IRISH COAST.
The number of light stations returning schedules was only one less than in 1885, although four schedules less were sent out.
There was no light shown at the Tuskar Rock—the best Irish station—between from June 1st to November 20th, but since that date a more powerful light has been exhibited.
The great importance of forwarding a leg and wing of at least one specimen of each species killed, cannot be too strongly impressed upon on the light-keepers. Unless the birds are correctly identified, the value of this inquiry is materially diminished, and ornithologists may refuse to accept the statements of the observers.
In the schedules sent out in the spring of 1886, the request to forward the legs and wings of birds was conspicuously printed on the top of each schedule. Mr Edward M'Carron, who had already proved himself a most intelligent observer at the Tearaght Rock (removed to Mine Head in the autumn), has been the largest contributor of specimens, and his careful notes prove the interest taken in this inquiry.
Anticipatory of the report for the spring of 1886, it may be mentioned that several rare species have occurred, which would probably have passed under another name, were it not for the distribution of six copies of "Morris's British Birds," with coloured plates, and the production of specimens. We trust the Commissioners of Irish Lights will distribute six additional copies of Morris in the present year. We believe these volumes are greatly appreciated, and that in placing them in their annual list of books to be purchased for the light-keepers, a wise selection has been made.
No specimen of the Greenland Falcon or Snowy Owl was observed in 1885. The former species cannot, therefore, be regarded as a more than an accidental winter visitor to the West Coast; and only one specimen of the Snowy Owl was recorded since these observations were commenced. Thrushes, including probably Redwings, were noted in considerable numbers about the lights, over a range of sixty miles on the Wexford and Wicklow coasts, between the 11th and 15th February. There was no hard frost at the time. These lights are all seven to ten miles from shore. During the second week in April, at several stations. Thrushes are recorded. The great autumn rush took place between the 6th and 10th November, and a smaller one between the 17th and 20th October. Blackbirds accompanied the Thrushes, but in smaller numbers.
"A Blackbird with a white breast" was observed at Mine Head from the 8th to the 10th December. A further description given of this bird shows it may have been a Ring Ouzel. The Hedge Sparrow seems to be resident in small numbers during the winter on the Tearaght Rock, nine miles off the Kerry coast, and possibly it breeds there. No clear indication of the migration of the Robin has yet been shown on the Irish Coast. The records of its occurrence are few and scattered. The Black Redstart was recorded at several stations in the southern half of Ireland; specimens were forwarded from Mine Head, the Skelligs, and Rockabill. It is apparently a regular winter visitor to the Skelligs and Tearaght, generally appearing in October and November. With one exception (in February) there is no record of its occurrence during any other month. The autumn migration of the Goldcrest was the smallest yet recorded, but on the 12th and 13th April a spring movement was apparent. As usual, the Starling is the best marked migrant, occurring at almost every station. There is no record yet of the Chough having been seen on the east coast by the light-keepers. The Magpie is apparently not a migratory bird in Ireland. The observations on the Cuckoo and Corncrake are few, when it is remembered they are well-known and regular visitors. There is, so far, no record of the Cuckoo having struck the lanterns, and but one instance of the Corncrake so doing. It has been stated as an "undoubted fact" (Yarrell, 4th ed., vol. iii., p. 324), by Mr Howard Saunders, that the Woodcock often makes its appearance on the south and west coasts of Ireland before it is noticed in the north and east. The light-keepers' schedules do not contradict this statement; but their observations are not yet sufficiently numerous to confirm it beyond a doubt. The northward movement of the Whimbrel (May Bird or young Curlew) has been well marked every year. On the return journey they are either confounded with the Curlew, or if they take the same route, they may travel at a higher level without whistling, and thus escape the notice of the light-keepers. The schedules from the Skelligs and Tearaght have always a special interest, these rocks being the greatest breeding-places of sea birds on the Irish Coast. Mr M'Carron estimates the number of Stormy Petrels on the Tearaght in July at six or seven thousand. The changes of plumage in the Razorbill has been the source of much comment by Mr M'Carron. The sudden and almost complete disappearance of the so-called "Black-billed Auk," and the reappearance of the Razorbill in breeding plumage in a short interval, show that when the old birds arrive to breed, the young birds of the previous year leave the neighbourhood of the Tearaght, and probably go out to sea.
A young bird, 8 inches long, and still carrying a few whitish downy feathers at the back of the neck, sent up by Mr M'Carron, and obtained on August 1st, has the chin and throat black. An older bird, killed on January 13th, has the chin and throat white. In Yarrell, vol. iv., p. 60, the chin and throat of a bird a week old is said to be white; and Seebohm says the young in down have the underparts greyish white.
In the report for 1884, it is stated that no Gannets perched on the Little Skellig after October 20th, and in the present report February 28th is given as the date of their reappearance on this well-known Irish breeding station.
The most interesting stations are those on small islands or rocks, or light-vessels at a considerable distance from shore; and the regular occurrence of so many land birds of apparently weak powers of flight around these lanterns is a matter of surprise to those unacquainted with the facts of migration.
We believe this inquiry has contributed not a little to enlighten the general public as to the movements of birds, some of which were partially known to ornithologists, and others suspected; but the accumulated data of the observers (making all reasonable allowances for errors in identification), are sufficient to satisfy the most sceptical of the powers of flight and endurance possessed by many small birds, and the wide range of the migratory impulse.
