Chapter V: Part 5

_Nash_ L.H.--A large flock of Lapwings flying around the lantern at 1 A.M. one killed. Woodcocks at 3 A.M. two killed. Goldcrests at 3.40 A.M.; two killed. Fieldfares at 4.10 A.M.; four killed. Skylarks at 5 A.M. four killed. Four Snipe at 9 P.M., passing S.E. Missel Thrushes at 9.50 P.M. one killed. Bramblings at 10 P.M.; one killed. Snipe at 10.30 P.M.; four killed. Mr Nicholas remarks; "Large numbers of birds flying around the lantern all the morning, but at sunrise a good many were passing S.E. A Green Woodpecker was seen with the others at mid-day."

_Bull Point_ L.H.--A Blackbird killed at 2 A.M.

_Wolf Rock_ L.H.--A Blackbird killed at 5 A.M.

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Fieldfares, Thrushes, and Redwings from 6 P.M. to 4 A.M. (27th); about sixty killed. (For early morning observations at this station see 25th October.)

_Portland Low_ L.H.--One Snipe killed at 7 P.M.

October 27th.

_Langness_ L.H.--Four birds struck between 7.30 and 9 P.M. A Starling and a Common Thrush killed.

_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--Several Thrushes from 10 P.M. to 4 A.M. (28th); one killed.

_Skerries Rock_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and Starlings from 8 P.M. to midnight; several killed.

_Nash_ L.H.--A Wren killed at 2 A.M. a Robin and Black Redstart killed at 2.10 A.M. A Red-winged Starling[15] (_Agelæus phœniceus_) captured at 3 A.M. Redwings at 10.40 P.M. a few killed.

[Footnote 15: Refer to the information given under this species in the next section of the Report for full particulars of this interesting occurrence.]

_Longships_ L.H.--A Goldcrest at lantern at 3.30 A.M.

_Eddystone_ L.H.--(See yesterday for information on this morning's observations.)

October 28th.

_Langness_ L.H.--One Blackbird at lantern at 9 P.M.

_Morecambe Bay_ L.V.--Three "Dish Washers" (_Motacilla_) flying S. by W. at 10.30 A.M.

_South Stack_ L.H.--Several Blackbirds and Finches flying round the lantern all night.

_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Finches and Linnets all day; "two Brown Linnets captured."

_Helwick_ L.V.--A Thrush killed at 1.30 A.M.

_Nash_ L.H.--A flock of from 80 to 100 Skylarks passed S. at 9 A.M.

_Breaksea_ L.V.--Starlings, Larks, and House Sparrows from 7 to 10 P.M., flying round the lantern.

_Flatholm_ L.H.--Five Thrushes, four Blackbirds, one Lark, and six Starlings killed between 1 and 3 A.M.

_Longships_ L.H.--Puffins and Guillemots moving south all the morning.

_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--A few birds at 3 A.M.

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, and Starlings from midnight to 3.30 A.M. many struck and lost over.

_Portland Low_ L.H.--One Fieldfare killed at 2 A.M.

October 30th.

_Selker_ L.V.--Thrushes and Larks all nip-lit; eight Thrushes killed.

_Skerries_ L.H.--Fourteen dozen Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and Starlings killed between midnight and 6 A.M. also a few Chaffinches seen, but none killed. (Misty, rain.)

_Cardigan Bay_ L.V.--A good many birds at lantern all night.

_Helwick_ L.V.--Two male Blackbirds and a Thrush killed at 11.30 P.M.

_Bull Point_ L.H.--A Blackbird struck at 5 A.M.

_Longships_ L.H.--Several Thrushes and Starlings all night; a few killed or captured. Puffins and Guillemots going south in the morning.

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Numbers of Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, Larks, Finches, and "Flycatchers" from 9 P.M. to 5 A.M. (31st); a few striking, and two Blackbirds (females), two Thrushes, five Redwings, six Larks, and twenty-one Starlings captured.

_Start Point_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Starlings, and a few small birds at lantern all night.

October 31st.

_Langness_ L.H.--Three Blackbirds (one male and two females) on lantern from 3 to 5 A.M.

_Dee_ L.V.--Hundreds of birds--*Thrush, *Missel Thrush, *Blackbird, and *Skylarks killed.

_Skerries_ L.H.--A few Thrushes at midnight.

_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Blackbirds and Larks passing to S.W. in forenoon.

_Bardsey_ L.H.--Six Blackbirds, six Thrushes, and one Jack Snipe killed at lantern.

_Cardigan Bay_ L.V.--A male Blackbird struck lantern.

_Bull Point_ L.H.--Six Blackbirds at 5 A.M.

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Numbers of Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, Larks, Finches, and Flycatchers, from 9 P.M. (30th) to 5 A.M. a few striking; and two Blackbirds (females), two Thrushes, five Redwings, six Larks, and twenty-one Starlings captured.

_Start Point_ L.H.--A few Larks at 3 A.M.

Weather for Week, 21st to 27th November.

During the week the distribution of pressure, temperature, and
winds and weather, were all continuously anticyclonic. The system
was formed over the British Islands on Sunday, the 21st, in a ridge
which extended northwards from a small anticyclone, which at that
time lay over France. On the 24th the system covered the North
Sea, England, and the north-western half of France. For a day or
two more the anticyclone grew higher, temperature became very low
over the inland counties as the anticyclone increased, so that
early on the 24th minima were recorded as low as 27°. The centre of
the system now moved westward, and the temperature rose decidedly.
On the 25th the anticyclone moved to the westward of Ireland,
and had afterwards decreased in intensity. The winds during its
prevalence were light to moderate at most of the coast stations,
calm inland; but the most striking feature was the continued
prevalence of dense fogs. At the close of the week the system was
dispersing, and mild south-westerly winds were setting in on our
western and north-western coasts, with rain, increasing to strong
south-westerly winds, while large areas of low pressure skirted our
north-western and northern coasts.--(From Weekly Summary in "Daily
Weather Report," November 29, 1886.)

November 21st.

_Holyhead Breakwater_ L.H.--A Thrush killed at 6 A.M.

_Nash_ L.H.--Two Song Thrushes killed at 9 P.M.

_Breaksea_ L.V.--A few Fieldfares from 8 to 11 P.M.

_Eddystone_ L.H.--A Redwing and a Starling killed at 3 A.M. Twenty-one Stormy Petrels captured between 6 and 12 P.M. They came to the light in twos and threes, striking the lantern very gently.

November 22d.

_Langness_ L.H.--A great many Blackbirds and several Starlings at lantern from midnight to 4 A.M. A Snipe at 10 A.M.

_Selker_ L.V.--Thrushes at 1 A.M. one caught and one killed.

_River Dee_ L.V.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Starlings; numbers killed.

_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Larks at 1 A.M.

_Cardigan Bay_ L.V.--Several Larks, and other birds not known, flying around the lantern all night.

_Helwick_ L.V.--Two Redwings killed at lantern.

_Nash_ L.H.--A Woodcock passed to N.W. at 2 P.M.

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Numbers of Fieldfares, Redwings, Thrushes, Blackbirds, *Blackcaps, *Skylarks, and Storm Petrels; several of each species captured, including one Reed Warbler and three Petrels, from 7 P.M. to 6 A.M. (23d).

_Start Point_ L.H.--A Mistletoe Thrush killed at 3 A.M. A Leach's Petrel (_Procellaria leucorrhoa_) captured at 10 A.M., resting inside one of the ventilators.

November 23d.

_Langness_ L.H.--A Redwing on the lantern at 12.15 A.M.

_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--About a score Blackbirds, six "Grey Birds," and a dozen Starlings, flying round the lantern all night; a few killed.

_Carnarvon Bay_ L.H.--Many birds around the lantern all night. A Missel Thrush killed and fell on deck; numbers of others falling overboard.

