Part 13

Anticipatory of the report for the spring of 1886, it may be mentioned that several rare species have occurred, which would probably have passed under another name, were it not for the distribution of six copies of "Morris's British Birds," with coloured plates, and the production of specimens. We trust the Commissioners of Irish Lights will distribute six additional copies of Morris in the present year. We believe these volumes are greatly appreciated, and that in placing them in their annual list of books to be purchased for the light-keepers, a wise selection has been made.

No specimen of the Greenland Falcon or Snowy Owl was observed in 1885. The former species cannot, therefore, be regarded as a more than an accidental winter visitor to the West Coast; and only one specimen of the Snowy Owl was recorded since these observations were commenced. Thrushes, including probably Redwings, were noted in considerable numbers about the lights, over a range of sixty miles on the Wexford and Wicklow coasts, between the 11th and 15th February. There was no hard frost at the time. These lights are all seven to ten miles from shore. During the second week in April, at several stations. Thrushes are recorded. The great autumn rush took place between the 6th and 10th November, and a smaller one between the 17th and 20th October. Blackbirds accompanied the Thrushes, but in smaller numbers.

"A Blackbird with a white breast" was observed at Mine Head from the 8th to the 10th December. A further description given of this bird shows it may have been a Ring Ouzel. The Hedge Sparrow seems to be resident in small numbers during the winter on the Tearaght Rock, nine miles off the Kerry coast, and possibly it breeds there. No clear indication of the migration of the Robin has yet been shown on the Irish Coast. The records of its occurrence are few and scattered. The Black Redstart was recorded at several stations in the southern half of Ireland; specimens were forwarded from Mine Head, the Skelligs, and Rockabill. It is apparently a regular winter visitor to the Skelligs and Tearaght, generally appearing in October and November. With one exception (in February) there is no record of its occurrence during any other month. The autumn migration of the Goldcrest was the smallest yet recorded, but on the 12th and 13th April a spring movement was apparent. As usual, the Starling is the best marked migrant, occurring at almost every station. There is no record yet of the Chough having been seen on the east coast by the light-keepers. The Magpie is apparently not a migratory bird in Ireland. The observations on the Cuckoo and Corncrake are few, when it is remembered they are well-known and regular visitors. There is, so far, no record of the Cuckoo having struck the lanterns, and but one instance of the Corncrake so doing. It has been stated as an "undoubted fact" (Yarrell, 4th ed., vol. iii., p. 324), by Mr Howard Saunders, that the Woodcock often makes its appearance on the south and west coasts of Ireland before it is noticed in the north and east. The light-keepers' schedules do not contradict this statement; but their observations are not yet sufficiently numerous to confirm it beyond a doubt. The northward movement of the Whimbrel (May Bird or young Curlew) has been well marked every year. On the return journey they are either confounded with the Curlew, or if they take the same route, they may travel at a higher level without whistling, and thus escape the notice of the light-keepers. The schedules from the Skelligs and Tearaght have always a special interest, these rocks being the greatest breeding-places of sea birds on the Irish Coast. Mr M'Carron estimates the number of Stormy Petrels on the Tearaght in July at six or seven thousand. The changes of plumage in the Razorbill has been the source of much comment by Mr M'Carron. The sudden and almost complete disappearance of the so-called "Black-billed Auk," and the reappearance of the Razorbill in breeding plumage in a short interval, show that when the old birds arrive to breed, the young birds of the previous year leave the neighbourhood of the Tearaght, and probably go out to sea.

A young bird, 8 inches long, and still carrying a few whitish downy feathers at the back of the neck, sent up by Mr M'Carron, and obtained on August 1st, has the chin and throat _black_. An older bird, killed on January 13th, has the chin and throat white. In Yarrell, vol. iv., p. 60, the chin and throat of a bird a week old is said to be _white_; and Seebohm says the young in down have the underparts _greyish white_.

In the report for 1884, it is stated that no Gannets perched on the Little Skellig after October 20th, and in the present report February 28th is given as the date of their reappearance on this well-known Irish breeding station.

The most interesting stations are those on small islands or rocks, or light-vessels at a considerable distance from shore; and the regular occurrence of so many land birds of apparently weak powers of flight around these lanterns is a matter of surprise to those unacquainted with the facts of migration.