An effort has been made this year to shorten the Irish report, but the number of birds which strike the lights is comparatively small, compared with the large numbers arriving on the coasts of Great Britain. It is therefore all the more necessary to give the records in detail, in order to arrive at any general and trust-worthy conclusion.
To the Commissioners of Irish Lights, to the secretary, Mr Owen Armstrong; and to Captain Boxer, R.N., we continue to be under many obligations. It is, however, to the light-keepers themselves we are most indebted, since they have gratuitously placed at our disposal much of their leisure, and evinced an interest in this inquiry which could scarcely have been anticipated. Some of their names must be specially mentioned in connection with the occurrence of rare birds in the report for 1886, which promises to be an interesting one.
Alexander G. More.
Richard M. Barrington.
List of Light-Stations.
| Sp. | Au. | Miles from Shore. |
Name of Observers. | |||
| 1. | Fastnet, Co. Cork, | x | o | 8 | James Walsh. | |
| 2. | Galley Head, Cork, | o | x | — | John Kelly. | |
| 3. | Old Head, Kinsale, Cork, | o | o | — | No reply. | |
| 4. | Mine Head, Waterford, | o | x | — | Hugh J. Dugan and Edward M'Carron. | |
| 5. | Dungarvan, Waterford, | x | x | — | Wm. Higginbotham. | |
| 5. | * | Coningbeg Lt.-ship, Wexford, | x | x | 10 | Patrick Cullen and William Clydesdale. |
| 6. | Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, do., | x | x | 4 | Michael Doyle and Charles H. M'Cabe. | |
| 7. | Tuskar Rock, do., | x | x | 7 | Richard Hamilton and Patrick D'Arcy. | |
| 8. | Arklow Sth. Lt.-ship, Wicklow, | x | x | 7 | Patrick Clancy and Alfred B. Wall. | |
| 8. | * | Arklow North Lt.-ship, do., | x | x | 8 | William Daly. |
| 10. | Kish Bank Lt.-ship, Dublin, | x | x | 7 | John Pinston and Thomas Cooney. | |
| 11. | Howth Baily, Dublin, | o | o | — | No reply. | |
| 12. | Rockabill, Dublin, | x | x | 5 | Joseph Hammond. | |
| 13. | Copeland (Mew) Island, Down, | x | x | 3 | John O'Donnell. | |
| 14. | Maidens, Antrim, | x | x | 5 | Michael Barry. | |
| 15. | Rathlin, Antrim, | x | x | 6 | John A. Murray. | |
| 16. | Innishtrahull, Donegal, | x | o | 6 | R. Phelan. | |
| 17. | Dunree Head, Donegal, | x | o | — | John Stapleton. | |
| 18. | Lough Swilly, Donegal, | — | x | — | James Keenan. | |
| 19. | Tory Island, Donegal, | x | o | 9 | Henry Stocker. | |
| 20. | Arranmore, Donegal, | x | x | 5 | Henry Williams. | |
| 21. | Rathlin O'Birne, Donegal, | o | x | 2 | John Scallan. | |
| 22. | Killybegs, Donegal, | x | x | — | Joseph Hill. | |
| 23. | Oyster Island, N. Sligo, | o | — | 1 | No reply. | |
| 24. | Broadhaven, Mayo, | x | x | — | Patrick Keenan. | |
| 25. | Eagle Island, E., Mayo, | o | x | 2 | Daniel Hawkins. | |
| 26. | Eagle Island, W., Mayo, | — | — | 2 | No schedule sent. | |
| 27. | Blackrock, Mayo, | x | x | 9 | John Redmond, J. Young, R. Lyons, and Edward Rohu. |
|
| 28. | Point, Mayo, | x | o | — | Robt. W. Redmond. | |
| 29. | Clare Island, Mayo, | x | o | 4 | G. H. Brownell. | |
| 30. | Slyne Head, N., Galway, | x | o | 3 | Robert Tyrell. | |
| 31. | Slyne Head, S., Galway, | — | — | 3 | No schedule sent. | |
| 32. | Island, N., Galway, | x | x | 9 | Thomas Fortune. | |
| 33. | Straw Island, Galway, | x | x | 9 | Charles Boyle. | |
| 34. | Arran Island, S., Galway, | — | — | 6 | No schedule sent. | |
| 37. | Tearaght, Kerry, | x | x | 9 | Edward M'Carron and Francis Ryan. | |
| 38. | Valentia, Kerry, | x | x | — | Joseph Williams. | |
| 39. | Skelligs, Kerry, | x | x | 9 | Thomas Kerley. | |
| 40. | Dursey Island, Cork, | — | — | ½ | No schedule sent. |
Abbreviations:
o = No reply. x = Schedule returned partly or wholly filled,
Sp. = Spring, 34 schedules sent out; replies received, 27.
Au. = Autumn, 34 schedules sent out; replies received, 25.
