Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1887. Ninth Report

Chapter V: Part 5

Text size

November 10th.--_Langness_ L.H., fourteen Lapwings flying S. at 11 A.M. One Robin at 3 P.M. One female Blackbird on lantern at 8 P.M. (Light N.E.; haze.) _Chickens Rock_ L.H., very great flock of Thrushes, Fieldfares, Larks, Linnets, Blackbirds, Starlings, Lapwings, Curlews, and a few Goldcrests, from about an hour after lighting time till the light was extinguished. A great number struck the dome of lantern and were killed, falling into the sea. Mr Black says--"The flocks are most dense to-night, and are all mixed together. It is no use trying to give numbers. We captured a few Blackbirds and Fieldfares." (From N.E. to S., strong breezes; slight haze.) _Bahama Bank_ L.V., number of Larks, Thrushes, and Blackbirds all night; one Thrush and three Blackbirds killed. (E., 4; O. G.) _Skerries Rock_ L.H., four Goldfinches on island at 9 A.M. Flocks of Linnets at 10.20 A.M., all flying S.S.E. A Woodcock and four Sparrows shot on island at 4 P.M. _Holyhead_ L.H., four Goldfinches going S.E. at noon. _South Stack_ L.H., Fieldfare caught at lantern at 2.30 A.M. Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, and Larks from 7 P.M. till midnight; a great many flying around the lantern; a few killed. (E., 3; C. M. P.) _South Bishop_ L.H., a few birds striking the lantern from 9 P.M. to 2 A.M. (11th): one Land Rail, three Thrushes, and two Blackbirds killed. _Helwick_ L.V., a good many small birds at the lantern; one "Warbler" killed. (E, 2; O. M. D.) _Nash_ (_E._) L.H., Lapwings at 1.10 A.M.; one killed; two Common Snipe killed at 4.30 A.M. (E.N.E., 2; C. M. P.) _Longships_ L.H., a few Starlings, Thrushes, and Goldcrests at the lantern from 8 to 9 P.M. (E.N.E., 3; misty, rain.) _Eddystone_ L.H., many birds passing--Thrushes, Snipe, Larks, and Redwings--from 8 P.M. to 4 A.M. (11th); a few killed. (N.N.E., 3; C. G. M.)

November 11th.--_Cumberland_, an Isabelline Wheatear, female, shot at Aigle Gill, near Allonby, by Mr Richard Mann. One Hooded Crow at Allonby. _Chickens Rock_ L.H., a very large number of Thrushes, Fieldfares, Larks, Linnets, Blackbirds, Starlings, Lapwings, Curlews, and a few Goldcrests. Hundreds must have been killed by striking the lantern, as they kept striking all night through. (Hazy, with light winds varying from E. to S. and S.S.W.) _Bahama Bank_ L.V., number of Larks, Thrushes, and Blackbirds all night; two Blackbirds killed. (E. by N.; O. G.) _River Dee_ L.V., one Snipe found dead on deck at daylight. (E.N.E., 2; O. M.) _Skerries Rock_ L.H., Blackbirds, Starlings, and Larks nearly all night; several killed against glass. (S.E., 2; misty.) _South Stack_ L.H., Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, and Larks, in numbers round lantern, from 7 P.M. till midnight. (E.S.E., 3; C. M.) _Cardigan Bay_ L.V., great numbers of Blackbirds and Thrushes around the lantern. (S.E., 3; B. C.) _South Bishop_ L.H., a large number of birds at the lantern from 9 P.M. to 3 A.M. (12th): sixty-four killed--Larks, Blackbirds, and Thrushes. (E., 2; B. C. M.) _Helwick_ L.V., a great number of Larks, Starlings, Blackbirds, and Thrushes during the night; several killed. (N.E. by E., 2; O. M.) _Nash_ (_E._) L.H., Redwings passed to W. at 6.30 A.M. Song Thrushes (four killed) at 7.30 P.M.; Blackbirds (two killed) at 9.5 P.M. (E.N.E., 4; C. M.) _Breaksea_ L.V., Thrushes and Larks from 9 to 11 P.M.; six killed. (E.N.E., 3; O. M.) _Bull Point_ L.H., a hen *Chaffinch killed at 3 A.M. (E., 3; B. C. M.) _Longships_ L.H., Puffins and Guillemots passing S. all day. (E., 3.) _Eddystone_ L.H., many birds passing, see under 10th; a Jacksnipe caught at 2 A.M. (N.E. by E., 3; C. M.) _Portland_ (_Low_) L.H., a Wren at lantern at 3.30 A.M. (E.N.E., 4; C. M.)

November 12th.--_Chickens Rock_ L.H., a large flock of birds at 11.30 A.M. flying N., thought to be Fieldfares. (S. strong airs; clear.) Mr Black says there were flocks of the same birds, as reported for the 10th and 11th (excepting the Linnets), here again to-night, but not in such numbers as last night; very few struck, though the weather was hazy. Found Redstart [? _Ruticilla titys_] killed on the dome. Number of Moths on lantern. _Skerries Rock_ L.H., one Owl and one Fieldfare on island. Fieldfares, Blackbirds, Starlings, Thrushes, Chaffinches, and Larks all night; several killed. (S.S.E. to S., 2; misty and gloomy.) _South Stack_ L.H., Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Larks around the lantern, twenty-four killed, from 12.30 A.M. till 3 A.M. (S.E., 2; O. M.) _South Bishop_ L.H., thirty Linnets at 11 A.M. A few birds at lantern between 9 and 11 P.M.; eighteen killed--thirteen Larks, four female Blackbirds, and one Redwing.

November 13th.--_Chickens Rock_ L.H., several large flocks of birds seen at 10 A.M. flying S.S.W.; species not made out. Starlings, Larks, Fieldfares, and Thrushes from 7 P.M. till morning, flying in the rays of light. (E.N.E. strong breeze; clear.) _Morecambe Bay_ L.V., two Chaffinches at 9 A.M.; two Greenfinches at 1 P.M. Several Starlings about the lantern from 8 to 12 P.M. (S.S.W., 3; O.) _River Dee_ L.V., flocks of Sand Larks about the lantern from 6 P.M. to midnight. (E.N.E., 1.) _Skerries Rock_ L.H., large flock of Greenfinches at 12.10 P.M. flying S. (S., 1; misty and gloomy.) _Holyhead_ L.H., a Goldfinch caught at lantern at 2 A.M. _Carnarvon Bay_ L.V., Blackbirds and Starlings going E. all day. _St Tudwal's_ L.H., a Blackbird struck the lantern at midnight. _South Bishop_ L.H., a few birds at lantern from 9 P.M. to 5 A.M. (14th); twenty-seven killed, mostly "female Blackbirds." (E.N.E., 3; C. V.) _Helwick_ L.V., a Woodcock, a Lark, and a Thrush killed between 5 and 6 A.M. (E. by N., 2; Q. M.) _Nash_ (_E._) L.H., three Snipe passed N.W. at 6 A.M. A large flock of Lapwings from 6.30 to 10 P.M.--thirty striking, four killed; a "Hawk" Owl flying round the lantern all night. Fieldfares from 6.30 to 10 P.M.; Goldcrests from 6.30 to 9 P.M., four killed; *Water Rail at 7.30 P.M., one killed; three Woodcocks killed from 7 to 8 P.M.; two Snipe killed at 9.20 P.M.; continuous flocks of Redwings from 7 to 10 P.M., nine killed; eighty-two Skylarks killed from 9 to 11.30 P.M.; and seven Song Thrushes killed at 11 P.M. (E.N.E., 3; C. M. O.) This movement was continued in the early hours of the 14th. (_q. v._) _Breaksea_ L.V., many birds at lantern from 8 to 10 P.M.; a Quail, six Larks, one Thrush, and one Redwing killed. (E.N.E., 4; O. M.) _Eddystone_ L.H., a Blackbird killed at 5.30 A.M. (E. by S., 4; C. V.) Portland (Low) L.H., a Snipe struck at 2 A.M. (S.S.E., 4; C. M.)

