Legs, Wings, etc., Received—continued.
| Species. | How Received. | How Procured. | Date. | Name of 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 Bunting, | " | Caught, | 12/11 mo., | Arklow S. Lt.-ship. |
| Yellow Bunting, | " | .... | 30/11 mo., | Maidens, North. |
| " | " | .... | 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.
| Species. | How Received. | How Procured. | Date. | Name of 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.
| Species. | How Received. | How Procured. | Date. | Name of Station. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Snipe, | Leg and wing, | Killed st., | 10/10 mo., | Arklow S. Lt.-ship. |
| Whimbrel, | Rec'd. in flesh, | Shot, | 29/11 mo., | Fastnet. |
| Common Tern, | Leg and wing, | Killed st., | 6/10 mo., | Coningbeg Lt.-ship. |
| Manx Shearwater, | " | " | 15/ 5 mo., | " |
| " | Rec'd. in flesh, | " | 10/ 5 mo., | Howth Baily. |
| Fork-tailed Petrel, | Skin received, | Caught, | 15/11 mo., | Blackrock, Mayo. |
| " | Rec'd. in flesh, | " | 21/ 6 mo., | Tearaght. |
| Stormy Petrel, | Leg and wing, | " | 21/ 9 mo., | Coningbeg Lt.-ship. |
| " | " | Killed st., | 15/ 9 mo., | Tory Island. |
| White-fronted Goose, | Shot, | " | 3/ 5 mo., | Rathlin O'Birne. |
| 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.]
Tuskar.—February 19th, numbers at lantern at night; wind W., very clear; two cocks killed striking. [Wing received.] March 3d, Blackbirds appeared in large numbers at night, many wounded, five found dead; wind E., fresh, cloudy; 8th, two at night; 9th, two on balcony, 9.30 P.M.; 10th, three on rock all night; calm, clear; 20th, many at lantern, three killed striking; wind light S.E., hazy. October 5th, one on rock; wind fresh N.E.; 21st, numbers at lantern, two killed striking; wind light N.E., clear. [Leg and wing received.] 23d, numbers about light, two killed striking; 27th, one at 10 A.M. going N.W. During November enormous numbers of Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Starlings passed the Tuskar light. Blackbirds are entered thus in schedule: A few on 2d, 5th, 6th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, and 30th; several on 3d, 7th, 8th, and 9th; on 7th, one caught at lantern. [Leg and wing received.] Countless numbers on 4th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, and 23d. Most birds were killed striking, 4th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th. All the birds killed up to the 14th were killed at N.W. or land side of lantern. In the beginning of November the birds passed between 6 and 9 P.M.; on the 11th, they first passed all night; wind westerly strong to the 5th, easterly fresh, 5th to 14th. Most birds killed on cloudy nights. Migration up to 14th took place at night. On the 2d and 4th, it is remarked that the Blackbirds passing were chiefly females. December 7th, one at lantern; 11th, several about lantern, 11 P.M. to 6 A.M.; wind light N.E.; 18th, one at noon; 22d, a few about light, 1 to 3 A.M., one killed striking; wind light W.; 25th, 26th, and 27th, one or two noted on rock.
Lucifer Shoals Light-ship.—October 11th, one going W. rested on ship. November 13th, one caught at lantern, 8 P.M.; overcast.
Arklow South Light-ship.—January 29th, five, 10 P.M.; wind light S.W., cloudy. March 3d, some about lantern, midnight to 4 A.M.; wind light, cloudy. October 26th, about lantern, 3 to 4 A.M.; wind fresh S.W. November 11th, several about lantern, 7 P.M. to 4 A.M., many fell overboard; 14th, one caught at lantern, 9 P.M.; wind light. [Leg and wing received.]
Arklow North Light-ship.—February 7th, one killed striking; wind fresh S.E., hazy. October 16th, two killed striking; 18th, great flocks about lantern, some killed; wind light W., overcast. December 10th, a quantity; 13th, 14th, 15th, 21st, about lantern, midnight; wind generally strong, snow or rain; some killed striking.
Howth Baily.—November 12th, large numbers at lantern, midnight to 4 A.M., many killed striking; fog.
Rockabill.—January 3d, 5th, and 6th, Blackbirds on rock; wind S. to N.W., strong. February 16th, about lantern, 1 A.M.; wind S., light, misty; 20th, a few on rock; wind N.W., fresh. (See also under Skylark.) November 10th. (See under Starling.)
Maidens, N.—October 16th, constantly striking, 9 to 12 P.M., thirty-six killed; wind fresh N.W., cloudy; 17th, five killed striking; 21st, constantly striking, 9 to 1 A.M.; wind light N.W. Five males and twenty-one females killed.
Rathlin Island.—December 10th, two dozen at lantern midnight; stormy, wind S.; two killed striking.
Innishtrahull.—March 28th, one at lantern 9 to 11 P.M.; wind light W. October 24th, one on island 9 A.M.; wind N.W., stormy. November 11th, one striking lantern; wind light E., dark. (See note under Thrush for this station.)
Tory Island.—From October 16th to 20th large numbers, with Starlings, Thrushes, and Larks about lantern at night; weather cloudy; ten killed striking. [Leg and wing of Blackbird received, killed on 16th.] Also in numbers during November, December, and January 1888 in daytime, but not at lantern.
Arranmore.—November 7th, some near station all day.
Rathlin O'Birne.—October 31st, two on island; gale from S.
Killybegs.—November 7th and 28th, one.
Blackrock, Mayo.—October 20th, two on rock; wind light~ N. November 9th, two do.; wind strong E.; 10th, Blackbirds during night about lantern, one caught. [Leg and wing received.] 12th, one caught at lantern.
Slyne Head, S.—October 27th, one all day on island; wind strong S.W. November 1st and 4th, one; 9th to 12th, several on island. On night of 10th numbers at lantern, and on nights of 12th and 13th numbers of birds [Blackbirds?] at lantern; 12th, one killed striking. December 2d and 30th, two on island.
Arran Island, N.—October 17th, five. December 21st, six; 30th, some on rock.
Arran Island, S.—October 23d, one killed striking, 4 A.M. November 1st, plenty on island; 13th, great numbers of Blackbirds on island, principally females; calm, hazy. "Wagtails, Tits, Thrushes, and Robins," plenty also.
Skelligs.—January 10th, one; 20th to 26th, two. October 5th, one on island, female; 19th, six all day, females; wind light S.W.; 24th, four. November 7th, flock all day; wind light N.E.; 18th, four on island. December 28th, five.
Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus, Linn.).
Fastnet.—September 22d, one about light, 8 P.M.; wind fresh S.E., gloomy. Caught and let go again. Size and shape of female Blackbird, white crescent on breast.
Mine Head.—March 7th, one seen, and several times afterwards.
Tuskar.—September 21st, one killed striking, 3.30 A.M.; wind light S.E., hazy. [Received in flesh.]
Skelligs.—March 4th, two Bing Ouzels; 6th, one.
Hedge Sparrow (Accentor modularis, Linn.).
Mine Head.—October 16th, one or two always about.
Tuskar.—March 3d, about twenty "Hedge Sparrows" on rock night and day; wind fresh E., cloudy; two killed striking; 10th, three on rock; calm, clear.
Skelligs.—October 13th, one at 10 A.M.; wind light N.E.
Robin (Erithacus rubecula, Linn.).
Fastnet.—October 25th, one all day on rock; wind fresh N.E., clear.
Mine Head.—November 22d, one killed against wall.
Tuskar.—March 8th, two Robins about all day; wind light S.E., cloudy.
Arranmore.—January 12th, 1888, two Robins near station.
Killybegs.—October 22d, one seen.
Slyne Read, S.—October 24th, one Robin Redbreast all day on island.
Arran Island, N.—December 8th, two all day.
Arran Island, S.—November 13th. (See note under Blackbird at this station.)
Skelligs.—October 19th, one all day; wind light S.W., misty.
Redstart (Ruticilla phœnicurus, Linn.).
Fastnet.—October 5th, one caught at lantern, 8 P.M.; wind light S.E., gloomy. [Received in flesh.]
Rockabill.—August 26th, "shot a male Redstart." [Was this a common or Black Redstart? See Report for 1886, p. 136.]
Black Redstart (Ruticilla titys, Scopoli).
Fastnet.—April 12th, one on rock, 4 P.M.; calm, hazy. October 19th, one on rock, 5 P.M.; wind light S.W., gloomy; very brilliant plumage. One at 8 P.M. caught in store. [Received in flesh.]
Mine Head.—October 25th to 27th, one Redstart in garden. December 19th, one.
Hook Tower.—March 21st, one caught. [Received in flesh.]
Arklow South Light-ship.—October 23d, one killed striking. [Received in flesh.] (See note under Red-breasted Flycatcher.)
Blackrock, Mayo.—March 28th, "small bird, the size of a Robin, dark slate-colour all over, with the exception of the base of the tail, which was reddish-brown." [Probably above species.] November 5th, one Black Redstart on rock; wind strong S.; 11th, one.
Slyne Head, S.—October 20th, "one slate-coloured Wren with a long tail" on island. [Black Redstart?]
Samphire Island.—December 31st, "saw this morning a bird about the size of the Common Wren—perhaps it may have been a little larger—of a dusky olive colour all over, but a little lighter on the breast; black bill and legs; when wings were expanded it was a bright red from wings to butt of tail." [Can the birds seen at this station and Slyne Head be Black Redstarts?]
Tearaght.—October 20th, ten Black Redstarts—one shot. [Leg and wing received.] November 1st, one.
Skelligs.—October 20th, one shot; wind light S.E., gloomy. [Received in flesh.] 23d, one found dead. [Leg and wing received.]
"Stonechat."
Fastnet.—October 20th, "one Blackcap" dead on rock; wind light W. [Stonechat received in flesh.]
Old Head, Kinsale.—April 10th, "three Stonechats arrived;" wind fresh E.; 12th, ten seen; wind strong E.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—October 11th, one "Chit-chat" about lantern; wind N. gale, clear; 16th, three "Chit-chats" about ship 1 A.M.; wind fresh N.E., clear.
Innishtrahull.—April 9th, two all night at lantern; wind light E., misty.
Tory Island.—March 12th, some "Stonechats" about island; breed here. October 16th to 20th, a few "Stonechats" about lantern.
Rathlin O'Birne.—April 2d, five "Stonechats;" wind light W., misty. Breed here, and remain until August. 4th, four.
Tearaght.—October 8th, one seen on island.
Wheatear (Saxicola ænanthe, Linn.).
Fastnet.—April 10th, one on rock; wind strong S.E. September 22d, six about light; wind fresh S.E., gloomy; 23d, numbers about light, 8.30 P.M. to 1 A.M.; wind fresh S.E., gloomy.
Mine Head.—March 30th, several—the first observed this year.
Tuskar.—March 15th, one on lantern, 6 P.M., caught; wind strong N.E., clear. [Received in flesh.] 25th, two on rock. August 16th and 17th, one all day; 22d, one found dead; hazy. September 17th and 18th, one all day on rock.
Arranmore.—March 30th, two Wheatears. April 4th, six seen. May 12th, one killed striking.
Tearaght.—April 20th, seen for first time. September 24th, not seen after this date.
Skelligs.—March 16th, four—first this year. Breed here. October 8th, several seen—one shot; wind light N.
Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus shœnobænus, Linn.).