Legs, Wings, etc., Received.
| Mine Head, | Wing of Starling, shot 11th December. |
| " | Wing and Leg of Widgeon, found killed 13th December. |
| " | Black Redstart, in flesh, shot 18th November. |
| Coningbeg Lt.-ship | Leg and wing of Titlark, found on deck, 6th October. |
| Tuskar, | Two Corncrakes, received in flesh; shot on rock May 13th. |
| Rockabill, | Black Redstart (old male), in flesh; shot November 21st. |
| Killybegs, | Wing of Woodcock, killed striking, 2 A.M., 18th November. |
| Eagle Island, | Leg and wing. Redwing, killed striking 16th October. |
| " | " Blackbird, " " |
| Tearaght, | Leg and wing of Wheatear, August 27th. |
| " | " Stormy Petrel (young), struck August 5th. |
| " | " Swallow found dead. May 22d. |
| " | Skin of Thrush, 28th January. |
| " | Leg and wing. Rock Pipit, 10th August. |
| " | Wing of Curlew, 20th March. |
| " | Skin of young Razorbill of year, 1st August. |
| Skelligs, | Black Redstart, in flesh, shot 18th November. |
List of Birds Noticed.
|
|
General Remarks of Light-Keepers.
Galley Head.—Autumn: No birds were killed striking the lantern during the two years I have been at this station.—John Kelly.
Mine Head.—Autumn: A pair of Ravens and Peregrine Falcons, and several pairs of Choughs, breed in the cliffs close to the lighthouse. A large number of Cormorants also build here, and Gulls on several islets close to the shore.—Hugh J. Dugan.
Tuskar Rock.—Autumn: There was no light shown in lighthouse from June 1st to November 20th, which accounts for the apparent scarcity of some migrants at this station.—Richard Hamilton.
Arklow South Light-ship.—On the night of November 9th, several birds of various kinds about lantern; many killed; some fell on deck, and a large number overboard.—Patrick Clancy.
Arklow North Light-ship.—May 3d, large flocks of land-birds about lantern at night.—William Daly.
South Maidens.—In January and February few birds seen, except Seapies, Gulls, and Shearwaters. From June 21st to 16th July no birds save Gannets, Gulls, and Seapies.—M. Barry.
Innishtrahull.—I have only observed birds about the lantern on dark nights, and in thick misty weather.—R. Phelan.
Lough Swilly.—Birds are scarce here—not a single one has struck lantern since I came.—James Keenan.
Killybegs.—Seagulls and Curlews are here all the year. Lapwing's nest close by. Cormorants and Pigeons breed in cliff's.—J. Hill.
Eagle Island, E.—Gulls were scarce, and Gannets, "Sea Parrots, and Puffins" were only to be seen in flight, which was invariably to the west—the Gannets in a long extended line, singly or in pairs, and the Sea Parrots in flocks of twenty to fifty, flying low. There are two Titlarks, two Wrens, and about ten Sandlarks on island at present (1st January 1886). A few of the last-named breed here, also the Titlarks, and possibly the Wrens, as there are some old walls into which I have seen them hop for shelter; but I Have never noticed them in spring or summer.—Daniel Hawkins.
Clare Island.—The sea-birds (Gulls, Puffins, Guillemots, and Cormorants) continued to arrive from 1st of April to 1st of June to breed. They were not as numerous as last year. All left before August 15th, except the Cormorants and a few Royal Gulls. Eagles always remain on island.—G. H. Brownell.
Slyne Head, North.—The number of sea-birds is chiefly regulated by the feeding. There is a greater number for the past two months (June and July) than has been the case for the past five years.—Robert Tyrell.
Arran Island, N.—Puffins, Gulls, Gannets, Curlew, Seapie, Cormorants, and Sandlarks come and go according to the state of the sea—if wild, none, and vice versa.—Thomas Fortune.
Straw Island.—Spring: The number of birds were few during the spring. The Lark, Hedge Sparrow, Robin, Wagtail, and Linnet are remarkable for their total absence this year, though numerous in the springs of 1883 and 1884. Autumn: A great scarcity of sea-birds of all kinds, especially the Gannet. Land-birds—i.e., "Crows," Rooks, Larks, Starlings, Thrushes—plentiful, especially young Starlings, Thrushes, and Blackbirds. From 13th November to 17th November they came in rushes during severe weather.—Charles Boyle.
Tearaght.—Birds remaining September 1st, Choughs, Hooded Crows, Wheatear, Wrens, Rock Pipit, Peregrine, Kittiwake (old and young), Royal Gulls, Herring Gulls (old and young). Cormorants, and Oyster-Catcher.—Edward M'Carron.
Skelligs.—In February, Gannets, Cormorants, Kittiwakes (mostly young). Herring Gulls, a few Black-Backed do., and flocks of "the Black-Billed Auk (young Razorbill—R. M. B.) fishing round rock.—Thomas Kerley.
Hawks.
Fastnet.—October 16th, one at 5 A.M.; October 20th, one; November 9th, two; 10th, one; 13th, one.
Mine Head.—October 5th, a Light-brown Hawk, and on several other occasions. 11th December, a small Blue Hawk. 8th January 1886, saw one capture a Redwing; it was a small Hawk, and unable to carry it away.
Dungarvan.—March 15th, one Falcon Hawk; Nov. 18th, one.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—April 19th, one Sparrowhawk; 28th, two Hawks. September 26th and October 9th, one Sparrowhawk seen.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—September 11th, two Hawks; October 28th, one.
Tuskar Rock.—May 27th, one Hawk.
Rockabill.—Hawks noted April 1st, April 13th, and May 23d.
Copeland (Mew) Island.—May 9th, one.
Rathlin Island.—April 18th, two Falcon Hawks all day.