November 14th.--_Cumberland_, one immature Velvet Scoter (another shot off Burgh Marsh in December). _Chickens Rock_ L.H., six Rooks at 9.30 A.M. coming from S., flying towards Isle of Man. Large flock of birds at noon, species unknown, flying N.N.W. Eight Geese at 3 P.M. flying S. (N.E. strong breeze; clear.) Mr Black says--"I do not remember seeing birds so plentiful in our vicinity, and continuing to visit us in such large numbers." _Skerries Rock_ L.H., a Lapwing struck lantern and was killed at 7.45 P.M. (S.E., 2; clear to M. R.) _Holyhead Breakwater_ L.H., thousands of Wild Ducks at 11 A.M. in the bay. (S.E., 1; C. H.) _South Stack_ L.H., Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, Redwings, Fieldfares, and one Robin at lantern from 8 P.M. till midnight; a few killed. (E., 2; C. G. M.) _Cardigan Bay_ L.V., several flocks of Starlings and Larks throughout the day going S.E. One Blackbird and one Thrush struck the lantern. _Nash_ (_E._) L.H., Stonechats at 12.30 A.M., four killed; *Blackcap from 12 P.M. (13th) to 1.13 A.M., "fifteen killed;" four Snipe killed between 12 P.M. (13th) and 3 A.M.; twenty-two Skylarks killed between 12 P.M. (13th) and 4 A.M.; Blackbirds from 3 to 4 A.M., three killed; Missel Thrushes at 4 A.M., one killed; a Wood Pigeon struck at 4.20 A.M.; a large flock of Lapwings passed to N.W. at 8 A.M.; Lapwings at the lantern at 6.30 P.M. (E.N.E., 2; B. C. M.) _Eddystone_ L.H., Oyster-catchers, Plovers, Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, and Starlings, from 6.30 to 9.30 P.M., when the stars came out and the birds disappeared. Caught three Blackbirds, one Thrush, two Redwings, and five Starlings. (N.E, 4; C. V.)

November 15th.--_South Bishop_ L.H., from 100 to 150 Crows at 11.30 A.M. flying E.

November 16th.--_Skerries Rock_ L.H., six Blackbirds and four Redwings killed against lantern-glass at 3.20 A.M. (S., 4.) One Snipe and some Lapwings flying round lantern at 3.45 A.M., but did not strike. One Waterhen killed against lantern-glass at 3.45 A.M. "Struck very hard." A large flock of Greenfinches at 7.45 A.M. flying W. Great number of Wild Fowl from 9 to 10.30 A.M. flying W. (W.N.W., 4; B. C. V.) _Carnarvon Bay_ L.V., Starlings, Larks, Thrushes, and Snipe at 4 A.M.; one Starling, Thrush, and Snipe killed. (S., 4; B. C.) _Nash_ (_E._) L.H., one Skylark killed at 8 P.M. (E., 3; B. C. M.) _Burnham_ L.H., Fieldfares about all day.

November 17th.--_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V., Blackbirds and Starlings going S.S.E. at 10 A.M. _South Bishop_ L.H., a party of ten Crows at 7 A.M. _Nash_ (_E._) L.H., two Snipe passed N.W. at 7 A.M.; and a flock of Golden Plover passed W. at 7.30 A.M. A great rush of Lapwings to-night. They commenced to arrive at 7.40 P.M., and continued until 11 P.M.; hundreds constantly flying round the lantern, within the rays of light. A few struck at times, and seven were killed. They were very noisy, and kept up quite a concert. They all left at 11.10 P.M. (E.S.E., 4; B. C. M.) _Breaksea_ L.V., a Thrush killed at 11.40 P.M. _Seven Stones_ L.V., a Crow flew on board at 6 P.M.; passed the night, and left for Scilly at 7 A.M. (18th). _Eddystone_ L.H., a Jacksnipe caught at 3 A.M. (E.S.E., 5; B. C. V.) Flocks of Lapwings from 6 to 9 P.M. (E.N.E., 6; O. R. M.) Several Starlings, Thrushes, Redwings, Blackbirds, passing all night from 5.30 P.M. till 6 A.M. (18th); a few caught. (N.E., 3; O. M.)

November 18th.--_Chickens Rock_ L.H., one "Rock Starling" and one Lark perched on lantern at 2 A.M. Four "Sea Snipe" and one Lapwing at 10 A.M. Lapwings going E. (2, N.E.; clear and frosty.) _Skerries Rock_ L.H., large flock of Linnets and Chaffinches going S. at 8 A.M. Two large flocks of Wild Fowl going E. at 10 A.M. (S., 3; clear.) _South Bishop_ L.H., several birds flying round the lantern from midnight to 3 A.M.; eight Blackbirds, two Starlings, two Larks, and three Thrushes killed. _Nash_ (_E._) L.H., a Jacksnipe killed at 3 A.M. Blackbirds from 3 to 4 A.M., three killed; Redwings from 3 to 4 A.M., six killed; Skylarks from 3 to 4 A.M., two killed; Song Thrushes from 3 to 4 A.M., four killed; Snipe, one killed at 3.30 A.M. (E., 3; B. C. M.) _Breaksea_ L.V., Thrushes and Starlings from midnight (17th) to 4 A.M. (E.N.E., 4; O. M.) _Burnham_, the first Grey Wagtail seen. _Eddystone_ L.H., for early morning movement see yesterday. A Land Rail on the gallery at 7 A.M. (N., 2; O. M.) Many birds passing from 11 P.M. to 3.30 A.M. (19th). Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Redwings. Caught two ♀ and one ♂ Blackbird; one Fieldfare, and fifteen Redwings killed. Numbers striking lantern and lost over. (N., 4; O. R. M.)

November 19th.--_River Dee_ L.V., Thrushes, Larks, and Blackbirds round the lantern at 9.15 P.M.; one Thrush killed. (W.S.W., 2; B. C. V.) _Cardigan Bay_ L.V., a flock of Greenfinches going S.E. at 2 P.M. _Helwick_ L.V., a few Blackbirds from 8 P.M. to midnight; one (young) killed. (N., 3; G. M.) _Nash_ (_E._) L.H., a *Knot killed at 2 A.M. (E., 2; O. M. R.) _Breaksea_ L.V., Thrushes and other birds from 12 P.M. (18th) to 4 A.M. (N.E., 1; O. M. R.) _Longships_ L.H., a good many Larks, Starlings, and Thrushes, from 1 A.M. till daylight. (E.N.E. to N.N.E., 4; misty.) _Eddystone_ L.H., for early morning movement see yesterday.

