Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1886, by Harvie-Brown, Cordeaux, Barrington, More, and Eagle Clarke.

Coningbeg Light-ship.—May 25th and 26th, great flocks of Common Tern about ship; 30th, one flock.

Copeland (Mew) Island.—May 19th, forty "mews" or "Sea-Purrs"—first arrival. June 5th, fifty hatching on island. 18th, a hundred about island. September 11th, they left to-day. They build on rocks and on grass; not more than four eggs in each nest.

Arran Island, N.—June 14th and 16th, a flock of Tern about. July 16th, a flock. September 16th, do.

Tearaght.—October 3d, "Lesser Terns." Hundreds flying about; remained until 7th October.

Fastnet.—September 4th, flocks of Grey Gulls going S.E.; seemed this year's birds. November 5th, two large Royal Gulls seen; rare here. Small Royal [Lesser Black-backed?—R. M. B.] Gulls frequent rock during year. December 10th, Kittiwakes in large numbers about rock feeding.

Mine Head.—March 2d, Black-headed Gulls and Herring Gulls in fields. July 19th to 31st, about thirty to a hundred Gulls about and at intervals after. August 9th, about sixty Kittiwakes on rocks; also Herring Gulls, Black-headed, and Common Gulls. September 27th, one Royal Gull. December 12th, January 13th and 20th, one to three Royal Gulls. January 1887, Kittiwakes do not remain here.

Barrels Rock Light-ship.—March 27th, large flocks of Gulls. April 17th, do. going E.; wind E., fresh.

Innishtrahull.—April 16th, 17th, and 20th, a few Black-headed and numbers of "Common" Gulls. September 8th to 11th, a number of Grey-backed Gulls. December 15th, Herring Gulls, Kittiwakes, and "Grey Gulls" still in vicinity.

Arranmore.—May 21st, "shot a bird which answers the description of Richardson Skua given in the 'Dictionary of British Birds.'" [Leg and wing not forwarded.]

Blackrock, Mayo.—March 6th, flock of Gulls about rock; 21st, "small Gulls" first visit rock to breed. November 5th, two uncommon Gulls soaring during day; wind N., strong. "They were cream-coloured Gulls, about the size of a small Royal Gull, or a little larger than the Kittiwake; bill and legs like the latter; dusky cream colour on breast, but a richer cream colour on the back; covert feathers of wings edged with a shade darker colour, marking the feathers very distinctly; the long feathers of wings gradually becoming lighter towards the tips to an ivory shade; wing full and well developed. I wounded one bird, and it flew to the mainland; the other was less distinctly marked. They are same sort as visited locality in 1881." [See 1881 Report, p. 86; 1882 Report, p. 104; 1884 Report, p. 181.] January 6th, 1887, twenty Royal Gulls; seldom see so many, as they generally go in couples.

Tearaght.—February 27th, a large flock of Herring Gulls. March 5th, Kittiwakes flying round island. August 24th, one Skua Gull chasing Gulls close to island. October 4th, thousands of Kittiwakes. During October Kittiwakes, all young, plentiful.

Skelligs.—March 12th, Kittiwakes first landed on rock. December 10th, great number of Kittiwake, Herring Gulls, and a few Great Black-backed.

Fastnet.—May 24th, 1 A.M., six; one killed striking; misty; the first seen since I came here.

Mine Head.—June 29th, heard distinctly several times about 11 P.M. calm and dark.

Coningbeg Light-ship.—May 27th and 28th, several about the ship. In September, several.

Barrels Rock Light-ship.—March 27th, large flock Manx Shearwaters; wind strong f S.W. May 23d, flocks apparently after fish.

Arranmore.—March 18th, eighteen about rocks, the first seen; wind strong S., misty.

Blackrock, Mayo.—October 23d, some going S. November 2d, a great quantity, 7 to 9 A.M., going S.W.; wind strong S.W.

Slyne Head, S.—November 3d, continuous flocks going S.W., from 9 to 11 A.M.; width of string about 100 yards.

Skelligs.—February 25th, 10 P.M., wind strong S.W.; misty; first heard on rock. August 26th, the last night bird heard on rock.

