Chapter IV: Part 4

Gull, _Larus_.--Spring: At Great Castle Head, in January up to 20th, Gulls flew by. At Bull Point, from 11th to 26th, Sea Gulls (grey), flying rather high, S.W., with mod. breeze from N.W. At Nash, on 9th, a small flock of Gulls passed N., 11 a.m., light E.N.E. breeze. At Great Castle Head, March 14th and 18th, four and six Gulls flying S.S.E. and S.W. Autumn: At Nash, on Aug. 30th, a large flock of Gulls passed N.W. at 7 a.m., gentle E.N.E. breeze. At South Stack Gulls are reported as remaining till Aug. 29th. At Bideford hundreds of Common Gulls seen in September. At Bull Point, on Sept. 16th, a Black-backed Gull passed W.S.W., 10.15 a.m.; on 17th, at Morecambe, continuous flocks of Gulls, Black-headed, Grey, and different species. Thence to Oct. 19th. Flocks of Common Gulls and different species are constantly recorded; winds from N.N.E. to S.E. by S. (never directly E. or N., nor indeed N. of E.); greatest number Sept. 19th to 22nd inclusive. At Nash, Oct. 13th, a very large flock of Gulls and Crows seen inland from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., mod. W. breeze, very clear. The same on 27th, gentle E.N.E. breeze, mist. A great number passsed up and down the Channel from August to October, about sunrise flying N. and at sunset S. At Allonby, Nov. 14th, it is "noted for some time past a great quantity of Kittiwakes been on the coast." At Skerries also an unusual number of Kittiwakes this year; a few Gulls all the year. At Usk large flocks of Gulls seen occasionally through the window. At Bardsey Gulls resident; and at Menai always seen.

Skua, _Stercorarius catarrhactes_, Linn.--The only records from Morecambe on Sept. 18th, one following a flock of Gulls, and again on 19th and 20th; several on 22nd, in vicinity all day; 23rd, a dozen going W., 1.30 p.m., gloomy and misty; on 25th, 29th, and 30th a good many seen. In October, one seen on 23rd chasing Gulls; on 8th, one going S., gentle E.N.E. breeze; the latest notice on 11th, a few chasing Gulls.

Petrel, _Procellaria pelagica_, Linn.--On Sept. 23rd, at Godrevy, one struck, 9.30 p.m. (not killed), mod. S.S.E. breeze, clear. At Morecambe, Nov. 22nd, a Stormy Petrel flying W., 2.30 p.m., mod. W. gale. At St. Tudwal's, Jan. 8th, 1882, four Stormy Petrels rested under lee of rocks, 3.30 p.m., mod. W. gale.

Razorbill, _Alca torda_, Linn.--From South Stack we hear Razorbills left after breeding in the beginning of August, At St. Bees the beginning of this year (1882), a bird was picked up dead on the shore, which, from the description and a sketch made by Mr. Pizey, P.K., I identified as a Razorbill.

Guillemot, _Lomvia troile_, Linn.--At South Stack they are mentioned in same note as Razorbills as leaving in beginning of August. At Holyhead, Sept. 1st, large flocks of Guillemots and Puffins, fresh N.E. breeze, clear. At Milford, on same date, it is noted that "several during the past week struck the lantern windows at night; they annually do so at this time and no other." At Morecambe, Sept. 20th, a great number of Divers (? Guillemots), with Gulls and Skuas, and so to 26th, when a few Divers throughout the day. At Hartland Point diving birds were observed near the shore in January, 1882. At Skerries Guillemots and Puffins are reported as remaining nearly the year round. (But if not all the year, when do they leave and when return? Could this be noticed for next year's report?)

Puffin, _Fratercula arctica_, Linn.--At Holyhead, Sept. 1st, large flocks with Guillemots. At Morecambe, Sept. 28th, small flocks of Gulls and Puffins continuous, and, on Oct. 1st to 28rd, flocks with Gulls seen in vicinity.

Birds unknown.--At Hartland Point, Oct. 27th, grey bird at midnight struck the lantern, fresh E. breeze. At Bardsey Mr. Bowen says grey birds, &c., are resident. Are Grey Crows meant? At Air, Oct. 29th, flocks of birds unknown passed before daylight, mod. N.E. breeze. At Scilly, Oct. 18th, a few migrants later part of the month. At Morecambe, Oct. 20th, small flocks of small birds going E.S.E., 8.30 a.m., strong S.E. by E. breeze, clear, a little misty.

Additional Remarks.

Holyhead, Menai, and St. Bees are reported as unfavourable stations for observation. From Bull Point Mr. Knott writes:--"Very few birds to be seen. It is a north aspect; more to be seen with a south aspect." And from Great Castle Head Mr. Spicer writes:--"This being an inland lighthouse there is scarcely a bird to be seen for days, and then by chance you might see some away in the fields."

Most of the stations report scarcity in comparison with other years, as South Stack, Lundy, Caldy, Usk, Burnham, and Trevose Head; the decrease appears to be ascribed to the mildness of the season. Whether this be the real or the main cause of a like scarcity or not from the following stations may be an open question; but I give the opinion of the observers, and they do not speak of it as the record of this year's observations alone, _viz._, Longships, from which Mr. Jones writes:--"Very few cases of birds coming against our lantern since (of late years) the light is red towards the shore." From Burnham it is reported "Birds very rarely strike, the lantern glass being only eight feet by four feet." And from Skerries report I extract the following:--"There is a small quantity of birds in comparison with years prior to introduction of fog-horn (see also Rep. 1880, p. 119). In thick and foggy weather during November and February great quantities were always seen, chiefly Starlings, with Blackbirds, Thrushes, Wheatears, Larks, &c. On one occasion I saw our lantern gallery full, and at the base of the tower the quantity killed necessitated the use next morning of the wheelbarrow to remove them to the garden for manure. On one occasion a monster pie, made by workmen employed here, contained two hundred Larks, besides other smaller birds. But since the fog-horn has been sounded in thick weather birds coming to the light have been few, though many seen and heard in the air."--H. Knott.

From the same station Mr. Garret, P.K., writes:--"These birds (Sea Swallows, which breed on the island) seem to take no notice of the fog-horn, while others, such as Starlings, Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, &c., keep off while the horn is sounding, so that very few are seen round the lantern now, while formerly, in thick or misty weather during February and November, the lantern-gallery would be full of birds; each on striking would drop into the gallery and remain till daylight, when, if not too much injured, they would fly; but with strong winds a great number, chiefly Starlings, would be killed."

It is easy to believe that the hideous sound of a fog-horn, till the birds get used to it, will keep them at a distance. That birds recognise landmarks cannot, I think, be doubted, and possibly a complete change in colour of a light they have grown accustomed to may for a time make them suspicious of it. I think that if a light be placed in a new, and not altogether unfavourable, situation, birds will be attracted to it, because, though not yet accustomed to see it in that spot, they will recognise it as a resting-place and sign of land. From some light-keepers I have heard that years ago (the lighthouse then not long erected) the slaughter among birds was much greater than now. Of course the nature of the season would partly account for this, but I think also that the unaccustomed light might attract many a weary wanderer to an untimely death. That birds profit by experience cannot, I think, be doubted, and I expect that the unrestrained destruction of them along a particular route will gradually effect a change in their ways. I believe that the scarcity now for some years generally noticed may be due in a measure to the ruthless destruction met with at certain points on the Continent in their line of annual flight.