_Helwick_ L.V.--Several Blackbirds, Larks, and Starlings flying about all night.

_Nash_ L.H.--Six Skylarks and two Lapwings killed at 11.30 P.M.

_Breaksea_ L.V.--A few Larks, Starlings, and Lapwings from 7 P.M. to 4 A.M. (24th).

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Numbers of Fieldfares, Redwings, Thrushes, Blackbirds, Larks, Starlings, "Reed Warbler," and Stormy Petrels from 7 P.M. (22d) to 6 A.M. Very few striking, but some of each caught, including one "Reed Warbler" and three Petrels.

November 24th.

_Selker_ L.V.--Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Larks all night.

_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--A flock of Blackbirds going east at 1.20 P.M.

_Helwick_ L.V.--Several Blackbirds, Larks, and Starlings all night.

_Nash_ L.H.--Two Thrushes killed at 11 P.M.

_Breaksea_ L.V.--A *Knot killed at 5.50 P.M. A *Dunlin killed at 11 P.M.

_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--About 200 Blackbirds/Thrushes, and Fieldfares from 9 P.M. to daylight (25th); several killed.

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Hundreds of birds flying about all night,--Fieldfares, Missel Thrushes, Song Thrushes, Blackbirds, Larks, Starlings, Lapwings, and Stormy Petrels; caught three Thrushes, four Starlings, three Larks, and eight Petrels.

November 25th.

_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--About two hundred Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Fieldfares from 9 P.M. (24th) to daylight; several killed. A Linnet and "Copperfinch" (? _Fringilla montifringilla_) left the lantern at daybreak.

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Hundreds Mistletoe Thrushes, Thrushes, Fieldfares, Blackbirds, Larks, Lapwings, and Stormy Petrels from 7 P.M. to 6 A.M. (26th); one Blackbird, two Thrushes, one Lark, one *Goldcrest, and three Storm Petrels.

_Plymouth Breakwater_ L.H.--A Stormy Petrel caught at lantern at 9.45 P.M.

_Start Point_ L.H.--Blackbirds at 2 A.M. one captured.

_Shambles_ L.V.--A number of Starlings around the lantern at 2 A.M.

November 26th.

_Selker_ L.V.--Thrushes, Blackbirds, Lapwings, and Curlews flying round the lantern from 4 to 7 A.M.

_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--A flock of Lapwings at 10 P.M. one killed.

_Smalls_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Fieldfares, Larks, and Starlings; a great number striking lantern.

_Helwick_ L.V.--Several Redwings, Larks, and Starlings all night.

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Hundreds of Lapwings, Fieldfares, Blackbirds, Thrushes, Missel Thrushes, Larks, and Stormy Petrels, from 7 P.M. (25th) to 6 A.M. many caught. A few birds seen flying about from 9 P.M. to 3 A.M. (27th); the Storm Petrels striking.

_Plymouth Breakwater_ L.H.--Two Linnets at 10 P.M.

November 27th.

_Selker_ L.V.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, Lapwings, and Curlews all night.

_Carnarvon Bay_ L.H.--A flock of Lapwings at 2 A.M.

_Cardigan Bay_ L.V.--Several Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Larks flying round the lantern all night.

_Helwick_ L.V.--A few Blackbirds, Fieldfares, and Larks all night.

_Scarweather_ L.V.--A Wild Goose going south at 9 A.M.

_Breaksea_ L.V.--Larks and Snipe from midnight to 4 A.M. a Snipe killed.

_Eddystone_ L.H.--A few birds flying about from 9 P.M. (26th) to 3 A.M. three Storm Petrels struck. A few Starlings, Thrushes, and Petrels from 9 to 12 P.M. several of each species captured.

Separate Notes on each Species.

This section aims at furnishing in an epitomised form information on the movements of the various species comprised in the Report. In addition, however, to the observations furnished by the various Lightkeepers--the more important of which form the Diary of observations--the following notes have been incorporated:--

Observations made in Cumberland, communicated by Messrs Macpherson and Duckworth.

Notes from the North-West Coast of Merioneth, by Mr G. H. Caton-Haigh.

Notes from Somerset, by Mr Arthur H. Macpherson.

Notes from Minehead, Somerset, by Mr E. G. Waddilove (per Rev. H. A. Macpherson).

Notes from North Devon, by Mr Oliver V. Aplin.

To the above-named ornithologists, and to Mr W. Cecil Scott, of Leeds, the writer begs to tender his best thanks for their valued co-operation.

Additional particulars and information on the Meteorological Conditions may, in most cases, be obtained by a reference to the Diary which precedes this section of the Report.

The species marked * have been identified from wings sent.

_Turdus viscivorus_ (L.), Missel Thrush.--Spring: February 27th, Eddystone, many striking, one killed. April 9th, N.W. Merioneth, several small flocks. Observed in small numbers during the

Autumn: October 5th, Langness, one caught; 20th, Langness, twelve; 26th, Nash; 31st, *Dee L.V. November 23d, Carnarvon Bay L.V. 24th, 25th, and 26th, Eddystone.

_Turdus musicus_ (L.), Song Thrush.--An important vernal movement from March 24th to 29th, affecting the coast generally.

Autumn: First noted at Chickens Rock, September 24th, when two were killed at 10.30 P.M. Afterwards present at the movements of the latter half of October and late November. Eighty were killed at Bardsey Light on October 20th.

_Turdus iliacus_ (L), Redwing.--Spring: March 14th, at Eddystone, along with Thrushes and Wheatears; 26th, Langness, two killed; night of 27th and morning of 28th, Eddystone, numbers; 29th, Langness, one struck.

Autumn: September 28th, Carlisle; October 2d, Carlisle, and many on the 7th; 13th, Wolf Rock, several; in numbers on the 19th. After at all the principal movements of the late autumn (October 18th to 31st, and November 21st to 27th).

_Turdus pilaris_ (L.), Fieldfare.--Spring: First noted at Chickens Rock on March 25th, along with Thrushes; last seen on April 16th at Allonby, Comb.

Autumn: First on October 2d at Allonby, Cumb.; then on 24th at Bishop Rock, and afterwards in numbers during the movements of October and November (22d-27th).

_Turdus merula_ (L.), Blackbird.--Important Spring movements, along with other _Turdinæ_ and Wheatears, on March 24th and 27th.

Autumn: August 27th at the lanterns of the Selker L.V. and Start L.H. September 3d, Nash, three killed; Eddystone, one; September 4th, many. Great movements on October 3d to 8th, October 18th to 31st, and November 22d to 27th. Fifty were killed at Bardsey L.H. on October 20th.

_Turdus torquatus_, L., Ring Ouzel.--Spring: April 5th, Eddystone, two caught at midnight; April 12th, N.W. Merioneth, a pair.

Autumn: *Start, August 3d, one killed at 3 A.M. September 3d, Eddystone; 23d and 24th, Eddystone, one caught; October 3d, at Chickens Rock and Eddystone; 19th, Start, two captured; 25th, at Eddystone and Bishop Rock.

_Saxicola œnanthe_ (L.), Wheatear.--Spring: March 24th, at Chickens Rock, South Stack, and Eddystone stations; 26th, St Bees; April 11th, Langness; 23d, at Eddystone in hundreds; 29th, at Eddystone.

Autumn: August 3d and 4th, *Start Point; 9th, Eddystone, in numbers; 23d, Nash, in numbers; 28th, Start, one killed; September 2d, Eddystone, in numbers; 3d and 4th, a general movement along the entire coast line; 20th, Eddystone; October 3d, Eddystone; 4th, *Helwick (dozens); 8th, Langness and Skerries.

_Pratincola rubetra_ (L.), Whinchat.--Spring: April 24th, N.W. Merioneth, first seen.

Autumn: *Smalls, September 23d, one killed.