Eagle Island, W.—October, 2d week, one caught at lantern. [Leg and wing received.]

Coningbeg Light-ship.—September 21st to 23d, several about ship during day; wind fresh, clear. 24th, three on ship, midnight. Noted also October 5th, 8th, 10th, to 13th; and on 15th there was storm from W.; great numbers about ship.

Barrels Rock Light-ship.—September 25th, two. October 8th, five. 12th, fourteen about ship; stormy. December 9th, five; wind N.W., fresh.

Eagle Island, E.—May 24th, one caught alive. [Received in flesh.] The only one seen since I came here.

Blackrock, Mayo.—May 5th, some about light, 1 A.M. foggy; the first seen. June 5th, numbers about light during night; wind light S.W., gloomy. September 24th, 1 A.M., one caught at lantern.

Tearaght.—April 14th, several flying round light all night. October 30th, some struck 2 A.M., none killed.

Skelligs.—April 27th, 10 P.M., one struck, disabled. May 7th, first heard under stones.

Fastnet.—October 26th, several large flocks passing S.E. at intervals of about 15 minutes. December 10th, large numbers about rock.

Mine Head.—February 14th, several young Razorbills seen at intervals. July 9th and 10th, several. August 9th, young Razorbills heard—and at all hours on the water up to September 1st.

Tearaght.—March 14th, Razorbills arrived. August 9th, Guillemots and Razorbills left rock by this date. September 25th, Razorbills old and young fishing about island. October 4th, young Razorbills in water by thousands; plentiful during October, all young. November 9th, Razorbills about rock in thousands.

Skelligs.—March 12th, first came on rock. August 14th (see under Puffin). December 10th, a number of young Razorbills about rock; remained all month. 17th, several old ones, and Guillemot to 31st.

Barrels Rock Light-ship.—May 30th to June 3d, flocks of "Murs" passing S.E. Noted also December 1st to 5th, and numerous flocks on December 10th going S.W.

Tearaght.—February 5th, Guillemots arrived on rock, 8 A.M.; wind strong S.E. August 9th, Guillemots and Razorbills all gone by this date.

Skelligs.—January 28th, first landed on rock; wind S.E., fresh. August 14th (see under Puffin). December 17th, several to 31st.

Mine Head.—March 28th, about half a dozen answering the description of Roche given in Morris' "Birds."

Fastnet.—April 12th, 7 A.M., about sixty alighted on the Little Fastnet. A most unusual occurrence. September 25th, an immense number, 6 to 8 A.M., close to rock; came from W., and left in a body for S.E.; misty, wind fresh S.W.

Barrels Rock Light-ship.—March 26th, two Sea Parrots at 5 P.M. drifting past; wind strong S.W.; the first seen. May 2d, Sea Parrots drifting past to E. 4th and 9th, constantly passing.

Rockabill.—December 14th, 11 A.M., a storm from E. Large numbers of "Puffins." [Probably Razorbills.]

Eagle Island, E.—March 26th to 31st, flocks of "Puffins and Sea Parrots" going W. April 3d and 29th, small flocks going W. October 13th to 18th, continuous flocks of Sea Parrots going W.; wind strong N.W.

Blackrock, Mayo.—April 11th, Puffins first arrived on water. 23d, first perched on rock.

Arran Island, N.—February 14th, several flocks of "Puffins" [?—R. M. B.] going N. Large flocks in May. In July and August, Puffins.

Tearaght.—March 25th, Puffins arrived in large numbers. August 15th, all gone by this date.

Valencia.—A few at intervals, June, July, and August. Four struck, August 12th, none killed.

Skelligs.—March 21st, first came on rock for about two hours, 4 P.M. April 2d, Puffins landed en masse, 3 P.M. wind strong S.W. August 6th, great numbers left. 14th, most of the birds left, except a few Puffins—night birds (Manx Shearwater)—and Mother Careys. 27th, all gone.

Dungarvan.—January 1st, 1887, three resting on water, calling loudly to each other; wind S.W., fresh.

Rockabill.—March 13th, a Northern Diver all day; wind light E. April 17th, one. November 4th, one about rock.