Fresh instances are constantly occurring which show the relation between the movements of birds and the state of the weather. In connection with this point I quote the words of Mr. Nicholas, keeper at Nash E., who writes:--"I've noticed whenever there is a lot of Gulls and Crows inland, it indicates a gale. I first noticed this Oct. 13th; on 14th there was a whole gale. I have since that date observed the same thing before every gale."

The prevailing winds on this coast were:--From August to Sept. 17th, easterly; thence, to Sept. 29th, gentle to mod. W.; thence, to Oct. 8th, E., _viz._, mod. S.E. and E. to 5th, then with more or less of N. On and after 9th, W. till 14th, with touch of N. and strong; on 16th a whole gale, E., thence, to 24th, S.E., strong breezes; after which, to the end of the month, E. and N.E.

Birds have not been noticed in such large flocks as last year, and there have been but faint traces of rushes. No rare birds are reported.

The most decided and general movement took place between Oct. 16th and 27th; after October, except among the Anatidæ, the occurrences being very scarce. The chief occurrences in September were Wrens, Wagtails, Swallows, and Finches; and in October Starlings, Sky Larks, and the _Turdidæ_.

In the autumnal migration the difference in date of arrival, as compared with last year, may be worth marking. So far as our records show the Redwing was first noticed a month later, the Blackbird six weeks, and Thrush three weeks, the Sky Lark a month, Goldcrest twelve days, Wheatear and Greenfinch five days, the Golden Plover fourteen days. The following are recorded earlier: the Meadow Pipit by two weeks. Swallow seventeen days, Starling nineteen days, Wagtail, Chaffinch, and Linnet a few days. Of the Anatidæ, Ducks are noticed a few days earlier, Geese considerably later.

It is difficult to say anything positive as to direction of flight, which is too seldom noted; in case of the Turdidæ scarcely at all. This in part is owing to many of the instances occurring at night in the dark. So far as I can make out all birds here follow the coast line very clearly. The main direction, to judge from the scant records in September, was southerly; in October one or two directly E.; the rest E., with more or less of N. With a few marked exceptions the movement has in almost every species been noticed at the southerly stations first, and appears gradually to have extended N. Whether this be accidental or a rule can only be decided by continued and careful observations from all the stations. Of the _Anatidæ_ and water-birds the most frequent records are in October, and the direction S.W. and S., sometimes S.E.; but between Dec. 2nd to 11th, at Morecambe Bay, they passed N.W. After 11th to end of December S.W.

The best filled returns have this year been received from Morecambe Bay, Skerries, and Nash E. These observers have also given the fullest information; Nash especially in showing the direction of flight, a matter concerning which information is very desirable.

As to the circumstances under which the movement takes place, as affecting the flight or the striking of birds, &c., the reports bear out the conclusions previously expressed. Last year Mr. Bowen (Bardsey) referred to flight of birds before the wind (Rep., p. 119); Mr. Knott now writes from Skerries, "Many birds are killed in strong winds, as they then fly with greater force, and almost invariably in the same direction as the wind." Still the evidence shows that birds, as a rule, migrate with the wind on the shoulder, and not strong. When they do fly with the wind, and the wind strong, it is probably because they have been taken by surprise, and are unable to save themselves.

IRISH COAST: AUTUMN.

Printed schedules were forwarded to forty light stations around the coast. Thirty stations replied by returning the schedules wholly or partially filled with daily entries, or by sending letters remarking on the absence of migratory birds or on their general movements.

To the Commissioners of Irish Lights we are indebted for the facilities afforded us in conducting this enquiry. We have to thank Captain Boxer, R.N., Inspector of Irish Lights, for his friendly co-operation--his knowledge of the coast and intimate acquaintance with the light stations rendered his advice and assistance especially valuable.

On the whole the returns have been as satisfactory as was anticipated; some of the schedules have been carefully filled, and although others contain very few entries, this is to be accounted for rather by the absence of migratory birds than by any unwillingness on the part of the light-keepers to assist us. When we remember their many and various duties, and that the observations are entirely voluntary, there is reason to be well contented with the first attempt of this kind to collect information on the Irish coast; and we return our sincere thanks to all the lighthouse-keepers who have given their time and attention to the subject.

The entries in all the schedules have been collected under each day of the month as they occur; this method of arrangement shows the movements of all birds as entered on each day, and the number of observations on that day. The effect of the weather on the migratory movement can thus be studied, and the general direction of flight of the various species compared.

The daily weather-charts show last winter to have been exceptional in the number and violence of the cyclonic disturbances, which moved generally in a north-easterly direction along our west coasts; but the entries in the schedules are too few to generalise or draw any conclusions regarding the influence of the successive storms on the migratory movement.

A table showing the days on which entries were made in the schedules has been drawn up in, the hope that, if the extent of the migratory movement on any particular day varied with the number of entries, some inference could be drawn; but here also generalisation is premature.

In a few returns names are given to birds from which it is not easy to identify the species, and occasionally there is reason to fear one species has been mistaken for another. In all cases, however, the name entered in the schedule has been allowed to stand without comment.

The general remarks of the light-keepers are given consecutively, and as contributions to the Ornithology of the lighthouses they are interesting.

A table showing the number of birds striking each lantern, the number of daily entries in each return, the number of species of birds mentioned in each schedule in the daily entries, the height of each lantern above high-water mark, and its approximate distance from the mainland is given.

Whatever results are obtained from this investigation, they will only be arrived at by patiently collecting observations for some years. If the light-keepers continue to assist us, this can readily be done--without their co-operation annually we are helpless.

Alexander G. More.
Richard M. Barrington.

Names of Stations to which Schedules were sent in the Autumn of 1881.

No. of Height of
Birds No. of species lantern Miles
No. and name of light-station, striking daily in above from
and situation on coast. lantern. entries. entries. sea-level. shore.