Coningbeg Light-ship.—May 15th, three "small birds" about lantern, 2 A.M.; rain, calm; one killed. [Leg and wing of Sedge Warbler received.] 30th, six "small birds" about lantern, midnight to 3 A.M.; gloomy, wind fresh N.E.; one killed.
Hook Tower.—May 11th, 12th, 16th, and 17th, some striking, 11 P.M. to 1 am.; twelve killed. (See under Whitethroat.) [Leg and wing of Sedge Warbler received.]
Tuskar Rock.—May 14th, ten "Chiffchaffs" killed striking; wind fresh N.E., clear. [Probably Sedge Warblers.] October 6th, one "Reed Warbler" killed striking, 10 P.M.; wind light E., cloudy. [Leg and wing of Sedge Warbler received.]
Arklow North Light-ship.—September 21st, "Wrens" about ship in morning. [Possibly above species.] Wind light N.E., hazy.
Whitethroat (Sylvia rufa, Bodd.).
Mine Head.—May 16th, one found killed in dome of lighthouse. [Leg and wing received.] May 27th, one caught; fog. September 20th, one caught striking, 11 P.M. [Leg and wing received.] 21st, one found killed.
Hook Tower.—May 11th, "Whitethroats and Sedge Warblers" constantly striking; twenty-five killed; wind strong N.W., clear; 12th do.; ten killed; wind strong N., clear; 16th do.; eighteen killed; wind light K, clear; 17th, a few striking; three killed; wind light E. On each date the birds struck from 11 P.M. to 1 am. In all, only twelve Sedge Warblers killed.
Tuskar.—May 14th, thirteen killed striking; wind fresh N.E., clear.
Willow Wren (Phylloscopus trochilus, Linn.).
Coningbeg Light-ship.—May 22d, one "small bird" caught on deck, 1 P.M.; clear, wind fresh N. [Leg and wing of Willow Wren received.] October 25th, a "Wood Warbler" on ship.
Arklow South Light-ship.—April 24th, one found dead on deck, 5 A.M. [Leg and wing of Willow Wren received.]
Tearaght.—April 13th.—[Wing of Willow Wren received.]
Golden-Crested Wren (Regulus cristatus, Koch).
Fastnet.—October 8th, one around light, 1 A.M.; wind light N.W., gloomy.
Mine Head.—September 16th, "a Golden-crested Wren?"
Rockabill.—November 10th, "no Goldcrests this year. I think they were all killed three years ago, when they fell here in scores."
South Maidens.—October 7th, one at lantern, 11 P.M.; wind fresh W.
Arran Island, S.—October 24th, one on balcony 10 P.M.; wind light S. November 11th, one at 4 A.M., disabled striking; stopped on balcony; wind E., very light, hazy.
Tearaght.—October 22d, one shot. [Leg and wing received.]
Wren (Troglodytes parvulus, Koch).
Fastnet.—October 5th, one all day on rock; wind light N.E., gloomy; 15th and 17th, one all day.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—May 26th, one. (See under Hawk.)
Lucifer Shoals Light-ship.—October 5th, one "Wren" rested on deck, and new to land; wind light N.E.
Tuskar.—One seen at intervals on rock during October.
Innishtrahull.—November 14th, 15th, 16th, 30th, and December 6th, one noticed on island.
Rathlin O'Birne.—April 28th, one "Common Wren" on island.
Blackrock, Mayo.—October 21st, two "Common Wrens" during day; wind fresh S.E.; also noted November 2d, 16th, and January 11th, 1888. [Possibly resident.]
Slyne Head, S.—October 11th, one on island; 29th, one, and two to four at intervals to December 30th. [Probably residents.]
Arran Island, N.—October 21st, two.
Skelligs.—March 6th, two.
"Tits."
Mine Head.—March 10th, one Blue Tit shot. [Leg and wing received.]
Arran Island, S.—(See note under Blackbird at this station.)
Wagtail.
Fastnet.—February 27th, one "Water Wagtail" all day; wind fresh S.S.W., hazy; 28th; one found dead on rock; supposed to be one seen yesterday. [Leg and wing of Pied Wagtail received.] March 6th, two on rock, 10 A.M.; foggy, wind light S.E. October 17th, one all day on rock; wind light S.E., gloomy.
Mine Head.—March 7th, one seen.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—September 25th, one going N.E., 5 P.M.; wind light S.W., hazy. October 8th, one killed striking. [Leg and wing of Grey Wagtail received.]
Tuskar.—March 9th, one on rock, 3 P.M.; wind light W., cloudy. September 22d, one caught. [Leg and wing of Pied Wagtail received.]
Lucifer Shoals Light-ship.—October 5th, four going N.W., 7 A.M.
Tory Island.—June 15th, two about island.
Arranmore.—April 27th, two seen.
Slyne Head, S.—October 11th, three "Grey Wagtails" on island; wind strong N.
Arran Island, N.—February 12th, two remained a month. October 27th, two "Grey Wagtails" all day.
Arran Island, S.—November 13th. (See note under Blackbird at this Station.)
Tearaght.—March 30th, a "White Wagtail" here for past fortnight; not seen after this date. October 9th, one on island; 20th, one "Grey-headed Wagtail" shot.
Skelligs.—March 4th, one Wagtail. October 4th, one "Grey Wagtail" on island; wind light S.E.
Titlark (Anthus pratensis, Linn.).
Fastnet.—March 6th, one found dead on rock at noon; foggy, wind light S.E.; 9th, one at 9 P.M., captured in lighthouse; wind light S.E., clear. On the night of 4th and 5th March, numbers of small birds about light, supposed to be Larks and Chaffinches. March 15th, one on rock; wind fresh N.E. September 23d, numbers about light; wind fresh S.E., gloomy. October 16th, one on rock; 20th, one; 22d, several all day on rock; wind light S., hazy; 23d, several ditto; 25th, two. November 9th to December 11th, one to four at intervals, on rock.
Mine Head.—February 9th, one found killed.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—March 26th, flocks flying N.; rain, wind light S.W.; 30th, twelve flying N.; clear, wind light N.E. September 21st, some "Larks" about lantern, 8 P.M. to midnight; two killed striking. [Received legs and wings of two Titlarks.] October 8th, one "Lark" found dead, 3 P.M.; clear, wind light N.E. [Leg and wing of Titlark received.] December 22d, one about ship.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—March 6th, small flocks going N., 10 A.M.; calm, foggy; 21st, one going N. November 5th, flocks of Titlarks passing N.W., 9 A.M. to noon; wind fresh W.
Tuskar Rock.—September 18th, 21st, and October 6th, one or two seen. November 12th, one killed striking. [Leg and wing received.] Wind light S.E., cloudy.
Arklow South Light-ship.—March 6th, 11th, 19th, 31st, some noted in daytime; 18th, 22d, 26th, about lantern. September 21st, some about ship.
South Maidens.—"No birds seen for quarter ending September 30th except a few Titlarks."
Tory Island.—March 12th, Titlarks about island; breed here.
Rathlin O'Birne.—June 15th, nine Titlarks on island; remain all the year.
Killybegs.—Two to four noted about station October 11th to November 5th.
Slyne Head, S.—On island all November.
Skelligs.—January 20th to 26th, several; resident; breed here. October 23d, one found dead. [Leg and wing received.]
Skylark (Alauda arvensis, Linn.).
Fastnet.—March 14th, one at noon; wind N.W.; 15th, two; wind N.E., fresh. October 15th, numbers, 8 P.M. to 11 P.M., about light; hazy; several struck; 16th, one found dead. [Leg and wing received.] Numbers striking all night; six killed; wind S.E., light, gloomy. October 21st, numbers of "Larks" all night about lantern; clear; numbers striking, none killed; wind light S.E.; 22d, several all day on rock; hazy. November 10th, numbers of "Larks" about light, 1 A.M. to daylight; wind light S.E.; 12th, two about light; gloomy. 1
Old Head, Kinsale.—May 7th, great number; wind strong W. November 27th and 29th, several; going E.; wind W. December 6th, five; 14th, several.
Mine Head.—November 22d, one found killed on balcony.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—September 17th, 21st, and 23d, four to five "Larks" flying N.E. October 6th, three "Larks" about lantern, 9 P.M.; clear, wind light N.E.; 13th, five flying N., 11.30 A.M.; wind N.E.; 15th, two about ship, 7 A.M.; clear; 16th, a flock passing; 20th, seven "Larks" seen; 23d, three about light; 25th, a flock going N.E. November 2d, two; 5th, some; 6th, four flocks going N.E.; wind light E.; 10th, flock going N.; 11th, about lantern; gloomy; 12th, flocks going N. in daytime; wind S.E., clear; 17th, one about ship; wind light S.W.; 24th, six "Larks" flying S., 10 A.M.; wind light N.W., clear.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—March 8th, about twenty going N.; a few Larks noted passing N. October 20th, 22d, and 23d. November 8th, Larks going N. 8 P.M.; a few also noted passing N. on 9th, 10th, 16th, and 17th. On 10th saw a Gull chasing one which seemed exhausted.
Tuskar.—February 19th, one killed striking. [Wing of Skylark received.] Weather very clear; wind fresh W. March 3d, three "Larks" on rock, two died; wind fresh E., cloudy; 7th, three on rock, two died; wind light S.E. September 20th, six on rock. October 6th, one; 19th, numbers all night; three killed striking; wind light S.W., clear. [Leg and wing received.] October 20th, twenty all day on rock; clear; 21st, numbers striking at midnight, fifteen killed. [Leg and wing received.] Wind light N.E., clear; 22d, twenty going N., 8 A.M.; wind S.E., light. November 6th, five; 7th, four; 8th, six; 10th, a few; 11th, several, one caught. [Leg and wing received.] November 12th, a few; 13th, great numbers; 14th, countless numbers. (These entries refer to night, and the Larks seem to have accompanied the Blackbirds and Thrushes, etc.; particulars as to the number of each species killed striking are not given.) 23d, Larks at lantern, 2 A.M. to daylight; three killed striking. December 11th, Larks about light, 11 P.M. to 6 A.M.; calm, showery; 20th, one on rock; 22d, a flock going N.W., 1 P.M.
Lucifer Shoals Light-ship.—October 7th, a few rested, one with broken leg killed by Gulls. November 24th, several about lantern, 4.30 A.M.; wind light, clear.
Arklow South Light-ship.—January 23d and 24th, several at lantern, 1 A.M. to 4 A.M.; some killed on 23d; wind S.W., light, gloomy. March 18th, some going N.W., 5 to 6 A.M.; wind N.W., snow showers. September 16th, four, 10 A.M., going N.W.; 19th, a flock going N.W. October 21st, about lantern, midnight to 3 A.M.; one killed striking; also 10 P.M. to 4 A.M. on 22d, about lantern; one killed striking, cloudy; 29th and 30th, large flocks going N.W. about 11 A.M.; wind strong S.W. November 5th, flock going W.; wind S.W., light; 12th, one disabled.
Arklow North Light-ship.—"Larks" noted at night, September 22d, October 15th, 16th, 20th. In daytime, October 2d, 5th, 7th, 8th, 11th, 13th, 17th, 19th, 21st, 25th, 27th. On December 7th, 10th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 21st, and 28th, about lantern. General direction of flight N.W. during October.
Howth Baily.—October 15th, two "Larks" disabled striking; 26th, about forty birds, "supposed to be Larks," going W. November 12th, large numbers at lantern; many killed striking, midnight to 4 A.M.; fog.
Rockabill.—January 5th, 6th, and February 17th, about rock; wind variable. "October 3d, a few nights ago there was great rush of Skylarks, Thrushes, Blackbirds, Snipe, and Landrail."
