, Grey Linnets, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., striking; mist and fog.

Arklow South Light-ship.—Oct, 26th, one Green Linnet flying about.

Arklow North Light-ship.—Sept. 17th, some Grey Linnets at 8 a.m., hovering about; weather hazy. Sept. 20th, some Linnets killed striking; hazy, with rain. Nov. 13th, Linnets about ship; wind S.E., light, clear.

Rockabill.—Feb. 8th, Linnets during night, some struck; misty, wind S.E.

Copeland Island.—Oct. 10th, twelve killed striking, others injured; wind N., light, drizzling rain.

Rathlin Island.—May 9th, twenty Linnets seen; 16th, four flocks. June 4th, twenty Grey Linnets; 14th, thirty; 23rd, seven. Entries occur Oct. 20th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 29th; Nov. 3rd, 18th, 20th, 24th, 27th, and frequently during December. Numbers vary up to 150, and direction of flight when entered was south or west, and seemed independent of direction of wind.

Innishtrahull.—Jan. 24th, continuous flocks of Green Linnets for the rest of month. Nov. 7th, fifty at one p.m., wind S.W., light; 22nd, four at lantern, wind N.W., gale, gloomy.

Dunree Head.—Nov. 16th, great flocks of Grey Linnets flying about all day.

Arranmore.—Feb. 23rd, six Grey Linnets. They come daily. Dec. 19th, a flock of Grey Linnets.

Rathlin O'Birne.—Sept. 21st, ten Grey Linnets alighted, and flew to N.E.

Killybegs.—I noticed during April and May nine or ten Grey Linnets. Aug. 11th, Linnets perched on stays of signal mast, 6 a.m. Sept. 18th, 19th, and 20th, continuous flocks flying S.W. all day, arriving and departing after resting; wind E. to E.S.E.

Oyster Island, North.—Nov. 13th, fifty passing N.; wind S.

Clare Island.—April 15th, Linnets during the day.

Slyne Head, North.—July 9th, twenty Linnets appeared 10 a.m., flying high. Nov. 11th, nine Linnets; wind E.S.E.

Straw Island.—Aug. 23rd, a large number of Grey Linnets going south; flying low, calm.

Arran Island, South.—April 1st, fifty Linnets; wind E., drizzling rain. Oct. 6th, forty Linnets hovering about, 4 p.m.

Tearaght.—Jan. 30th, twelve Grey Linnets, mentioned in last report, left about this date. Sept. 22nd, about twelve Grey Linnets, 8 a.m.; wind light E. Oct. 29th, five Grey Linnets, one killed striking, four taken alive; foggy.

"Small Birds."

Fastnet.—Sept. 21st, twenty; 28th, ditto. Oct. 3rd, a flock passing high to N.E. Oct. 7th, "mixed birds" striking glass; fog and mist.

Kish Bank Light-ship.—June 29th, two small birds flying W.; rain and fog. July 7th, flock of "small land birds" going S.E. to N.W.; weather hazy. Nov. 26th, flock of small birds, name unknown, flying low to N.W., at 11 a.m.

Rockabill.—Feb. 8th, several small birds during night.

Killybegs.—Sept. 18th, 19th, and 20th, small birds. Sparrows, Linnets, and others unknown to me, flying in a S.W. direction all day; wind E. to E.S.E., cloudy, and misty. Constantly arriving, and departing after resting. Nov. 15th, about thirty small birds remained nearly all day, left at dusk.

Clare Island.—April 15th, Linnets and "other small yellow birds" during the day.

Valentia.—Sept. 24th, four Grey Linnets.

Bullfinch.

Fastnet.—Oct. 31st, nine.

Killybegs.—"I noticed during April and May several piping Bullfinches."

Slyne Head, North.—Dec. 7th, three "Bullfinches," wind E.S.E.

Starling.

Fastnet.—Oct. 27th, eleven; 29th, five striking. Nov. 1st, five. Nov. 2nd, seventeen killed striking.

Old Head, Kinsale.—Feb. 3rd, large flock coming from N. Oct. 30th, some hundreds of Starlings all going inland.

Coningbeg Light-ship.—May 9th, flocks of Starlings, 6 a.m., flying N.E. Oct. 28th and 29th, flocks about ship, nights gloomy, seven killed, but many struck and fell overboard; 30th, seven rested on ship, 8 a.m. Nov. 2nd, two killed, 9 p.m.

Dungarvan.—Oct. 5th, small flocks; 17th and 22nd, ditto; 29th, one struck lantern. They are late this year.

Barrels Rock Light-ship.—Oct. 28th, one rested on ship; 29th, another. Nov. 1st, a few.

Tuskar Rock.—Feb. 24th, 25th, 27th, 28th, and March 3rd, Starlings, a considerable number struck lantern, several killed; weather foggy and overcast, with mist. Oct. 9th, five killed, misty; 10th, passing all night. Oct. 28th to Nov. 2nd, Starlings passed, with Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and Chaffinches, some killed; weather foggy with mist. Nov. 13th, one.