1. Fastnet, Co. Cork 9 10 5 148 ft. 8
2. Galley Head, do. -- 6 4 174 --
3. Old Head, Kinsale, do. 5 2 2 236 --
4. Mine Head, Waterford -- 3 4 285 --
5. Coningbeg Lt.-ship, Wexford 2 3 2 38 10
6. Barrels Rock, do. 1 26 11 ? 4
7. Tuskar, do. large
numbers 12 18 101 7
8. Arklow S. Lt.-ship, Wicklow -- 17 4 39 7
9. Wicklow Head, do No reply.
10. Kish Bank Lt.-ship, Dublin -- 18 5 36 7
11. Howth Baily, do. -- 12 6 134 --
12. Rockabill, do. 13 8 10 148 5
13. Copeland Island, Down -- 18 24 131 3
14. Maidens, Antrim No reply.
15. Rathlin, do. -- 35 11 243 6
16. Innishtrahull, Donegal 3 7 12 181 6
17. Dunree Head, do. -- -- -- 150 1
18. Lough Swilly, do. No reply.
19. Tory Island, do. -- 1 1 130 9
20. Arranmore, do. -- 16 2 233 5
21. Rathlin O'Birne, do. 1 17 6 116 2
22. Killybegs, do. No reply.
23. Oyster Island, N., Sligo -- 15 5 40 1
24. Broadhaven, Mayo -- 18 3 87 --
25. Eagle Island E., do. -- -- -- 220 2
26. Eagle Island W., do. -- -- -- 220 2
27. Blackrock, do. Numbers -- -- 283 9
28. Blacksod Point, do. No reply.
29. Clare Island, do. -- 17 7 341 4
30. Slyne Head N., Galway 12 12 9 115 8
31. Slyne Head S., do. 4 5 5 104 3
32. Arran Island N., do. -- 17 4 115 9
33. Straw Island, do. No reply.
34. Arran Island S., do. 6 7 6 110 6
35. Loop Head, Clare No reply.
36. Samphire Island, Kerry Do.
37. Tearaght, do. Do.
38. Valentia, do. -- -- -- 54 --
39. Skelligs, do. -- -- -- 175 9
40. Calf Rock, Cork Destroyed in storm, Nov. 1881.

Table showing Date on which Entries were made in Schedules, with No. of Station making same.

Nos. and Names of Stations.

1. Fastnet
2. Galley Head
3. Old Head, Kinsale
4. Mine Head
5. Coningbeg Lt.-ship
6. Barrels Rock, do.
7. Tuskar
8. Arklow S. Lt.-ship.
10. Kirk Bank, do.
11. Howth Baily
12. Rockabill
13. Copeland Island
15. Rathlin
16. Innishtrahull
17. Dunree Head
19. Tory Island
20. Arranmore
21. Rathlin O'Birne
23. Oyster Island N.
24. Broadhaven
25. Eagle Island E.
26. Eagle Island W.
27. Black Rock (Mayo)
29. Clare Island
30. Slyne Head N.
31. Slyne Head S.
32. Arran Island N.
34. Arran Island S.
38. Valentia
39. Skelligs

Day of
Month. September. October. November.

1st 15 6, 8 12, 21
2nd 15, 31, 32 1, 10, 11, 13, 15, 23, 32 12, 15, 24, 34
3rd 2, 8, 15, 29, 82 8, 10
4th 8, 15 12, 15, 23, 24
5th 29, 30 6, 8, 15, 31 7, 10
6th 1, 29 6, 10, 24
7th 8, 11, 15, 32 30 6, 15, 32
8th 6, 8, 32 6, 13, 23 10, 16
9th 6, 8 6 11
10th 10, 13, 15, 29, 34 11, 12, 13, 15, 19, 23 15, 29, 30
11th 6, 10 1, 16 23
12th 7, 29, 30, 32 6, 10, 11, 16, 21, 23, 32 15, 30
13th 8, 32 6, 32 10
14th 2, 8, 3 21, 32
15th 8, 11, 13, 21 20, 24 13, 29
16th 6, 8, 13 15, 21, 32 11, 15
17th 13, 23 15 15
18th 6, 7, 16, 8 6, 12, 20 5, 10, 13, 23
19th 7, 8 6, 31, 32 21
20th 23, 29, 30 6, 11, 15, 29, 82 2, 5, 17, 30
21st 6, 7, 13, 21 6, 13, 21, 34 5
22nd 8, 13, 31 31 34
23rd 8, 11, 21 7, 16, 23 6, 15
24th 21 3, 6, 7, 21
25th 1, 8 6, 7, 23, 29, 30, 32, 34 7, 29
26th 6, 29, 34 1, 7, 15, 21, 29 6, 16
27th 8 6, 7, 12, 15, 32 15, 16, 29
28th 8, 13 6, 7, 10, 12, 32 21, 23
29th 1, 15 2
30th 7, 11, 18 11, 30 30
31st 34

Day of
Month. December. January.

1st 15, 21, 24, 80 10
2nd 24
3rd 2, 4 1, 13, 24
4th 6, 21, 29
5th 1
6th 21 21
7th 15 1
8th 24 1, 10, 24
9th 24
10th 10, 15, 24, 29, 31
11th 4, 28, 30
12th 3, 4, 15, 24 21, 24
13th 23
14th 11
15th 15
16th 7
17th 2, 13
18th 15, 24
19th
20th
21st 15
22nd
23rd
24th 13, 15, 24
25th 24
26th
27th 10, 29
28th 13, 15
29th 24
30th 24
31st

General Remarks of Light-Keepers.

1. _Fastnet._--"Very few birds came on or passed the rock this winter. It must be in consequence of bad weather on this coast. No sea birds build nests near this station."--John Tottenham.

2. _Galley Head._--"This is one of the worst stations I have been at for birds; in fact we think it rare to see any only those that are natives of the place. This year they are very scarce. The Starling has not come down to us from the mountains yet."--John Whelan.

3. _Old Head, Kinsale._--"No birds, only the above (_i. e._, five Golden-crested Wrens on Oct. 24th, and several flocks of Lapwings on Dec. 12th) have appeared in the vicinity this season. The Gannet usually proceeds to the eastward in August and September, and flies westward from January to March. The Guillemots, Razorbills, Cormorants, Kittiwake, and Herring Gulls all arrive here to breed in March, and depart in August and September."--John Dunleary.

4. _Mine Head._--"Birds of all descriptions were not so scarce at this station for the last seven years as during the year 1881."--Joseph Hammond.

5. _Coningbeg Light-ship._--"There were no birds about the station in the month of December, or up to the 20th of January, with the exception of a few Sea Gulls each day."--Patrick Cullen.

6. _Barrels Rock Light-ship._--General remarks none, but a full schedule of daily entries.--Joseph Oxford.

7. _Tuskar._--General remarks, none. A full schedule.--Richard Hamilton.

8. _Arklow, South, Light-ship._--General remarks, none. A full schedule.--William Shea.

9. _Wicklow Head._--No reply.

10. _Kish Bank Light-ship._--"Less birds passed the station this winter than ever. No birds have been killed by striking our lantern for some years."--William Daly.

11. _Howth Baily._--General remarks, none.--Joseph Brownell.

12. _Rockabill._--"Sept. 1st. Received schedule; a great number of different species of Gulls in vicinity of Rock, and on smaller rock called the Bill, from about the second week in August to the third week in September, when they almost entirely disappeared. Cannot name the species; there were also Puffins, and occasionally two or three Gannets. This is an annual occurrence, but not always at the same time. Birds have been unusually scarce this season. Since stormy weather set in early in November no birds have been about the Rock, except a few Sand Larks, and a few Gulls, Puffins, and Cormorants flying about this and the smaller rock during a storm."--William Dunne.