South Rock Light-ship.—November 30th, one about ship.
South Maidens.—October 12th and 13th, several at night; some killed striking. November 10th, 28th, December 10th and 28th, one to three noted.
North Maidens.—October 21st, striking 9 P.M. to 1 A.M.; about one hundred killed. November 14th, 9 to 11 P.M., striking, five killed; stormy, wind N.E., overcast.
Rathlin Island.—October 11th, one killed striking, midnight; foggy, wind strong E.
Innishtrahull.—March 19th, numbers of Larks striking lantern, 10 P.M. to midnight; wind light N.W., very dark; 20th, do., midnight to 4 A.M.; wind fresh S.E.; 28th, nine about lantern all night; wind light S.W., very dark. October 16th, one at midnight striking. November 12th, two striking at 4 A.M.
Tory Island.—March 11th, a few about light, 1 A.M.; wind N.W., strong, clear. April 5th, Skylarks remain and breed here. October 16th to 20th, numbers about lantern at night; seven killed striking; cloudy. (See note under Blackbird for this station.) [Leg and wing of Skylark, killed striking on 18th, received.]
Arranmore.—October 9th, eight about station.
Rathlin O'Birne.—Larks arrived about March 15th, and breed on island; nearly all leave beginning of August and go to mainland. (See under Titlark.)
Killybegs.—Two to eight about station in October. November 16th, one killed striking, midnight; a gale from S.W., misty.
Blackrock, Mayo.—October 23d, one at lantern, 11.40 P.M.; wind fresh S.W.
Slyne Head, S.—October 21st, at lantern all night; eight killed striking; wind light S.E.; 29th, two on island. November 1st to 9th, several on island. Never saw so many without frost or snow.
Arran Island, N.—November 8th, ten. December 12th, six.
Skelligs.—October 1st, three; 19th, several all day.
Woodlark (Alauda arborea, Linn.).
Tearaght.—October 20th, one Woodlark shot. [Received in flesh.]
Snow Bunting (Plectrophanes nivalis, Linn.).
Tuskar.—March 18th, three on rock, 10 A.M.; wind light S.E., clear.
Rockabill.—January 20th, two about rock, 11 A.M.; wind fresh N.W., clear.
Rathlin Island.—October 24th, large flock of "Snow Buntings" passed lantern at midnight.
Innishtrahull.—March 24th and 25th, about one dozen on island each day; stormy, wind N.W. April 24th, two at 11 A.M.; a gale, wind N.W.; one very white. October 24th, ten on island; stormy, wind N.
Arranmore.—March 18th, twenty going N. April 21st and 22d, two to four going W. and N.W. October 6th, seven near station; wind light S.W. November 7th, some near station.
Rathlin O'Birne.—March 10th, twenty on island; gale, wind S., misty. Remained till end of month. December 15th, three; 20th, six; a gale from N.
Broadhaven.—November 9th, "Lapland Bunting—cock and hen," noted. [Snow Buntings?]
Blackrock, Mayo.—November 1st, one male Snow Bunting on rock, wind strong S.W.; 4th, do.; wind N.W. December 24th, "It is remarkable that but one or two Snow Bunting have visited the rock this winter."
Arran Island, N.—November 14th, eleven.
Arran Island, S.—October 28th, one at 4 P.M.; wind N.W., light.
Tearaght.—May 3d, two shot by assistant keeper. [Leg and wing received.] October 1st, two on island; wind N.E., light; 3d, one shot.
Lapland Bunting (Plectrophanes lapponicus, Linn.).
Fastnet.—October 16th, "a Skylark and Twite (supposed) found dead on rock, 9 A.M.; wind light E., clear." [The bird supposed to be a Twite was forwarded in the flesh, and proved to be a female Lapland Bunting.] The night of October 15th was hazy, with the wind light from N.E.; and numbers of "Skylarks and Starlings" are stated to have been around the lantern.
Reed or Black-Headed Bunting (Emberiza schœniclus, Linn.).
Arklow South Light-ship.—November 12th, "several kinds large and small birds at lantern, 7 P.M. to midnight; wind light S., gloomy." [One Black-Headed Bunting and one Brambling received in flesh.]
Yellow Bunting (Emberiza citrinella, Linn.).
Arklow South Light-ship.—November 13th, one caught at lantern; wind light N. [Received in flesh.]
Blackrock, Mayo.—November 13th, one on rock, 10 A.M.; wind light S.
North Maidens.—November 24th, one killed striking, 10 P.M.; wind strong S.W., gloomy. [One received in flesh November 30th, probably this specimen.]
Arranmore.—January 8th, 1888, nine on island.
Blackrock, Mayo.—November 13th, one on rock, 10 A.M.; wind light E.
Chaffinch (Fringilla cœlebs, Linn.).
Fastnet.—March 6th, one on rock, 10 A.M.; foggy, wind light E.; 11th, several all day; wind S.W., hazy. On the night of 4th and 5th March, numbers of small birds about light, supposed to be Larks and Chaffinches; 16th, one on rock. October 16th, numbers striking all night, none killed; wind light S.E., gloomy; 17th, several on rock, one found dead—[Leg and wing received]—gloomy, wind light E.; 23d, several on rock all day; hazy, wind light W. November 9th, one on rock; 10th, one found dead—died from exhaustion; wind light S.E.; 11th, numbers all night around lantern; wind light S.E., hazy; about twenty at noon on rock; 12th, one captured in dwelling at 8 A.M.; four round lantern at night; gloomy; 13th, three on rock, 9 A.M., clear; 17th, thirty on rock at 8 A.M.; clear, wind light S.; 19th, one dead on rock; squally, wind strong N.W.; 27th, one on rock; a gale from N.W. December 9th, one dead in tower; wind strong N.W. [Leg and wing received.]
Mine Head.—October 16th, first seen since spring; plentiful all winter; one caught at lantern. [Leg and wing received.] November 21st, one killed striking.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—May 13th, one caught on deck, 10 A.M.; clear, wind light N.E. [Leg and wing received.] September 21st, about lantern, 8 P.M. to midnight; hazy, wind light E.; three killed striking. October 8th, one killed striking, 9 P.M.; wind N.E., fresh, clear; 12th, two about lantern; 16th, one going N.E., and at night one, and several small birds about lantern; overcast, wind light N.; 19th and 21st, one about ship; 22d and 23d, two or three about light. November 7th, three on ship; 13th, one killed striking. [Received in flesh.] Wind light S.E., gloomy; 17th, two about ship in day; wind light S.W., clear. December 19th, two flying N., 10 A.M.; wind fresh N.W.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—October 29th, three going N., rested on ship and went towards land; wind fresh W., clear. November 6th, ten going N.W.; 7th, one killed striking. [Leg and wing received.]
Tuskar.—March 13th, four on rock, one dead; wind strong N.E., clear; 16th, two on rock, one dead; wind N.E. [29th, wing received; date when killed not given.] September 21st, one all day; wind light S.E., haze. October 16th, two killed striking; wind light N.E., clear. [Leg and wing received.] 17th, twelve on rock, three killed striking; wind light, clear. [Leg and wing received.] 20th, some on rock all day; wind S., light; 22d, three at lantern; wind fresh, clear; 23d, 24th, 25th, and 30th, a few in daytime; wind strong, variable. November 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 13th, 14th, 16th, 19th, Chaffinches; two or three entered daily; seem to have accompanied the tremendous rush of Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Starlings, which took place in November 1887 at the Tuskar. (See under Blackbird.)
Arklow South Light-ship.—October 23d, one seen. November 13th, three on deck; wind light.
Arklow North Light-ship.—March 11th, about ship, noon; wind light S.W., clear; 22d and 26th, about lantern, midnight; wind S.W., fresh; 31st, flock of "finches" going N.W., 10 A.M.; wind N.W., light. October 24th, four all day on ship; wind strong N.E., clear; 28th, two on ship all day; wind fresh W.
Howth Baily.—October 15th, one disabled striking; 29th, two at lantern, 8 P.M.; November 12th, large numbers at lantern, midnight to 4 A.M., many killed striking; fog.
Rockabill.—February 10th, about rock, 1 P.M.; wind N.E., fresh. November 10th, see under "Starling."
South Rock Light-ship.—November 14th, one about ship.
North Maidens.—November 21st, two seen; wind strong S.E.
Blackrock, Mayo.—October 22d, four on rock; wind strong N.E. November 8th, a flock; wind ditto; 9th, one struck lantern, 6 P.M.; 10th, some about lantern; wind light N.E., gloomy; 22d, two shot. [Legs and wings of both received.] Wind strong N.E.
Slyne Head, S.—October 11th, one on island; wind strong N. November 8th, two flocks. December 26th and 30th, several.
Tearaght.—October 24th, large flock seen to-day.
Skelligs.—October 22d, one found dead. [Leg and wing received.] November 5th, eleven all day; wind light S.E.
Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla, Linn.).
Tuskar.—October 20th, one "Mountain Chaffinch" killed striking.
Arklow South Light-ship.—November 12th, one killed striking. [Received in flesh.] (See note under Black-Headed Bunting.)
Tearaght.—October 20th, one shot. [Leg and wing received.]
Skelligs.—November 10th, forty "Mountain Finches" all day; wind light S.E.: one shot. [Leg and wing received.]
Sparrow (Passer domesticus, Linn.).
Mine Head.—March 14th, one shot. [Leg and wing received.]
Tuskar.—March 9th, five "Sparrows" on lantern, 10 P.M.; one dead; wind light S., cloudy.
Tory Island.—March 12th, flocks of Sparrows about island. April 5th, some noted; breed here.
Killybegs.—November 13th, four seen.
Slyne Head, S.—March 30th, two "House Sparrows" on island.
Arran Island, S.—November 16th, great flocks of "Sparrows" on island to-day; wind E., strong, hazy.
Greenfinch (Coccothraustes chloris, Linn.).
Fastnet.—October 16th, numbers striking all night; one killed; gloomy, wind light S.E.; 17th, about fifty Chaffinches and Green Linnets on rock all day; gloomy; 20th, one struck light, 3 A.M.; gloomy, wind light S.W. November 13th, two on rock; wind light S.E., clear.
Mine Head.—March 14th, one seen.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—September 17th, six flying S.; wind N.E., light, clear. November 16th, one about ship, 4 P.M.; wind light S.W., clear.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—April 29th, two going N. October 22d, seven going N. November 7th, two going N., 10 A.M.; wind fresh N.E., clear; one killed by Gulls close to ship. (See also under Skylark.)
Tuskar.—October 26th, numbers at sunset, remained all night; stormy, wind S.W. December 3d, one found dead; 25th, one on rock.
Lucifer Shoals Light-ship.—October 5th, one going N.W. November 9th, one killed striking. [Received in flesh.]
Arklow South Light-ship.—October 21st, one Green Linnet caught.
Rockabill.—November 10th (see under "Starling").
Rathlin Island.—November 24th, large flock at sunset; stormy, wind S.E.
Blackrock, Mayo.—November 12th, one male Greenfinch caught at lantern, 10 P.M.; wind light S.E., overcast. [Leg and wing received.]
Slyne Head, S.—October 19th, one Green Linnet on island; 20th, one killed striking.
Arran Island, N.—December 2d, five.
Tearaght.—October 20th, six Greenfinches, one shot. [Leg and wing received.] November 12th, large flock seen on island.
Goldfinch (Carduelis elegans, Steph.).