We believe this inquiry has contributed not a little to enlighten the general public as to the movements of birds, some of which were partially known to ornithologists, and others suspected; but the accumulated data of the observers (making all reasonable allowances for errors in identification), are sufficient to satisfy the most sceptical of the powers of flight and endurance possessed by many small birds, and the wide range of the migratory impulse.

An effort has been made this year to shorten the Irish report, but the number of birds which strike the lights is comparatively small, compared with the large numbers arriving on the coasts of Great Britain. It is therefore all the more necessary to give the records in detail, in order to arrive at any general and trust-worthy conclusion.

To the Commissioners of Irish Lights, to the secretary, Mr Owen Armstrong; and to Captain Boxer, R.N., we continue to be under many obligations. It is, however, to the light-keepers themselves we are most indebted, since they have gratuitously placed at our disposal much of their leisure, and evinced an interest in this inquiry which could scarcely have been anticipated. Some of their names must be specially mentioned in connection with the occurrence of rare birds in the report for 1886, which promises to be an interesting one.

Alexander G. More. Richard M. Barrington.

Miles from List of Light-Stations. Sp. Au. Shore. Name of Observers.

1. Fastnet, Co. Cork, x o 8 James Walsh. 2. Galley Head, Cork, o x -- John Kelly. 3. Old Head, Kinsale, Cork, o o -- _No reply._ 4. Mine Head, Waterford, o x -- { Hugh J. Dugan and { Edward M'Carron. 5. Dungarvan, Waterford, x x -- Wm. Higginbotham. 5. *Coningbeg Lt.-ship, Wexford, x x 10 { Patrick Cullen and { William Clydesdale. 6. Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, do., x x 4 { Michael Doyle and { Charles H. M'Cabe. 7. Tuskar Rock, do., x x 7 { Richard Hamilton { and Patrick D'Arcy. 8. Arklow Sth. Lt.-ship, Wicklow, x x 7 { Patrick Clancy and { Alfred B. Wall. 8. *Arklow North Lt.-ship, do., x x 8 William Daly. 10. Kish Bank Lt.-ship, Dublin, x x 7 { John Pinston and { Thomas Cooney. 11. Howth Baily, Dublin, o o -- _No reply._ 12. Rockabill, Dublin, x x 5 Joseph Hammond. 13. Copeland (Mew) Island, Down, x x 3 John O'Donnell. 14. Maidens, Antrim, x x 5 Michael Barry. 15. Rathlin, Antrim, x x 6 John A. Murray. 16. Innishtrahull, Donegal, x o 6 R. Phelan. 17. Dunree Head, Donegal, x o -- John Stapleton. 18. Lough Swilly, Donegal, -- x -- James Keenan. 19. Tory Island, Donegal, x o 9 Henry Stocker. 20. Arranmore, Donegal, x x 5 Henry Williams. 21. Rathlin O'Birne, Donegal, o x 2 John Scallan. 22. Killybegs, Donegal, x x -- Joseph Hill. 23. Oyster Island, N. Sligo, o -- 1 _No reply._ 24. Broadhaven, Mayo, x x -- Patrick Keenan. 25. Eagle Island, E., Mayo, o x 2 Daniel Hawkins. 26. Eagle Island, W., Mayo, -- -- 2 No schedule sent. 27. Blackrock, Mayo, x x 9 { John Redmond, J. { Young, R. Lyons, { and Edward Rohu. 28. Blacksod Point, Mayo, x o -- Robt. W. Redmond. 29. Clare Island, Mayo, x o 4 G. H. Brownell. 30. Slyne Head, N., Galway, x o 3 Robert Tyrell. 31. Slyne Head, S., Galway, -- -- 3 No schedule sent. 32. Arran Island, N., Galway, x x 9 Thomas Fortune. 33. Straw Island, Galway, x x 9 Charles Boyle. 34. Arran Island, S., Galway, -- -- 6 No schedule sent. 37. Tearaght, Kerry, x x 9 { Edward M'Carron { and Francis Ryan. 38. Valentia, Kerry, x x -- Joseph Williams. 39. Skelligs, Kerry, x x 9 Thomas Kerley. 40. Dursey Island, Cork, -- -- ½ No schedule sent.

Abbreviations:

o = No reply. x = Schedule returned partly or wholly filled, Sp. = Spring, 34 schedules sent out; replies received, 27. Au. = Autumn, 34 schedules sent out; replies received, 25.