13. _Copeland Island._--"There were no birds struck the light this winter owing to the strong gales which prevailed."--Henry Williams.

14. _The Maidens._--No reply.

15. _Rathlin Island._--A second schedule partly filled. Remark:--"The Sea Parrot begins to arrive for the purpose of cleaning out its nest on March 17th, and then goes away until the 1st of April, when the different species of sea birds commence to arrive for the season. They begin to go away about 1st of August, and finally disappear by the end of the month."--John A. Murray.

16. _Innishtrahull._--"September, Gannet daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Curlew daily. The 'Grey' Gull, 'Little' Gull, Black-backed or Royal Gull, Common Gull, and Grey Crow remain on the island all the year. Gulls nidify on the rock called Torr near the island; Grey Crows nidify on the island. In November flocks of twelve to twenty Starlings daily. Owing to this winter being very stormy little birds of any sort visited the island. During the months of January and February, 1881, a great number of Woodcock and Snipe were killed here."--W. H. James.

17. _Dunree Head._--Daily entry, none. Remark:--"I beg to state there are no migrations of birds to be seen at this station, except Cormorants; they remain the year, round, also a small number of Sea Gulls. No other birds resort or pass this station."--John Stapleton.

18. _Lough Swilly._--No reply.

19. _Tory Island._--"The Petrel, Raven, Common Sandpiper, Common Guillemot, Black Guillemot, Razorbill, Diver, Puffin, Cormorant, Kittiwake, Common Gull, Herring Gull breed on the east end of the island, and are annually decreasing. Breed in larger numbers on Horn Head. Have not observed birds migrating. No birds struck the lantern this winter. Have not observed the Gannet or other sea birds taking a continuous flight."--Thomas Sweeney.

20. _Arranmore._--"Barnacle Geese generally commence to come from the north on the 15th or 16th of October in flocks averaging four to eighty, that being the most counted in one flock. They pass at intervals of from two to twelve hours both day and night until the end of the month, when they cease. They commence to appear again on the 10th or 12th of April, coming from south, but in larger flocks and shorter intervals. No other species but Gannet and Barnacle resort this locality."--John Walsh.

21. _Rathlin O'Birne._--"Sky Larks, Titlarks, and Stonechats continued arriving in numbers of two, four, and six until about the 10th of May. At that time there were about twenty of each species on the island. They nidificated on the island. By the 10th of September the Sky Larks had departed; by the 20th of October the Titlarks had departed; by the 16th of November the Stonechats had departed. None of these species were observed after that date until Dec. 22nd, when five or six Titlarks returned, and are here still. On June the 3rd twelve to fourteen Common Terns alighted on a small island outside lighthouse, nidificated, and left about Aug. 1st. Sea Gulls nidificated on small island above referred to, and one pair of 'sepoys' on this island. In July several pairs of Skua Gulls passed, and some remained in vicinity. Curlew frequent this island from 1st of May until 1st of October. They come at night time, and leave the following day generally. Unless with frosty and snowy weather, Starlings, Snipes, Woodcocks, Blackbirds, or Thrushes do not visit. Sandpipers and Jack Curlew are about the shores all the year round. No Gannets seen since Nov. 8th. Sea Gulls in vicinity all the year. Barnacle continue coming and departing until about Feb. 15th. No Starling or Snipe visited since last winter."--Joseph Hill.

22. _Killybegs._--No reply.

23. _Oyster Island, North._--"From the middle of October to the last week in November several large flocks of Gulls were to be seen in the bay after herrings, principally of the Kittiwake species, with a few large Grey Gulls and an occasional Royal or Black-backed Gull; also large flocks of Puffins, which all left when the herrings disappeared. Large flocks of Barnacle and Wigeon arrive in this locality early in October, and remain until latter end of March, passing to and fro to feeding-ground according to tide, besides those going further south."--John Young.

24. _Broadhaven._--"The above (_i.e._, Barnacle, Wild Geese, Wild Duck, and Solan Geese) are the only description of birds seen in the locality; they are generally passing inland, and at times alight near the lighthouse to feed on the swampy land. No Sea Gulls build near this station, but a few come into the harbour in the summer months after the fry of fish."--Joseph Williams.

25. _Eagle Island, East._--No entry in schedule. Remark:--"Up to the present no birds are visible, only on occasions when fish are seen on the surface of the water, and these are Gannets and large-sized Gulls. I have not noticed any kind of birds pass or rest at this station in their flight of migration."--Robert Redmond.

26. _Eagle Island, West._--No entry in schedule. Remark:--"This island is very small, and the adjacent shores being all bog for miles inland very few birds alight on island. The Stonechatter is to be seen here all the year round. In May the sea-fowl come round the island in great numbers; as a rule they go gradually to the south, following shoals of fish, and very few are to be seen during the winter months. To-day (Jan. 15th, 1882) I have seen a few Gannets and Sea Gulls flying about. No birds have struck the lantern since my arrival at this station eighteen months since."--Mathew Healy.

27. _Black Rock (Mayo)._--No daily entry, but schedule filled by following general remarks:--"Gannets seen passing south all the year round, most seen in calm weather, ten to twenty in each flight. Puffins from April 15th to Aug. 15th; build on the Rock. Cormorants here all the year round; build on the Rock. Kittiwake Gulls build on an island three miles away; also Royal Gulls. Small Gulls, commonly called 'Wheelons,' build on the Rock. Barnacles here from October to March. Two 'Falcon Hawks' build on an island three miles away; here all the year round. Two 'Sparrowhawks' seen in the mornings. Rooks, in flocks of 100 to 500, mostly seen in snow and frosty weather. Starlings from September to March, morning and evening, 1000 to 5000 in a flock, seen with all winds, mostly in frosty weather; hundreds killed against lantern. 'Missel Thrushes' from November to March, 50 to 100 in each flock, most in frosty weather; seen at all hours; a large number killed. Snipe from November to March in flocks of two to four, in frost and snow; some killed. Woodcocks from November to March in frost and snow; some killed. Curlews, twenty to thirty in a flock, from daylight till dark; seen all the year round. Wrens seen very seldom in the spring. Blackbirds only seen in frosty weather; some killed by striking lantern. 'Titmouses' seen in all weathers; build on the Rock. Stormy Petrels from March to September, at all hours of the night; build on the Rock. Larks in flocks of 100 to 300, only seen in frosty weather; a large number killed by striking glass. I have seen some strange birds rest here on their passage to the mainland, but do not know their names. I have seen a Hoopoe on one occasion rest here. There has been a species of Sea Gull of a deep cream-colour on the coast last August, supposed to be a North American bird. I have seen large flights of Rooks rest here after coming in from the sea in a S.W. direction, which seemed so much fatigued that they would fall over after resting, and remain to be caught."--Martin Kennedy.

28. _Blacksod Point._--No reply.