_Pratincola rubicola_ (L.), Stonechat.--August 4th, *Start, one killed.

_Ruticilla titys_ (Scop.), Black Redstart.--October 29th, Nash, one killed; November 3d, Langness, "female Redstart" observed at 11 A.M. 12th, Carlisle, one; December 5th, Langness, "a female Redstart;" January 21st (1887), Towyn, one shot (_Field_, January 30th, 1887).

_Erithacus rubecula_ (L.), Redbreast.--Only a few records.

Autumn: First noticed at the great movement at the Nash L.H. on September 3d; September 11th, Langness, one at 3 P.M. 24th, South Stack; October 20th, South Stack, one; 27th, Nash, one.

_Sylvia cinerea_ (Bechst.), Whitethroat.--Spring: April 11th, Langness; 23d, *Nash, in numbers; May 10th, at Langness, with Sedge Warblers and Willow Wrens; six killed and two injured.

Autumn: August 2d and 3d, *Start; 22d, Nash, many; September 1st, Longships, one killed; 3d, Dee L.V. and *Nash, many; 23d, *Smalls and *Helwick, some dozens; 24th, *Bull Point and Start.

_Sylvia atricapilla_ (L.), Blackcap.--Spring: April 22d, N.W. Merioneth, arrived.

Autumn: November 22d, *Eddystone, one killed.

_Regulus cristatus_ (Koch), Goldcrest.--Not numerous. The following are the only records:--

Autumn: September 5th, Langness, two or three; 24th, Chickens Rock, four at 10.30 P.M. October 2d, Chickens Rock, a few; 4th, South Stack, one; 20th, Langness, one; Holyhead, one, and South Stack, one; 22d, Skerries, one; 26th, Nash, two killed; 27th, Longships, one; 29th, Holyhead, two; November 25th, *Eddystone, one killed.

_Phylloscopus sibilatrix_ (Bechst.), Wood Wren.--Spring: May 7th, Carlisle.

_Phylloscopus rufus_ (Bechst.), Chiff Chaff.--Spring: March 24th, Ravenglass; April 2d, N.W. Merioneth, a good many.

Autumn: September 23d, *Smalls, one killed; 29th, *Bull Point, one killed.

_Phylloscopus trochilus_ (L.), Willow Warbler.--Spring: March 24th, Langness; April 10th, Langness; 27th, Langness; May 10th, Langness, along with Sedge Warblers and Whitethroats.

Autumn: August 1st, Nash; 3d, *Start; September 3d, *Nash, fifty or sixty between 2 and 3 A.M., twenty-four killed; 23d, *Smalls and *Helwick, some dozens; October 6th, Langness, one at 2 A.M.

_Acrocephalus phragmitis_ (Bechst.), Sedge Warbler.--Spring: April 10th, Langness, in numbers; May 10th, Langness, along with Willow Warblers and Whitethroats at midnight.

Autumn: August 6th, Start, two at midnight; 22d, *Nash, in numbers; *Burnham, one; 28th, *Start, one; September 1st and 5th, Burnham; 23d, *Smalls, in numbers.

_Locustella nævia_ (Bodd.), Grasshopper Warbler.--Spring: April 27th, Allonby.

Autumn: *Skerries Rock, one killed at lantern in the autumn, date uncertain.

_Accentor modularis_ (L.), Hedge Sparrow.--October 8th, Langness, one at 4 P.M.

_Troglodytes parvulus_ (Koch), Wren.--Spring: April 22d, Langness, one; *Nash, seven at 10.30 P.M., four killed; 23d, Dee L.V., two killed; May 4th, South Bishop, two killed; 9th, Dee L.V., three killed.

Autumn: October 7th, South Stack, "Wrens;" 19th, Breaksea, one; 20th, Dee, one; 27th, Nash, one captured.

_Motacilla lugubris_ (Temm.), Pied Wagtail.--Spring: March 19th, Selker L.V., one caught; 22d, St Bees; Selker, a good many; April 2d, Selker, a good many passing east; 22d and 23d, Dee L.V., "Wagtails" passing east.

Autumn: September 5th, N.W. Merioneth, exceedingly numerous; October 28th, Morecambe Bay L.V., "three Dishwashers" at 10.30 A.M.

_Motacilla rayi_ (Bonap.), Yellow Wagtail.--Spring: April 29th, Allonby, Cumberland.

Autumn: August 4th, *Start, a bird of the year killed at the lantern.

_Anthus pratensis_ (L.), Meadow Pipit.--Spring: April 2d, Selker L.V., "Titlarks;" 22d and 23d, Selker, "Titlarks" to E.

Autumn: August 27th, Selker, "Titlarks;" September 5th, N.W. Merioneth, numerous; October 4th, Cardigan Bay; afterwards present at the chief movements of the late autumn.

_Anthus trivialis_ (L.), Tree Pipit.--April 16th, N.W. Merioneth, one; 20th, Carlisle; 24th, N.W. Merioneth, several.

Autumn: August 3d and 4th, *Start, several at 3 A.M. each day.

_Anthus obscurus_ (Lath.), Rock Pipit.--Autumn: September 4th, *Longships, several between 11 P.M. and 2 A.M., two killed.

_Lanius excubitor_ (L.), Great Grey Shrike.--Two shot in Cumberland in November. A female of the var. _Major_ caught at Skinburness, Cumberland, on November 2d.

_Lanius collurio_ (L.), Red-backed Shrike.--June 2d, N.W. Merioneth, a pair.

_Muscicapa grisola_ (L.), Spotted Flycatcher.--Spring: April 22d, Scotby, Cumberland.

Autumn: August 27th, *Start Point, one caught; and October 19th, "three Spotted Flycatchers" between 6 and 9 P.M.

_Muscicapa atricapilla_ (L.), Pied Flycatcher.--April 25th, Carlisle.

_Hirundo rustica_ (L.), Swallow.--Spring: March 23d, Bull Point, two at 2 P.M.; 26th, Nash, one; April 15th and 17th, Langness, one each day; 27th, Nash, three; 30th, Nash, forty or fifty.

Autumn: August 4th and 6th, Langness, several; 10th, Carnarvon Bay L.V. September 4th, South Bishop, a company; 21st, at several stations; last at Langness and Wolf Rock on October 13th. [This species is recorded in _The Field_ as observed during November at Lymington on 22d; Penzance, 23d; Falmouth, 27th; Portscatho, 29th; and on the 7th of December at Bournemouth.]

_Chelidon urbica_ (L.), Martin.--Spring: April 20th, Carlisle; 26th, N.W. Merioneth.

Autumn: August 6th, Start, one caught; September 3d, Langness, a few; October 4th, Flatholm.

_Cotile riparia_ (L.), Sand Martin.--Spring: March 23d, Rockliffe, Cumberland; 25th, Carlisle; 26th, St Bees.

Autumn: August 3d, Eddystone, one caught; 9th, Eddystone, two caught; September 24th, Eddystone.

_Carduelis elegans_ (Steph.), Goldfinch.--Autumn: October 5th, Chickens Rock, three at lantern all night; 18th, Chickens Rock, one; 20th, at same station.

_Ligurinus chloris_ (L.), Greenfinch.--Autumn: October 24th, Carnarvon Bay L.V., ten on deck all day;

_Fringilla cœlebs_ (L.), Chaffinch.--Spring: March 27th, Lateness, one at lantern from 2 to 4 A.M. April 23d, Langness, one at 10 A.M.

Autumn: October 7th, Helwick L.V., a large number; 8th, Cardigan Bay L.V., two; 20th, South Stack, one at lantern, and Cardigan Bay L.V., two on board at 7.30 A.M. 25th, Portland, sixty at 2 P.M. 26th, Cardigan Bay L.V., two; November 1st, Scarweather L.V., about fifty at 1.30 P.M. This species appears to be chiefly noted at the light-vessels during the daytime.