Arranmore.—May 5th, two going S.E.; September 29th, three.
Rathlin O'Birne.—August 9th, two Hawks. Have been here two years.
Eagle Island, E.—September 24th, a small Brown Hawk; saw him seize small bird. October 17th and December 21st, one and two seen.
Blackrock, Mayo.—Falcon noted June 1st and August 11th. Sparrowhawk alighted on Rock August 15th. October 23d and December 28th, one Falcon.
Arran Island, N.—One or two Brown Hawks at intervals during June.
Tearaght.—March 12th, Grey Hawk (white predominating). April 3d, one large Brown Hawk (I don't think it was the Peregrine). March 22d, Sparrowhawk several times this month and occasionally throughout the year. On March 6th a Peregrine pounced on a Royal Gull while flying, and knocked it into the sea, from which it could not rise.
Skelligs.—Two Kestrels on rock all September; they appeared about 15th August. A pair of Peregrines build here. Kestrels during October and November.
Owl.
Fastnet.—November 11th, one Dark-brown Owl (golden colour on breast and wings) killing small birds during night. Rush of Larks, Thrushes, and Starlings.
Mine Head.—October 13th, one in twilight, appeared white. November 15th, one seen in daytime.
Rockabill.—April 13th, an Owl seen.
Copeland (Mew) Island.—May 10th, an Owl.
"Flycatchers."
Rockabill.—15th and 16th, Flycatchers; 21st, a large number; May 9th, some.
Missel Thrush.
Mine Head.—December 10th, several during this month.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—April 13th, one "Jay."
Thrush (probably Redwing also).
Fastnet.—March 15th, two around light at midnight; gloomy, wind E.; 16th, one. April 12th, two "Mountain Thrushes" at noon; wind E.N.E., light. October 13th, one at midnight killed striking; clear, wind light. 20th, a great number of Thrushes and "Mountain" Thrushes (probably Redwings—R. M. B.) all night; nine killed striking; hazy, wind light, N.E. November 7th, 8th, and 9th, great numbers of Thrushes at night; several killed striking; wind light S., overcast. 11th, Thrushes all night; five killed; overcast, wind S.E., light. 12th, five all day on rock.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—October 5th, two about light 11 P.M.
Tuskar Rock.—February 13th and 14th, Thrushes constantly striking from 1 A.M. to 7 A.M.; a great number killed; wind fresh S.W., fog. April 15th, one Thrush struck; rain.
Arklow South Light-ship.—February 11th, three killed striking at midnight; foggy; found dead on deck. 14th, from 6 P.M. until midnight Thrushes about lantern; clear. October 20th, flock at 3 A.M. about lantern; some struck, fell on deck; cloudy, wind fresh N.W. November 6th and 8th, Thrushes at midnight about lantern; many struck, some fell on deck, others overboard; hazy.
Arklow North Light-ship.—January 25th, Thrushes about lantern. February 10th, three killed striking; 15th, two do.; March 4th, six do. November 16th, several all night; 22d, 23d, and 24th, about lantern; four killed on 24th.
Kish Light-ship.—October 8th, one killed striking; stormy, clear. Noted also on October 9th, 26th, and 31st. On November 6th, flocks from 6 to 11.30 A.M. going N.W.; wind S.W. 8th, several flocks; 10th, two killed striking; clear.
Rockabill.—January 19th, Thrushes at night about lantern; several struck also on February 24th. April 16th and July 1st, about lantern. October 18th, 21st, 23d, November 6th and 8th to 10th, large numbers passed; many struck, several killed.
Copeland (Mew) Island.—April 8th, Thrushes about lantern. November 3d, one disabled; rain. 9th, six killed striking.
Innishtrahull.—January 16th, 23d, 24th, and 27th, small flocks of Blackbirds and Mountain Thrushes around lantern; about eighteen killed.
Tory Island.—April 14th, three killed striking 4 A.M.
Arranmore.—October 15th, one seen.
Rathlin O'Birne.—August 26th, four killed 8 P.M. These birds often strike. Always on island in autumn.
Killybegs.—October 19th, 11 P.M., one killed striking; misty. November 1st, 1 A.M., another; two seen in morning.
Broadhaven.—October 13th, one killed striking. No birds were ever known to strike this light before, as it is dark towards the land.
Eagle Island, E.—October 17th, 2 to 3 A.M., three killed striking; 19th, one seen.
Blackrock, Mayo.—November 6th and 7th, Thrushes about all day.
Arran Island, N.—November 11th, six Thrushes killed striking 11.30 P.M.; misty.
Straw Island.—November 19th, forty going N.W.
Tearaght.—October 19th, several arrived on rock.
Skelligs.—October 16th, a few Thrushes on rock; wind N.E., gale, rainy. 17th, several on rock to-day; wind S.E., fresh. 23d, several Common Thrushes and another species having the back of a slatish colour, with a yellow hue on the back near the tail. 31st, Thrushes on rock. Several during November frequented the rock. December 8th, "Thrushes, Common Fieldfare, and Redwings since the 7th."
"Redwing."
Mine Head.—November 11th, Redwing caught on glass. Small birds flying through rays all night. Redwing plentiful all winter.
Tearaght.—January 28th, one found near lighthouse. March 15th, two or three observed up to middle of this month.
Skelligs.—December 8th, one struck 11.30 P.M.; died in night.