29. _Clare Island._--"The following varieties of birds build their nests round the cliffs here; they come on the 1st of April and leave about the 20th of August:--Guillemots, Razorbills, Puffins, Kittiwakes."--James Reilly.

30. _Slyne Head (North)._--"The 'Purr' is the only sea-bird that breeds near this station. They arrive in April and depart in August. The arrival of birds to this island during the past autumn and winter was very few in comparison with other years, and the only reason I can assign for it is that we had very little snow. During the snow of 1880 we had large flocks of Starlings, Thrushes, and Blackbirds arriving daily from the east."--John Gillan.

31. _Slyne Head (South)._--No general remarks. Schedule partly filled.--William Callaghan.

32. _Arran Island, North._--"The only birds seen in the vicinity of this station since July are the Gannet, the Royal or Black-backed Gull, and the Common Gull. They do not breed on this island, as it is low and flat. The Gulls breed on the cliffs of the large island of Arran and cliffs of the Co. Clare. Do not know dates of arrival or departure. The Gannets and Gulls that visit this station come from the direction of the Co. Clare, remain during the day, and return in the evening. No flocks seen after Nov. 7th."--John Kelly.

33. _Straw Island._--No reply.

34. _Arran Island, South._--"Have never known less birds strike the lantern."--Francis Ryan.

35. _Loop Head._--No reply.

36. _Samphire Island._--No reply.

37. _Tearaght._--No reply.

38. _Valentia._--"I have been at this station 4-1/2 years, and have never seen any birds migrating or resorting this locality except sea-birds, such as Gannet, Puffin, Cormorants, &c. They are not very numerous, and seldom visit except from August to the end of October. Very few land-birds visit here, except in severe frosts and snow in winter; then the Starling, Thrush, Blackbird, Lark, &c., come down from the mountains. Hundreds of Starlings, Thrushes, and Curlews died last January in this locality by severe frost and snow. There are not any birds strike this lantern. Very few strike land-lights, but on the South Maiden lighthouse I have seen hundreds of Starlings, Thrushes, and Blackbirds strike and kill themselves in one night, and frequently Snipe and Woodcock. On the Tuskar Rock lighthouse I have counted twelve hundred killed in one night, and hundreds more fell into the sea that we did not get. At Rockabill lighthouse also I have got great numbers killed, and frequently four and six Teal or small duck, and Snipe and Woodcock. I have not seen since I came to this station one Wild Duck or Goose, nor any flock of migrating birds. I have kept a good look-out for the last two months, and have not seen any birds except a few Gannets and Sea Gulls."--Thomas McKenna.

39. _Skelligs._--No entry in schedule. Remark:--"The only birds observed at present in this locality are a few Gannets and Sea Gulls occasionally."--Henry Gardiner.

40. _Calf Rock._ No reply. Destroyed by storm in Nov., 1881.

Daily Entries in Schedules, Sept., 1881, to Jan., 1882.

SEPTEMBER.

1_st._--Rathlin Island, eighty Swallows, 10 a.m., wind light S.E., clear; hovered about. Twenty-six Gannets, 11.30 a.m., going E.

2_nd._--Rathlin Island, eight Gannets, 5.30 a.m., wind light E., clear, going E. Slyne Head South, continuous flocks of Gannets, 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., wind light S.E., clear, came from S.W.; remained for three months. Arran Island North, about 200 Gulls, 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., wind N.E., calm, clear.

3_rd._--Galley Head, Teal Duck, number not known, 1 a.m., flying N.E., wind N.E. fresh breeze, clear. Arklow South Lt.-ship, nine Gannets, 8.15 a.m., wind light E.N.E., gloomy, passing N.E. Rathlin Island, 200 Starlings, 10.25 a.m., wind light S.E., cloudy, old birds remained on island. Clare Island, large flock of Grey Linnets, 6 a.m., wind light E., clear, going S.E. Arran Island North, 200 Gulls different species all day, wind light S.E.

4_th._--Arklow South Lt.-ship, two Gannets, 1.10 p.m., wind light E.N.E., cloudy, passing N.E. Rathlin Island, seven Gannets, 12 noon, wind strong N.E., misty, going E.

5_th._--Clare Island, large flock of Grey Linnets, 7 a.m., wind fresh E.N.E., blue sky, going S. Slyne Head North, fifty Starlings, 10 p.m., wind fresh E., misty, three killed.

6_th._--No entry.

7_th._--Arklow South Lt.-ship, four Starlings, 10.15 a.m., wind light W., cloudy, passing inland N.W. Howth Daily, six Cormorants flying N., 11 a.m., wind light W., clear. Rathlin Island, forty Linnets, 11 a.m., wind light N.E., cloudy, going N. Arran Island North, twenty to thirty Gannets, 5 p.m., wind light N.W.

8_th._--Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, five Gannets, 5.10 a.m., wind light N.N.W., clear, going W.; four Gannets at 3 p.m., going W. Arklow South Lt.-ship, four Gannets, 7 a.m., wind very light N.W., clear, passing N.E.; three Gannets, 9.50 a.m., going same direction. Arran Island North, thirty to forty Gannets all day, wind light N.W.

9_th._--Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, flocks of Linnets and Gulls, 12.50 p.m. to 3.50 p.m., wind light N.N.E., showery; Linnets going N.E., Gulls W. Arklow South Lt.-ship, five Gannets, 5.15 a.m., wind fresh N.N.E., cloudy, going N.; four Gannets, 11.45 a.m., going N.E.

10_th._--Kish Bank Lt.-ship, two Chaffinches, 7 a.m., wind mod. N.E., gloomy. Copeland Island, four Herons, 10 a.m., wind N.E., clear, coming S.; Starlings all day, breed here; Terns breed on Mew Island, come in May. Rathlin Island, one Curlew, 9.30 a.m., wind light S.E., rain. Clare Island, small flocks of Rooks, 2 p.m., wind light N., fine, going N.W. Arran Island South, thirty Starlings, 3.30 p.m., wind light N.E., clear, old birds going E.

11_th._--Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, flock of "grey" Gulls, 5.25 a.m., wind light E.N.E., clear, going E. Kish Bank Lt.-ship, one Chaffinch alighted on ship, 11.15 a.m., wind light N., hazy.

12_th._--Tuskar, thirty Wrens, Titmice, and Goldcrests, 6 a.m., wind light N.E., overcast, gloomy. Clare Island, flock of Grey Linnets, 7 a.m., wind fresh E., cloudy, going S.E. Slyne Head North, ten Swallows, 9 a.m., wind light N., clear; a large number of Gannets, 1 p.m. Arran Island North, large flocks of Gulls, wind fresh N.E., clear; also on Sept. 13th.

13_th._--Arklow South Lt.-ship, four Gannets, 7.45 a.m., wind very light N.W., gloomy, going N.E.