Mine Head.—April 19th, a few Crested Cormorants hatching on cliffs; thirty or forty of the common kind also hatching. They return to the cliffs in the evening summer and winter. They do not follow the coast line, but keep a straight course overland.

Innishtrahull.—January 15th, eleven on rocks; wind W., strong. October 6th, three. Cormorants are constantly here.

Dunree Head.—April 21st, a flock; also noted June 29th, September 23d, October 24th, November 10th, and from December 20th to 28th, in great numbers. On every occasion they were going N.

Broadhaven.—September 25th, twelve Green Cormorants and two hundred Cormorants.

Eagle Island, E.—April 2d, one. October 26th, may be seen almost daily; are residents.

Blackrock, Mayo.—January 26th, a strange Cormorant on rock 10 A.M. wind strong N.E. "Grey head with black band from base of beak to neck; white patch under eye, and deep green crest; rich bronze green back, and white patch on sides." February 26th, a strange Cormorant. April 1st and 10th, do. January 8th, 1887, two strange Cormorants. The male was the same as in January 1886; the female had breast dusky white, getting gradually brown up to the neck; back, the same as the Common Cormorant.

Fastnet.—April 18th, large flocks of Gannets seen since 1st inst. May 21st, three large flocks going N.W.; several of last year's birds among them. October 25th, several flocks.

Mine Head.—August 11th, one seen. None for a long time before this; scarce here.

Barrels Rock light-ship.—July 12th, three going W. September 22d, two going E. October 8th, odd Gannets going E. all day. December 1st to 5th, Gannets.

Arklow South Light-ship.—April 12th, flocks; 17th to 27th, one to ten at intervals flying N.E. May 1st, several going S.E. all day. August 22d and 23d, several flocks flying N.E. September 19th, large flock going N.E. Noted also 22d, 25th, and several on 26th flying S.W.

Arklow North Light-ship.—March 30th, flocks going N. April 13th to 20th, flocks going N. at intervals. May 1st, do.; 6th, large flocks going S. September 18th, flocks.

Kish Light-ship.—A few Gannets noted May 8th, 12th, June 3d, 18th, July 3d, 28th, and August 26th, generally going N.E.

Copeland (Mew) Island.—June 12th, twenty in vicinity. July 4th, some going S.

Innishtrahull.—March 12th, five going N.W.; wind light S.E.—the first seen this year. 28th, three. April 29th, a number fishing. October 4th, one Gannet. December 15th, none seen since October 4th.

Eagle Island, E.—March 26th and 31st, continuous flocks of Gannets going W. April 18th to 28th, forty to fifty fishing; 29th, small flock. October 13th to 18th, continuous flocks going W.; wind strong N.W. 27th, twenty.

Blackrock, Mayo.—January 24th, three Gannets—first seen for year. 26th, flocks going N. March 7th, seven—the last seen going N. 22d, flocks fishing about rock. September 20th, odd Gannets going S. 26th, small numbers passing S. during day; wind strong S. October 2d, great numbers passing S., flying low, and not fishing; wind strong S.E.

Arran Island, N.—February 16th, flocks all day going N. June 10th, very numerous all day. In July and August, Gannets in flocks.

Tearaght.—February 27th, Gannets going S. October 6th, hundreds of old and young close to rock. During October Gannets were plentiful; they came from N. about daylight; some remained until noon, and then went S.

Skelligs.—February 6th, first landed on the Little Skellig; wind fresh W. August 27th, still on Little Skellig. September 26th, Gannet left the Little Skellig.

Mine Head.—January 26th, one. June 13th, one passed S.W. September 4th, two flying high to S.; calm. 24th, one going N. November 3d, one.

Barrels Rock Light-ship.—July 27th, five "Cranes" going S.E. September 26th, two going W.

Rockabill.—July 16th, a "Crane" at 11 A.M. December 30th, one Heron 2 P.M., going W.

Arranmore.—June 28th, three Herons going S.E.; wind light S.W. December 19th, one.

Arran Island, N.—May 9th, one Heron on island; calm. June 6th, one. July 20th, one. August 1st, two.