Fieldfare.
Mine Head.—December 8th, observed here.
Rockabill.—November 26th, Fieldfares all night; several killed striking.
Eagle Island, E.—October 17th, one killed striking.
Tearaght.—December 15th, about fifty remained for three weeks.
Blackbird.
Fastnet.—October 16th, one.
Mine Head.—October 30th, one caught (male); previous night stormy. November 10th, one caught on glass; misty, wind E., fresh.
Dungarvan.—November 9th, one (female) struck 2 A.M., not killed; misty.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—April 18th, one seen.
Tuskar Rock.—February 13th and 14th, Blackbirds constantly striking from 1 A.M. to 7 A.M.; a great number killed; wind fresh S.W., fog.
Arklow South Light-ship.—February 11th, two killed striking at midnight; fog; found dead on deck. 12th, two killed striking; gloomy. 13th, four about light; 15th, one killed striking; 16th, Blackbirds from 6 P.M. until midnight about lantern; clear. November 6th and 8th, many about lantern at night, some killed; hazy.
Arklow North Light-ship.—February 15th, four killed striking. March 4th, four do. November 15th, two killed striking; 22d and 23d, some about lantern all night.
Kish Light-ship.—November 7th, one killed striking; clear.
Rockabill.—October 18th, 21st, November 8th, 9th, and 10th, numbers passed on these nights; many killed.
Copeland (Mew) Island.—March 8th, two killed striking. April 18th, about forty near station. November 7th, three killed striking 10 P.M.; clear. December 31st, one hundred Blackbirds about island.
Arranmore.—September 11th, November 3d, and December 9th, one to three noted.
Killybegs.—October 31st, two seen; wind strong N.W. November 3d and 29th, another.
Eagle Island, E.—October 19th, one seen.
Straw Island.—November 13th, numbers of Blackbirds going N.W.
Tearaght.—March 15th, one, and up to April 1st. October 19th, several arrived on rock.
Skelligs.—March 17th, two Blackbirds on rock. October 16th, several arrived; a gale from N.E. 17th, several; 31st, Blackbirds seen. Several during November.
Ring Ouzel.
Mine Head.—December 8th, "A Blackbird with a white breast," and also on the 9th and 10th—probably the same bird on each occasion. Not seen afterwards. "I was quite close to to this bird; it was very black, except the white breast, which was very distinct. It did not extend round back of neck."
Skelligs.—April 9th, one on rock; wind S.E., strong.
Hedge Sparrow.
Tuskar Rock.—May 25th, five "Dunnocks" on the rock. August 31st and September 3d and 12th, one or two "Dunnocks" seen.
Tearaght.—March 1st, a few remained all the spring. I am not sure if they remained during the summer.
Robin.
Arklow North Light-ship.—November 29th, one Robin flew on deck; wind fresh, S.
Rockabill.—March 3d, Robins remaining.
Rathlin Island.—December 3d, three Redbreasts all day.
Killybegs.—October 4th and 14th, one seen.
Valentia.—Noted in May, September, October, November, and December.
Skelligs.—November 9th, one Robin. The first seen since my arrival in April 1883; wind S., strong.
Black Redstart.
Mine Head.—November 9th, one; 13th, one shot; 18th, one shot. [Received in flesh.—R. M. B.] December 23d, one.
Dungarvan.—November 7th, one Redstart. Remained three days. Rare.
Rockabill.—Nov. 21st, one shot. [Received in flesh.—R. M. B.]
Tearaght.—February 1st, two remained about a fortnight. November 17th, one Redstart on rock; 24th, another, 28th, five remained a fortnight.
Skelligs.—October 17th, four Black Redstarts on rock; 19th, twenty—wind N.E., fresh, misty—"observed one with a white breast and belly;" 31st, a few seen; November 18th, Black Redstart shot; specimen sent. [Received.—R. M. B.]
"Blackcap" (probably Stonechat).
Mine Head.—January 10th, 1886, I have seen this little bird frequently all the winter.
Tuskar Rock.—May 25th, one "Whinchat."
Killybegs.—May 11th, two "Blackcaps" seen.
"Stonechat" (Wheatear).
Fastnet.—March 15th, several about light at midnight—gloomy, wind E.—three killed. April 10th, several about rock all day; wind N. May 12th, a flock at 8 A.M. going N.E.; wind W. October 20th, several about light, two killed striking; hazy, wind light. November 13th, eleven seen, all died on rock.
Dungarvan.—March 19th, two seen.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—April 13th, one Wheatear killed striking; light haze. April 21st, two killed striking. March 16th, one "Stonechat." April 8th, one Wheatear killed, 4 A.M., clear.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—May 12th, one rested on ship, and died shortly afterwards.
Tuskar Rock.—'March 16th, "Blackcap and Wheatear" alighted on rock—first this spring; wind light, N.W. April 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, and 16th, one to two Wheatears noticed. August 8th, 28th, and 30th, one to three Wheatears.
South Maidens.—About middle of April, a considerable number of "Wheatears and Stonechatters" alighted on rock for some time, and then flew N.W.
Rathlin Island.—March 8th, three "Stonechats." April 13th, seven Wheatears struck at midnight—three killed. April 14th, three at midnight, caught one. April 30th, "Stonechats" breed here. May 1st, three Wheatears.
Innishtrahull.—April 13th, nine "Stonechats" on island.