14_th._--Galley Head, Duck, number not known, 3 a.m., wind W. strong breeze, clear, flying W. Arklow South Lt.-ship, two Gannets, 6 a.m., wind light N.E., cloudy, going N.E.; five Gannets, 8.25 a.m., going in same direction; three Titlarks, 8.40 a.m., passing inland N.W. Copeland Island, thirteen Herring Gulls, 4 p.m., wind light N., clear; also six Gannets; both after fry and fish.

15_th._--Arklow South Lt.-ship, one flock of Titlarks, 7.40 a.m., wind light N.N.E., clear, passing N.W.; five Gannets, 8 a.m., passing N.E. Howth Baily, continuous flocks of Gulls and Puffins flying N. and S., 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., wind light N.W., clear. Copeland Island, fifteen Lapwings, remained all day between Mew and Copeland Islands. Rathlin Island, forty Black Crows, 2 p.m., wind very strong S.W., cloudy, going S.

16_th._--Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, about thirty Swallows, 11 a.m., wind very light E.N.E., clear, going N.E. Arklow South Lt.-ship, six Gannets, 7.30 a.m., wind light N.E., cloudy, passing N.E. Copeland Island, twenty-three Gannets, 4 p.m., wind light S.E., clear, coming from Ailsa Craig.

17_th._--Copeland Island, fourteen Grey Linnets, 3 p.m., wind light S.S.W., rain, remained some time. Oyster Island North, twenty Wigeon going S.E., 11 a.m., wind mod. S.E., clear.

18_th._--Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, flock of Grey Gulls, 5.10 p.m., wind very light N.N.E., clear, going W. Tuskar, one Owl, 8 a.m., wind light N., cloudy. Arklow South Lt.-ship, one flock of Swallows, 6.20 a.m., wind fresh N.E., gloomy, passing N.N.W. Innishtrahull, four Lapwings, 12 noon, wind light N., clear.

19_th._--Tuskar, about 1000 Gulls alighted 6 a.m., left 7 a.m., wind light S.W., cloudy, gloomy, appeared young; 12.30 p.m., a large flock of Gulls going S. Arklow South Lt.-ship, five Gannets, 8 a.m., wind light W.S.W., cloudy, passing N.E.; four Swallows, 9.20 a.m., passing N.W.

20_th._--Oyster Island North, about 100 Barnacles, 9.30 a.m., wind strong S., clear, going S. Clare Island, large flock of Wild Ducks, 2 p.m., wind strong W., overcast, rain, going E. Slyne Head North, one Snipe, 3 a.m., wind fresh S., showers, killed.

21_st._--Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, flock of "grey" Gulls, 9.30 a.m., wind light W.N.W., showery, going N. Tuskar, a large flock of Skua Gulls alighted 5 a.m., wind light N., overcast, rain, appeared old birds. Copeland Island, one young Corn Crake, wind strong E.S.E., "reared on Copeland Island." Rathlin O'Birne, about fifteen Gannets, 10 a.m., wind strong N., rain, remained in vicinity until Oct. 14th.

22_nd._--Arklow South Lt.-ship, one flock of Swallows, 7.15 a.m., wind very light N.W., clear, passing S.W. Copeland Island, Sept. 22nd to 26th, between these dates Terns which come to breed on Mew Island all left. Slyne Head South, nine Curlews flew to N.E., wind fresh W.S.W., gloomy.

23_rd._--Arklow South Lt.-ship, one flock of Swallows, 6 a.m., wind very light E., gloomy, passing N.W. Howth Baily, eight Gannets flying S., 12.30 p.m., wind fresh S., clear. Rathlin O'Birne, continuous flocks of Puffins, 10 a.m., wind light S.E., overcast, went southwards, continued passing until Oct. 1st.

24_th._--Rathlin O'Birne, continuous flocks of Sea Gulls arrived 10 a.m., wind light S.E., overcast, came from N., remained in vicinity.

25_th._--Fastnet, small flocks of Starlings flying N.E. to land, 2 p.m., wind light W., passing showers, two young ones struck lantern. Arklow South Lt.-ship, nine Gannets, 7 to 7.30 a.m., wind light W., clear, passing N.E.; six Swallows, 9.15 a.m., passing N.W.

26_th._--Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, flocks of Grey Gulls, 3.10 p.m., wind light W.N.W., clear, going S. Clare Island, large flock of Puffins, 3 p.m., wind fresh S.S.W., cloudy, going W. Arran Island South, fifty Starlings, 8.15 a.m., wind fresh W.N.W., clear.

27_th._--Arklow South Lt.-ship, four Gannets, 8 a.m., wind light W.S.W., cloudy, passing S.W.

28_th._--Arklow South Lt.-ship, ten Gannets, 6.45 a.m., wind very light S.W., cloudy, passing N.E. Copeland Island, thirteen Black Crows, 10 a.m., wind light S.W., fine, going W.

29_th._--Fastnet, two "Stone Chatters," 4 p.m., wind light S., misty, on rock all night, left in morning. Rathlin Island, thirty Gannets, 3 p.m., wind light S.E., clear, going N.

30_th._--Tuskar, four Blackbirds, 10 a.m., wind fresh S., misty. Howth Baily, ten Cormorants flying W., 1.20 p.m., wind fresh S.W., gloomy. Oyster Island North, about eighty Barnacles, 4.30 p.m., wind mod. E.S.E., clear, going S.

OCTOBER.

1_st._--Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, flock of twenty-six Swallows, 9.15 a.m., wind light S.S.W., clear, going S. Arklow South Lt.-ship, six Gannets, 7.20 a.m., wind light S., gloomy, passing S.W.

2_nd._--Fastnet, one "Stone Chatter," 3 p.m., wind light S. Kish Bank Lt.-ship, three Gannets, 10 a.m., wind mod. S., clear. Howth Baily, continuous flocks of Gulls and Puffins flying S., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., wind light S.W., clear. Copeland Island, twenty-nine Ducks on Mew Island all day, remained all the winter. Rathlin Island, sixty Black Crows, 5 p.m., wind strong S.E., misty, coming from N., seemed tired. Oyster Island North, about 150 Barnacles, 2 p.m., wind fresh S.E., clear, going S. Arran Island North, large flocks of Gannets and Gulls all day, wind fresh S.S.E., clear.

3_rd._--Arklow South Lt.-ship, nineteen Gannets, 4.30 p.m., wind very light S.S.E., cloudy, passing S.W. Kish Bank Lt.-ship, five Wild Ducks, 10.30 a.m., flying W., clear.

4_th._--No entry.

5_th._--Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, flock of White Gulls, 5 p.m., wind light W.N.W., clear, going S.E. Arklow South Lt.-ship, three Gannets, 10.15 a.m., wind light E., cloudy, passing S.W. Rathlin Island, forty Gannets, 3 p.m., wind light S.E., clear, going E. Slyne Head South, many flocks of Gannets from sunrise to sunset, wind very strong S.E., gloomy.

6_th._--Fastnet, one "Stone Chatter," 3.30 p.m., wind light S.E., gloomy. Clare Island, small flock of Pigeons, 1 p.m., wind fresh W., cloudy, going N.