_Legs, Wings, etc., Received._

_Mine Head_, Wing of Starling, shot 11th December. " Wing and Leg of Widgeon, found killed 13th December. " Black Redstart, in flesh, shot 18th November. _Coningbeg Lt.-ship_ Leg and wing of Titlark, found on deck, 6th October. _Tuskar_, Two Corncrakes, received in flesh; shot on rock May 13th. _Rockabill_, Black Redstart (old male), in flesh; shot November 21st. _Killybegs_, Wing of Woodcock, killed striking, 2 A.M., 18th November. _Eagle Island_, Leg and wing. Redwing, killed striking 16th October. " " Blackbird, " " _Tearaght_, Leg and wing of Wheatear, August 27th. " " Stormy Petrel (young), struck August 5th. " " Swallow found dead. May 22d. " Skin of Thrush, 28th January. " Leg and wing. Rock Pipit, 10th August. " Wing of Curlew, 20th March. " Skin of young Razorbill of year, 1st August. _Skelligs_, Black Redstart, in flesh, shot 18th November.

_List of Birds Noticed._

PAGE PAGE Hawks, 139 Jackdaw, 156 Owl, 140 Magpie, 156 "Flycatchers," 140 Swallow, 157 Missel Thrush, 141 Martin, 158 Thrush, 141 Swift, 158 Redwing 142 Cuckoo, 158 Fieldfare, 142 Pigeons, 158 Blackbird, 143 Partridge, 159 Ring Ouzel, 144 Corncrake, 159 Hedge Sparrow, 144 Water Rail, 159 Robin, 144 Water Hen, 159 Black Redstart, 144 Golden Plover, 160 "Blackcap" (Stonechat), 145 Green Plover, 160 "Stonechat" (Wheatear), 145 Sea Pie, 160 "Grasshopper Warbler," 146 Woodcock, 161 Whitethroat, 146 Snipe, 161 Chiff-Chaff, 146 "Sea Larks," 162 Golden-crested Wren, 146 Redshank, 162 Wren 147 Greenshank, 162 "Tits," 147 Curlew, 162 Wagtail, 147 Whimbrel, 163 Titlark, 148 Terns, 164 Larks, 148 Gulls, 164 Snow Bunting, 150 Manx Shearwater, 165 Yellow Hammer, 150 Stormy Petrel, 166 Chaffinch, 150 Razorbill, 166 "Mountain Finch," 151 Guillemot, 167 Sparrow, 151 Puffin, 167 Greenfinch, 151 Great Northern Diver, 168 Redpole, 151 Cormorant, 169 Linnets, 152 Gannet, 169 Twite, 152 Heron, 171 Starling, 153 Geese, 171 Chough, 155 Ducks, 172 Raven, 155 Merganser, 172 Hooded Crow, 155 Birds not identified, 173 Rook, 156

General Remarks of Light-Keepers.

_Galley Head._--Autumn: No birds were killed striking the lantern during the two years I have been at this station.--John Kelly.

_Mine Head._--Autumn: A pair of Ravens and Peregrine Falcons, and several pairs of Choughs, breed in the cliffs close to the lighthouse. A large number of Cormorants also build here, and Gulls on several islets close to the shore.--Hugh J. Dugan.

_Tuskar Rock._--Autumn: There was no light shown in lighthouse from June 1st to November 20th, which accounts for the apparent scarcity of some migrants at this station.--Richard Hamilton.

_Arklow South Light-ship._--On the night of November 9th, several birds of various kinds about lantern; many killed; some fell on deck, and a large number overboard.--Patrick Clancy.

_Arklow North Light-ship._--May 3d, large flocks of land-birds about lantern at night.--William Daly.

_South Maidens._--In January and February few birds seen, except Seapies, Gulls, and Shearwaters. From June 21st to 16th July no birds save Gannets, Gulls, and Seapies.--M. Barry.

_Innishtrahull._--I have only observed birds about the lantern on dark nights, and in thick misty weather.--R. Phelan.

_Lough Swilly._--Birds are scarce here--not a single one has struck lantern since I came.--James Keenan.

_Killybegs._--Seagulls and Curlews are here all the year. Lapwing's nest close by. Cormorants and Pigeons breed in cliff's.--J. Hill.