Innishtrahull.—May 15th, one shot. November 4th, twenty-seven flying very high to S.; wind very strong S.W. November 25th, 30th, and December 2d, four to seven passing S.W. On November 26th, a large flock going N.E., and making a great noise. December 21st to 24th, six to eight about island, Brent Geese; stormy from S.W.

Tory Island.—Wild Geese, four to twenty-four noted January 6th, 10th, 11th, 24th, February 5th, and May 12th—in every case coming from N. and going S. January 25th, nine Barnacle on lake.

Rathlin O'Birne.—September 18th, eighteen Barnacle going S.—the first seen; earlier than usual; wind light N.E. 21st, seven going S.; never saw so many passing so early in season. December 23d, forty-five, two killed by keeper. January 5th, 1887, more Barnacle passed here this winter than for some years previous. They are apparently returning N. now, as several hundred passed on the 3d inst., and did not alight on island.

Broadhaven.—October 28th, a flock of Brent Geese going S.; wind S.E., strong. December 3d, great numbers of Wild Geese.

Eagle Island, B.—April 13th, large flock of Barnacle going N. 17th, a flock heard passing 11 P.M. October 19th, about a hundred Barnacle going S.W.; wind N.E., light. December 1st, one shot.

Blackrock, Mayo.—November 3d, one on rock shot. 25th, ten "Grey Lags or Grass Barnacle" about rock, six shot; some about lantern 11 P.M. gloomy.

Slyne Head, S.—October 6th, sixteen Barnacle going S.W.—the first this winter; noted also 22d and 26th. November 13th, three "young Barnacle," two shot. November 16th, eighteen.

Arran Island, N.—April 26th, five Wild Geese going N.E. November 6th to 9th, a few Barnacle noted.

Samphire Island.—January, February, and March, Barnacle and Wild Duck; they leave last week in April.

Dungarvan.—September 10th, thirteen on rock. 14th, large flock of Golden Widgeon—first this season. 30th, about forty Widgeon. November 27th, seven Teal; not plentiful here. December 1st, large flock of Common Duck; 27th, large flock of Teal.

Tuskar Rock.—November 27th, one Wild Duck at lantern at midnight; misty. December 19th, one on rock.

Arklow North Light-ship.—May 3d, flock going N. September 15th, three. October 20th, some Wild Ducks round ship.

Rockabill.—January 26th, Wild Duck passing W. March 15th, Wild Duck all day. June 5th, "Eider Duck and young" [?—R. M. B.]. October 29th, four Wild Duck 10 A.M.

Copeland (Mew) Island.—April 22d, two. August 3d, one and six young ones. 7th, one struck lantern 11 P.M.; wounded; very dark; wind light.

Rathlin Island.—April 3d, noon, three Eider Duck drifting W. 16th, seventeen Eider Duck on the water; wind light N. "The Eider Duck was seen here sixteen years ago." June 7th, two Sheldrake.

Tory Island.—Wild Duck, eight to ten, noted February 3d, March 17th and 30th, coming from N., going S.

Rathlin O'Birne.—December 31st, four on island; wind fresh S.E.; misty; one shot.

Arran Island, N.—January 14th, twelve Wild Duck; 21st, nine. April 24th, seven.

Samphire Island.—January, February, and March, Barnacle and Wild Duck; they leave last week in April.

Coningbeg Light-ship.—October 8th, 11 A.M., "two birds, fifty yards from ship, feeding on the water; light grey on back, and body white and black; bill from 1½ to 2 inches long."

Barrels Rock Light-ship.—October 4th, "A strange bird rested and flew N. It was about size of a Blackbird, had white wings and a white breast. Could not catch it."

Late in the autumn an immigration of the Greater Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopus major, Linn.) occurred. It is a very rare visitor to Ireland, and although not obtained at any light station the following records may be of interest:—

November 27th, one at Kilkeel, Co. Down. A second near Newry, Co. Down, about same date. A third at Glasslough, Co. Monaghan (see Zoologist, 1887, p. 75). A fourth at Newcastle, Co. Wicklow, in February 1887. This species is also recorded from Northumberland on 18th and 20th October.

Transcriber Note

Minor typos corrected. Possible variant spellings of Genera and Species mostly left as printed. As the Station Map image was missing from the collection for this volume, the image from the 1885 edition was utilized.