_Fringilla montifringilla_ (L.), Brambling.--October 25th, Bishop Rock, many "Copperfinches" from 9 P.M. to midnight; 26th, Nash, many; November 25th, Bishop Rock, a "Copperfinch."

_Linota cannabina_ (L.), Linnet.--Spring: April 5th, Eddystone, two caught at 9 P.M.

Autumn: August 22d, Langness, a small flock at noon; October 5th, Langness, a flock at 9 A.M., and Portland, three or four from 1 to 3 A.M. 28th, Carnarvon Bay L.V., with Finches all day; November 26th, Plymouth Breakwater, two at 10 P.M.

_Linota rufescens_ (Vieill.), Lesser Redpole.--October 15th, South Stack, one caught at 7.30 P.M.

_Plectrophanes nivalis_ (L.), Snow Bunting.--September 26th, Bishop Rock, one old bird.

_Emberiza miliaria_, L., Corn Bunting.--Autumn: September 3d, *Nash, fifteen to twenty between 2.15 to 3 A.M., eight killed.

_Agelæus phœniceus_ (L.), Red-winged Starling.--October 27th, Nash, one struck and captured at 3 A.M. Mr Nicholas had intended to forward this specimen to me, but during his absence for a few moments it was most unfortunately carried off by a cat. He had, however, no difficulty in identifying the bird from the description given in John's "British Birds," and promptly reported the occurrence. A skin of the species (an adult) was at once forwarded to him in order to test his identification of the bird, and he replied "that the bird killed very much resembled the one sent, except that the yellow on the wings was rather paler; the tips of the wings and the back of the neck were more sooty black, and I think it was a little larger;"--a description indicating an immature specimen. During the late hours of the 26th of October and the early ones of the 27th an important migratory movement was taking place at this station:--At 9.50 P.M., Missel Thrushes; at 10 P.M., Bramblings; at 10.30 P.M., Snipe (four killed); at 12.40 A.M., Redwings (two killed); at 2 A.M., Wrens (one captured); at 2.10 A.M., Robins, and Black Redstart killed; and finally at 3 A.M., the Red-winged Starling. The wind prevailing at the time was a strongly easterly breeze; the weather cloudy, with passing showers of rain. Mr Nicholas is a most careful, intelligent, and painstaking recorder, and shows particular interest in our work, and there is little likelihood of his being mistaken in this matter. As an unbeliever in the unassisted occurrence of extra-Arctic American passerine birds in Europe, I would suggest that this was probably an escape from some vessel approaching the British coast.

_Sturnus vulgaris_, L., Starling.--The numbers and the frequency of the occurrence of this species is again manifest in the returns. It is impossible to do more than to refer to the diary portion of the report for particulars. Mr Caton Haigh, in his notes from the N.W. coast of Merioneth, remarks that many of the Starlings wintering there left during the second week of February, large flocks passing over flying due N. On the 26th of June, at 8 P.M., an immense flock passed over going S. It looked like a long, narrow stream, half a dozen yards wide and at least half a mile long.

_Pica rustica_ (Scop.), Magpie.--September 28th, Cardigan Bay L.V., two Magpies flying around the ship at 9.30 A.M. October 22d, Langness, a Magpie at 9 A.M.

_Corvus corone_, L., Carrion Crow.--April 22d, Carnarvon Bay L.V., six at 8 A.M. going E. April 23d, Chickens Rock, one.

_Corvus frugilegus_, L., Rook.--Spring: March 23d, Langness, twelve at 9 A.M.

Autumn: October 20th, Cardigan Bay L.V., one.

_Alauda arvensis_, L., Skylark.--Spring: March 23d, Selker L.V., a small party; 24th, Chickens Rock, great numbers; 25th, at Bahama Bank and Selker L.V.'s; 26th, Carnarvon Bay L.V., many.

Autumn: September 3d, Eddystone in numbers; afterwards many and often.

_Cypselus apus_ (L.), Swift.--Spring: April 29th, Carlisle. May 9th, N.W. Merioneth; 11th, Langness, a large flock. June 6th Eddystone, several.

Autumn: July 7th, Langness, large numbers. August 4th, Flatholm, small party; 9th, a large flock; 18th, Cardigan Bay, nine at 7.30 P.M. September 4th, Smalls, numbers; 19th, Lundy, thirty or forty (J. J. Philips, "Field," October 2d, 1886, p. 510); 20th, Lundy, one (_Id._).

_Caprimulgus europæus_, L., Nightjar.--Spring: May 6th, N.W. Merioneth, but not common until the 22d.

Autumn: September 3d, *Nash, four at 2.10 A.M., one killed.

_Gecinus viridis_ (L.), Green Woodpecker.--October 26th, Nash. Mr Nicholas reports a great many birds at the lantern during the early hours of the morning; at sunrise they passed S.E.; and that a bird of this species was seen among the others.

_Cuculus canorus_, L., Cuckoo.--Spring: April 19th, Langness, one at 10 A.M. 25th, Carlisle; 27th, Nash, one passed to N.; 29th, Nash, four.

Autumn: August 1st, Nash, two at lantern at 11.30 P.M. September 3d, *Nash, six [young of the year] at 3 A.M., two killed.

_Accipiter nisus_ (L.), Sparrow-Hawk.--Autumn: September 14th, Bishop Rock, one appeared; 20th, Chickens Rock, one going E. at 7 A.M. 28th, Smalls, one in the morning.

_Tinnunculus alaudarius_ (Gm.), Kestrel.--Autumn: October 5th, Wolf Rock, one; Smalls, one.

_Pandion haliaëtus_ (L.), Osprey.--Autumn: August 16th, Breconshire, one fishing at Llangorse Lake (Philips, _Zool._, 1886, p. 417).

_Anser ------?_ "Wild Goose."--Spring: March 27th, St Bees, about twenty at 6 P.M.

------ ------, "Wild Duck."--Autumn: October 19th, a large number at 5.30 P.M.

_Anser segetum_ (Gm.), Bean Goose.--April 27th, about 120 passed over Allonby in a flock; eight more seen in July; and many seen in October and November.

_Bernicla brenta_ (P.), Brent Goose.--Present on Solway till end of March.

_Bernicla leucopsis_ (Bechst.), Barnacle Goose.--October 11th, arrived at Rockliffe.

_Dafila acuta_ (L.), Pintail Duck.--October 23d, Cumberland, one shot.

_Anas streperus_, L., Gadwall.--Spring: March 11th, two seen at Bowness.

Autumn: August, Breconshire, a female shot (Philips, _Zool._, 1886, p. 417). October (last week of), Solway, a bird of the year shot.

_Mareca penelope_, L., Widgeon.--Spring: Allonby, two flocks of fifty or sixty on February 11th (evening, flying due E.). Ravenglass, last seen on April 23d. Flights of this and other fowl began to pass over Rockliffe in an E. or N.E. direction on April 21st, but the movement became accentuated on April 27th, on which evening large flocks began to pass up the Eden at 9 P.M. The movement continued in full swing up to 10.45, there generally being five minutes, and never more than ten, between parties; after 11th they continued to pass, but the movement had become less marked.

Autumn: Numbers at Monkhill on September 13th.

_Clangula glaucion_ (L.), Golden-eye.--Spring: April 26th, last seen at Monkhill, Cumberland.

Autumn: October 21st and 24th, Allonby, Cumberland.

_Œdemia fusca_ (L.), Velvet Scoter.--December 23d, a fine adult male shot on Eden.

_Mergus serrator_, L., Red-breasted Merganser.--April 13th, N.W. Merioneth, a flock of about a dozen, the last seen.

_Turtur communis_, Selby, Turtle Dove.--Autumn: September 11th, Minehead, Somerset, one. October 3d, Wolf Rock, a "Turtle Dove" at 11 A.M.