November 20th.--_Helwick_ L.V., a few Larks and Starlings around the lantern. (N.E., 4; C. M.) _Breaksea_ L.V., many Lapwings, Thrushes, Blackbirds, Starlings, and other birds, from midnight to 4 A.M. (N.E., 5, 6; O. M. R.) _Eddystone_ L.H., several Starlings and Redwings from 3.30 A.M. till 7 A.M. (N.N.E, 4; C. M.)

November 21st.--_Chickens Rock_ L.H., one Fork-Tailed Petrel flying about the rock at 7.30 A.M. One male Blackbird struck the lantern and was caught at 9.30 P.M. (3, S.S.E.; thick haze.) _Breaksea_ L.V., a *Coot caught at 5 A.M. (E.S.E., 4; O. F.)

November 22d.--_Chickens Rock_ L.H., one Redwing struck heavily at 2 A.M., but was lost over. Number of Crows from daybreak till 9 A.M. going E. Ten Kittiwakes at 10 A.M. going E. These birds are seldom here at this season in such numbers, (3, E.; clear.) _South Bishop_ L.H., sixty to seventy Crows at 10.15 and 11.30 A.M. flying E.

November 23d.--_South Bishop_ L.H., seven flocks of Crows, of from six to thirty in a flock, from 8.30 to 11 A.M., flying to E. (E., 7; C. B. V.)

November 24th.--_South Bishop_ L.H., Crows passing E. in single numbers from 9 to 11 A.M.

November 25th.--_Cardigan Bay_ L.V., a large flock of Lapwings flying round the lantern at 2 A.M. _South Bishop_ L.H., a flock of about thirty Crows at 10 A.M. flying E.[10] _Eddystone_ L.H., a few Redwings from 1 to 3 A.M.; one caught. (W. by N, 4; O. V.)

[Footnote 10: Messrs Nicholas & Pell remark on the Crows passing this station since the 15th inst.:--"We never saw such a quantity of Crows pass before, during the ten years we have been stationed here."]

November 26th.--_South Bishop_ L.H., a Magpie alighted on the rock at 2 P.M. (S.W., 7; C. M.)

November 28th.--_Cumberland_, a female Great Grey Shrike, var. "_major_," shot at Cumwhinton, near Carlisle.

November 29th.--_Skerries Rock_ L.H., a few Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Starlings flying round lantern from 5 to 6 A.M. (S.E., 4; O. M. R.)

DECEMBER.

December 3d.--_Chickens Rock_ L.H., a number of Razorbills from early A.M. till 1 P.M. sitting on water. _Skerries Rock_ L.H., a few Razorbills about to S.E. of island at 1.30 P.M. (S.W.,8; stormy.)

December 7th.--_Cumberland_, an immature Richardson's Skua at Allonby, felled by a stone while feeding on the carcase of a Pig.

December 9th.--_South Stack_ L.H., one Fieldfare and one Lark struck the lantern and killed at 11.40 P.M.

December 10th.--_St Tudwal's_ L.H., a Bullfinch in the garden.

December 11th.--_Chickens Rock_ L.H., a number of Larks, one Song Thrush, one Starling, and one Brambling flying round light at 3.30 A.M. (2, E.; sleet shower.)

December 12th.--_Breaksea_ L.V., many Lapwings, Starlings, Blackbirds, and others, around the lantern from 12 P.M. to 4 A.M. (E.S.E., 4; O. M.) _Eddystone_ L.H., "a few Thrushes and Warblers" passing from 12 P.M. to 7 A.M. (E., 2; C. V.)

December 17th.--_Langness_ L.H., one Redshank caught on lantern at 7 P.M. (S.W. strong breeze; clear.)

December 21st.--_Nash_ (_E._) L.H., Fieldfares and Redwings passing at intervals from noon to 3 P.M. (N.E., 3.) _Eddystone_ L.H., a Jacksnipe killed at 3 A.M. (N.N.E., 3; B. C. V.)

December 22d.--_Langness_ L.H., three Snow Buntings at 3 P.M. (N. fresh breeze; clear.) _Nash_ (_E._) L.H., eight to twelve Song Thrushes going S.W. at 9 A.M. Starlings and Fieldfares going W.S.W. from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. _Portland_ (_Low_) L.H., two Thrushes at 11.30 A.M.

W. Eagle Clarke.

Museum of Science and Art, Edinburgh.

IRISH COAST.

The Report for 1887 on the Irish coast is satisfactory. The schedules number seventy-five, from thirty-one stations. As a rule they never were better or more carefully filled, and the number of legs and wings and specimens is almost 150. In addition to the schedules, many letters have been received, either inquiring the names of species or remarking on the special movements of birds. This shows that the Irish light-keepers display an intelligent and increasing interest in birds, and are quite as anxious and as willing as their English and Scottish brethren to further the objects of this inquiry. It is a difficult task to select from so many observers any special names; but the schedules from the Fastnet, Tuskar, and Coningbeg Light-ship, and the number of specimens accompanying them, deserve to be gratefully recorded. Messrs George Dunleavy, Patrick Cullen, W. Clydesdale, Peter Page, Edward M'Kenna, J. M. Leary, and P. Corish were the contributors. Some light-keepers are more fortunately situated than others, and the excellence of a schedule is to some extent dependent on locality. At the same time at a bad station a watchful observer can often supply notes which enable us to comprehend more clearly the range over which the movements of certain species extend.

At all times it has been a matter for regret that the identification of birds by the light-keepers was not more accurate. Even trained ornithologists might readily err in distinguishing species flying past or around the lanterns, and it cannot be too strongly impressed on the light-keepers that _it is of vital importance to send a leg and wing of at least one specimen of every species killed striking. Uncommon birds should be forwarded in the flesh_.

As to rarities, 1887 stands ahead of any other year on the Irish coast. Two birds have been added to the Irish list--the Red-breasted Flycatcher (Mr Alfred B. Wall and Patrick Clancy), and the Lapland Bunting (Mr George Dunleavy). Both were fortunately sent in the flesh--the former as a "small bird," the latter as a "Twite." Particulars of the occurrence of each is given in the body of the Report. The Greenland Falcon was received from the Skelligs (Messrs James Walsh and Benjamin Jeffers)--shot while eating a rabbit, September 28th. It has not been noticed on the west coast by the light-keepers since the winter of 1883-4. Probably _Falco candicans_ loses its way migrating, or in following the numerous flocks of sea-fowl on their southerly journey from the arctic seas in the autumn. The Falcon sent from the Skelligs was a magnificent old male--legs yellow, and plumage unusually white. The Pied Flycatcher is reported to have been seen at the Fastnet on April 12th. Mr George Dunleavy says it was the same species as he sent the leg and wing of in October 1886. The first Irish specimen was killed April 18th, 1875, at Ballina (_Zoologist_, 1875, p. 4498), but other Irish records (see Report for 1886, p. 128) are autumnal.

A Redstart was received from the Fastnet, and the stations from which the Black Redstart is reported are more numerous than any year so far; these are authenticated by six specimens received. The stations extend from Arklow S. light-ship round the S. coast to Blackrock, Mayo. From the latter station no specimen was received, but the description in the schedule agrees with the Black Redstart. None have yet been observed at any light stations on the N. coast.