Arklow South Light-ship.—Oct. 16th, a flock of "Stares;" 26th, a flock; 29th, four killed striking; 31st, one seen.

Arklow North Light-ship.—April 30th, Starlings around lantern, 11 p.m. to 11.50 p.m., did not strike; weather hazy. Sept. 19th, "Stares" striking at midnight; wind light S.E., hazy. Oct. 30th, "Stares" striking, overcast, calm. Nov. 13th, "Stares" about ship, 3 p.m. Nov. 30th, some Starlings striking, one killed; hazy, rain. Dec. 5th, a large flock going W., 7.45 a.m.; wind N.

Kish Bank Light-ship.—May 14th, five, at 10.15 p.m., about lantern; weather foggy. Oct. 7th, seven struck, killed, and a great number fell overboard; weather foggy, wind light N.W. Oct. 27th, numbers of Starlings, four killed striking, 9 p.m. Some fell overboard; clear, wind fresh N.N.W. Nov. 7th, four, at 11 a.m., left ship 2 p.m.

Rockabill.—Oct. 31st, four killed striking; weather gloomy, wind light S.E.

Copeland Island.—Starlings appear the first week in April to breed here. Oct. 10th, eighteen killed striking, others injured; wind light N., drizzling rain.

Rathlin Island.—April 3rd, seventy, going N., 3 p.m.; 14th, four, breeding here. Entries of two to one hundred and fifty occur from Oct. 24th to Dec. 25th; most seen on Oct. 26th and Dec. 1st. Directions of flight when entered generally S. or W.

Innishtrahull.—March 14th, four, at 11 a.m.; a gale from S.W. Oct. 30th, three struck, not killed; wind S.E., light, cloudy. Dec. 20th, four; wind N.W., strong.

Rathlin O'Birne.—Nov. 12th, about two hundred came from mainland, and returned again after some time.

Killybegs.—The Starling, which was commonly seen here in winter, is now very rare. I have seen none at all this winter.

Oyster Island, North.—Nov. 13th, fifty passing W.; wind S.

Blackrock, Mayo.—Oct. 3rd, about twenty alighted on rock, 9 a.m.; wind N., fresh, clear. Oct. 4th, one killed striking, at 1 a.m.

Clare Island.—During November a few occasionally in vicinity of lighthouse.

Slyne Head, North.—Nov. 28th, eight Starlings, four killed, 10 p.m.; wind N.E., rain. Dec. 10th, nine;-wind N.

Straw Island.—Aug. 31st, four Starlings, 1 p.m., going S.W., low; wind fresh W. Also on Sept. 15th, and Oct. 13th, sixteen to twenty, going south, low.

Arran Island, South.—April 2nd, thirty Starlings, going N., twenty struck, none killed; wind S. Oct. 30th, thirty "Stares," 11 a.m.; wind S., blue sky, five struck, two killed. "Stares" remained here. Dec. 13th, six "Stares," 10 p.m., four killed striking; wind W.S.W., drizzling rain.

Tearaght.—Jun. 30th, twelve, and again on Feb. 18th. Did not leave until about March 1st.

Valentia.—Dec. 4th, fifteen; wind light N.

Skelligs.—Oct. 20th, six Starlings, 11 a.m., wind N., fresh, fog; 21st, two. Did not see them after this date. Bare here.

Dursey Island.—Oct. 2nd, twenty going north; 22nd, large flock at 2 p.m., going N.W.; wind N.W.

Chough.

Tearaght.—Jan. 30th, three Choughs. In my last report I called these "daws." Choughs come and go occasionally all the year. They breed here.

Skelligs.—They breed here; May to August.

Raven.

Dungarvan.—Nov. 7th, two coming from N.E.; rarely seen here.

Copeland Island.—Aug. 20th, six alighted on island at 9 a.m.

Arranmore.—Feb. 7th, two, at 10 a.m. Remain all the year. May 8th, two. Sept. 11th, two. Oct. 18th, one.

Arran Island, South.—Dec. 26th, three Ravens. They remain about here.

Skelligs.—Sept. 20th, two Ravens about rock during month, also during October, November, and December.

Hooded Crow.

Old Head, Kinsale.—Oct. 26th, ten Grey Crows.

Dungarvan.—Oct. 10th, seven. Jan. 4th, two in fields.

Rathlin Island.—April 4th, twenty, to be seen every day. They remain all the year. Aug. 15th, one.

Lough Swilly.—April 10th, two Grey Crows.

Arranmore.—April 26th, one passing.

Killybegs.—Oct. 10th, four perched on cliffs.

Straw Island.—Feb. 22nd, forty Grey Crows at noon; calm. Oct. 21st, four going west; wind N., strong.

Tearaght.—Feb. 13th, one Grey Crow found dead, partly devoured. They come and go occasionally all the year.

Skelligs.—Sept. 20th, four during month; also during October, November, and December.

Dursey Island.—Flocks of two to fifteen Grey Crows on April 2nd, May 20th, and July 11th; flight E. or N.E. Sept. 8th, four going east.

Rook.