_Coturnix communis_, Bonnat., Quail--Autumn: September 3d, one in the morning. October 5th, Eddystone, two caught at 2 A.M.

_Crex pratensis_, Bechst., Corn-Crake.--Spring: April 26th and 27th, Carlisle and District. May 9th, Holyhead Breakwater, one at 2 P.M.

Autumn: October 9th, Skerries, one killed between 2 and 4 A.M.; 20th, Smalls, one killed.

_Gallinula chloropus_ (L.), Moorhen.--Autumn: August 2d, *Nash, one killed at midnight. September 3d, Dee L.V., one killed.

_Charadrius pluvialis_, L., Golden Plover.--Autumn: August 25th, Burnham, one killed.

_Squatarola helvetica_ (L.), Grey Plover.--Spring: May 7th, Allonby, Cumberland, six.

_Eudromias morinellus_ (L.), Dotterel.--May 6th, Allonby, four seen, and again on the 8th.

_Vanellus vulgaris_, Bechst., Lapwing.--Spring: March 27th, Carnarvon Bay, ten at 11 A.M.

Autumn: September 24th, Skerries, about twenty. October 25th, Nash, flocks passing S. from 7 to 10 A.M. 26th, Nash, a large flock at lantern at 1 A.M. November 23d, Nash, two killed at 11.30 P.M. 24th, Eddystone, many at night; 26th and 27th, at Selker L.V., Carnarvon Bay L.V., and Eddystone.

_Hæmatopus ostralegus_, L., Oyster-Catcher.--Spring: April 23d, Chickens Rock, one.

Autumn: August 3d, Menai, two; 22d, Langness, seven; 27th, Eddystone, flocks.

_Phalaropus fulicarius_ (L.), Grey Phalarope.--October 10th (about), near Winchester, one shot.

_Scolopax rusticula_, L., Woodcock.--Spring: March 24th, Dee L.V., one killed; 29th, Selker L.V., one caught.

Autumn: September 21st, Eddystone, one killed. October 18th and 23d, Nash, one killed each night; 26th, Nash, two killed.

_Gallinago major_, Gm., Great Snipe.--Autumn: September 9th, Cardiganshire, an adult male shot on Llanddewihip Mountain; 25th, Baytor Mere, Devon, one shot. October 22d, North Devon, a bird of the year shot; 30th, Carlisle, one shot.

_Gallinago cœlestis_ (Frenzel), Common Snipe.--Autumn: October 21st, Carnarvon Bay L.V., one killed; 22d, Langness, one at 10 A.M.; 26th, Nash, four passing to S.E. at 9.30 A.M., four killed at 10.30 P.M. November 27th, Breaksea L.V., one killed.

_Limnocrytes gallinula_ (L.), Jack Snipe.--Autumn: October 31st, Bardsey, one "Jack Snipe" killed.

_Tringa alpina_, L., Dunlin.--Spring: April 25th, N.W. Merioneth.

Autumn: August 4th, Langness, a large number at 5 A.M.

_Tringa striata_, L., Purple Sandpiper.--October 20th, Solway, one shot.

_Tringa canutus_, L, Knot.--Autumn: August 18th, Dee L.V., thirty at lantern from 9 P.M. to midnight.

_Calidris arenaria_ (L.), Sanderling.--May 20th, observed on Solway.

_Totanus hypoleucos_ (L.), Common Sandpiper.--Spring: April 16th, Carlisle; 17th, N.W. Merioneth.

Autumn: August 15th, Ilfracombe, passing E.; 19th, Barnstaple.

_Totanus canescens_ (L.), Greenshank.--March 26th, Solway, last seen; returned August 16th.

_Numenius phæopus_ (L.), Whimbrel.--Spring: April 2d, N.W. Merioneth, one, and on 28th a small flock. May 16th, Langness, several at 10 A.M. 20th, Allonby, Cumberland, a few; 25th, Allonby, eight.

Autumn: July 27th, Allonby, two. August 10th, Langness, two. September 4th, N.W. Merioneth.

_Numenius arquata_ (L.), Curlew.--Spring: March 22d, Selker L.V., one at 8 A.M. April 9th, N.W. Merioneth, many passing overhead during the night.

Autumn: August 22d, Eddystone, ten at 1 P.M. September 4th, Chickens Rock, a few in the evening, also at the Skerries, November 27th, Selker L.V., at lantern all night.

_Sterna ------ ?_ "Sea Swallow."--Spring: Skerries Rock.

Mr Rees says,--"The Sea Swallow always comes to this island true to the morning of the 6th of May; then they leave for one week, and return again for the laying season."

Autumn: September 9th and 28th, Wolf Rock. October 2d, 4th, 7th, 13th, and 19th, a few observed at the Wolf Rock each day.

_Sterna fluviatilis_, Naum., Common Tern.--Spring: April 22d, N.W. Merioneth, a small flock; 25th, several large flocks. May 13th and 14th, a very large number; the weather rough and wet, with much snow on the mountains.

Autumn: October 16th, Minehead, Somerset, three.

_Sterna macrura_, Naum., Arctic Tern.--Spring: April 25th, N.W. Merioneth, a few with Common Terns.

_Sterna cantiaca_, Gm., Sandwich Tern.--Spring: April 2d, Ravenglass; 16th, Allonby (both in Cumberland).

_Sterna minuta_, L., Little Tern.--April 29th, Ravenglass.

_Hydrochelidon nigra_ (L.), Black Tern.--Spring: May 13th, N.W. Merioneth, three in adult plumage.

_Procellaria pelagica_, L., Storm Petrel.--Spring: May 21st, South Bishop, six at lantern all night.

Autumn: October 16th, Nash, one killed. November 21st, Eddystone, twenty-one captured between 6 and 12 P.M. 22d, Eddystone, in numbers all night; 24th, 25th, 26th, and 27th, Eddystone, in numbers, many caught.

_Procellaria leucorrhoa_, Vieill., Leach's Petrel.--November 22d, *Start, one captured at 10 A.M., resting inside one of the lantern ventilators.

_Stercorarius catarrhactes_ (L.), Great Skua.--October 16th, Minehead, Somerset, one seen along with other _Stercorariinæ_. (N.W., squally, showers; sea very high.)

_Stercorarius pomatorhinus_ (Temm.), Pomatorhine Skua.--October 16th, Minehead, Somerset, twelve, along with other Stercorariinæ. (N.W., squally; sea very high.)

_Stercorarius crepidatus_ (Banks), Richardson's Skua.--October 16th, Minehead, Somerset, six, along with other _Stercorariinæ_. (N.W., squally; sea very high.)

_Puffinus anglorum_ (Temm.), Manx Shearwater.--September 3d, Bishop's Rock, one killed.

_Puffinus ------?_, "Large Shearwater."--September 14th, Bishop's Rock, "twenty Large Shearwaters during the day--not Manx Shearwaters."

_Colymbus glacialis_, L., Great Northern Diver.--December 21st, Hurst Point, two injured against lantern in the early morning.

_Colymbus arcticus_, L., Black-throated Diver.--December 29th, Solway.

_Lomvia troile_ (L.), Guillemot.--Autumn: October 28th and 30th, Longships, Guillemots and Puffins moving S. all the morning.

_Uria grylle_ (L.), Black Guillemot.--September 28th, Solway, a single bird observed.

_Fratercula arctica_ (L.), Puffin.--Spring: March 3d, Bishop's Rock, appeared. April 3d, Caldy, first appeared.

Autumn: October 16th, 25th, 28th, and 30th, and November 2d, Longships, moving S.

Summary and General Remarks.

The Report for the West Coast of England and Wales, and the Isle of Man, refers to the seasonal movements during 1886 of 104 species.