The Sedge Warbler is killed striking more frequently than any other Warbler; next comes the Whitethroat; but at the N. and N.W. stations no Warblers strike--the S. and S.E. coasts containing all the records. The legs and wings doubtfully referred to the Reed Warbler last year have been re-examined, and do not belong to that species. A Woodlark was received in the flesh, shot on the Tearaght Rock by Mr Ryan on October 20th, one of the last places in Ireland one would expect to meet this bird, even when migrating. This Lark has been seen so seldom in Ireland since _Thompson's Natural History_ was published, in which it is described as a "_resident_ but very local species," that some questioned its right to be inserted in the Irish list, especially as no specimens were produced. It has not been known to breed in Ireland. The Snow Bunting, as is usual, occurs mainly on the N. and W. coasts. In Ireland it is very rare inland, especially in the southern half.

The Lapland Bunting has already been referred to. It was found dead October 16th on the Fastnet Rock, and was forwarded in the flesh. It is a female, and probably of European origin, and is the first Irish record.

"Mountain Finches" were reported from the Skelligs in November 1886; but, with this exception, no Bramblings were mentioned in the schedules until 1887, and the Siskin appears for the first time, both species being authenticated by specimens. The distribution of some volumes of Morris' "British Birds" has probably assisted in their identification, combined with information received in reply to parcels of legs and wings forwarded. Yet there can be no doubt 1887 was remarkable for the number of Bramblings and Siskins which visited Ireland. The data from light stations is too scanty to speak positively; but, unlike the Snow Bunting, the Brambling and Siskin seem to have no preference for the N. and N.W. coasts. "Linnets" is a term which has appeared in reports from the commencement. It occasionally includes, there is little doubt, other birds besides the Grey Linnet. Not a single leg or wing of the Grey Linnet has yet been received. The Bullfinch is seldom alluded to, and so far--using only the Irish migration reports--there is little or no evidence that it migrates at all.

In 1884 an extraordinary movement of Rooks from W. to E. was observed at the Tearaght and Skelligs in November; it lasted about three weeks. In 1887, about the same time, a similar occurrence is mentioned at the same stations. They are twenty miles apart, and both about nine miles from shore. There is no land to the westward nearer than America. On both occasions the birds are said to have appeared tired. On April 12th, a Hoopoe was shot at Eagle Island, E. (Mr Daniel Hawkins), off Mayo, and forwarded in the flesh.

From Blackrock (Mayo), Mr Edward Rohu forwarded a Turtle Dove--a rare and unexpected visitor in such a locality. From the Tearaght, Co. Kerry (Mr F. Ryan), the skin of a Spotted Crake--very rare in Ireland--was sent. Bird caught August 21st.

Between November 8th and 19th the Water Rail occurred at several stations all round Ireland, except on the W. coast, and in all cases but one at a considerable distance from shore. Records authenticated by specimens killed striking.

A Bald Coot was killed striking the Arklow S. light-ship September 22d, and for the first time this species has appeared in our reports. Leg and wing received.

Considering the numbers of Woodcock which annually visit Ireland, the scanty information received from the light-stations as to its movements is surprising. It is insufficient to enable any one to form an opinion as to whether it arrives first on the W. coast or not, but the statement that it does so is contrary to what might be expected, and until supported by satisfactory evidence would be prudently omitted from our text books.

The observations on Gulls are of questionable value. Confusion between the species is inevitable, but they are continued in the hope that when the schedules for several years are compared some tangible fragment may be forthcoming. "Cream-coloured Gulls" were noted at Slyne Head, S., and at the Tearaght. They are probably Iceland Gulls, and from previous migration reports it may be gathered that a few straggle to the W. coast of Ireland almost every year. A Glaucous Gull is noted at Blackrock, Mayo, the first time this species has been definitely mentioned in the schedules. The Fork-tailed Petrel was found breeding on the Tearaght Rock in very limited numbers by Mr By an, who kindly forwarded a specimen and its egg. Particulars are given under this species.

The only stations at which the migratory movements of Wild Geese are returned in any number, are on the coast of Donegal. This has always been the case.

The autumn rushes of most species were on a larger scale than usual, and between the 10th and 13th of November the greatest migratory movement yet recorded on the Irish coast took place. As usual the S.E. stations experienced the rush most, but it was felt on the W. coast also. At the Tuskar countless numbers of Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Starlings passed. Chaffinches and Larks and other birds in smaller numbers accompanied them. The spring movements in February and March were also better defined than usual, but only a careful mapping out of the various entries all round the coast would enable one to make an accurate comparison with previous years.

As far as Waders are concerned, there is no evidence derived from the light-stations to show that they arrive in greater numbers on our N. coast in the autumn than on our S. and S.E. coasts.

One or two instances of Gulls chasing and killing small birds are given in schedules. (See under Skylark and Greenfinch.)

There are several entries of birds killed striking on clear nights, which is not usual.

At the conclusion of the preface to every Report it has been usual to express our thanks to the Irish light-keepers for their assistance and co-operation. This year such thanks were never better deserved. It may be that at times the letters of inquiry, legs and wings and specimens received from the light-keepers have remained unacknowledged for a long time. If this has been the case, it is only due to the great pressure of private business, between the intervals of which this Report alone can be written, and not from any wilful negligence or failure to appreciate the gratuitous services of the observers, for whom this apology is intended. To Mr Owen Armstrong, the secretary to the Irish Light Board, and to Captain Boxer, R.N., inspector of Irish Lights, we are under many obligations. Their co-operation is as necessary as the sanction of the Irish Light Board to the continuance of this inquiry, and for both we express our gratitude.

Richard M. Barrington. Alexander G. More.

Abbreviations:

SF = Schedules Filled. LW = Legs, Wings, etc., Received.
LS = Light-ship MS = Miles from Shore.

Remarks Names of
List of Light Stations. SF LW on Sch. Sp Au MS Observers.

1. Fastnet, Co. Cork, 5 15 excellent, x x 8 George Dunleavy.
3. Old Head, Kinsale, Cork, 2 0 good. x x -- Robert Tyrrell.
4. Mine Head, Waterford, 2 7 very good, x x -- Edward M'Carron.
5_a_. Hook Tower, Wexford, 1 3 fair. x o -- Richard Hamilton.
5.* Coningbeg LS, Wexford, 5 24 excellent, x x 10 Patrick Cullen and
Wm. Clydesdale.
6. Barrels Rock LS, do., 4 4 very good, x x 4 Charles H. M'Cabe.
7. Tuskar Rock, do., 6 32 excellent, x x 7 P. Page, E. M'Kenna,
J. M. Leary, and
Patrick Corish.
7_a_. Lucifer Shoals LS, do., 1 1 good. o x 9 James Byrne and
Michael Ansel.
8. Arklow Sth. LS, Wicklow, 3 12 very good, x x 7 Patrick Clancy and
Alfred B. Wall.
8.* Arklow North LS, do., 3 0 very good, x x 8 William Daly.
11. Howth Baily, Dublin, 1 1 fair. o x -- R. Armstrong.
12. Rockabill, Dublin, 5 2 fair. x o 5 Henry Kelly.
12_b_. South Rock Lt.-ship, 1 0 good. o x 3 Thomas Cooney and
Down, Henry Thompson.
14.* Maidens, South Antrim, 1 0 fair. o x 5 B. Sole and J.
Corish.
14. Maidens, North do., 1 1 fair. o x 5 Richard Hamilton.
15. Rathlin, Antrim, 1 0 poor. o x 6 Patrick Keenan.
16. Innishtrahull, Donegal, 2 2 very good, x x 6 M. S. Kennedy.
17. Dunree Head, do., 2 0 good. x x -- Jervis Brownell.
19. Tory Island, do., 2 7 very good, x x 9 Henry Kelly.
20. Arranmore, do., 2 0 very good, x x 5 Henry Williams and
Thomas Fortune.
21. Rathlin O'Birne, do., 2 2 very good, x x 2 J. C. M'Ginley.
22. Killybegs, do., 7 0 very good, x x -- Joseph Hill.
24. Broadhaven, Mayo, 2 0 fair. x x -- John A. Murray.
26. Eagle Island, W., Mayo, 1 1 poor. x o 2 Hugh Keeney.
27. Blackrock, Mayo, 2 5 very good, x x 9 Edward Rohu.
31. Slyne Head, S., Galway, 3 0 very good, x x 3 Richd. Widdicombe.
32. Arran Island, Is., do., 2 0 very good, x x 9 Thomas Fortune and
Henry Williams.
34. Arran Island, S., do., 1 0 very good. o x 6 Charles P. Page.
36. Samphire Island, Kerry, 1 0 poor. o x -- R. Phelan.
37. Tearaght, Kerry, 3 13 very good, x x 9 Francis Ryan.
39. Skelligs, Kerry, 3 9 very good, x x 9 James Walshe.