Arranmore.—April 2d, Four "Stonechats;" 12th, eight. May 30th, nine. September 8th, four at 10 P.M.—wind strong, W.—one killed striking.
Rathlin O'Birne.—August 12th, "Stonechatters" all day. September 14th, caught one under a stone.
Killybegs.—May 4th, five or six Stonechats.
Eagle Island, E.—September 6th, two on island.
Tearaght.—March 14th, first observed. About a dozen on island all the summer. I saw a nest with five young ones three feet in, under a rock.
Skelligs.—March 11th, two Wheatears, first appearance; wind S.E., strong; 14th, several; wind S.E.
"Grasshopper Warbler" (probably Sedge Warbler).
Coningbeg Light-ship.—May 13th, twenty "Grasshopper Warblers," 4 A.M.—wind light, N.W.—one killed striking, clear.
Whitethroat.
Tuskar Rock.—May 12th, Whitethroats constantly striking, midnight to 3 A.M.; misty. Thirty-five killed. August 31st, one seen.
Chiff-Chaff (probably Willow Wren also).
Coningbeg Light-ship.—April 17th, one died on deck, tired out; 19th, one; 20th, one killed, fog; 30th, one.
Tuskar Rock.—April 12th, one killed striking. The first this year; 13th, 14th, 15th, and 17th, Chiff-Chaffs noted; 22d, constantly striking all night, scores killed; wind strong, squally, cloudy. May 12th, constantly striking, midnight to 3 A.M., twenty-three killed; misty, wind light, N.E. August 30th and September 3d, one or two seen.
Golden-Crested Wren.
Dungarvan.—November 4th, one struck 2 A.M., not killed; gloomy.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—May 7th, two "Fire-Crests" on ship.
Tuskar Rock.—April 13th, the first Goldcrest this season.
Rockabill.—April 7th, Golden-Crested Wren seen.
South Maidens.—April 12th, one "Robin (Golden-Crested)" struck lantern 11 P.M., not killed.
Rathlin Island.—April 13th, thirteen at midnight. Five killed striking; 14th, five struck, caught two at midnight. The Goldcrest did not put in an appearance in the winter season this year.
Killybegs—November 11th, 5 am., one caught at glass; gloomy; wind fresh, S.E.
Blackrock, Mayo.—November 7th, 7 P.M., two Golden-Crested Wrens, one killed striking; fog and rain.
Wren.
Fastnet.—October 20th, two about light; hazy. November 13th, one seen, died on rock.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—April 12th, two.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—April 2d, one Wren seen.
Tuskar Rock.—April 13th, one Common Wren struck.
Arklow South Light-ship.—April 13th, a Wren flying about ship.
Rockabill.—April 13th, Wrens. September 21st, ditto. October 21st, ditto.
Innishtrahull.—March 16th and 19th, Common Wrens about lantern, two killed striking.
Eagle Island, E.—October 27th, two Wrens; still on island 26th December 1885.
Skelligs.—Wrens are resident. December—The Wren is more plentiful the last four months.
"Tits."
Mine Head.—December 9th, one Blue Tit shot. Several seen about.
Tuskar Rock.—March 16th, "Tits and other small birds" passing in threes and fours.
Killybegs.—December 5th, two "Blackcaps" seen. "The Blackcaps are either Parus major or Parus palustris; I am aware they are not the Blackcap Warbler."—Joseph Hill.
Wagtail.
Mine Mead.—December 8th, one shot.
Dungarvan.—November 27th, five very dark Wagtails.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—March 15th, two Pied Wagtails going N.
Tuskar Rock.—March 16th, one Grey Wagtail alighted. September 28th, one.
Arklow North Light-ship.—April 28th, some Wagtails passed N.W.
Rockabill.—April 1st, Wagtail noted. October 5th, some.
South Maidens.—April 14th, two Wagtails.
Rathlin Island.—September 17th, Pied Wagtail.
Arranmore.—June 29th, six Wagtails all day. September 3d, three. January 2d, one.
Killybegs.—December 5th, a Pied Wagtail.
Eagle Island, E.—September 6th, one seen; 21st, one.
Arran Island, N.—July 1st, one. October 14th, two.
Straw Island.—July 24th, one Grey Wagtail.
Skelligs.—March 15th, one stayed five days; wind S.E., strong. August 19th, two Grey Wagtails. September 4th, four on rock; remained until 10th. A gale from S.W.
Titlarks.
Fastnet.—November 7th and 8th, numbers about light; overcast.
Tuskar Rock.—March 7th, Titlarks passing W., first this spring. April 17th, a number about rock, September 28th, Rock Pipits.
Arklow South Light-ship.—February 16th, five killed striking; 23d, passing N.W. all day. March 15th, a flock going N.W. April 17th, Titlarks going N.W.
Kish Light-ship.—April 9th, several flocks going N.W.; 24th, a flock. May 1st, three about deck all day.
Rockabill.—March 3d, seen all day; breed on rock.
Copeland (Mew) Island.—April 14th, six Titlarks struck; four killed.
Eagle Island, E.—September 6th, two seen.
Straw Island.—March 23d, eight Field-Larks (small) remain here. September 7th, two.
Skelligs.—Titlarks are resident.
Larks.
