As might be expected, the Snow Bunting is of more frequent occurrence on our western and northern coasts. A few remained as late as the first week in May, and it was again seen early in September, dates which have not hitherto been recorded in Ireland. Geese were also more numerous on the northern and western coasts than elsewhere.
A remarkable migration of the Rook was observed at the Tearaght and Skelligs, both stations being several miles off the coast of Kerry. It lasted for three weeks, from Nov. 2nd to 20th, the direction of flight being from west to east. The light-keepers were puzzled to know where the birds came from, the nearest land to the west being America. [See general remarks of light-keepers, and also under Rook].
The greatest immigration of Thrushes occurred between the 14th and 20th of October; Starlings, 18th to 20th October, and the first fortnight in November; Blackbirds, October 24th; Swallows, about the 12th May. Whimbrel were more plentiful than usual at our southern stations when going north in the spring.
The migration of the Starling is perhaps more evident than that of any other bird; they strike in the greatest numbers. Woodcocks, on the other hand, usually strike singly; it is a rare occurrence to have more than one killed on the same night. Very few birds of any kind strike the lights on the west coast of Ireland.
Sea-birds scarcely ever strike the lanterns. The instances are so few of birds striking on clear nights, that they do not number half a dozen per annum.
Some evidence has been given that the Wren is resident on the Tearaght, Skelligs, and Eagle Islands, all three very bare and isolated rocks on the west coast; but the specimens received differ in no respect from the Common Wren of the mainland. The Hedgesparrow was also received from the Tearaght, and several are stated to have remained there during last winter.
An interesting observation was made by Mr. McCarron, of the Tearaght, who watched an old Razorbill dive beneath its young one and rise exactly underneath it. The young one was thus raised on the back of the old bird, which carried it in this position over the waves in a rough sea. This occurrence was witnessed several times.
The transfer of the light-keepers from one station to another is unavoidable, and changes are made by the Commissioners every year. There are instances in which one might imagine that the birds had followed the migration of a particular light-keeper, if he has been a more careful observer than his predecessor at that station.
We trust the efforts made to enable the birds to be identified will succeed in time; the various kinds of Gulls are much confused, and the Puffin, Razorbill, and Guillemot are constantly doing duty for each other. Redwings, Thrushes, and Fieldfares are not always distinguished; while Larks, Linnets, and Finches are perhaps too closely associated in the minds of some light-keepers. By the production of specimens in future, we trust that some of these difficulties will be removed.
The insertion in the schedules of the column for the direction of flight has, we think, been of advantage.