Legs, wings, etc., received, 142. Eagle Island, East, sent no
schedule, but forwarded a rare bird--the Hoopoe. Galley Head,
Dungarvan, Kish Light-ship, Copeland or Mew Island, Oyster Island,
N., Blacksod Point, Clare Island, Slyne Head, N., Straw Island,
Valentia, and Dursey Island--sent neither schedules nor legs or
wings of birds, and are therefore omitted from the list; and four
new stations--Hook Tower, Lucifer Shoals, South Rock Light-ship,
and Maidens, North--have been added. As a whole the schedules were
never better filled.

o = No reply. x = Schedules returned partly or wholly filled.
Sp = Spring, replies received, 23. Au = Autumn, replies received, 28.

Legs, Wings, etc., Received.

How Name of
Species. How Received. Procured. Date. Station.

Greenland Falcon, Rec'd. in flesh, Shot, 28/ 9 mo., Great Skellig.
Merlin, " " 19/10 mo., Tearaght.
Long-eared Owl, Leg and wing, " 13/11 mo., Tuskar.
Spotted " Killed 1/ 6 mo., Barrels Rock
Flycatcher, st.,[11] Lt.-ship.
" " " 21/ 9 mo., Coningbeg Lt.-sh.
" " Shot, 2/10 mo., Tearaght.
Red-breasted Rec'd. in flesh, Killed st., 23/10 mo., Arklow S. Lt.-sh.
Flycatcher,
Missel Thrush, Leg and wing, " 12/11 mo., Tuskar.
Thrush, " " 12/11 mo., Fastnet.
" " Found dead 10/ 3 mo., Coningbeg Lt.-sh.
on deck,
" " Killed st., 19/ 3 mo., "
" Rec'd. in flesh, " 6/11 mo., "
" Wing, " 19/ 2 mo., Tuskar.
" Leg and wing, " 21/10 mo., "
" " " 21/ 3 mo., Arklow S. Lt.-sh.
" " " 11/11 mo., "
" " Shot, 28/10 mo., Tearaght.
Redwing, " Killed st., 12/11 mo., Fastnet.
" " " 11/11 mo., Barrels Rock
Lt.-ship.
" " " 17/10 mo., Tuskar.
" " " 12/11 mo., "
" " " 22/12 mo., "
" " " 12/11 mo., Innishtrahull.
" " " 16/10 mo., Tory Island.
Fieldfare, " Shot, 19/12 mo., Mine Head.
" " Killed st., 7/11 mo., Tuskar.
" " " 9/11 mo., "
" " " 16/10 mo., Tory Island.
" Rec'd. in flesh, " 10/11 mo., Eagle Island, W.
Blackbird, Leg and wing, " 16/ 7 mo., Hook Tower.
" " " 20/ 2 mo., Coningbeg Lt.-sh.
" " " 3/ 3 mo., "
" " " 20/ 3 mo., "
" " " 6/10 mo., "
" " " 12/11 mo., Barrels Rock
Lt.-ship
" " Caught at 14/11 mo., Arklow S. Lt.-sh.
lantern,
" Wing, Killed st., 19/ 2 mo., Tuskar.
" Leg and wing, " 21/10 mo., "
" " Caught at 7/11 mo., "
lantern,
" " Killed st., 16/10 mo., Tory Island.
" " Caught, 10/11 mo., Blackrock, Mayo.

[Footnote 11: Killed st. = Killed striking lantern.]

Legs, Wings, etc., Received--continued.

How Name of
Species. How Received. Procured. Date. Station.

Ring Ouzel, Rec'd. in flesh, Killed st., 21/ 9 mo., Tuskar.
Redstart, " Caught, 5/10 mo., Fastnet.
Black Redstart, " " 19/10 mo., "
" " Killed st., 23/10 mo., Arklow S.
Lt.-ship.
" " Shot, 20/10 mo., Skelligs.
" Leg and wing, Found dead, 23/10 mo., "
" " Shot, 20/10 mo., Tearaght.
" Rec'd. in flesh, Caught, 21/ 3 mo., Hook Tower.
Stonechat, " Found dead, 20/10 mo., Fastnet.
Wheatear, Leg and wing, Killed st., 15/ 3 mo., Tuskar.
Sedge Warbler, " " 15/ 5 mo., Coningbeg
Lt.-ship.
" " " 30/ 5 mo., "
" " " 6/10 mo., Tuskar.
Whitethroat, " Caught, 20/ 9 mo., Mine Head.
" " Killed st., 16/ 5 mo., "
Willow Wren, " Found dead, 22/ 5 mo., Coningbeg
Lt.-ship.
" " " 21/ 4 mo., Arklow S.
Lt.-ship.
" Wing, " 13/ 4 mo., Tearaght.
Goldcrest, Leg and wing, Shot, 22/10 mo., "
Blue Tit, " " 14/ 3 mo., Mine Head.
Pied "Wagtail, " Found dead, 28/ 2 mo., Fastnet.
" " Caught, 22/ 9 mo., Tuskar.
Grey Wagtail, " Killed st., 8/10 mo., Coningbeg
Lt.-ship.
Meadow Pipit, " " 21/ 9 mo., "
" " Found dead, 8/10 mo., "
" " Killed st., 12/11 mo., Tuskar.
" " Found dead, 23/10 mo., Skelligs.
Skylark, " " 16/10 mo., Fastnet.
" Wing, Killed st. 19/ 2 mo., Tuskar.
" Leg and wing, " 19/10 mo., "
" " " 21/10 mo., "
" " Caught, 11/11 mo., "
" " Killed st., 18/10 mo., Tory Island.
Woodlark, Rec'd. in flesh, Shot, 20/10 mo., Tearaght.
Snow Bunting, Leg and wing, " 3/ 5 mo., "
Lapland Bunting Rec'd, in flesh, Found dead, 16/10 mo., Fastnet.
Black-headed " Caught, 12/11 mo., Arklow S.
Bunting, Lt.-ship.
Yellow Bunting, " .... 30/11 mo., Maidens, N.
" " .... 8/ 9 mo., Arklow S.
Lt.-ship.
Chaffinch, Leg and wing, Found dead 17/10 mo., Fastnet.
" " " 9/12 mo., "
" " Caught, 16/10 mo., Mine Head.
" " Found dead, 13/ 5 mo., Coningbeg
Lt.-ship.
" Rec'd. in flesh, Killed st., 13/11 mo., "
" " " 7/11 mo., Barrels Rock
Lt.-ship

Legs, Wings, etc., Received--continued.