The first vernal migratory movement occurred on the 24th of March, and was sustained until the 26th. During this interval _Phylloscopus trochilus_, _Saxicola œnanthe_, _Pratincola rubicola_, and _Hirundo rustica_, along with _Turdus iliacus_, _T. pilaris_, _Scolopax rusticula_, and also _Turdus musicus_, _T. merula_, and _Alauda arvensis_, were observed--all at the lanterns, save _Hirundo rustica_, which occurred during the daytime. The weather prior to this initiatory migration had been severe and unsettled, and the movement was concurrent with the temporary prevalence of favourable conditions (_see_ p. 82) over our Islands.

The spring immigrants flowed in gently at intervals during April and early May. The only rush recorded was on the 23d of April, when many Wheatears, Warblers, and "Flycatchers" occurred--the movement being especially pronounced at the Nash and the Eddystone; minor barometric depressions and low temperature, the wind being N.E., had prevailed prior to the 23d, on which day more favourable conditions set in, producing moderate southerly and south-easterly gales, and a rise in the temperature. The immigration of summer visitors extended until the 10th and 11th of May, when _Phylloscopus trochilus_, _Acrocephalus phragmitis_, and _Sylvia cinerea_ were killed, and _Cypselus apus_ observed at Langness. Of the transvolant spring migrants, _Numenius phæopus_ was noticed at Langness on the 16th of May.

August.--The autumnal movements commenced with an emigration of _Cuculus canorus_, _Cypselus apus_, and _Phylloscopus trochilus_, several of which were killed at the Nash lantern on the 1st of August. This was followed by movements of _Phylloscopus rufa_, _Turdus torquatus_, _Sylvia cinerea_, _Saxicola œnanthe_, _Anthus trivialis_, _Motacilla rayi_, _Cotile riparia_, and _Cypselus apus_, extending from August the 3d to the 9th, and chiefly observed at southerly stations. On the night of the 22d there was a great rush of birds at the Nash, when some hundreds of _Acrocephalus phragmitis_, _Sylvia cinerea_, and many _Saxicola œnanthe_ were flying around the lantern from 9 to 10.30 P.M., twenty-nine being killed. Emigrating summer visitors were also observed on the 23d, 27th, and 31st of the month.

September.--On the 3d there was a decided rush of birds at the Nash, on which Mr Nicholas remarks as follows:--"There was an enormous arrival of small birds, the greatest number ever seen here at any one time." This singular movement lasted from 2.10 A.M. to 3.15 A.M., or a little over an hour, during which brief interval unfortunate individuals of the following species perished at the lantern:--_Caprimulgus europæus_, _Emberiza miliaria_, _Sylvia cinerea_, _Phylloscopus trochilus_, _Cuculus canoras_, _Passer domesticus_, _Erithacus rubecula_, _Saxicola œnanthe_, and _Turdus merula_.[16] A general emigration of summer birds on the 23d and 24th, when a very decided fall of temperature was recorded, was the only other movement during the month.

[Footnote 16: For further particulars of this interesting movement, _see_ p. 88.]

October.--There were important migrations of summer birds and partial migrants on the 3d, 4th, and 5th, commencing simultaneously with the passing away of adverse meteorological conditions (_see_ p. 91). Afterwards the records indicate a complete blank until the 18th, up to which day the weather was exceedingly unsettled, with strong winds and gales. From the 18th to the 31st, conditions were quieter, with north-easterly, easterly, and south-easterly winds, and under what may be termed mildly unfavourable conditions (_see_ pp. 94 and 96), a steady and unbroken flow of migrants was kept up; during which the winter visitors first appeared at the stations, where, also, the departing summer birds put in a final appearance for the season.

November.--The only movement during the month took the form of rush, and extended from the 22d to 27th. This was, doubtless, occasioned by the outburst and prevalence of low temperature (_see_ Meteorological conditions, p. 100) then experienced in our Islands, causing birds--_Turdinæ_, _Alauda arvensis_, _Vanellus vulgaris_, _Scolopax rusticula_, _Gallinago cœlestis_, _Numenius arquatus_, and a few _Regulus cristatus_,--which would otherwise have been contented to remain with us, to seek more genial winter quarters.

The returns for this section of the coast again bear out the opinions expressed in former reports,--_First_, That the main body of the autumnal migrants reach the west coast of Wales and the south-west coast of England--and probably Ireland, too--by way of the Isle of Man; the north-western coast of England only receiving a comparatively small share in these movements; _Second_, That emigrants from Ireland, and other birds migrating _viâ_ Irish routes, strike the British coast at the mouth of the Bristol Channel, along whose north shore it is believed many pass. It seems probable, however, from a careful examination of the records, that the right wing at least of these Irish migrants extends as far south as the Land's-End stations, and those from Land's-End to Start Point. This is made evident by the several independent--if they may be so termed--and important movements which are recorded in the diary, for this portion of the coast alone, under the following dates; August 22d, September 3d, and October 24th, 25th, and 26th, and which not only indicate the route followed, but also its origin (Ireland), by reason of the circumscribed area affected.

_Corvus cornix_, _Plectrophanes nivalis_, _Asio accipitrinus_, _Bernicla brenta_, _Fringilla montifringilla_, and _Passer montanus_ are again absent, or very rarely mentioned in the returns; while _Scolopax rusticula_ and _Regulus cristatus_ were not at all frequent during the season under consideration.

Among the rarer or more interesting species observed may be mentioned _Agelæus phœniceus_, _Ruticilla titys_, _Procellaria leucorrhoa_, _Stercorarius catarrhactes_, _Anas streperus_, and _Pandion haliaëtus_.

_Gallinula chloropus_, _Pica caudata_, _Gecinus viridis_, and _Emberiza miliaria_ (many of which occurred at the Nash on September 3d) may be mentioned as somewhat unusual migrants.

In conclusion, the writer would suggest to his colleagues the desirability of making an united report, instead of treating it by sections. This, it is thought, might readily be done, if the diary form were adopted, by giving under a common date-heading the information for the various coasts for that particular day; in which case the information for the East Coast of Scotland might lead, followed by the east of England, then the West Coast of Scotland, the coasts of Ireland, and finally the West Coast of England. By adopting such a readily feasible plan the significance and importance of each movement, the area covered by it, and the species participating in it, would be ascertained at a glance; while under the present arrangement, to obtain such very desirable and simple information, reference is necessary to no less than five separate reports.

Wm. Eagle Clarke.

==============

The legs and wings referred to the Reed Warbler in the Irish Report are reserved for further examination.

==============

IRISH COAST.

The number of stations returning schedules shows a slight falling off since last year; but this is compensated for by some light-keepers, who take a greater interest in the subject, sending three, four, and even five schedules. A column has been added to the list of lighthouses, showing the number of schedules received from each station.

Mine Head, Tuskar, Rockabill, and Innishtrahull are foremost in number; but good schedules have been received from the Fastnet, Coningbeg, Eagle Island (East), and Blackrock (Mayo), and a few other localities.

The marked feature of 1886 has been the number of legs and wings forwarded--numbering about one hundred--cut from birds killed striking the lanterns. In some cases specimens were received in the flesh; and it is to be hoped that in all cases of rare birds this will be done in future. Generally speaking, the legs and wings can be identified with certainty, and they have been all carefully preserved for reference. Any doubts which may exist about a species will be removed if the light-keepers send a leg and wing of every bird killed striking, with the schedule, in the envelopes provided for this purpose.