Fastnet.—October 12th, two at midnight, one killed; clear, wind light, N.E. 20th, great number all night, seven killed striking; hazy, wind light, N.E. November 7th and 8th, great numbers all night, eleven killed striking; overcast, wind light, S. 9th, numbers at night; overcast. 11th, Larks too numerous to count all night, twelve killed striking; overcast, wind S.E.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—April 12th, several Larks during night about ship. 14th and 17th, one. March 13th and 14th, four to twelve going N.W.; wind E. and N.E. 23d, one. September 18th, four going W. September 26th, a "Ground Lark." October 6th, "Ground Lark" got dead on deck; wind fresh, N.W. [Leg and wing of Titlark received.—R. M. B.] 7th, twelve going N.W.; wind N., fresh.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—December 18th, odd Larks passed N. January 19th and 20th, eighty-six Larks passed.
Tuskar Rock.—February 15th, ten killed striking; overcast, gloomy. March 5th, Larks going W.
Arklow South Light-ship.—October 15th and 18th, flocks going N.W. November 8th, Skylarks about lantern at night; hazy.
Arklow North Light-ship.—January 25th, some Larks about lantern—midnight. February 4th, a flock going N.W. February 10th, four killed striking. 15th, two killed striking. 16th, three killed striking. 23d, flocks going N.W. all day; wind strong, S.W. March 5th, Larks passed. April 17th, three Skylarks killed striking. November 1st, 2d, and 29th, Larks noted.
Kish Light-ship.—April 4th, flock going N.W. 14th, several Skylarks about lantern, one killed striking. 15th, passing S.W. during day, two killed striking at night; clear. Oct. 22d, two about ship. 30th, a flock going N.W. Nov. 9th, two about ship.
Rockabill.—February 24th and April 14th, Larks about light, several struck. October 5th, Larks. 21st, all day and night. November 6th, all night, numbers killed.
Copeland (Mew) Island.—March 14th, about twenty struck, six killed, 11 P.M.; wind S., overcast. May 19th, about twelve around light, 10 P.M.; misty.
South Maidens.—April 14th, twelve Common Larks seen.
Rathlin Island.—April 13th, four Skylarks, two killed striking at midnight.
Innishtrahull.—March 16th and 19th, Larks about lantern, fourteen killed.
Rathlin O'Birne.—Always on island in autumn.
Killybegs.—Skylarks and Titlarks are here all the year. November 11th, 4 A.M., one killed striking, and another caught at glass; wind fresh, S.E., gloomy.
Blackrock, Mayo.—November 6th and 7th, Larks all day, one killed striking; fog and rain.
Skelligs.—October 31st, a few Larks seen.
Snow Bunting.
Dungarvan.—December 1st, one seen; rare here.
Arklow North Light-ship.—February 17th, one caught on deck.
Rockabill.—December 22d, Snow Buntings.
Rathlin Island.—March 10th, one seen. September 6th, five going S. November 4th, two; very few seen this season.
Innishtrahull.—February 20th, three shot.
Arranmore.—February 3d and March 12th, Snow Buntings noted. September 19th, one; 21st, eighteen; also noticed October 30th.
Eagle Island, E.—October 1st, one on Island, and a few October 6th.
Blackrock, Mayo.—September 8th, one about rock; wind S., fresh. October 5th, eight. December 8th, forty all day. January 20th, 1886, twenty on rock. "For the last nine days the spray has been flying over rock, and the Snow Buntings never left, and how they manage to exist I cannot imagine."
Blacksod.—February 20th, Snow-Birds.
Arran Island, N.—October 8th, five Snow Buntings.
Tearaght.—October 14th, several arrived; remained three weeks.
Skelligs.—September 11th, one on rock; gale from S. October 1st, one (being first since 11th ult.), which remained here ever since. 6th, six seen. 31st, a few.
Yellowhammer.
Mine Head.—November 1st, plentiful, and up to date January 15th, 1886.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—May 27th, one rested on ship; wind strong S., fog.
Rockabill.—March 3d, Yellowhammers remaining July 5th, do.
Killybegs.—May 18th, two seen. October 16th, one.
Chaffinch.
Mine Head.—November 12th, one caught near lighthouse in morning exhausted. Small birds flying in lantern rays all night, and striking.
Tuskar Bock.—March 21st, one seen.
Arklow South Light-ship.—April 12th, one Finch on deck. October 11th, two on deck all day. A flock went N.W. 16th, two all day on ship. November 2d, 9th, 12th, and 19th, one or two Chaffinches seen about the deck.
Arklow North Light-ship.—February 6th, six passed W. November 12th, eight alighted on deck. 13th, a flock passed E.
Kish Light-ship.—May 7th, two about deck all day. November 7th, two all day about the ship.
Rockabill.—October 18th, Chaffinches noticed. November 6th, do.
Tearaght.—March 20th, Chaffinches left about this date. December 19th, a large flock of hen Chaffinches arrived on rock.
"Mountain Finch."
Skelligs.—November 8th, one struck 10 P.M.; not injured. 9th, four, but not seen after this date.
Sparrow.
Mine Head.—January 10th, 1886, Common Sparrow always plentiful here.
Arklow South Light-ship.—September 19th, flock passed.
Killybegs.—March 18th, two seen.
Eagle Island, E.—September 16th, fifty to sixty remained on island a short time; very lively, went W. 23d and 29th, thirty chirruping and very lively; also on October 7th and 17th pecking about rubbish. On last date they flew S.E. inland.