How Name of
Species. How Received. Procured. Date. Station.

Chaffinch, Wing, .... 29/ 3 mo., Tuskar.
" Leg and wing, Killed St., 16/10 mo., "
" " " 17/10 mo., "
" " Shot, 22/11 mo., Blackrock, Mayo.
" " Found dead, 22/10 mo., Skelligs.
Brambling, Rec'd. in flesh, Killed st., 12/11 mo., Arklow S. Lt.-ship.
" Leg and wing, Shot, 20/10 mo., Tearaght.
" " " 10/11 mo., Skelligs.
House Sparrow, " " 14/ 3 mo., Mine Head.
Greenfinch, Rec'd. in flesh, Killed st., 9/11 mo., Lucifer Shoals.
" Leg and wing, Caught, 12/11 mo., Blackrock, Mayo.
" " Shot, 20/10 mo., Tearaght.
Siskin, Rec'd. in flesh, Caught, 18/10 mo., Fastnet.
" " Killed st., 20/10 mo., "
" " " 11/11 mo., Coningbeg Lt.-ship.
" Leg and wing, Found dead, 3/12 mo., Tuskar.
" " Shot, 24/10 mo., Skelligs.
" " Found dead, 18/11 mo., "
" " Shot, 19/10 mo., Tearaght.
Starling, Rec'd. in flesh, Found dead, 13/11 mo., Fastnet.
" Leg and wing, Killed st., 19/ 3 mo., Coningbeg Lt.-ship.
" " " 20/ 3 mo., "
" " " 16/10 mo., Tuskar.
" " " 10/12 mo., Arklow S. Lt.-ship.
" " " 16/10 mo., Tory Island.
Swallow, " Caught, 5/10 mo., Fastnet.
" Rec'd. in flesh, Found dead, 4/ 5 mo., Coningbeg Lt.-ship.
Swift, Leg and wing, " 22/ 5 mo., Tuskar.
Hoopoe, " Shot, 12/ 4 mo., Eagle Island, East.
Rock Pigeon, Rec'd. in flesh, " 19/10 mo., Tuskar.
Turtle Dove, Leg and wing, " 27/ 6 mo., Blackrock, Mayo.
Corncrake, " Found dead, 1/ 5 mo., Mine Head.
" " " 16/ 6 mo., Skelligs.
Spotted Crake, " Caught, 21/ 8 mo., Tearaght.
Water Rail, Skin received, Killed st., 6/11 mo., Coningbeg Lt.-ship.
" Leg and wing, Found dead 14/11 mo., Tuskar.
" " Killed st., 8/11 mo., Hook Tower.
" Rec'd. in flesh, " 11/11 mo., Rockabill.
" Leg and wing, " 12/11 mo., Innishtrahull.
" " Caught, 16/11 mo., Tory Island.
" Rec'd. in flesh, Shot, 19/11 mo., Tearaght.
Bald Coot, Leg and wing, Killed st., 22/ 9 mo., Arklow S. Lt.-ship.
Green Plover, " " 16/ 2 mo., Rockabill.
Woodcock, " " 11/11 mo., Tuskar.
Jack Snipe, " Found dead, 7/10 mo., "
" " Caught, 11/11 mo., "

Legs, Wings, etc., Received--continued.

How Name of
Species. How Received. Procured. Date. Station.

Jack Snipe, Leg and wing, Killed st., 10/10 mo., Arklow S. Lt.-sh.
Whimbrel, Rec'd. in flesh, Shot, 29/11 mo., Fastnet.
Common Tern, Leg and wing, Killed st., 6/10 mo., Coningbeg Lt.-sh.
Manx Shearwater, " " 15/ 5 mo., "
" Rec'd. in flesh, " 10/ 5 mo., Howth Baily.
Fork-tailed Skin received, Caught, 15/11 mo., Blackrock, Mayo.
Petrel,
" Rec'd. in flesh, " 21/ 6 mo., Tearaght.
Stormy Petrel, Leg and wing, " 21/ 9 mo., Coningbeg Lt.-sh.
" " Killed st., 15/ 9 mo., Tory Island.
White-fronted Shot, 3/ 5 mo., Rathlin O'Birne.
Goose,
Brent Goose, " " 10/ 7 mo., "

List of Birds Noticed.

List of Birds Noticed--continued.

Eagles.

_Samphire Island._--November 14th, two "White-tailed Eagles" going inland at noon; wind light N.W.

_Tearaght._--December 4th, one Eagle. This bird had a white tail.

Greenland Falcon (_Falco candicans_, Gmel.).

_Skelligs._--September 28th, one "Jer Falcon," 4.30 P.M.; wind strong N. Shot at 5 P.M. while feeding on a rabbit. [Received a magnificent old male Greenland Falcon in the flesh.]

Hawks.

_Fastnet._--March 14th, "one Hawk larger than a Sparrow Hawk, but not so large as a Falcon, and of a deep brown colour," on rock; wind fresh N.W. May 1st, one "Kite" going S. October 23d, one "small Hawk," remained three days on rock. November 16th, one "Kestrel Hawk" flying S.W.

_Mine Head._--April 15th, eggs taken from Peregrine's nest. Laid again and reared young birds.

_Coningbeg Light-ship._--September 29th, one Hawk about ship, 9.30 A.M.; wind light N.E., clear. November 8th, one Sparrow Hawk flying N.W.; wind N.E., strong.

_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--May 26th, one "Sparrow Hawk and a Wren lit on deck together," but flew away on trying to catch them, 11 A.M.; wind N.E., fresh, clear.

_Tuskar._--March 4th, one "Hawk" at 10 A.M., wind E.; 9th, two "Hawks" at noon, wind S.; 16th, one "Hawk," 10 A.M., wind strong. October 8th, one "Hawk" going N.W. December 5th, one "Hawk" on rock.

_Arklow South Light-ship._--March 26th, two "Hawks" going W.; gloomy.

_Arklow North Light-ship._--November 4th, one "Hawk" going S., noon; wind fresh N., clear.

_Rockabill._--January 15th, one "Sparrow Hawk" about rock, 9 A.M.

_Innishtrahull._--April 11th, two "Merlin Hawks" on island, wind light S.E.; 16th, two, one shot. May 8th, one.

_Dunree Head._--January 19th, February 20th, June 13th, one Hawk seen. August 4th and 10th, one.

_Tory Island._--April 3d, "two Falcon Hawks" about island. May 15th, "two Sparrow Hawks" do. Hawks breed here.

_Arranmore._--March 23d, one Sparrow Hawk. April 6th, one Peregrine. June 1st, one Kestrel. October 1st, Falcon and Kestrel seen. A pair of Falcons, Kestrels, and Sparrow Hawks breed here annually.

_Rathlin O'Birne._--June 29th, "two Sparrow Hawks" on island. I have seen them kill several small birds.

_Broadhaven._--"Sparrow Hawk" resident. Noted October 7th, December 13th.

_Eagle Island, W._--February 2d to 8th, large Hawk about island.

_Blackrock, Mayo._--January 11th, 1888, two Falcons soaring.