Arranmore.—December 28th, one near station.
Siskin (Carduelis spinus, Linn.).
Fastnet.—October 18th, one bird, name unknown, caught at lantern; wind light S., gloomy. [Siskin received in flesh.] October 20th, one dead on rock. [Received in flesh.] Wind light W.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—November 11th, one caught, 11 A.M.; wind light S.E., gloomy. [Received in flesh.]
Tuskar.—December 3d, one found dead. [Leg and wing received.]
Rockabill.—November 7th, about sixty Siskins for half-an-hour, "the first that came here for three years;" came from N.E.
Slyne Head, S.—November 1st, two birds on island, smaller than a Green Linnet, more yellow but the same green colour. [Possibly Siskins.]
Tearaght.—October 19th, several Siskins seen; one shot. [Received in flesh.]
Skelligs.—October 24th, flock of Siskins; wind light S.E.; one shot. [Leg and wing received.] November 18th, one found dead. [Leg and wing received.]
"Redpole."
Blackrock, Mayo.—April 27th, one on rock, 9 A.M.; wind strong N.W.
"Linnets."
Fastnet.—November 12th, thirty "Grey Linnets" going N.E.; wind light S.E.
Old Head, Kinsale.—February 16th, flocks flying N.; May 10th, flocks alighted; June 20th, several flying N.; October 20th, November 12th, 14th 18th, and 20th, several.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—March 6th, twelve going N.W.; fog, wind light E.; 11th, three going N.; wind fresh S.W. September 19th, nine flying S.; clear, wind N.E., light; 29th, four seen going N.E. October 1st, 15th, and 16th, one to seven; 20th, four about light; 23d, four; 29th, flock going N.E. November 12th, flying N.E. during day; wind light S.E., clear.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—March 3d and 4th, small flock going N. in mornings; 12th and 13th, a few all day going N.; wind fresh E.; 18th, do., going N., 3 P.M. April 9th, one going E. October 16th, flocks going N., 10 A.M. to noon; 23d, some going N.; wind light W, November 9th, three going N.; 10th, three "Grey Linnets" going N. December 4th, six going N.W.
Tuskar.—March 8th, three all day. October 17th, two "Linnets or Twites" going N.W.
Lucifer Shoals Light-ship.—October 7th and 9th, flock going W.; 20th, one; 30th, several flocks going W., 10 A.M. November 24th, several about lantern, 4.30 A.M.
Arklow North Light-ship.—March 2d, flock going N.W. October 8th, do. going E., noon; wind strong N.; 10th and 11th, several flocks going N.W.; wind strong N.; 27th, flock going N.W., noon.
South Rock Light-ship.—December 11th, large flock going S.W.
South Maidens.—November 29th, December 4th, 6th, 15th, 30th, one to two noted.
Innishtrahull.—October 10th, numbers of "Scotch Linnets" will remain during winter.
Tory Island.—March 12th, flocks about island. April 5th, do. Grey Linnets breed here.
Arranmore.—October 3d, six Linnets; 6th, flocks near station. November 16th, some on island.
Rathlin O'Birne.—March 15th, fifty to eighty all day; wind fresh N.; ten killed (striking?). Large flocks up to April 1st. October 28th, about thirty on island; first this winter. December 20th, about thirty remained a month.
Killybegs.—A few noted at intervals during April, May, and June, and several almost daily noted about station, October 1st to November 30th.
Broadhaven.—October 17th, forty seen. Linnets resident.
Slyne Head, S.—October 15th, numbers of Grey Linnets every day during month.
Arran Island, N.—October 31st, twenty. December 27th and 30th, several on rock.
Arran Island, S.—October 16th, flocks going S. all day; wind light N.
"Twite."
Tuskar.—October 8th, twenty "Twites" going N.W. November 25th and 30th, do. December 2d, 5th, 9th, and 10th, one to six "Twites" noted.
Blackrock, Mayo.—October 21st, flock of "Mountain Twites" during day; wind strong S.E.
Tearaght.—September 18th, several Twites arrived.
"Bullfinch."
South Maidens.—October 9th and November 24th, one "Bullfinch" on rock.
Blackrock, Mayo.—April 24th, one "Bullfinch" on rock at noon; wind strong N.W.
Arran Island, S.—November 10th, "two Bullfinches," male and female, caught alive at 8 P.M.; wind light E., hazy.
Starling (Sturnus vulgaris, Linn.).
Fastnet.—February 28th, hundreds from 10 P.M. to 6 A.M. around light; wind light S.W., hazy; none killed or captured. March 1st, numbers from 9 P.M. to 11 P.M. heard overhead; wind light S.W., clear—seemed to go S.; 2d, numbers striking, 1 A.M. to 4 A.M.; hazy, wind light S.; none killed; 3d, numbers about light, 3 A.M. to 4 A.M.; wind light W.S.W., hazy. While on shore from 11th to 18th February, I saw large flocks of Starling congregating every evening about sunset and flying S. The same thing occurred from 2d to 9th March. October 15th, numbers about light, 8 P.M. to 11 P.M.; hazy, wind light N.E.; one caught; 17th, three struck; wind light S.E., gloomy; 24th, numbers all night around lantern; wind fresh, clear. November 11th, one struck, 11 P.M.; gloomy; 13th, one found dead. [Leg and wing received.]
Old Head, Kinsale.—March 4th, flocks alighted. October 4th, flocks flying N.; 25th, several flying N.
Mine Head.—March 1st, 2d, and 3d, striking occasionally at night; fine; wind S. and S.E.; flocks in the fields. October 22d and 23d, a few striking; 25th, great flocks in fields. November 10th and 11th, about lantern all night. Plentiful to end of January 1888.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—March 19th, flocks about lantern, 9 P.M. to midnight; gloomy, wind light E.; twelve killed striking. [Leg and wing received.] 20th, flocks about light, midnight to 4 A.M.; snow showers, wind light N.E.; nine killed striking. [Leg and wing received.] 26th, some about lantern 8 to 9 P.M.; clear, wind fresh W. October 19th, one; 21st, several about light, 6 P.M. to midnight; many killed striking, dropped into the sea; 22d, do., from 9 P.M. to midnight; 23d, do., midnight to 6 A.M.; wind light, overcast each day; 25th, flock going N. November 4th, one about ship; 6th, "hundreds of birds of various kinds, 5 to 9 P.M., about light; dozens killed and wounded; lots fell overboard"—[Perhaps some were Starling.—R. M. B.]—hazy, with rain. 7th, Starling about light, 7 to 10 P.M.; showers, wind fresh. November 8th, flock going N.E., and several about ship, 8 to 4 P.M.; 10th, flocks going N.W., 10.30 A.M.; wind N.W., clear; several about lantern at night; 11th, two about ship; one killed at night; numbers of birds killed striking, and fell overboard; 13th, about light; gloomy, wind S.E.; several killed; 14th, about lantern, several killed; 15th, do.; on 11th, 13th, 14th, and 15th, numbers of birds about ship, mostly Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Starlings. December 23d, several about light, midnight to 4 A.M.; wind fresh N.W., showery.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—On night of March 1st, from 8 P.M. to 2 A.M., and on 2d from 9 P.M. to 1 A.M., flocks passing to S.E.; 9th, flocks going S., 7.30 to 9 P.M.; wind light, clear; 22d, a few going S. at noon; wind fresh W., clear. October 15th and 16th, two flocks going N.; 20th, three; 21st, small flocks, 9 P.M. to midnight, going N.; 22d, do., at 3 A.M.; 25th, small flocks, 9 to 10 P.M., going N. November 8th, flocks going N., 8 P.M. to midnight; 9th, do., midnight to 3 A.M.; do., 8 to 11 P.M.; 10th, do., 7.30 P.M.; 11th, do., 7 P.M.; 12th, midnight to 5 A.M., and 8 P.M. to midnight; 13th, midnight to 4 A.M., and a few about lantern all night. In every case during October and November going N., wind generally E.
Tuskar.—February 19th, numbers at lantern all night; very clear, wind fresh W. March 2d, fourteen on balcony, 10 P.M. to 4 A.M.; three killed striking; wind light N., calm, hazy; 3d, an immense number about lantern all night; calm, hazy; ten killed striking; 7th, five about lantern; 10th, ten at 10 P.M. one killed striking; calm, clear; 11th, some at lantern all night two killed striking; wind fresh S., hazy; 14th, ten at lantern two killed striking; wind N.W., clear; 20th, a great rush—about one hundred at lantern all night; twenty killed striking;
hazy, wind S.E.; 25th, three at lantern; one killed striking; wind N.W., clear. October 6th, one on rock; 12th, thirty going N.W.; gale from N.; 16th, numbers from midnight to sunrise; first rush this winter; twelve killed striking. [Leg and wing received.] 20th and 21st, numbers about lantern; five killed striking; clear; 23d and 25th, small flocks at intervals going towards land; wind S.W. and N.E. November 5th, 7th, 8th, 13th, and 20th, a few at lantern; 3d, 6th, and 9th, several do.; 4th, 10th, 11th, 12th, and 14th, countless numbers at lantern. (See under Blackbird, the general remarks concerning which are also applicable to Starling during November at this station.) December 26th and 31st, one noted.
Lucifer Shoals Light-ship.—October 16th, at lantern all night; several killed striking; flocks in daytime going N.W.; 26th, one at lantern; 28th, flock going N.W. November 24th, several at lantern, 4.30 A.M.; wind N.W., clear.
Arklow South Light-ship.—February 28th, flock going N.E., 6 P.M. March 2d and 3d, about lantern, midnight to 4 A.M.; two killed striking; cloudy. October 21st, about lantern, 12 to 3 A.M.; one killed striking; gloomy: also, 10 P.M. to 7 A.M. on 22d, about lantern; cloudy; some killed; 25th, one; 26th, some at lantern, 3 to 4 A.M.; gloomy; wind S.W., strong. November 6th and 9th, one on ship; 10th, one caught; 11th, several about lantern; gloomy; 13th, several at lantern, 8 P.M. to midnight; wind N, cloudy; 14th, one caught; 19th and 20th, a flock going N.W. December 10th, one killed striking. [Leg and wing received.]
Arklow N. Light-ship.—February 7th, quantity of land birds about lantern; two "Stares;" gale, wind S.W.; 19th, quantity of birds, midnight, about lantern; two "Stares" killed. March 7th, small birds, midnight, about lantern; two "Stares" killed; 18th, great number of "Stares" about lantern, midnight to 4 A.M.; 19th and 21st, one or two killed. September 22d, a number all night. October 16th, 18th, 20th, and 30th, flocks at midnight; three killed striking on 18th; flocks on 17th and 22d, at noon, going N.W. November 10th, about lantern; two killed; clear. December 7th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 21st, and 28th, "Stares" about lantern; 8th and 12th, flocks at noon going N.W.
Rockabill.—January 3d and February 10th, about rock; wind S. and N.E., strong; 16th, about light, 1 A.M.; wind light S., misty; 19th, thirty going W., 8 A.M. November 10th, "the greatest number of birds came this year; since I arrived every day they are passing in flocks from two to three up to a hundred; Starlings, Chaffinches, Greenfinches, are the most numerous, and some Blackbirds, all flying W."
South Maidens.—October 13th, one killed striking; wind strong N. November 1st, five on rock. December 11th, two seen.
Innishtrahull.—March 19th, numbers at lantern, 10 P.M. to midnight; wind light N.W., very dark; 20th, do., midnight to 4 A.M.; wind fresh S.E.; 28th, one at lantern all night. November 10th, one striking, 11 P.M.; wind fresh E., dark; 13th, twenty on island. December 8th, four.