The stations sending most specimens were the Tuskar, Rockabill, and Mine Head; but they were also received from eleven others. The rarities received were numerous. Mr Thomas Fortune sent the second Irish specimen of the Wryneck from Arran Island, N., Co. Galway, killed striking at 2 A.M. on October 6th. The first specimen was shot at Dunmore, Co. Waterford, October 5th, 1877. From Mr Francis Ryan, of the Tearaght, Co. Kerry, only four wings and legs were received; but two of these proved rarities, one belonging to the Pied Flycatcher, caught at lantern September 21st, and the other to the Reed Warbler, found dead October 4th. Both species had only once before been recorded from Ireland. The Pied Flycatcher occurred at Ballina, Co. Mayo, in April 1875. The Reed Warbler is said to have been shot near Dublin on December 21st, 1843, but no specimen exists. Another leg and wing of the Pied Flycatcher, killed striking October 5th, was sent by Mr George Dunleavy from the Fastnet, Co. Cork. From Coningbeg light-ship, Co. Wexford, a leg and wing of the Reed Warbler was forwarded by Mr Patrick Cullen and Mr William Clydesdale. It was killed striking October 4th, the same date as the Tearaght specimen.

These three species--Wryneck, Pied Flycatcher, and Reed Warbler--are examples of birds which breed in Great Britain, and have only been met with in Ireland during the autumnal migration, except the Pied Flycatcher, which once occurred in April. All the birds were observed on the south or west coasts.

Taking the other legs and wings in order. The Missel Thrush was sent from the Tuskar, being the only specimen yet received. A male and female Redstart were sent from Rockabill, Co. Dublin, by Mr Joseph Hammond, having been obtained on April 24th and May 9th respectively. The Redstart has quite recently been discovered to breed in Ireland, at Powerscourt, Co. Wicklow. The Black Redstart was received from the Fastnet, Co. Cork, found dead October 30th. It is recorded at four other stations on the south coast. Its regular occurrence in the south and east of Ireland has been established by this inquiry. On July 10th a "Blackstart" is reported at Rockabill, Co. Dublin; but no specimen having been sent, this unusual date requires confirmation. The Whinchat, which is in Ireland a local bird, was killed striking Coningbeg lantern on May 7th. Several Sedge Warblers and Whitethroats were received from Rockabill, the Tuskar, and other stations. A rush took place on May 9th. These Warblers were not previously recognised--"Tits," "Wrens," "Flycatchers," and "Sally-pickers" doing duty for them, and other allied species. The Grasshopper Warbler (rare and local in Ireland) was obtained at the Tuskar, having been correctly identified by Mr Richard Hamilton, from a copy of Morris' "British Birds" supplied to that station by the Irish Lights Board. The Blackcap was killed striking on Eagle Island, off Mayo, as late as October 31st, the leg, wing, and head being forwarded by Mr Daniel Hawkins. A fine old male Yellow Wagtail (_Motacilla Raii_) was killed at the Tuskar on May 3d. It is rare and local in Ireland, occurring on the east and south coasts. The wing and leg of a Skylark, caught striking at Mine Head on 26th February, was of a much paler colour, and had shorter toes than the ordinary form. A very large leg and wing of a Skylark was received from Arklow South light-ship, killed October 28th. The October immigration of the Chaffinch was evidenced by the production of legs and wings, and extended to the lighthouses, several miles from land, off the west of Ireland. A Turtle Dove was received from the Tuskar in May, and some entries of "Doves" in the autumn, which have been placed under the heading "Pigeons," are perhaps referable to this species. The repeated occurrence of the Corncrake, several miles from shore--killed striking against lanterns between 100 and 200 feet above the sea-level--must satisfy the sceptical that this bird can fly long distances and at a high level with great power and velocity. The Water Rail, which seems so unwilling to fly, was received from the Fastnet and Tuskar, and the Water Hen from Rathlin O'Birne, both having been killed striking on 26th and 28th October. The first two stations are seven or eight miles from the nearest land, and the last, two miles. The Water Hen is stated by Mr Macginley of Rathlin O'Birne to have struck "with tremendous force" at 11.30 P.M. This lantern is 116 feet over sea.

The words "Sand Larks," and "Sea Larks," so vague, and signifying almost any of the smaller Sandpipers, is now better understood by the production of legs and wings--those of the Curlew Sandpiper, Purple Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, and Turnstone having been sent. A leg and wing of the Fork-tailed Petrel was forwarded from Eagle Island, W., off Mayo, caught at lantern in second week of October.

An egg of this species is recorded to have been found on the Tearaght, Co. Kerry (_Zoologist_, 1886, p. 367). Most of the legs and wings were obtained at the autumnal migration. The autumn rush of Thrushes, Starlings, Blackbirds, and Larks took place October 20th to 28th, on the E. and S.E. coasts, there being little evidence of it on the W. coast. From 27th February to 1st March another great movement took place on the S.E. coast, and again about March 27th. At the N.W. stations a great rush of Fieldfares, Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Starlings occurred December 17th and 24th, under the influence of a sudden pinch of cold. The Fieldfares were noticed in great numbers at Innishtrahull, a rocky islet six miles north of Donegal. Mr M. S. Kennedy "never saw the like." There was snow, with a very strong wind. At Rathlin O'Birne (West Donegal) immense flocks of birds--Starlings, Thrushes, and Fieldfares--passed west December 18th to 23d. The nearest land to the west of this rocky island is America, and one is puzzled to know where the birds were going; but this is not an isolated occurrence--the westerly flight of land birds at stations off the west coast of Ireland has been noticed on other occasions. The movement is apparently as reckless as that of the Lemmings. The Ring Ouzel is again stated to have been seen in the winter (January 15th) at Mine Head. It is strange that not a single leg and wing of the Grey Linnet, or the Twite (birds, doubtless, included under the name of "Linnets"), has yet been received. They seem rarely to strike. There are two or three instances of the Golden Plover having been killed striking in 1886. The "Cream-coloured" Gulls seen off Blackrock, Mayo, November 5th, and also seen in August 1881, April and May 1882, and October 11th, 1884 (see Report, 1884, p. 181), were probably Iceland Gulls. The Gannet is well known to every light-keeper, and its movements are not likely to be confounded with any other bird. The entries, therefore, under it may be examined with confidence. Species which are ill-defined, or named with doubtful accuracy in the Report, are put in in inverted commas. In Ireland birds are far less numerous than in Great Britain, and their movements are less distinctly marked. Few entries have, therefore, been omitted, for their value cannot be estimated until a number of Reports have been compared. It is proposed next year to analyse all the Irish observations.

To all the light-keepers forwarding schedules our best thanks are due; to those sending legs and wings, and specimens in the flesh, we are under still further obligations. The interest evinced when three, four, and five schedules are filled with careful notes, shows the desire to further knowledge for its own sake, and speaks well for the intelligence of such observers. The Commissioners of Irish Lights, and their secretary, Mr Owen Armstrong, continue to give us their very necessary assistance; and Captain Boxer, E.N., in his frequent visits to the lighthouses, is ever ready to further the objects of this inquiry.

Richard M. Barrington.
Alexander G. More.

List of Light-Stations.

Miles
Sched. from Names of
Filled. Au. Sp. Shore. Observers.