7_th._--Slyne Head North, a large number of Gulls going S., 4 p.m., wind light W., misty.

8_th._--Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, flock of nine Gannets, 8 a.m., wind light N.N.W., clear, going W.; flock of about seventeen Swallows, 2.30 p.m., wind light E., rain, going S. Copeland Island, five Black-backed Gulls all day, remained during winter. Oyster Island North, seventy Barnacles, 11 a.m., wind strong N.W., overcast, showery, going S.; fifty Rooks, 2 p.m., wind same, going S.E.

9_th._--Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, eight Gannets, 3.30 p.m., wind fresh N.N.W., showery, going E.

10_th._--Howth Baily, ten Grey Crows flying inland, 11.15 a.m., wind strong W., clear. Rockabill, one Blackbird, 9 a.m., wind fresh S.W., clear, showery, male seen on the rock. Copeland Island, one Swallow, 10.30 a.m., wind light S.E., fog; twelve Greenfinches, 11 a.m., remained until fog cleared. Rathlin Island, sixty Linnets, 11 a.m., wind strong N.W., misty, going N. Tory Island, Barnacle, 10 a.m., wind mod. S.W., cloudy, coming from the east, flew round the island; they frequent other islands near, but seldom alight on this island. Oyster Island North, several flocks of Barnacles, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., wind strong N.W. to W., showery, going S.

11_th._--Fastnet, small flocks of land-birds, 8 a.m., wind fresh N.W., showers; two Titmice killed, flying S. on rock; four Chaffinches, 11 a.m., two killed, male birds. Innishtrahull, flocks of Barnacles, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., wind strong N.W., hail-showers.

12_th._--Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, two Stormy Petrels, 12.30 p.m., wind strong W.N.W., cloudy; seldom seen at this station; remained about the ship all evening. Kish Bank Lt.-ship, two flocks of Ducks, 10.30 a.m., strong S.W. breeze, clear. Howth Baily, three Gannets flying N.E., 10.45 a.m., wind fresh W., clear. Innishtrahull, one Teal, 9 p.m., wind N.W., a hurricane, struck lantern. Rathlin O'Birne, four Barnacles, 11 p.m., wind very strong N.W., showery. Oyster Island North, 100 Barnacles, 2.30 p.m., wind N.W., wild and showery. Arran Island North, large flocks of Gannets and Gulls all day, wind very strong N.W., rain.

13_th._--Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, two Sparrowhawks, 9.30 a.m., wind light N.N.E., clear, going N.; seldom seen at this station. Arran Island North, large flocks of Gulls all day, wind very strong N.N.W., rain.

14_th._--Rathlin O'Birne, one Martin killed against lantern, wind very strong N. Arran Island North, large flocks of different species of Gulls all day, wind very strong N.W., rain; flock of Wild Geese, 8 p.m., came from S.W., going N.

15_th._--Arranmore, continuous flocks of Barnacles, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., each flock numbering four to eighty, commenced to come from the north on this date, wind strong N. Broadhaven, ten Wild Ducks, 8.30 a.m., wind strong S.W., rain.

16_th._--Rathlin Island, sixty Gannets, 3 p.m., wind fresh N.W., cloudy, going W. Rathlin O'Birne, twenty Barnacles, 3 p.m., wind strong S., overcast. Arran Island North, flock of Gannets and Gulls, 4 p.m., wind fresh S., clear.

17_th._--Rathlin Island, 100 Skua Gulls, 2 p.m., wind fresh S.W., cloudy.

18_th._--Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, large numbers of Gulls, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., wind strong S.S.E., clear, apparently feeding about the ship. Rockabill, Oct. 18th to 26th, twelve Redbreasts, seven Common Wrens, and about fifteen young Starlings seen on the rock. Arranmore, flocks of Gannets from two to twenty began to come from the south, going north, on this date, and continue to the end of the month at intervals of fifteen to twenty minutes during daytime; cannot be seen or heard during night.

19_th._--Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, small flocks of Starlings, 9.30 a.m. to noon, wind high S.E., cloudy, trying to get to S.E., driven towards shore by the force of the wind; two Stormy Petrels, 11 a.m. to dusk, wind high S.E., remained at ship all day. Slyne Head South, one Snipe, 3 a.m., very stormy, showery, killed. Arran Island North, large flock of Gulls all day, very stormy wind S.E.

20_th._--Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, large flocks of Larks, 10 a.m., wind very strong E.S.E., clear, going N. Howth Baily, flocks of Gulls flying in all directions during the day, wind strong S.E., gloomy. Rathlin Island, fifty Plovers, 1 p.m., wind high, stormy, remained on island; forty White-backed Crows, always on island. Clare Island, large flock of Gannets, 9 a.m., wind strong E., going N.W. Arran Island North, large flock of Gulls all day, wind very strong S.E., gloomy.

21_st._--Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, continuous flocks of Larks and Linnets, 10 to 11.30 a.m., wind strong E.S.E., overcast, going to E.N.E. Copeland Island, flock of Teal on Mew Island, 11 a.m., wind E., stormy, rain; stay here for winter. Rathlin O'Birne, four Barnacles, 3.30 p.m., wind strong E.S.E., overcast; thirty Gannets, 8.30 a.m. Arran Island South, six Golden-crested Wrens struck lantern, wind E., hazy, not killed; flew away at daylight.

22_nd._--Slyne Head South, one Woodcock, 1 a.m., wind very stormy S.S.E., killed, the only one got for three years; two Thrushes also killed.

23_rd._--Tuskar, one flock of Starlings, 5 p.m., wind strong E.S.E., cloudy; another 11 p.m., very stormy E.S.E. wind, overcast, striking about one hour, forty killed. Innishtrahull, one Blackbird, 10 p.m., wind S.E., a hurricane, struck lantern; one Thrush, 10.30 p.m., struck lantern. Oyster Island North, several flocks of Barnacles, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., wind fresh E.S.E., cloudy, twenty to fifty in each flock.

24_th._--Old Head, Kinsale, five Golden-crested Wrens, 9.30 p.m., wind light S.W., hazy, struck lantern, none killed; the only ones seen this season. Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, flock of Linnets, 5 p.m., wind strong S.E., cloudy, going N.E. Tuskar, Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Larks, 10.30 p.m., wind E., stormy, overcast, striking until 3 a.m., many of each killed. Rathlin O'Birne, seven Barnacles, 4 p.m., wind strong E.

25_th._--Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, continuous flocks of Starlings, 9.30 to 11.30 p.m., wind fresh S.E., one killed (young bird); too dark to notice direction of flight. Tuskar, Starlings and Larks, 11 p.m., wind strong E.N.E., overcast, striking for one hour, fifteen Larks and twelve Starlings killed. Oyster Island North, thirty Rooks, 2 p.m., wind mod. E., cloudy. Clare Island, large flock of Rooks, 10 a.m., wind fresh E., fine, going N.E. Slyne Head North, two Thrushes, 2 a.m., wind mod. E., gloomy, killed. Arran Island North, large flock of Gulls all day, wind fresh E.S.E., gloomy. Arran Island South, two Ducks, 3.15 p.m., wind fresh E., clear, going E.