Dunree Head.—November 10th, one disabled striking.
Tory Island.—October 16th to 20th, large numbers; twelve killed striking. [Leg and wing received, killed on 16th.]
Arranmore.—October 14th, nine caught at lantern. November 3d, three at lantern, 4 A.M.
Rathlin O'Birne.—October 31st, thirty came from shore; gale from S.; six killed (striking?). Never observed before without frost or snow.
Killybegs.—October 20th, continuous flock about lantern until 5.30 A.M.; wind light N.E. November 7th, five noted; 9th, two flocks, and some about station at intervals to end of month; 16th, one struck lantern, 11 P.M.; 18th, about 500 in daytime; 26th, one struck lantern, 4 A.M.; several in daytime.
Broadhaven.—November 11th, Starling very numerous.
Blackrock, Mayo.—October 21st, seven during day on rock; wind fresh S.E. November 8th, a flock; wind strong N.E.; 9th, about fifty on rock; wind fresh N.E.; 10th, several about lantern at night; one caught; wind N.E., light, gloomy; 12th, one at lantern, 10 P.M.; 16th, about sixty at 9 A.M. going W., flying low near water; wind fresh S.W.; 21st, large flock about rock; wind S.E., fresh.
Slyne Head, S.—October 17th, about twenty on island; 21st, at lantern all night; wind light S.E. November 12th, one killed striking; numbers of "birds" [Starling?] about lantern on nights of 12th and 13th.
Arran Island, N.—November 24th, a flock.
Arran Island, S.—October 23d, one killed striking, 4 A.M.; wind light N.E. First this year [winter?]. November 1st, great flocks on island.
Tearaght.—March 26th, Starlings and Thrushes which were here during winter months left on this date. October 23d, one hundred going S.E.; wind light S.; 31st, one hundred going S.E.; a gale from S.W. November 7th, fifty going S.; wind fresh N.
Skelligs.—October 19th, four all day. November 10th, flock of two hundred at 8 A.M.; wind light S.E., misty; 29th, small flock; wind strong N. December 22d and 29th, flocks.
Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus, Linn.).
Old Head, Kinsale.—November 10th, two going N. December 10th, some seen. They breed here.
Mine Head.—October 20th, twenty to thirty.
Arranmore.—A pair always here. Breed.
Arran Island, N.—October 4th, four.
Arran Island, S.—October 11th, eight Choughs. Remain here.
Tearaght.—October 11th, thirty-five at 9 A.M., rested on island for a time; wind fresh N.W.
Skelligs.—January 20th to 26th, two. February 9th and 10th, two; breed here. September 23d, two. October 8th, two. November 7th; four.
Raven (Corvus corax, Linn.).
Old Head, Kinsale.—November 7th, two going N.; 24th, two; they breed here.
Mine Head.—February 21st, two seen; did not breed here this year.
Dunree Head.—Two to four noted January 25th; March 9th, 15th, and 23d; April 16th, 18th, 25th; and June 10th; also August 28th and October 7th.
Arranmore.—May 9th, two. A pair always remain and breed.
Broadhaven.—November 23d, two. It is resident.
Slyne Head, S.—October 7th, three, and at intervals in August and September.
Tearaght.—September 10th, nine at 7 A.M., rested on island; 12th, two.
Skelligs.—January 10th, two; 20th to 26th, four. March 4th, two. September 23d, two. October 1st, two.
Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix, Linn.).
Fastnet.—March 5th, two "Carrion Crows" at 8 A.M. about rock; flew to shore; wind light S.E., hazy; 9th, two "Grey-backed Crows;" wind light S.E. (These are constant visitors from Cape Clear for the past two days.) 16th, one "Carrion Crow" on rock; 20th, fourteen "Carrion Crows" on rock; wind light S.E.; left 11 A.M. April 14th, two; 29th, two.
Innishtrahull.—July 14th, two "Crows" on island. "Carrion Crows" are rare visitors. 21st, two.
Tory Island.—April 10th, two "Carrion Crows" about island. August 17th, five Hooded Crows at 10 A.M.
Arranmore.—A pair always here. Breed.
Rathlin O'Birne.—Grey Crows breed here.
Blackrock, Mayo.—April 11th, one on rock; wind light S.E.; 26th, one. November 21st, one.
Arran Island, N.—October 1st, two seen.
Arran Island, S.—October 7th, two "Carrion Crows;" seldom seen; 24th, three.
Tearaght.—April 3d, several about island.
Skelligs.—January 10th, four. February 9th and 10th, two. They breed here. March, 4th, four. September 30th, two. October 7th, ten; wind light N.E. November 7th, two; 15th, five. December 23d, four.
Rook (Corvus frugilegus, Linn.).
Fastnet.—November 8th, one on rock; hazy; seemed exhausted'; wind strong S.E.
Old Head, Kinsale.—October 5th, great number flying E. November 3d, flocks going W. December 8th, 27th, 29th, several flocks.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—March 7th, two "Crows" going S.E.; clear, wind fresh S.E. November 18th, one going N.E., 11 A.M.; wind fresh W., clear; 24th, flock going N., 10 A.M.; wind light N.W., clear.
Tuskar.—March 16th, two going N.W.; wind strong N.E. November 10th, one on rock; wind fresh N.E.; 25th, one on rock; 27th, one.
Arklow South Light-ship.—March 25th, flock flying W., 7 A.M.; wind fresh N.W., clear. April 22d, two; wind light, clear.
Arklow North Light-ship.—February 18th, one going N.W. March 29th, two going N.W.
Rockabill.—January 10th, five going N.; clear.
Dunree Head.—November 29th, ten "Crows" noted.
Tory Island.—March 11th, five going S.W. April 5th and July 20th, seven to nine about island.
Rathlin O'Birne.—July 10th, two or three hundred "Crows" going W.; wind light W., misty. "Immense flocks" going W. until 10 A.M. 18th, two or three hundred on island.
Broadhaven.—November 7th, five hundred Rooks resident.
Blackrock, Mayo.—October 21st, two Rooks on rock; wind strong S.E.
Slyne Head, S.—October 20th, twenty going S.; 27th, two seen. November 4th to 13th, several; on 7th, about two hundred, with Jackdaws, about island.
Tearaght.—September 1st, three going E. October 21st, fifty going E.; 23d, about one hundred and fifty going E.; wind light S.; 24th, three hundred do.; wind strong N. November 8th, thirty; 9th, sixty; 11th, several; 15th, two hundred; 22d, eighteen; 23d, seventy; all going E. in November. One shot on November 9th. [Received in flesh—a young Rook]
Skelligs.—November 5th, one on island; 9th, flocks, 12.30 P.M. to 4 P.M., going N.E.; wind light S.E. These Rooks seem to have flown a long distance as they were apparently very tired. There were about one hundred in the first flock, and eighty in the second. They came from the westward. The second flock rested about ten minutes on island. 12th, sixteen; 18th, fourteen. [A somewhat similar flight of Rooks, from W. to E., occurred at the Tearaght and Skelligs in 1884.—See Migration Report for that year. The question is, where were they coming from? There is no land to W. of Skelligs. The Tearaght is 20 miles N. of Skelligs, and both about 9 miles from shore.]
Jackdaw (Corvus monedula, Linn.).
Tuskar.—March 9th, two at noon; wind light S.
Rathlin O'Birne.—June 22d, two came from shore. November 16th, five do.
Slyne Head, S.—October 19th, two on island, and see under Rook for this station.
Arran Island, N.—November 3d, five.
Tearaght.—October 25th, one on island.
Magpie (Pica rustica, Scop.).
Dunree Head.—February 27th, April 8th, two to five noted.
Broadhaven.—December 26th, one in vicinity.
Slyne Head, S.—November 10th to 13th, one or two on island.
Arran Island, S.—November 1st and 15th, one seen.
Tearaght.—November 11th, two going E.; wind N.E, light.
Swallow (Hirundo rustica, Linn.).
Fastnet.—October 5th, several young ones about light, 7 to 11 P.M.; one caught. [Leg and wing received.] Wind light S.E., gloomy; 10th, four about rock all day; wind light N.E, clear. October 20th, one on rock; seemed exhausted; wind light W., clear.
Old Head, Kinsale.—June 18th, three going S.; 30th, six.
Mine Head.—April 17th, first seen this year: left about October 9th.
Hook Tower.—A total absence of Swallows here this summer.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—March 30th, two "Swallows" flying N., 11.30 A.M.; clear, wind light N.E. May 4th, two alighted on ship; clear and calm; one found dead. [Leg and wing received.] 6th, flocks flying N.W. at 5 A.M.; clear, wind light S.E.; 13th, one; 28th, one about ship. Swallow noted on June 5th, 19th, and 22d. September 17th, flocks flying N.E.; wind N.E., fresh, clear; 18th, 19th, and 21st, two to five seen. October 18th, one about ship, 11 A.M.; wind light E.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—Swallow entered on April 9th, 30th; May 2d, 9th, 12th, and 30th; June 14th and 15th; one to four each day; all going N. October 16th, two about ship; wind N.E., light, clear.
Tuskar.—April 25th, two all day on rock; first seen this year; gale from S.W. September 19th, 20th, and 21st, several all day about rock; wind E. October 6th, one all day; 9th, one flying about; 17th and 18th, two about rock all day; clear.
Lucifer Shoals Light-ship.—October 7th, flock going E.; 17th, flocks going N.W.; clear; 19th, two about ship; one fell in water.
Arklow South Light-ship.—April 10th and 22d, two going N.W. May 22d, six going N.W. September 15th and 16th, one to four going N.W.; 20th, 21st, flocks noticed; hazy.
Arklow North Light-ship.—September 12th, flocks going E. at noon; wind fresh N.W.
Dunree Head.—May 6th, one; first seen this year; 24th, six; 28th, great numbers, 10 A.M., going N.W.; wind W., fresh. August 8th, four. Leave here this month.
Arranmore.—May 4th, 30th, and June 17th, one to two.
Rathlin O'Birne.—April 10th, seven going N.W.; the first seen this year; wind light S.E.; 17th, five on island; 19th, four do.; all left but three on this date.
Killybegs.—April 3d, six seen; 16th, several; also noted May 2d, 10th, and June 8th.
Broadhaven.—July 3d, three.
Blackrock, Mayo.—May 9th, one about rock.
Slyne Head, S.—October 15th, two "House Martin Swallows" fly about island; wind light N.E. November 13th, one "Sand Martin Swallow" seen; seemed tired; wind light S.E.
Arran Island, N.—May 4th and 10th, two to four.
Tearaght.—June 1st, one going N.
Skelligs.—October 7th, large flock about all day; wind light N.E. October 24th, four all day; wind light S.E.
Sand Martin (Cotile riparia, Linn.).
Blackrock, Mayo.—March 30th, one about rock; wind light S.W.
Swift (Cypselus apus, Linn.).
Coningbeg Light-ship.—June 7th, two "Black Martins" flying W.
Tuskar.—May 22d, one found dead; wind light N., clear. [Leg and wing received.]
Innishtrahull.—May 5th, 6th, 10th, 26th, and July 2d, one to two noted about island.
Arranmore.—June 17th, two Swifts.
Nightjar (Caprimulgus europæus, Linn.).
Mine Head.—July 1st, seen and heard at 11 P.M.
Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus, Linn.).