_Eagle Island, E._--Gulls were scarce, and Gannets, "Sea Parrots, and Puffins" were only to be seen in flight, which was invariably to the west--the Gannets in a long extended line, singly or in pairs, and the Sea Parrots in flocks of twenty to fifty, flying low. There are two Titlarks, two Wrens, and about ten Sandlarks on island at present (1st January 1886). A few of the last-named breed here, also the Titlarks, and possibly the Wrens, as there are some old walls into which I have seen them hop for shelter; but I Have never noticed them in spring or summer.--Daniel Hawkins.

_Clare Island._--The sea-birds (Gulls, Puffins, Guillemots, and Cormorants) continued to arrive from 1st of April to 1st of June to breed. They were not as numerous as last year. All left before August 15th, except the Cormorants and a few Royal Gulls. Eagles always remain on island.--G. H. Brownell.

_Slyne Head, North._--The number of sea-birds is chiefly regulated by the feeding. There is a greater number for the past two months (June and July) than has been the case for the past five years.--Robert Tyrell.

_Arran Island, N._--Puffins, Gulls, Gannets, Curlew, Seapie, Cormorants, and Sandlarks come and go according to the state of the sea--if wild, none, and _vice versa_.--Thomas Fortune.

_Straw Island._--Spring: The number of birds were few during the spring. The Lark, Hedge Sparrow, Robin, Wagtail, and Linnet are remarkable for their total absence this year, though numerous in the springs of 1883 and 1884. Autumn: A great scarcity of sea-birds of all kinds, especially the Gannet. Land-birds--_i.e._, "Crows," Rooks, Larks, Starlings, Thrushes--plentiful, especially young Starlings, Thrushes, and Blackbirds. From 13th November to 17th November they came in rushes during severe weather.--Charles Boyle.

_Tearaght._--Birds remaining September 1st, Choughs, Hooded Crows, Wheatear, Wrens, Rock Pipit, Peregrine, Kittiwake (old and young), Royal Gulls, Herring Gulls (old and young). Cormorants, and Oyster-Catcher.--Edward M'Carron.

_Skelligs._--In February, Gannets, Cormorants, Kittiwakes (mostly young). Herring Gulls, a few Black-Backed do., and flocks of "the Black-Billed Auk (young Razorbill--R. M. B.) fishing round rock.--Thomas Kerley.

Hawks.

_Fastnet._--October 16th, one at 5 A.M.; October 20th, one; November 9th, two; 10th, one; 13th, one.

_Mine Head._--October 5th, a Light-brown Hawk, and on several other occasions. 11th December, a small Blue Hawk. 8th January 1886, saw one capture a Redwing; it was a small Hawk, and unable to carry it away.

_Dungarvan._--March 15th, one Falcon Hawk; Nov. 18th, one.

_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 19th, one Sparrowhawk; 28th, two Hawks. September 26th and October 9th, one Sparrowhawk seen.

_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--September 11th, two Hawks; October 28th, one.

_Tuskar Rock._--May 27th, one Hawk.

_Rockabill._--Hawks noted April 1st, April 13th, and May 23d.

_Copeland (Mew) Island._--May 9th, one.

_Rathlin Island._--April 18th, two Falcon Hawks all day.

_Arranmore._--May 5th, two going S.E.; September 29th, three.

_Rathlin O'Birne._--August 9th, two Hawks. Have been here two years.

_Eagle Island, E._--September 24th, a small Brown Hawk; saw him seize small bird. October 17th and December 21st, one and two seen.

_Blackrock, Mayo._--Falcon noted June 1st and August 11th. Sparrowhawk alighted on Rock August 15th. October 23d and December 28th, one Falcon.

_Arran Island, N._--One or two Brown Hawks at intervals during June.

_Tearaght._--March 12th, Grey Hawk (white predominating). April 3d, one large Brown Hawk (I don't think it was the Peregrine). March 22d, Sparrowhawk several times this month and occasionally throughout the year. On March 6th a Peregrine pounced on a Royal Gull while flying, and knocked it into the sea, from which it could not rise.

_Skelligs._--Two Kestrels on rock all September; they appeared about 15th August. A pair of Peregrines build here. Kestrels during October and November.

Owl.

_Fastnet._--November 11th, one Dark-brown Owl (golden colour on breast and wings) killing small birds during night. Rush of Larks, Thrushes, and Starlings.

_Mine Head._--October 13th, one in twilight, appeared white. November 15th, one seen in daytime.

_Rockabill._--April 13th, an Owl seen.

_Copeland (Mew) Island._--May 10th, an Owl.

"Flycatchers."