_Slyne Head, S._--October 11th, one "Falcon Hawk" here every day at times.

_Arran Island, N._--November 19th, two "Peregrine Hawks."

_Arran Island, S._--October 9th, two "Sparrow Hawks" chased a small bird, which flew into dwellings.

_Tearaght._--October 19th, one Merlin shot. [Received in flesh.]

_Skelligs._--Peregrine breed here. Two to four seen in September. October 15th, one Sparrow Hawk, 9 A.M.; wind light N.E. November 7th, two Peregrines.

Owls.

_Mine Head._--July 26th, one seen.

_Tuskar._--March 20th, two "Owls at 11 A.M." going N.E.; wind light S.E., hazy. November 13th, one shot on rock, 11.30 A.M.; wind light E., overcast. [Leg and wing of Long-eared Owl received.]

_Slyne Head, S._--March 8th, one "Grey Owl" on island. October 19th, one owl on island, "grey, white, and yellow coloured." November 5th, do.

_Arran Island, N._--October 18th, one "Brown Owl" shot at noon.

Spotted Flycatcher (_Muscicapa grisola_, Linn.).

_Coningbeg Light-ship._--September 21st, one killed striking. [Leg and wing received.]

_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--June 1st, flock of small birds flying N.W., 9 A.M.; calm, thick haze, one killed against rigging. [Leg and wing of Spotted Flycatcher received.]

_Tearaght._--October 2d, one Flycatcher shot 11 A.M.; wind light N.E. [Leg and wing of Spotted Flycatcher received.]

Red-breasted Flycatcher (_Muscicapa parva_, Bech.).

_Arklow South Light-ship._--October 23d, "several small birds about lantern 7 P.M. to 5 A.M.; wind fresh S.W., gloomy; several killed and fell overboard; two sent by post." [Red-breasted Flycatcher and Black Redstart received in flesh.--R. M. B.]

Pied Flycatcher (_Muscicapa atricapilla_, Linn.).

_Fastnet._--April 12th, a small bird on rock, name unknown; wind light S.E., hazy. "This is the same sort as the one I sent the leg and wing of (in 1886) which you thought was a Flycatcher; was unable to capture it." [A Pied Flycatcher's leg and wing was forwarded by Mr Dunleavy on October 5th, 1886. See Report for 1886, p. 128.]

Missel Thrush (_Turdus viscivorus_, Linn.).

_Fastnet._--March 2d, 1.30 A.M., one striking, "seemed a very large size;" wind light S.W., hazy; 4th, two about light, 7 A.M., one killed striking, a large size; wind light S.E., hazy.

_Tuskar._--November 12th, one killed striking. [Leg and wing received.] Wind light E., cloudy.

_Blackrock, Mayo._--October 20th, three on rock; wind light N.; 24th, one at lantern, 10 P.M.; gale from W. November 9th, one on rock; wind fresh N.E.; 10th; several about lantern at night, one caught.

Thrush (_Turdus musicus_, Linn.).

_Fastnet._--November 12th, one killed striking. [Leg and wing received.]

_Old Head, Kinsale._--January 10th, a flock flying N. October 5th, a great many flying E.

_Coningbeg Light-ship._--March 3d, one found dead on deck. [Leg and wing received.] March 19th, flocks about lantern, 9 P.M. to midnight; some killed striking. [Leg and wing received.] Gloomy; wind light E. September 19th, four going S., 7 A.M., clear; wind light N.E. October 21st, 22d, and 23d, Thrushes about lantern at night; wind light, overcast; 24th, three on ship; 25th, one. November 6th, one killed striking. [Received in flesh.] November 7th, two on ship and others about lantern at night; 8th, 10th, 11th, 13th, 14th, about lantern; two killed striking on 11th, and on 13th and 14th many killed and fell overboard; weather generally gloomy; wind E.; but night of 14th is entered clear; on 12th and 15th, one or two about ship in daytime. (See under Starling.) 21st, three about light, 10 P.M. to midnight; wind fresh S.E., rain; 22d, one at lantern, 9 P.M. December 23d, several at lantern, midnight to 4 A.M.; wind fresh N.W., showers; some killed striking.

_Tuskar._--February 19th, numbers about lantern at night; very clear, wind W.; five killed striking. [Wing of Thrush received.] March 2d, three on balcony, 10 P.M. to 4 A.M.; calm, hazy; 9th, three at lantern, 10 P.M., two dead. March 10th, four on rock, 10 P.M.; 11th, some at lantern; wind fresh S., hazy; 20th, great rush, several at lantern, four killed striking; wind light, hazy. October 8th, one rested on rock; 21st, numbers at lantern, four killed; wind light, clear. [Leg and wing received.] 23d, going in twos and threes for land, all morning; wind fresh S.W., clear. November 2d, two killed striking; 3d, several striking, some killed; 4th, 10th, 11th, 14th, countless numbers at lantern; 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 12th, 13th, 23d, many at lantern; 5th, 16th, a few at lantern; and see under Blackbird, observations entered there for November also apply to Thrush as to time of striking, numbers killed, etc. December 30th, two going N.W.

_Lucifer Shoals Light-ship._--October 22d, great number at lantern, midnight; gloomy, wind light S.E.; several killed striking. November 12th, four "Garden Thrushes" killed striking, 11.30 P.M.; gloomy.

_Arklow South Light-ship._--February 16th and 19th, several about lantern, 10 P.M.; wind light S.W., gloomy; two killed. March 21st, one killed striking, 2 A.M. [Leg and wing received.] October 21st, about lantern, 12 to 3 A.M.; wind light, gloomy; one killed striking; also 10 P.M. to 7 A.M. on 22d, about lantern, cloudy. "This time of year with W. or S.W. winds, and gloomy or rainy weather, I always see great numbers of birds from the Welsh shore about lantern." 26th, about lantern, 3 to 4 A.M.; wind fresh S.W., gloomy. November 11th, about lantern, 7 P.M. to 4 A.M.; one dead on deck. [Leg and wing received.] 14th, flock, 11 A.M., going N.W.; 21st, one killed striking, 9 P.M.; wind fresh, rain.

_Arklow North Light-ship._--February 19th, March 2d, and December 3d, two killed striking on each occasion. October 7th and 19th, going N.W. in morning; wind N.; on 12th, 20th, and December 7th, about lantern at night.

_Howth Baily._--November 12th, large numbers at lantern, midnight to 4 A.M.; many killed, fog.

_Rockabill._--January 3d, 5th, and 6th, February 17th and 20th, Thrushes on rock; wind S.W. to N.W., strong. (See also under Skylark.)

_South Rock Light-ship._--November 13th, one killed striking, 4 A.M.

_South Maidens._--October 12th, two killed striking; wind strong N.

_North Maidens._--October 16th, constantly striking, 9 to 12 P.M.; wind fresh N.W., cloudy; twelve killed; 17th, do., three killed striking; 21st, 9 P.M. to 1 A.M., striking; wind N.W.; two killed.

_Innishtrahull._--March 28th, two at lantern, 9 to 11 P.M.; wind light W. October 17th, one striking glass, 11 P.M.; wind light N.W. November 11th, two at lantern all night; wind light E., dark. Birds scarce this winter; not a Thrush to be seen from middle November until 16th January 1888. Blackbirds and Thrushes seem coming back now (16th January 1888), as I saw about two dozen this evening.