Old Head, Kinsale.—Feb. 27th, one hundred to one hundred and fifty; came from east.

Coningbeg Light-ship.—April 28th, two flying N.E.

Tuskar Rock.—March 18th, one "Crow" flying west; 25th, six seen. April 6th, a large flock of Rooks going west.

Arklow South Light-ship.—March 18th, two "Crows" going N.W.

Kish Bank Light-ship.—Dec. 1st, eight "Crows" flying low to N.W., 11.30 a.m.

Copeland Island.—April 25th, a large flock of some hundred "Crows" came from Scotch coast and left for mainland half an hour afterward. Aug. 13th, about a thousand, at 11 a.m., flying high to south.

Rathlin Island.—April 1st, forty at noon; 6th and 7th, a flock going north; 16th, three. May 8th, three; 24th, Black Crows going north. June 6th, flocks seen. Entries occur in August, October, November, and December, of flocks of Rooks at intervals of a week or fortnight; largest on November 11th and 12th. Direction of flight in nearly all cases south.

Innishtrahull.—April 1st, one "Black Crow" at 4 a.m.; foggy. May 26th, one.

Lough Swilly.—June 23rd, 25th, and 30th, flocks all day.

Rathlin O'Birne.—July 8th, fifteen Rooks.

Killybegs.—In April and May, "Crows" to the number of about one hundred visited daily. Probably belonged to rookery ten miles distant.

Oyster Island, North.—April 27th, thirty at 4 p.m., passing S.E.

Clare Island.—Feb. 20th, a few Crows flying N.W.; wind S.W., light, foggy. Oct. 25th, Black Crows flying north; low.

Arran Island, South.—April 6th, sixty common Crows. They remain. Oct. 3rd, twenty Rooks going south; wind W.N.W.

Valentia.—Sept. 2nd, four Black Crows. Nov. 12th, four.

Jackdaw.

Valentia.—Oct. 12th, two. Nov. 26th, five.

Magpie.

Arran Island, South.—Oct. 20th, five Magpies at noon. They remain about here.

Valentia.—Dec. 5th, two Magpies.

Swallow.

Fastnet.—Nov. 6th, two, all day about rock.

Coningbeg Light-ship.—May 13th, flock flying N.W.; 14th, continuous flocks flying N.W. Three killed at 10 p.m.; wind S.W., clear. Four alighted on ship. Sept. 22nd, 23rd, and 30th, a great number passed, going E. and N.E. Oct. 8th, 9th, and 10th, a few passed, four caught on deck, at 2 a.m., two alighted on ship.

Dungarvan.—Oct. 20th, flocks of House Swallows, going E.S.E.; wind N.W., light.

Barrels Rock Light-ship.—May 8th, one alighted on ship; 17th and 18th, occasional Swallows, flying north. June 3rd and 6th, two or three alighted on ship. Sept. 19th and 20th, odd Swallows, flying north, all day. Oct. 8th, 20th, and 26th, a few passed.

Tuskar Rock.—April 11th, first seen, then occasionally to 21st and 22nd, when they passed at intervals of fifteen minutes, all going west. On May 8th and 13th, one or two passed; 14th, constantly passing, going W. and N.W., two killed; 15th, 16th, and 17th, Swallows all day, remaining on rock some hours, then flying W. A few passing daily to end of month, especially on 22nd. During August and September one or two at intervals about rock. Aug. 24th, a great number. From Oct. 5th to 11th, many passed to east.

Arklow South Light-ship.—April 15th, several flocks; wind W.N.W., clear. May 13th, a flock; 14th, 15th, and 30th, Swallows. On Sept. 19th, 23rd, and 28th, one to six passed.

Arklow North Light-ship.—April 22nd, 28th, and May 18th, Swallows noted going N.W.

Kish Bank Light-ship.—June 25th, four passing north; wind light S.

Rockabill.—April 16th, one, the first arrival, wind W., fresh; 18th, several.

Copeland Island.—Sept. 12th, several large flocks at noon; wind W., moderate, clear. They waited a few hours and went S.

Rathlin Island.—April 30th, four at noon.

Lough Swilly.—May 15th, a few Swallows, first seen.

Arranmore.—April 21st, one at 7.30 a.m., passing over island. May 9th, one. June 16th, two.

Rathlin O'Birne.—April 20th, one, wind N.; 23rd and 29th, May 4th and 15th, one to three.

Killybegs.—May 10th, 11th, and 12th, two to six. They build in vicinity, and generally leave about the middle of June. Aug. 24th, about thirty hovering round.

Straw Island.—Sept. 12th, fifty going S.W., high; wind N., fresh.

Martin.

Oyster Island, North.—May 8th, one Martin, the first seen; 12th, several. They remain and build about station. Aug. 12th, Martins last seen.

Cuckoo.

Tuskar Rock.—Nov. 2nd, one Cuckoo killed striking.

Rathlin Island.—May 3rd, three or four; heard for first time.

Arranmore.—May 4th, one Cuckoo. May 12th, one.

Oyster Island, North.—May 15th, Cuckoo first heard; wind N., light.