_Rockabill._--15th and 16th, Flycatchers; 21st, a large number; May 9th, some.

Missel Thrush.

_Mine Head._--December 10th, several during this month.

_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 13th, one "Jay."

Thrush (probably Redwing also).

_Fastnet._--March 15th, two around light at midnight; gloomy, wind E.; 16th, one. April 12th, two "Mountain Thrushes" at noon; wind E.N.E., light. October 13th, one at midnight killed striking; clear, wind light. 20th, a great number of Thrushes and "Mountain" Thrushes (probably Redwings--R. M. B.) all night; nine killed striking; hazy, wind light, N.E. November 7th, 8th, and 9th, great numbers of Thrushes at night; several killed striking; wind light S., overcast. 11th, Thrushes all night; five killed; overcast, wind S.E., light. 12th, five all day on rock.

_Coningbeg Light-ship._--October 5th, two about light 11 P.M.

_Tuskar Rock._--February 13th and 14th, Thrushes constantly striking from 1 A.M. to 7 A.M.; a great number killed; wind fresh S.W., fog. April 15th, one Thrush struck; rain.

_Arklow South Light-ship._--February 11th, three killed striking at midnight; foggy; found dead on deck. 14th, from 6 P.M. until midnight Thrushes about lantern; clear. October 20th, flock at 3 A.M. about lantern; some struck, fell on deck; cloudy, wind fresh N.W. November 6th and 8th, Thrushes at midnight about lantern; many struck, some fell on deck, others overboard; hazy.

_Arklow North Light-ship._--January 25th, Thrushes about lantern. February 10th, three killed striking; 15th, two do.; March 4th, six do. November 16th, several all night; 22d, 23d, and 24th, about lantern; four killed on 24th.

_Kish Light-ship._--October 8th, one killed striking; stormy, clear. Noted also on October 9th, 26th, and 31st. On November 6th, flocks from 6 to 11.30 A.M. going N.W.; wind S.W. 8th, several flocks; 10th, two killed striking; clear.

_Rockabill._--January 19th, Thrushes at night about lantern; several struck also on February 24th. April 16th and July 1st, about lantern. October 18th, 21st, 23d, November 6th and 8th to 10th, large numbers passed; many struck, several killed.

_Copeland (Mew) Island._--April 8th, Thrushes about lantern. November 3d, one disabled; rain. 9th, six killed striking.

_Innishtrahull._--January 16th, 23d, 24th, and 27th, small flocks of Blackbirds and Mountain Thrushes around lantern; about eighteen killed.

_Tory Island._--April 14th, three killed striking 4 A.M.

_Arranmore._--October 15th, one seen.

_Rathlin O'Birne._--August 26th, four killed 8 P.M. These birds often strike. Always on island in autumn.

_Killybegs._--October 19th, 11 P.M., one killed striking; misty. November 1st, 1 A.M., another; two seen in morning.

_Broadhaven._--October 13th, one killed striking. No birds were ever known to strike this light before, as it is dark towards the land.

_Eagle Island, E._--October 17th, 2 to 3 A.M., three killed striking; 19th, one seen.

_Blackrock, Mayo._--November 6th and 7th, Thrushes about all day.

_Arran Island, N._--November 11th, six Thrushes killed striking 11.30 P.M.; misty.

_Straw Island._--November 19th, forty going N.W.

_Tearaght._--October 19th, several arrived on rock.

_Skelligs._--October 16th, a few Thrushes on rock; wind N.E., gale, rainy. 17th, several on rock to-day; wind S.E., fresh. 23d, several Common Thrushes and another species having the back of a slatish colour, with a yellow hue on the back near the tail. 31st, Thrushes on rock. Several during November frequented the rock. December 8th, "Thrushes, Common Fieldfare, and Redwings since the 7th."

"Redwing."

_Mine Head._--November 11th, Redwing caught on glass. Small birds flying through rays all night. Redwing plentiful all winter.

_Tearaght._--January 28th, one found near lighthouse. March 15th, two or three observed up to middle of this month.

_Skelligs._--December 8th, one struck 11.30 P.M.; died in night.

Fieldfare.

_Mine Head._--December 8th, observed here.

_Rockabill._--November 26th, Fieldfares all night; several killed striking.

_Eagle Island, E._--October 17th, one killed striking.

_Tearaght._--December 15th, about fifty remained for three weeks.

Blackbird.