1. Fastnet, Co. Cork, 2 x x 8 George Dunleavy.
2. Galley Head, Cork, o o o -- _No reply._
3. Old Head, Kinsale, Cork, o o o -- _No reply._
4. Mine Head, Waterford, 4 x x -- Edward M'Carron.
5. Dungarvan, Waterford, 1 o x -- Wm. Higginbotham.
5.*Coningbeg Lt.-ship, Wexford, 2 x x 10 Patrick Cullen and
Wm. Clydesdale.
6. Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, do., 3 x x 4 Charles H. M'Cabe.
7. Tuskar Rock, do., 4 x x 7 Rd. Hamilton,
Peter Page,
& E. M'Kenna.
8. Arklow Sth. Lt.-ship,
Wicklow, 2 x x 7 Patrick Clancy and
Alfred B. Wall.
8.*Arklow North Lt.-ship, do. 3 x x 8 William Daly.
10. Kish Bank Lt.-ship, Dublin, 1 x o 7 Michael Cunniam.
11. Howth Baily, Dublin, o o o -- No reply.
12. Rockabill, Dublin, 5 x x 5 Jos. Hammond and
Henry Kelly.
13. Copeland (Mew) Island, Down, 1 x o 3 John O'Donnell.
14. Maidens, Antrim, 2 x x 5 Michael Barry.
15. Rathlin, Antrim, 1 x o 6 John A. Murray.
16. Innishtrahull, Donegal, 4 x x 6 M. S. Kennedy.
17. Dunree Head, Donegal, 1 x x -- Jervis Brownell.
19. Tory Island, Donegal, 1 x o 9 Henry Stocker.
20. Arranmore, Donegal, 2 x x 5 Henry Williams.
21. Rathlin O'Birne, Donegal, 1 o x 2 J. C. Macginley.
22. Killybegs, Donegal, 3 x x -- Joseph Hill.
23. Oyster Island, N. Sligo, o o o 1 _No reply._
24. Broadhaven, Mayo. 1 o x -- John A. Murray.
25. Eagle Island, E., Mayo, 2 x x 2 Daniel Hawkins.
26. Eagle Island, W., Mayo, o o o 2 _No reply._
27. Blackrock, Mayo, 2 x x 9 Edward Rohu.
28. Blacksod Point, Mayo, o o o -- _No reply._
29. Clare Island, Mayo, o o o 4 _No reply._
30. Slyne Head, N., Galway, o o o 3 _No reply._
31. Slyne Head, S., Galway, 1 o x 3 Rich. Widdicombe.
32. Arran Island, X., Galway, 2 x x 9 Thomas Fortune.
33. Straw Island, Galway, o o o 9 _No reply._
34. Arran Island, S., Galway, o o o 6 _No reply._
36. Samphire Island, Kerry, 1 x o -- R. Phelan.
37. Tearaght, Kerry, 2 x x 9 Francis Ryan.
38. Valentia, Kerry, 1 x o -- Joseph Williams.
39. Skelligs, Kerry, 2 x x 9 James Walshe.
40. Dursey Island, Cork, o o o ½ _No reply._

Abbreviations:

o = No reply.
x = Schedule returned partly or wholly filled.
Sp = Spring, replies received, 24.
Au = Autumn, replies received, 22.

Legs, Wings, etc. Received.

Mine Head, Leg and wing, Kestrel, Shot 29th Oct.
Fastnet, " Pied Killed striking,
Flycatcher, 4 A.M., Oct. 5.
Tearaght, " " Caught at lantern,
8 P.M., Sept. 21.
Tuskar, " Missel Thrush, October.
Mine Head, " Thrush, Killed striking, Feb. 8.
Coningbeg Lt.-ship, " " Received June 2.
Tuskar, " " October.
Rockabill, " " Killed striking, Oct. 7.
Rathlin O'Birne, " " Struck, Dec. 25.
Coningbeg Lt.-ship, " Redwing, Killed striking, Oct. 26.
Rockabill, " " " Oct. 28.
Arklow S. Lt.-ship, " Fieldfare, Dead on deck, Nov. 26.
Rockabill, " " Killed striking, Oct. 24.
Innishtrahull, " " " Oct. 27.
Mine Head, " Blackbird, " Oct. 2.
" " " Disabled strik'g.,
Oct. 29.
Coningbeg Lt.-ship, " " Killed striking, Oct. 23.
Tuskar Rock, " " October.
Rockabill, " " (male), Killed striking, Oct. 7.
" Rec'd. in flesh, Redstart, Shot, April 24.
" " " (female), Killed striking, May 9.
Fastnet, Leg, wing, and Black Redstart Found dead on rock,
tail, Oct. 30.
Mine Head, Leg and wing, Stonechat, Shot, February.
Coningbeg Lt.-ship, " Whinchat, Struck lantern,
3 A.M., May 7.
Mine Head, " Wheatear, Caught striking, 9.30
P.M., Aug. 22.
Coningbeg Lt.-ship, " " Killed striking,
Sept. 4.
Eagle Island, E., " " Shot first week in April.
Coningbeg Lt.-ship, " Reed Warbler, Killed striking, Oct. 4.
Tearaght Rock, " " Found dead, Oct. 4.
Mine Head, Rec'd. in flesh, Sedge Warbler, " May 3.
" Leg and wing, " May 10.
" " " Killed striking, Aug. 22.
Hook Tower, Received in flesh
fr. Capt. Boxer, " September.
Tuskar Rock, Rec'd. in flesh, 4 male Sedge Killed striking,
Warblers, May 9.
" " 3 Sedge
Warblers, May 16.
" Leg and wing, Sedge Warbler, Caught striking,
Sept. 24.
Rockabill, Rec'd. in flesh, 4 Sedge
Warblers, Killed striking, May 9.
Tuskar Rock, " Grasshopper Killed striking,
Warbler, 11.30 P.M.,
April 30.
" " 5 Whitethroats Killed striking,
(4 male and 1 May 9.
female.)
" Leg and wing, Whitethroat, Caught at lantern,
Sept. 24.

Legs, Wings, etc., Received--_continued_.

Rockabill, Rec'd. in flesh, 5 Whitethroats, Killed striking, May 9.
Tearaght Rock, Leg and wing, Whitethroat, Shot, May 21.

Eagle Island, E., Leg, wing, and
head, Blackcap, Killed striking, Oct. 31.
Mine Head, Leg and wing, Willow Wren, Caught striking, 1.30
A.M., Sept. 2.
Tuskar Rock, Received in flesh Caught on balcony,
fr. Capt. Boxer, " Aug. 10.
" Leg and wing, Chiffchaff, Caught at lantern, Sept. 24.
Rockabill, " " Killed striking, Oct. 2.
Mine Head, Wing, Blue Tit, Shot, February.
Tuskar Rock, Rec'd. in flesh, Yellow Wagtail
(fine old male), Shot, May 3.
Fastnet, Leg and wing, Meadow Pipit, Killed striking, Oct 29.
Barrels Rock " " Killed striking,
Lt.-ship, 9.30 P.M.,
Oct. 29.
Rathlin O'Birne, " Rock Pipit, Killed striking, Oct. 14.
Eagle Island, E., " " Shot, Sept. 14.

Eagle Island, W., " " Killed striking, second
week in October.
Mine Head, " Skylark (pale Caught at lantern,
wing, claws Feb. 26.
short),
" " Skylark, Caught at lantern,
March 23.
Coningbeg Lt.-ship, " " Killed striking, Oct. 28.
Arklow S. Lt.-ship, "
very large, " Caught on deck, Oct. 28.
Rockabill, Leg and wing, " Killed striking, Oct. 21.
Rathlin O'Birne, " " " Dec. 10.
Eagle Island, W. " " Caught at lantern, second
week in October.
Fastnet, " Snow Bunting, Found dead on rock,
Oct. 4.
Rockabill, " " Shot, Oct. 31.
Mine Head, Skin received, Corn Bunting, " February.
" Rec'd. in flesh, Reed Bunting, " Feb. 8.
" Skin received, Yellowhammer, " March 6.
Fastnet, Leg and wing, Chaffinch, Dead on rock, Oct. 28.
Tuskar, " " Killed striking, October.
Rockabill, " " " Oct. 28.
" " Greenfinch, " Oct. 28.
Mine Head, Rec'd. in flesh, Goldfinch, Shot, March 2.
Fastnet, Leg and wing, Starling, Killed striking,
7.30 P.M.,
Oct. 31.
Coningbeg Lt.-ship, " " Struck lantern, March 2.
Tuskar, " " " October.
Rockabill, " " " Oct. 4.
Tearaght Rock, Rec'd. in flesh, Sand Martin, Found dying, April 20.
Tuskar Rock, " Swift, Probably shot, May 15.

Legs, Wings, etc., Received--_continued_.