Fastnet.—May 3d, one Cuckoo on rock; wind light N.E. Left for Cape Clear.
Dunree Head.—One to three noted May 7th, 14th, 30th, June 5th, 24th, 30th, and July 8th, in all cases but one going E. or S.E. First seen May 7th. Left in July.
Skelligs.—April 19th, one Cuckoo seen on rock.
Hoopoe (Upupa epops, Linn.).
Eagle Island, E.—April 12th, shot a bird; I do not remember ever having seen one like it before. [Hoopoe received in flesh.—R. M. B.]
"Woodpecker."
Blackrock, Mayo.—November 20th, "I saw this morning a sort of 'woodpecker.' It had a peculiar rising on the upper part of its beak, and was the size of a female Chaffinch." [What was this bird?] Wind fresh S.W.
"Pigeons."
Mine Head.—March 14th, one "strange Pigeon." Rock Pigeons breed in caves near. October 16th, thirty to forty in flock.
Tuskar.—March 14th, one "Dove" on lantern, 10 P.M.; wind strong N.W., clear. October 19th, one pigeon shot. [Leg and wing of Rock Pigeon received.]
Innishtrahull.—May 26th, three young Pigeons about island. They breed in caves near lighthouse.
Dunree Head.—March 30th and April 3d, two to six noted; August 7th, a flock going E. September 4th, eight; 27th, six.
Tory Island.—June 25th, ten to twenty Pigeons remain here. July 22d, flocks of Rock Pigeon. September 3d, ten to twenty Pigeons.
Arranmore.—March 26th, fourteen Pigeons noted. December 23d, a flock seen. Remain all winter.
Killybegs.—October 1st, ten Wood Pigeons; 11th, eight Wild Pigeons.
Slyne Head, S.—March 7th, seven Pigeons going W.
Arran Island, N.—May 20th, two.
Turtle Dove (Turtur communis, Selby).
Blackrock, Mayo.—June 27th, one shot on rock; wind light. [Head, wing, and leg received.]
Corncrake (Crex pratensis, Bechst.).
Mine Head.—May 1st, one found dead. [Leg and wing received.]
Tuskar.—April 25th, one killed striking N.E. side of lantern; wind strong W., clear.
Rockabill.—October 3d. (See under Skylark.)
Innishtrahull.—June 28th and 30th, one heard on island.
Tory Island.—August 10th, one heard.
Skelligs.—June 16th, one found dead. [Leg and wing received.]
Spotted Crake (Porzana maruetta, Leach).
Tearaght.—August 21st, one caught, 11 A.M.; wind fresh S.E. [Skin received.]
Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus, Linn.).
Fastnet.—September 24th, one in coal-house, 9 A.M.; it escaped and flew towards land.
Hook Tower.—November 8th, one killed striking. [Received in flesh.]
Coningbeg Light-ship.—November 6th, "a strange bird killed against lantern; never saw same kind before." [Received a Water Rail in flesh.]
Tuskar.—November 14th, one found dead on rock, 8 A.M.; wind fresh N. [Leg and wing received.]
Rockabill.—November 10th, one killed striking. [Received in flesh.]
Innishtrahull.—November 12th, one killed striking, 4 A.M.; calm, dark. [Leg and wing received.]
Tory Island.—November 16th, one caught; wind strong W. [Received in flesh.] December 3d, one killed striking, 6 P.M.; wind strong N.W.
Tearaght.—November 19th, one shot. [Received in flesh.]
Water Hen (Gallinula chloropus, Linn.).
Arranmore.—November 7th, one near station, 7 A.M.; stormy, wind N.E.
Bald Coot (Fulica atra, Linn.).
Arklow South Light-ship.—September 22d, one "Water Hen" killed striking, 1 A.M.; wind light, overcast. [Leg and wing of Bald Coot received.]
"Ringed Dotterel."
Coningbeg Light-ship.—October 17th, three going N.E.; clear.
Golden Plover (Charadrius pluvialis, Linn.).
Mine Head.—February 10th, passing at 9 P.M.; 17th, large flock.
Howth Baily.—December 21st, Golden Plover in neighbourhood.
Tory Island.—March 12th, "six Grey Plover" about island. August 30th, nine "Golden Plover" all day. November 5th, some about island.
Arranmore.—"Grey Plover," remain all winter.
Killybegs.—October 14th, sixteen "Grey Plover." November 18th to 23d, a few Golden Plover noted.
Broadhaven.—November 20th, a flock; numerous this season.
Blackrock, Mayo.—April 14th, about sixty seen.
Slyne Head, S.—October 7th, about thirty "Grey Plover" going S. December 22d, one Golden Plover found on dome of lighthouse.
Green Plover (Vanellus vulgaris, Bechst.).
Fastnet.—March 5th, one "Lapwing Plover" about rock, 4 P.M.; foggy, wind light S.E. March 13th, Golden and Green Plover very scarce on shore; a very mild winter. April 10th, one going N.; wind fresh S.E.
Old Head, Kinsale.—October 10th, four going W. December 20th to 23d, some seen going N.W.
Mine Head.—February 10th, passing at 10 P.M.; wind W., frosty.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—March 7th, a flock going N.E.; clear, wind fresh S.E.; 20th, flock about light, midnight to 4 A.M.; snow showers, wind light N.E.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—March 11th, twelve Green Plover going N., 6 P.M.; wind W., fresh. July 27th, flock of "Plover" flying N.E.; wind W., fresh.
Tuskar.—March 3d, five on rock all day; shot four; wind fresh E., cloudy; 6th, five went N.W.; wind light E., cloudy; one found dead; 7th, one on rock; 8th, six went N.W.; 10th, four; shot two.
Arklow South Light-ship.—February 17th, six "Plover" going S.W.; misty. March 18th, three do. about ship, 2 A.M.; overcast.
Howth Baily.—December 21st, 22d, 23d, Green Plover in neighbourhood.
Rockabill.—February 16th, Lapwing about light, 1 A.M.; one killed striking; wind light S., misty. [Leg and wing received.]
South Rock Light-ship.—December 10th, two about light, 7.30 P.M.
South Maidens.—October 1st, twelve going N.E.
Tory Island.—March 12th, fifteen to twenty about island. September 1st, three at 6 P.M. November 5th, some about island.
Arranmore.—November 16th, "Plover" on island.
Rathlin O'Birne.—December 28th, two on island; seldom seen.
Killybegs.—March 29th, four; will remain to breed. November 23d, four.
Arran Island, N.—Four to thirty at intervals in March.
Skelligs.—March 4th, four Peewits; two shot; 6th, eighteen; six shot
Oyster-Catcher (Hæmatopus ostralegus, Linn.).
Mine Head.—September 13th, one on rocks.
Tuskar.—March 4th, two all day; left for shore.
Innishtrahull.—December 15th, two Oyster-Catchers on rocks.
Tory Island.—March 20th and July 14th, ten to twelve noted.
Rathlin O'Birne.—Seapies breed here.
Killybegs.—April 20th, four. November 8th, six.
Broadhaven.—Oyster-Catchers resident. Noted November 9th and December 11th.
Slyne Head, S.—November, Seapies about island.
Arran Island, N.—January 26th, February 27th, and April 20th, several noted.
Arran Island, S.—October 24th, flocks of Seapies; shot two.
Skelligs.—November 15th, two on island.
Woodcock (Scolopax rusticula, Linn.).
Fastnet.—March 13th, Woodcocks and Snipe very scarce on shore this season. A very mild winter.
Tuskar.—November 11th, two Woodcock killed striking; wind light E., cloudy. [Leg and wing received.] November 12th, one on rock all day; 13th, two do.
Tory Island.—November 15th, one seen.
Arranmore.—November 16th, one on island; 17th, found one dead. January 3d, 1888, one shot.
Slyne Head, S.—November 11th, one on island; also November 13th, December 2d and 28th.
Arran Island, N.—December 14th, one seen.
Common Snipe (Gallinago cælestis, Frenzel),
and Jack Snipe (G. gallinula, Linn.).
Old Head, Kinsale.—October 7th, one Snipe shot. December 25th, three do.
Tuskar.—October 7th, one found dead on rock. [Leg and wing of Jack Snipe received.] November 11th, two—on e found killed; wind light E., cloudy. [Leg and wing of Jack Snipe received.] November 12th, one all day on rock; 13th do.; 24th, do.
Arklow North Light-ship.—November 10th, one killed striking, 8 P.M.; wind fresh N.E., clear. [Leg and wing of Jack Snipe received.]
Rockabill.—October 3d (see under Skylark).
Tory Island.—November 5th, numbers about island.
Arranmore.—November 16th, Snipe on island.
Rathlin O'Birne.—December 1st, eight; one shot.
Broadhaven.—October 22d, three noted.
Slyne Head, S.—November 12th, two killed striking; 13th, two on island. December 22d, one picked up dead.
Arran Island, N.—December 16th, two at 8 A.M.
"Sand Larks."
Fastnet.—February 20th, about fifty "Sand Larks" on rock. These birds are regular visitors at intervals. March 5th, large numbers of "Sand Larks" at 10 A.M. feeding on rock; wind light S.E., hazy; 20th, twelve all day; wind light S.E. April 10th, six. October 9th, six on rock; 20th, four; 21st, numbers about light at night; clear. November 17th, numbers about light, 10 P.M. to midnight; hazy. December 5th, eight on rock; 11th, six all day on rock.
Mine Head.—February 15th, "Strand Larks," about a dozen on rocks.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—October 6th, two "Sandpipers," 9.30 P.M.; one killed striking; wind light N.E., clear; 29th, a "little Stint" about ship.
Tuskar.—March 13th, 22d, "Sandpipers" noted; 17th, six "Sea Larks" on rock. October 17th, 18th, and 19th, a few "Sandpipers" on rocks. November 27th, ten "Sand Larks" all day; stormy. December 4th, two "Sandpipers" on rock; 5th, small flock; 28th, six do. on rock.
Tory Island.—March 20th and July 18th, flocks of "Sand Larks" about island.
Rathlin O'Birne.—"Sand Larks" breed here.
Eagle Island, W.—February 5th, several "Sandpipers" on island.
Slyne Head, S.—November, "Sand Larks" about island.
Redshank (Totanus calidris, Linn.).
Tuskar.—March 5th, six all day; left for shore.
Broadhaven.—December 9th and 26th, one to three noted.
Slyne Head, S.—November, Redshank about island.
Arran Island, N.—January 14th and February 8th, twelve on island. November 12th, do.
"Greenshank."
May 12th, two "Greenshanks" seen.
Curlew (Numenius arquata, Linn.).
Fastnet.—March 2d, Curlew heard, 2 A.M.; seemed a large flock; wind light S.W., hazy; 11th, one; wind S.W., hazy. March 13th, Curlew not so numerous on shore this winter as last.
Old Head, Kinsale.—October 9th, five flying W. December 20th to 23d, several.
Mine Head.—February 19th, one heard passing. March 9th, heard between 1 and 2 A.M.; 10th, seven seen; 11th, heard day and night; 20th, eight going N.E.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—March 11th, flock flying N.E.; rain, wind fresh; 20th, flock about light, midnight to 4 A.M.; snow showers, wind fresh N.E. June 24th, several at 9 P.M. flying N. over ship; 26th, one; 27th, two; 28th, several seen; clear, wind light S.E. November 12th, several about ship during night; light N.E., gloomy.
Tuskar.—March 3d, four on rock, 10 P.M.; 10th and 11th, two on rock. August 21st, one. November 26th, two on rock.