_Dunree Head._--December 14th, fourteen going S.W.

_Tory Island._--March 11th, a few about light, 1 A.M.; wind N.W., strong. They do not breed here. October 16th to 20th, numbers at lantern, some killed striking; cloudy. (See note under Blackbird for this station.)

_Arranmore._--October 14th, about light all night; four caught; 22d, one caught at lantern, 10 P.M.

_Rathlin O'Birne._--November 14th, eight going W. Did not remain on island.

_Killybegs._--November 18th, 21st, 23d, and 28th, one to six.

_Slyne Head, S._--October 17th, six on island; 19th, several; 21st, at lantern all night, twelve killed striking; overcast, wind light S.E. November 4th, several; 9th to 13th, do.; on night of 10th, numbers at lantern, and numbers of birds [Thrushes?] on nights of 12th and 13th. December 2d, several on island.

_Arran Island, N._--February 19th, two on island. October 10th, five. December 24th, five; 30th, several on rock.

_Arran Island, S._--October 23d, flocks at 4 A.M.; eight killed striking, "female birds;" wind light N.E., cloudy. November 1st, Thrushes and Blackbirds, plenty on island; 13th, Blackbirds, Wagtails, Tits, Thrushes, and Robins, plenty on island.

_Tearaght._--March 26th, Starlings and Thrushes which were here during winter months left on this date. October 28th, one shot. [Leg and wing received.]

_Skelligs._--October 19th, two all day; wind light S.W., misty. November 7th, about fifty.

Redwing (_Turdus iliacus_, Linn.).

_Fastnet._--October 17th, one struck, 2 A.M.; gloomy, wind light S.E.; 21st, numbers around light; clear, wind light E.; 22d, all day on rock; wind light S., hazy. November 12th, large numbers striking all night, two killed, several captured asleep on rock; wind light S.E., gloomy. [Leg and wing of Redwing received.] 13th, four going N.E.; 14th, several around light, 1 A.M. to daylight; clear, wind light E.; 17th, numbers about light; hazy, wind light S.W.

_Mine Head._--October 16th, first seen since spring, plentiful all winter. November 10th, several seen about lantern, one killed; 12th, some about lantern; gloomy, wind E.

_Coningbeg Light-ship._--November 18th, one at 11 A.M.; wind fresh W.

_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--March 8th, three going N. at noon. November 11th, Redwings going N., 7 P.M.; wind light E., gloomy; one killed striking, 10 P.M. [Leg and wing received.] 12th, going N, midnight to 5 A.M.; wind light E., gloomy; also from 8 P.M. to midnight, one killed striking; 13th, going N., midnight to 4 A.M.; wind light S.E., gloomy; a few about light all night.

_Tuskar._--March 3d, about thirty "Redwing Thrushes" on balcony all night; wind light E., cloudy, one killed. October 17th, two killed striking, 3 A.M. [Received legs and wings.] Wind light N.W., clear; 23d, numbers at lantern, 3 A.M., one killed striking; clear, wind fresh. November 12th, great many round lantern, some killed. [Leg and wing received.] December 11th, about lantern, 11 P.M. to 6 A.M., calm, one killed striking; 22d, great numbers about light, 1 to 3 A.M., eleven killed striking. [Leg and wing received.] Wind light W., cloudy; 25th, one on rock.

_North Maidens._--October 21st, striking, 9 P.M. to 1 A.M.; wind N.W., fresh, two killed.

_Innishtrahull._--November 12th, one killed striking, 4 A.M.; calm, dark. [Leg and wing received.]

_Tory Island._--October 16th to 20th, numbers about lantern all night; some killed striking. [Leg and wing received.]

_Blackrock, Mayo._--November 9th, one round lantern; wind N.E.; 10th, some at lantern, wind N.E., gloomy.

_Slyne Head, S._--November 13th, one on island. December 2d and 30th, two.

_Skelligs._--November 5th, two all day.

Fieldfare (_Turdus pilaris_, Linn.).

_Mine Head._--December 19th, one shot. [Leg and wing received.]

_Tuskar._--October 24th, one killed striking, 10 P.M., clear but squally; wind N. November 7th, one found dead on rock. [Leg and wing received.] 9th, one killed striking. [Leg and wing received.]

_North Maidens._--October 21st, constantly striking 9 P.M. to 1 A.M., two killed.

_Tory Island._--October 16th to 20th, a few at lantern at night, six "killed striking. [Legs and wings of two received.]

_Arranmore._--November 7th, some near station all day.

_Broadhaven._--December 5th, ten. "Numerous this season."

_Eagle Island, W._--November 11th, bird killed striking. "I have seen none like it before." [Fieldfare received in flesh.]

_Blackrock, Mayo._--November 2d, one on rock; wind fresh S.W.; 21st, one; wind fresh S.E.

_Slyne Head, S._--November 1st, 4th, 8th, and 11th, one to four on island.

_Arran Island, N._--October 8th, two.

_Arran Island, S._--November 8th, two; first this year.

_Tearaght._--November 7th, several Fieldfares.

Blackbird (_Turdus merula_, Linn.).

_Fastnet._--March 2d, one female, 1.30 A.M., striking; wind light S.W., hazy; 10th, several females on rock at noon; clear, wind light S.E. From 2d to 9th March, while on shore, observed numbers of what seemed female Blackbirds flying S. in evenings. (See under Starling.) March 13th, Blackbirds, Thrushes, Fieldfares, Starlings, and small birds seem very numerous this winter on shore. October 16th, one struck, 10 P.M.; gloomy, wind light E. October 24th, numbers around lantern all night; clear, wind fresh N.E. November 10th, numbers at lantern, several struck; wind light S.E.

_Old Head, Kinsale._--January 10th, six alighted; wind fresh W. October 25th, several flying N.; wind E., light.

_Mine Head._--March 7th, one seen. November 13th, one killed striking.

_Hook Tower._--July 16th, one killed striking, 2 A.M. [Leg and wing received.]

_Coningbeg light-ship._--February 20th, one killed striking. [Leg and wing received.] March 3d, one killed striking. [Leg and wing received.] March 20th, flocks about lantern, midnight to 4 A.M., some killed striking--[Leg and wing received]--snow showers, wind light N.E. September 17th, five flying S., 7 A.M.; clear, wind light N.E. October 6th, one killed striking. [Leg and wing received.] 21st, about light, 6 P.M. to midnight; 22d and 23d, about light, 9 P.M. to midnight; 24th, three on ship; wind fresh N.E.; 26th; one on ship. November 4th, one do.; 7th, two on ship and numbers about light, 7 to 10 P.M.; wind N.E., fresh, showery; 8th, about lantern; wind fresh E.; 9th, one in daytime; on 10th, 11th, 13th, 14th, and 15th, about lantern at night, four killed striking on 11th, and several killed and fell overboard on 13th and 14th; wind S.E. to N.E., gloomy at night, except on 14th; on 12th, two going N.W. in daytime; 15th, some about ship. (See under Starling.)

_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--November 9th, some going N., 8 to 11 P.M.; wind fresh N.E., cloudy; 10th, three going N., 8.30 A.M.; one rested on ship; wind light N.E., clear; 12th, some going N., midnight to 5 A.M.; wind light E., gloomy; one killed striking. [Leg and wing received.]

Previous Next

Comments

Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1887. Ninth ReportChapter V: Part 5

0%36 min left in chapter