Straw Island.—April 15th, three House Sparrows.
Valentia.—June 30th, Sparrows about.
Greenfinch.
Fastnet.—March 2d, several all day about rock, seven died; overcast, gloomy, wind fresh, S.E. September 28th, two, wind N.E. October 16th, three; wind E. light, going N.W. November 12th, seventeen all day on rock; wind light S.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—March 16th, one. April 18th, one seen.
Kish Light-ship.—May 9th, two about masts all day.
Rockabill.—November 6th, Green Linnets.
Tearaght.—March 20th, Greenfinches all left about this date.
Redpole.
Rockabill.—July 5th, Redpoles.
Linnets.
Fastnet.—May 4th, eight about rock; wind E.N.E. October 20th, a great number all night about light; hazy, wind N.E., light. November 7th, 8th, and 9th, a great number about light during nights; wind light S., overcast. 13th, several Linnets seen.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—March 8th, 26th, and April 13th, one to three. Noted also 16th, 17th, and 21st September.
Barrels Bock Light-ship.—One to three noted March 12th, 17th, 28th, 31st, April 13th, May 5th. September 18th, 21st, 28th, 29th, small flocks going S.E. to N.E. October 25th and 30th, large flocks going N. January 6th, 1886, small flock going N.
Arklow South Light-ship.—February 24th to 27th, one or two about ship. March 24th, flock of "Grey Linnets" going N.W.; wind light S.W. April 19th, flock going N.W. October 11th, flock going N.W.; wind N.E. 25th, flocks going N.W.; wind W.
Rockabill.—October 18th, some passed. November 8th, 9th, and 10th do.
South Maidens.—March 11th, one "Moss Linnet" seen on balcony at night.
Rathlin Island.—April 13th, three about light, one killed striking at midnight. 14th, three killed midnight.
Dunree Head.—March 3d, 6th, 10th, and 20th, flocks all day.
Arranmore.—November 11th, eight Linnets.
Rathlin O'Birne.—August 24th, Linnets in flocks feeding.
Killybegs.—March 9th, five Grey Linnets; also April 26th and June 8th. September 15th to 25th, forty to fifty noticed flying about. October 8th and 28th, do.
Eagle Island, E.—September 6th, four seen; also on 16th, 27th, and October 6th.
Blackrock, Mayo.—December 27th, some Grey Linnets about rock.
Straw Island.—March 21st, thirty remain on island. July 28th, forty going S. October 10th, thirty going W.
Twite.
Mine Head.—September 20th, plentiful from this date to 15th January 1886. On October 29th, flying through rays of lantern at night; wind and rain.
Tearaght.—March 20th, Twite left about this date.
Starling.
Fastnet.—October 20th, several about light all night, eight killed or wounded; hazy, wind light N.E. November 7th, 8th, 9th, and 11th, numbers about light at night; wind S., light, overcast—twenty-three Stares killed striking; 13th, five killed striking.
Mine Head.—October 29th, about hundred in field, two caught at lantern 11 P.M., several struck glass; wind S., strong, rain. November 5th, striking from 10 P.M. until midnight. A few captured; foggy. Flocks flying about to date January 15th, 1886. November 11th, Stares striking.
Dungarvan.—October 20th, large flock going N. November 8th, one killed striking, 11 P.M.; overcast, misty. November 19th, a great flock feeding near. Very plenty this season. November 30th, large flocks, going N.W. December 4th, two killed striking 9 P.M.; cloudy.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—March 24th to 26th, one about ship.
Barrels Bock Light-ship.—October 25th and November 2d, large flocks noted going N. and N.W.
Tuskar Rock.—February 14th, two struck; fog. 15th, constantly striking 8 P.M. to 4 A.M.; wind fresh, N.E., overcast, gloomy. A great number killed. March 15th, constantly striking, 9 to 11 P.M.; wind light S.E., cloudy. 20th, one struck, overcast. April 16th, ditto.
Arklow South Light-ship.—March 5th, several about lantern at midnight. March 15th, "Stairs" about lantern 8 P.M. until midnight, two killed striking; overcast, wind light W. April 12th and 16th, a few about lantern at night. October 21st, two about lantern. Flocks passed 29th, 30th, and November 1st to N.W. in daytime; and on nights of 3d, 6th, and 8th November, numbers struck the lantern. Many killed; some fell on deck, others overboard. Weather hazy and rainy; wind moderate, W.
Arklow North Light-ship.—March 4th, four caught on deck. May 26th, a flock passed N.W. October 16th, large flocks going S.; wind E.S.E., strong. Some noted on 22d, 23d, four killed striking. 30th and November 1st, flocks passed going S.W. and N.W. On November 2d, great quantities all day and night; wind S.W., misty, rain. A few on 4th and 5th, in day time; and on 10th, 19th, 20th, about lantern at night.
Kish Light-ship.—October 28th, several flocks going N.W.; wind N.W. 31st, one caught on deck 10 P.M., others flying about light. November 2d and 5th, several flocks in the mornings passed N.W.; wind N.W. December 17th, a flock about light.
Rockabill.—January 19th, about light. June 26th and July 1st, some passed. October 11th, large flocks passing west; wind N.E. October 21st, 23d, November 6th to 10th, 19th, and 26th, numbers passed, many struck, and were killed.