Arklow South Light-ship.—August 24th, two.
Arklow North Light-ship.—March 18th, great quantity about lantern, midnight to 4 A.M.; wind fresh N.W., snow. October 9th, flocks going N.W., 9 A.M.
Howth Baily.—December 21st, large flocks about.
Dunree Head.—October 14th, 24th, and November 10th, 16th, five to sixteen noted.
Tory Island.—July 10th, flocks about island. September 15th, do.
Rathlin O'Birne.—June 30th, twenty-five going W.; wind light N.E. July 31st, five on island.
Killybegs.—Two to eight frequent about station, October and November.
Broadhaven.—October 22d, flocks noted.
Blackrock, Mayo.—November 1st, one on rock; wind strong S.W.
Arran Island, N.—Four to twenty noted, January 9th, February 4th, and April 28th. October 12th, three.
Skelligs.—September 23d, one on island.
Whimbrel (Numenius phæopus, Linn.).
Fastnet.—April 30th, one going S.E.; wind light S.E. May 3d, one going N.E.; seemed exhausted, as it flew with difficulty; wind light N., clear. November 29th, one shot on shore of mainland. [Whimbrel received in flesh.]
Mine Head.—May 13th and 27th, a great noise of "May Fowl or Whimbrel;" lasted 15 minutes; fog.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—May 22d, flock flying N., 10.30 P.M.; rain, calm.
Innishtrahull.—May 12th, nine "May birds" all day on island; wind N.W., gale; 25th, young Curlew all day on island.
Tory Island.—May 10th, eight "Whimbrel (Maybirds)" all day about island.
Arranmore.—May 19th, two; 27th, one.
Rathlin O'Birne.—April 20th, "thirty-four Curlew (Maybirds)" came from shore. Large flocks until May 8th. July 25th, "twenty Whimbrel, or young Curlew," on island; wind light N.W. [If Whimbrel, the date is unusually late.]
Broadhaven.—May 17th, "flocks of Whimbrel." Left June 13th.
Blackrock, Mayo.—May 12th, "Maybirds" about lantern, 10 P.M.; wind strong N.W.
Tearaght.—May 14th, Whimbrel flying N., very high; wind strong N.
"Terns."
Fastnet.—December 12th, six "Sea Mews" [Terns?] startled from rock by firing gun cotton.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—October 6th, one killed striking. [Leg and wing of Common Tern received.]
Tuskar.—August 17th, one "Arctic Tern" at night.
Innishtrahull.—July 19th and 20th, one Tern noted.
Rathlin O'Birne.—June 2d and 8th, eight to fifteen seen. Breed on island to W. of lighthouse.
"Gulls."
Fastnet.—January 20th to 28th, large numbers feeding about rock; 24th, two Royal Gulls. [Great Black-backs.—R. M. B.] February 19th, two small Royal Gulls, all day. April 12th, two Royal Gulls, last year's birds; 30th, a small Gull. November 10th, several Gulls about rock; also four "large, light-grey Gulls, not so light as the Iceland Gull; flew very sluggishly;" wind light S.E.; 20th, several flocks of Gulls flying high to N.W.; clear, wind light N.W. December 1st, two Great Black-backed Gulls about rock; 5th, a pet Gull about rock, first time this winter; comes every winter, and is very tame and fed regularly; 6th, several Gulls all day flying N.W.; strong gale from N.W.
Old Head, Kinsale.—January 4th, flock flying W. March 12th, great flocks flying E.; 15th and 20th, flocks. April 5th, great numbers on water. May 14th, June 2d and 14th, flocks.
Mine Head.—February 14th, Herring Gulls breed. They are here summer and winter. August 30th, two "Royal Gulls." November 21st, two do. going N.E. December 13th, two. October 13th, great number of Gulls after fish.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—June, great flocks of Herring Gulls, old and young; also small "Common Gulls," and a few Black-backed Gulls, about ship up till 12th; on 29th and 30th, several small Gulls. October, a few Skua Gulls seen passing.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—November 6th, passing all day to W. in twos and threes; wind fresh E.
Tuskar.—March 10th, about fifty Sea Gulls; 24th, none seen since 10th. November 12th to 18th, numbers noted. "I have not entered movements of Gulls and Gannets, as they are nearly always about rock fishing, and going in no particular direction."
Arklow South Light-ship.—September 19th, hundreds of small Gulls on water.
Howth Baily.—November 2d, large flock going N.W.
Dunree Head.—July 27th, numbers of Gulls; a few, August 15th and October 2d.
Tory Island.—April 23d, flocks; breeds in thousands at east end of island.
Arranmore.—March 20th, two "Royal Gulls."
Broadhaven.—November 12th, thirty Great Black-backed Gulls; "Common Gulls" every day.
Eagle Island, W.—February 28th, two Royal Gulls.
Blackrock, Mayo.—November 8th, one Glaucous Gull at noon, soaring. "I identified in Dublin Museum subsequently." November 11th, large quantity of Kittiwake and Herring Gulls fishing; 14th, one Glaucous Gull; 15th and 16th, very large flocks of Kittiwakes, Herring, and a number of Royal Gulls. December 11th and 24th, do., and one Glaucous Gull on last date. January 6th, 1888, large flocks of Kittiwakes (young, generally), and one Glaucous Gull.
Slyne Head, S.—October 13th, numbers of Grey Gulls. November 1st and 2d, Gulls and Kittiwakes going S.W.; 7th, one "Cream-coloured Gull" flying about island. [Probably an Iceland Gull.]
Tearaght.—August 23d, Kittiwakes breeding; have all left; a few Herring Gulls all the year round; also a pair of Great Black-backed Gulls. December 12th, large flock of Herring Gull close to island. Among them I saw "four Cream-coloured Gulls," and they seemed large.
Skelligs.—January 1st to 9th, Kittiwakes and Herring Gulls fishing; 16th, do., and some Black-backed Gulls. February 1st, 3d, and 4th, Great Black-backs and Herring Gulls; 9th and 10th, several Herring Gulls. March 14th, Kittiwakes first landed, and took possession of the old nests. December 5th, large flock of Kittiwakes about rock; 11th, do. of Herring Gulls.
Great Shearwater (Puffinus major, F. Faber).
Tearaght.—"On 21st September, observed two birds close to rock; they seemed to me to be the large Shearwater."
Manx Shearwater (Puffinus anglorum, Temminck).
Mine Head.—Heard at intervals between May 16th and July 26th.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—May 14th, one about lantern, 11 P.M.; gloomy, calm; disabled; 15th, one struck lantern, 10.30 P.M., killed—[Leg and wing received]—gloomy, calm. June, quantities passing by ship.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—March 27th, a few all day; the first seen. April 8th, some seen. June 26th and 27th, small flocks all day.
Howth Baily.—One killed striking about May 10th. [Received in flesh.]
Arklow North Light-ship.—April 6th and 8th, Mackerel Cocks all day about ship; wind fresh E., sleet.
Arranmore.—April 9th, thirteen Manx Shearwaters. Great quantities breed in the peat holes about the station.
Skelligs.—June 27th, young "night bird" sent. [Received young Manx Shearwater.] June 29th, another sent, [Received.]
Fork-Tailed Petrel (Cymochorea leucorrhea, Vieill.).
Blackrock, Mayo.—September 3d. "Relative to the Fork-tailed Petrel resorting (breeding at) this rock, I think from long observation (over six years) that they do not." November 12th, four or five Fork-tailed Petrels about rock, 10 A.M.; wind light S.E., gloomy. Never noticed any Petrels in the daytime here before. November 13th, one, 10 A.M.; 15th, one caught in yard, 6 P.M. [Skin and contents of gizzard received.—R. M. B.]
Tearaght.—June 21st, found a Fork-tailed Petrel breeding on island. Bird caught on egg and forwarded to Mr A. G. More; egg broken; 23d, found another breeding; egg forwarded. [The bird referred to on 21st June was received by Mr More, and the egg found on 23d was received by R. M. B. Both correctly identified.] Mr Ryan in a letter says:—"Both birds had nice nests made of withered grass; I have seen none since, and think they are very scarce." Subsequently he writes: "Little nests were formed, but nothing like what land birds make. The little hollow was lined thinly with grass. I often found some of the Stormy Petrels with little nests; but again plenty lay on the bare earth or among loose stone." [Though I have frequently taken the eggs of the Fork-tailed and Stormy Petrels, no grass was ever found about them. See Zoologist 1887, p. 349, as to breeding of Fork-tailed Petrel on Tearaght.—R. M. B.]
Stormy Petrel (Procellaria pelagica, Linn.).
Fastnet.—September 22d, one about light; wind fresh S.E., gloomy.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—June 1st, one to seven about ship on several occasions up to 21st, in the daytime. Fine weather, and wind light throughout. Several seen on 7th. September 21st, some about lantern, 8 P.M. to midnight; wind light E., hazy; one killed striking. [Leg and wing received.] October 27th, one about ship. November 5th, three do.; 13th, five on ship at night; wind light S.E., gloomy.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—November 5th, seven going E.; wind fresh S.W.
Arrow South Light-ship.—November 10th, one "Mother Carey Chicken" struck lantern, 9 P.M.; fell on deck; wind light.
Tory Island.—July 1st, "large flocks" of Stormy Petrel remain. At the end of June numbers arrive. [They breed on Tory Island.—R. M. B.] September 15th, one killed striking, 11 P.M.; hazy, wind light N. [Leg and wing received.]
Rathlin O'Birne.—July 30th, one caught under rock on its egg; they breed here. [Stormy Petrel and its egg received.]
Blackrock, Mayo.—April 29th, one at lantern, 1 A.M.; wind fresh N.E. September 3d, "used to breed here in large numbers, but owing to mice, a cat was introduced, and I don't think there are over one dozen Petrels breeding this year. I have often counted twelve pair of Petrel's wings and tails in the morning—killed by the cat. They are easily captured."
Slyne Head, S.—October 20th, one killed striking.
Skelligs.—September 22d, several at lantern from 10 P.M. to 2 A.M.; two young ones killed striking; wind light S.E., hazy. October 9th, one young bird killed striking, 8 P.M.; 15th, several at lantern, 7 to 11 P.M.; one killed striking (young bird); wind light N.E., gloomy.
Razorbill and Guillemot
(Alca torda, Linn.; and Uria troile, Linn.).
Fastnet.—January 20th to 28th, large numbers feeding about rock. May 1st, seven. November 10th, "several puffins (?), razorbills, and guillemots" all day about rock; wind light S.E.
Old Head, Kinsale.—May 20th, flocks of "loots" [loons?] flying W.
Mine Head.—February 14th, young Razorbills (about one hundred) fishing. I believe they are always about here. June 15th, "Razorbill heard on water." October 13th, great many.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—October, Razorbills passing daily.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—March 10th, flock going E., 4 P.M. June 28th, small flocks of "Murs" going N.W. all day; clear. July 3d and 9th, several with young ones drifting past all day. From 20th to August 1st, number of "Murs" with young passing.
Tuskar.—March 23d, five Razorbills.
Innishtrahull.—May 12th to 22d, numbers of Razorbills.
Arranmore.—April 11th and 14th, some Razorbills and Guillemots.
Eagle Island, W.—February 7th, small flock of "Puffins." [Probably Razorbills.]
Tearaght.—January 28th, several Guillemots seen about island. February 6th, on rocks for the first time. March 3d, Razorbills arrived. August 5th, Guillemots and Razorbills have all left.