26_th._--Fastnet, small flocks land-birds, 8 a.m., wind fresh E., gloomy; three Titmice killed, flying S. Tuskar, Starlings, 8 p.m., wind strong E.N.E., overcast, twelve struck, four killed (young birds); Thrushes at midnight, wind same, five struck, one killed (young bird). Rathlin Island, continuous flocks of Gannets, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., wind fresh E., overcast, going E. Rathlin O'Birne, continuous flocks of Sea Gulls, 9 a.m., wind light E.S.E., overcast. Clare Island, continuous flocks of Puffins all day, wind fresh E.N.E., blue sky, cloudy, going N.W.

27_th._--Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, continuous flocks of Linnets, 9 to 10.30 a.m., wind fresh E., gloomy, going N.E. Tuskar, "Grey-breasted Blackbird," 7 p.m., wind strong E.N.E., overcast, struck and killed; Starlings from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m., wind fresh E. to N.E., overcast, striking constantly, five killed; Blackbirds and "Fieldfares or Mountain Thrushes" striking occasionally between same hours, seven Blackbirds and fifteen Fieldfares killed; many of these birds will die on rock, being too exhausted to leave, particularly Starlings. Rockabill, six Larks, three young Starlings, and one female Blackbird killed in night, wind E., stormy, very dark, Starlings much wasted. Rathlin Island, thirty Linnets, 12 noon, wind fresh S.E., overcast, remained on island. Arran Island North, thirty Gulls different species all day, wind light S.E., gloomy.

28_th._--Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, continuous flocks of Starlings, 8.30 to 11 p.m., wind fresh N., cloudy, apparently going E. Tuskar, one Golden-crested Wren, 8 p.m., wind fresh N., overcast, gloomy, killed; Fieldfares, 10.30 p.m., three killed; also one Green Linnet. Kish Bank Lt.-ship, a flock of Ducks, 1.30 p.m., wind mod. N.W., clear. Rockabill, one Golden-crested Wren and two young female Blackbirds, killed in night, clear, showery; the first Goldcrest I ever saw at this station. Arran Island North, twenty Gannets, 2 to 4 p.m., wind light N.E., gloomy.

29_th._--No entry.

30_th._--Howth Baily, six Pigeons flying inland, 2.15 p.m., wind light N.E., clear. Slyne Head North, continuous flocks of Gulls and Gannets going S., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., wind light S.E., clear.

31_st._--Arran Island South, seventeen Barnacles, 11.30 a.m., wind very strong S.E., rain, going E.

NOVEMBER.

1_st._--Rockabill, one Hawk and one Common Wren, 4 p.m., wind light S., clear; Hawk hovering about rock. Rathlin O'Birne, four Plover, 7.30 a.m., wind strong S.W., overcast, remained until Nov. 7th; continuous flocks of Gannets and Sea Gulls.

2_nd._--Rockabill, one Common Wren, four Titmice, 8 a.m., wind strong S.E., clear. Rathlin Island, seventy Starlings, 7 a.m., wind strong S.E., overcast, young birds coming from E. Broadhaven, thirty Barnacles, 10 a.m., wind fresh N.W., clear. Arran Island South, two Woodcocks, 3.15 p.m., wind strong S.S.E., overcast, going E.

3_rd._--No entry.

4_th._--Rockabill, thirteen large birds like Ducks or Wigeon two miles off, 10 a.m., wind light S.S.W., clear, flying S. Rathlin Island, thirty-seven Starlings, 11 a.m., wind fresh S.E., clear, coming from E. Oyster Island North, small flocks of Wigeon and Barnacle, 10 to 12 a.m., wind fresh S.S.W., gloomy. Broadhaven, five Solan Geese, 11.10 a.m., wind strong S., clear.

5_th._--Tuskar, five Swallows going S., 2.30 p.m., wind fresh S.W., blue sky; continuous flocks of Puffins, 2 to 4 p.m., going westward. Kish Bank Lt.-ship, several flocks of Barnacle, wind W. and S.W., clear.

6_th._--Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, flocks of Starlings, 9 to 11.30 p.m., wind light S.S.W., overcast, apparently going N.E. Kish Bank Lt.-ship, several flocks of Barnacle, wind S.W., clear. Broadhaven, twelve Wild Geese, 8.10 a.m., wind very strong S., foggy.

7_th._--Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, small flock of Linnets, 10.30 a.m., wind fresh S.S.E., heavy rain, hazy, going N.E. Rathlin Island, forty Black Crows, 3 p.m., wind fresh S.W., clear, going S. Arran Island North, ten Gannets, wind fresh S.W., gloomy: also a large flock of Gulls.

8_th._--Kish Bank Lt.-ship, several flocks of Wild Ducks, wind S.W., gloomy. Innishtrahull, one small Hawk, 10 a.m., wind fresh S.E., hazy.

9_th._--Howth Baily, twenty-nine Crows flying to the south, 12.10 p.m., wind light S.W., gloomy.

10_th._--Rathlin Island, 600 Gulls, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., wind fresh S.E., gloomy, on the water. Clare Island, flocks of Grey Linnets, 7.30 a.m., wind strong S.S.W., cloudy, going S. Slyne Head North, continuous flocks of Barnacle going S. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., wind fresh S.W., rain.

11_th._--Oyster Island North, flock of Starlings and Lapwings, 11.30 a.m., wind light S.E., gloomy, Starlings apparently old birds.

12_th._--Rathlin Island, 400 Gulls, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., wind very strong N.W., gloomy, on the water. Slyne Head North, one Blackbird, 4 a.m., wind light S.W., misty, killed.

13_th._--Kish Bank Lt.-ship, a flock of Chaffinches going from E. to W., clear.

14_th._--No entry.

15_th._--Copeland Island, eleven Snow Buntings, 3 p.m., wind strong W., went to mainland. Clare Island, small flock of Wild Ducks, 4 p.m., wind very strong W., cloudy, ugly, going S.E.

16_th._--Howth Baily, seven Cormorants flying N., 11.15 a.m., wind fresh S.W., cloudy. Rathlin Island, seven Gannets, 4 p.m., wind very strong N.W., gloomy, going E.

17_th._--Rathlin Island, thirty Linnets, 11 a.m., wind strong N.W., showers, going S.

18_th._--Coningbeg Lt.-ship, four Gannets, 10 a.m., wind fresh S., rain, flying E. Two Larks killed. Kish Bank Lt.-ship, a large flock of Starlings going from E. to W., hazy. Copeland Island, six Magpies, 10.30 a.m., wind fresh S.E., went to mainland. Oyster Island North, fifty Barnacle, 10.20 a.m., wind light S.E., rain, going S.E.

19_th._--Rathlin O'Birne, eight "Sepoys," 8 a.m., wind strong S., overcast.