The Sedge Warbler is killed striking more frequently than any other Warbler; next comes the Whitethroat; but at the N. and N.W. stations no Warblers strike—the S. and S.E. coasts containing all the records. The legs and wings doubtfully referred to the Reed Warbler last year have been re-examined, and do not belong to that species. A Woodlark was received in the flesh, shot on the Tearaght Rock by Mr Ryan on October 20th, one of the last places in Ireland one would expect to meet this bird, even when migrating. This Lark has been seen so seldom in Ireland since Thompson's Natural History was published, in which it is described as a "resident but very local species," that some questioned its right to be inserted in the Irish list, especially as no specimens were produced. It has not been known to breed in Ireland. The Snow Bunting, as is usual, occurs mainly on the N. and W. coasts. In Ireland it is very rare inland, especially in the southern half.
The Lapland Bunting has already been referred to. It was found dead October 16th on the Fastnet Rock, and was forwarded in the flesh. It is a female, and probably of European origin, and is the first Irish record.
"Mountain Finches" were reported from the Skelligs in November 1886; but, with this exception, no Bramblings were mentioned in the schedules until 1887, and the Siskin appears for the first time, both species being authenticated by specimens. The distribution of some volumes of Morris' "British Birds" has probably assisted in their identification, combined with information received in reply to parcels of legs and wings forwarded. Yet there can be no doubt 1887 was remarkable for the number of Bramblings and Siskins which visited Ireland. The data from light stations is too scanty to speak positively; but, unlike the Snow Bunting, the Brambling and Siskin seem to have no preference for the N. and N.W. coasts. "Linnets" is a term which has appeared in reports from the commencement. It occasionally includes, there is little doubt, other birds besides the Grey Linnet. Not a single leg or wing of the Grey Linnet has yet been received. The Bullfinch is seldom alluded to, and so far—using only the Irish migration reports—there is little or no evidence that it migrates at all.
In 1884 an extraordinary movement of Rooks from W. to E. was observed at the Tearaght and Skelligs in November; it lasted about three weeks. In 1887, about the same time, a similar occurrence is mentioned at the same stations. They are twenty miles apart, and both about nine miles from shore. There is no land to the westward nearer than America. On both occasions the birds are said to have appeared tired. On April 12th, a Hoopoe was shot at Eagle Island, E. (Mr Daniel Hawkins), off Mayo, and forwarded in the flesh.
From Blackrock (Mayo), Mr Edward Rohu forwarded a Turtle Dove—a rare and unexpected visitor in such a locality. From the Tearaght, Co. Kerry (Mr F. Ryan), the skin of a Spotted Crake—very rare in Ireland—was sent. Bird caught August 21st.
Between November 8th and 19th the Water Rail occurred at several stations all round Ireland, except on the W. coast, and in all cases but one at a considerable distance from shore. Records authenticated by specimens killed striking.
A Bald Coot was killed striking the Arklow S. light-ship September 22d, and for the first time this species has appeared in our reports. Leg and wing received.
Considering the numbers of Woodcock which annually visit Ireland, the scanty information received from the light-stations as to its movements is surprising. It is insufficient to enable any one to form an opinion as to whether it arrives first on the W. coast or not, but the statement that it does so is contrary to what might be expected, and until supported by satisfactory evidence would be prudently omitted from our text books.
The observations on Gulls are of questionable value. Confusion between the species is inevitable, but they are continued in the hope that when the schedules for several years are compared some tangible fragment may be forthcoming. "Cream-coloured Gulls" were noted at Slyne Head, S., and at the Tearaght. They are probably Iceland Gulls, and from previous migration reports it may be gathered that a few straggle to the W. coast of Ireland almost every year. A Glaucous Gull is noted at Blackrock, Mayo, the first time this species has been definitely mentioned in the schedules. The Fork-tailed Petrel was found breeding on the Tearaght Rock in very limited numbers by Mr By an, who kindly forwarded a specimen and its egg. Particulars are given under this species.
The only stations at which the migratory movements of Wild Geese are returned in any number, are on the coast of Donegal. This has always been the case.