Skelligs.—January 1st to 9th, some young Razorbills and Guillemots fishing. February 11th, Guillemot first landed for the year; left at 8 A.M.; 15th to 26th, the Guillemots come in the early morning and leave after a few hours. March 10th, Razorbill first landed on rock.
Puffin (Fratercula arctica, Linn.).
Fastnet.—January 20th to 28th, large numbers feeding about rock.—[? R. M. B.] (See under Razorbill, November 10th.)
Old Head, Kinsale.—March 25th, great numbers of Puffins on water. April 7th, large number.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—June 9th to 12th, great flocks of "Puffins" during day about ship; clear, wind light. "The Puffins seen passing appeared to be four kinds of birds"!
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—March 29th, a few "Sea Parrots" drifting by all day. April 8th, some "Parrots" seen; 21st, several "Parrots" drifting past slowly. June 27th, small flocks all day. July 20th to August 1st, some drifting past.
Tuskar.—March 9th, four "Puffins" going S.W.; 12th, three.
Innishtrahull.—April 17th, "Puffins heard in the distance," 6.30 P.M.; calm. May 12th to 22d, numbers through the day.
Dunree Head.—July 18th, flocks of Puffins seen.
Tory Island.—May 2d, "Puffins and Sea Parrots" remain to breed.
Arranmore.—October 17th, a "Sea Parrot" (? Puffin) off the head, fishing.
Rathlin O'Birne.—May 5th, twenty. These birds more plentiful on island this year than formerly.
Blackrock, Mayo.—April 4th, one Puffin, the first seen; wind strong W.N.W.
Slyne Head, S.—March 29th, flocks all day going N. October 21st, flocks of Puffins passing S.; 28th, numbers do. November 1st and 2d, do.
Arran Island, N.—April 6th, flocks going N. all day; wind light N.E. In June large number in vicinity. December, "Puffins" every day.
Tearaght.—March 26th, Puffins arrived in great numbers. August 16th, all have left.
Skelligs.—March 24th, Puffins first landed on rock. November 15th, one "Puffin" at 2 P.M. close to rock; wind light S.E.
"Great Northern Diver."
Arranmore.—April 10th, one at 8 P.M.; wind light N.E.
Broadhaven.—November 20th, three noted. [It is entered among the residents; no doubt an error.]
Cormorant and Shag (Phalacrocorax carbo, Linn.; and P. graculus, Linn.).
Fastnet.—January 24th, two Brown and four Green "Cormorants" all day fishing. February 19th, two Brown Cormorants on Little Fastnet. It is only occasionally these birds come to this rock to feed. April 12th, two Green-Crested Cormorants fishing; 14th and 29th, one; 30th, three. May 2d, eleven fishing. November 10th, three "large Cormorants" about rock; 13th, "one large White-breasted Cormorant" fishing; wind light S.E.; 20th, four Cormorants fishing. December 4th to 11th, two to four. On 10th a "White-breasted Cormorant—very large bird"—on top of rock; wind very light, clear.
Mine Head.—February 14th, Cormorants always plentiful. Breed half-mile E. of lighthouse.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—One or two at intervals in June about ship. November 2d, three seen.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—July 29th, three going W. November 3d, 4th, and 5th, three to six going E.
Tuskar.—November 8th, 10th, and 13th, six to twelve noted.
Arklow South Light-ship.—August 24th, one Cormorant about ship.
Howth Baily.—October 22d, six going E.
Dunree Head.—January 6th, numbers of Cormorants. Noted frequently (about twenty each time) from July to December in all cases, but one going in northerly direction. August 21st, great numbers.
Tory Island.—December 20th, about island.
Broadhaven.—November 11th, Cormorants numerous. They are resident.
Slyne Head, S.—November, about island.
Arran Island, N.—January 31st, three; some every day.
Skelligs.—September 26th, two.
Gannet (Sula bassana, Linn.).
Fastnet.—March 9th, four going N.W. at 10 A.M. The first seen for some time; wind light S.E.; 16th, two; 20th, four. April 10th, four. May 2d, two; one of them last year's bird. November 10th, four fishing; 17th, eight going N.W.; 20th, several going N.W., flying high; wind light N.W.
Old Head, Kinsale.—January 3d, two flocks flying E. February 14th, flock flying E. March 7th, several flocks flying W.; 20th, flocks flying W. May 14th and June 25th, do.
Mine Head.—September 15th, one, and occasionally afterwards.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—A few passing E. and W. in June. Several about ship in October, November, and December.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—A few noted March 30th, April 13th and 17th; June 19th, one going E., the first young Gannet seen; 21st and July 50th, Gannets seen going W. October 25th, five going E.; 30th, three going E. November 5th, four about ship.
Tuskar.—March 11th and 22d, two to three. November 10th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 17th, 18th, and 30th, numbers about rock. See under Gull at this station.
Lucifer Shoals Light-ship.—Noted at intervals, October 6th to 19th; general direction of flight N.E.
Arklow South Light-ship.—March 30th, April 2d, 10th, and 22d, Gannets noted flying N.E. Gannets noted July 29th, August 25th, and in September, at intervals. Flocks on September 8th, 22d, and October 4th; generally going N.E.
Arklow North Light-ship.—February 11th, 15th, March 28th, 31st, April 4th, 6th, and 8th, noted flying N.E. and N.W. September 23d, October 2d, 13th, and 14th, going N.E. and S.W.
Innishtrahull.—March 24th and 30th, one to five noted. July 14th, a number.
Dunree Head.—July 22d, six seen going N.W.
Tory Island.—April 3d and June 5th, a few noted.
Arranmore.—October 5th, Gannets passing and repassing.
Rathlin O'Birne.—June 10th, thirty to forty, and large numbers until end of month; more plentiful than usual this year.
Killybegs.—Noted two to four, May 20th, 26th, and June 6th.
Eagle Island, W.—February 1st and 6th, several seen.
Blackrock, Mayo.—From the beginning of February numbers of Gannets passed N., and ceased on or about March 15th. November 13th, two; "very few since October 20th." January 6th, 1888, four.
Slyne Head, S.—February, Gannets seen daily. October 11th, 14th, 15th, 17th, and 28th, numbers passing, all going N. November 1st and 2d, numbers going S.W.
Arran Island, N.—Gannets seen every day.
Tearaght.—February 12th, Gannets about island. March 21st, Gannets going N. for the past fortnight.
Skelligs.—February 2d, ten fishing, first seen this year; 10th, Gannets increasing; 12th to 14th, increasing in great numbers; 26th, first seen on the Little Skellig. November 7th, last Gannet seen on the Little Skellig.
Heron (Ardea cinerea, Linn.).
Fastnet.—December 11th, one flying high to N.W.; wind light N.E., clear.
Mine Head.—August 20th, one seen. October 5th and 21st, one passing along coast pursued by Gulls. December 14th, one in marsh.
Tuskar.—October 18th, one seen on rock; calm, clear.
Innishtrahull.—October 11th and 12th, one on rocks; a rare visitor; wind N., stormy; 31st, one.
Tory Island.—August 26th, one; wind strong S.W. December 20th, Herons seen.
Arranmore.—June 9th, two Herons seen.
Rathlin O'Birne.—July 1st, two "Cranes;" first time I saw any on island; wind light S.E.
Broadhaven.—Herons resident; noted October 7th and December 2d.
Arran Island, S.—October 7th, one stayed two days; seldom seen. November 15th, one.
Tearaght.—August 24th, one on island; wind light S.E. September 13th, two; 20th, three.
Skelligs.—November 8th, one going N.W.; wind light N.E.
"Geese."
Fastnet.—November 12th, one "Barnacle" flying S.W.
Mine Head.—March 10th, twenty passing N.E.; calm. August 14th, about fifty "Wild Geese" passing N.E.; calm, fine.
Tuskar.—September 21st, one Goose seen. November 13th, eleven going N.
Arklow North light-ship.—October 8th, flock going E., noon.
Howth Baily.—October 15th, flock of "Wild Ducks or Barnacle" going E. November 20th, do., large flock.
Innishtrahull.—March 18th, seven "Wild Geese" on island. December 25th, seven going N.E.
Tory Island.—November 15th, nine going S.
Arranmore.—March 24th, sixty Barnacle going W. Barnacle left on May 1st. October 15th, in flocks all day on island; 20th and 21st, flocks going S.; 23d, large flocks going N. November 5th, passing and repassing. December 13th, flock going S. January 5th, 1888, two "Wild Geese" feeding. "Barnacle remain in flocks here all winter feeding on the green banks of grass and moss in the valleys and on the brows of the cliffs."
Rathlin O'Birne.—May 3d, one "Barnacle or Wild Goose" shot, feeding on island. [Leg and wing of White-fronted Goose received.] July 10th, bird I am not certain of shot. This and the bird shot May 3d differ from the Barnacle which pass here in winter. [Leg and wing of Brent Goose received.] November 3d, eighty going S.—first this winter; wind strong S.W.; 9th, three on island, two shot.
Killybegs.—October 24th and November 13th, two to three Barnacle.
Broadhaven.—October 26th, White-fronted Geese in flocks; remain until April. November 16th, twenty Barnacle; 26th, flock of Brent Geese going S.W.
Eagle Island, W.—February 4th and 7th, five to ten Wild Geese.
Slyne Head, S.—March 6th, ten Barnacle. December 26th to 29th, a number on island.
Arran Island, N.—November 30th and December 18th, a flock of Barnacle.
Arran Island, S.—October 10th, eight Wild Geese going S.
"Swans."
Broadhaven.—December 18th, six "White Swans" going S.W.; wind strong N.; "numerous on Corclough Lake."
"Ducks."
Fastnet.—December 7th, six ducks going S.E.—first seen passing for some time.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—November 26th, two Widgeon going W.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—March 15th, flock of Duck going S.E. May 5th, eleven Wild Ducks going N.
Tuskar.—October 20th, small flock going E. November 25th, fifteen going S.E. December 15th, ten seen.
Arklow South Light-ship.—December 16th, one caught on deck, 4 A.M.; gale S.W., clear.
Arklow North Light-ship.—July 2d, flocks of "Wild Duck," 5 A.M. and 7 A.M.; wind light N, clear. December 3d, flock going N.W.; 24th, six do.
Rockabill.—February 8th, ten "Velvet Scoter" going E.; wind fresh S.
South Maidens.—November 27th, two "Wild Ducks;" gale from S.W.
North Maidens.—November 6th, one Duck killed striking, 9.30 P.M.; wind fresh E., misty. [Leg and wing of Common Scoter received.]
Dunree Head.—February 11th, large flock Widgeon going S.E.; seldom seen here.
Tory Island.—October 1st, about forty Widgeon about island. November 15th, seven Teal do.
Arranmore.—May 12th, two. June 10th, one. January 7th, 1888, two shot.
Killybegs.—October 14th, one.
Broadhaven.—November 18th, seven. December 26th, flocks going S.
Birds not Identified.
Fastnet.—April 12th, "one bird, name unknown, on rock; wind light N.W., clear. About the size of a Goldcrest—legs and bill black; back, bluish-grey; breast and under part of body, light yellow." November 12th, a strange bird larger than a Thrush, 11.30 A.M., on rock; wind light S.E., gloomy. "This bird was formed like a Thrush; dark mottled brown on back; cream colour on breast; light brown wings; dark bill and legs. Never saw one like it before."
Transcriber Note
Minor typos corrected. Due to width restrictions in the text version, some tables were rearranged and some abbreviations employed.