Part 15

_Arklow North Light-ship._--March 27th and April 6th, two to four passed N. May 6th, three. November 7th, one alighted on deck.

_Rockabill._--April 21st, "Crows." September 21st, "Crows."

_Copeland (Mew) Island._--March 10th, two.

_South Maidens._--March 11th, three "Crows" going E.; 28th, twelve ditto. August 1st, three.

_Innishtrahull._--September 4th, "Black Crows" came from shore and flew back.

_Broadhaven._--May 29th, one hundred.

_Eagle Island, E._--October 10th, five seen; 23d, two. November 18th, fifty to sixty came from shore, and returned. December 23d, two. "I think these must be Crows from their harsh croak, very different from the caw of the rook."

_Arran Island, N._--July 14th, four on island.

Jackdaw.

_Arklow South Light-ship._--October 18th, flock going N.W.

_Eagle Island, E._--November 19th, one; remained all day.

_Blackrock, Mayo._--April 13th, nine flying S.

_Valentia._--A few noted in June, September, October, November, and December.

Magpie.

_Dungarvan._--April 30th, two seen.

_Copeland (Mew) Island._--April 12th, one Magpie. May 12th, one.

_Arranmore._--September 18th, one seen.

Swallow.

_Fastnet._--April 16th, one all day; wind N.E. May 28th, four, for some days; two died on rock; wind S.E. June 1st, two; foggy. November 12th, two.

_Mine Head._--Swallows from 21st September to 20th October.

_Dungarvan._--April 23d, straggling Swallows going N.W.; wind S.W.

_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 13th, one, and a few on 17th, 20th, 21st, 22d, 27th, May 7th and 10th. On May 27th, seven about ship. September, one to four seen. October 1st and 5th, flocks going S.; wind N.W., strong.

_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--April 17th, Swallows (first seen) going N.; 22d, do. Also noted May 9th, 10th, 11th, 19th, 21st, 22d, and 25th, in every case going AV.; wind variable. October 12th, two going S.

_Tuskar Rock._--April 15th, one seen; 17th, in great numbers, 10 to 12 A.M., going N.W.; wind light S.E. They continued passing almost daily until June 1st, and generally in the forenoon. Direction of flight nearly always N.W. On May 27th a great number of Swallows and Martins arrived about 6 P.M.; seemed tired, one died on rock; stormy, with fog. September 4th, 23d, and 28th, Swallows in small numbers going N.W.

_Arklow South Light-ship._--April 13th, one seen, and almost daily afterwards until date of sending schedule on May 12th. Largest flights, 20th and 21st April. In every case direction of flight was N.W., and apparently independent of wind. One found dead on deck, April 20th, and another on May 11th. September 20th, several flying S. October 25th, two seen.

_Arklow North Light-ship._--April 12th, two about ship, and passing at intervals until May 16th, especially on 20th and 24th April. Direction of flight in every case N.W. September 29th, five going N.W.; wind W.

_Kish Light-ship._--April 19th, seven going N. June 26th, two going S.

_Rockabill._--April 15th and 16th, Swallows noted. May 24th, a large number arrived; wind light S., gloomy. October 6th, great quantities collected, and all left at noon.

_Copeland (Mew) Island._--May 3d, three; 12th, fifty.

_South Maidens._--April 26th, four. May 13th and 14th, Swallows from this date to end of May continually on rock; then flying S.E. towards Mull of Galloway.

_Rathlin Island._--April 18th, one about all day; 23d, two.

_Dunree Head._--April 10th, Swallows arrived.

_Arranmore._--July 3d and 4th, first seen about this station.

_Killybegs._--April 10th and 14th, Swallows, six to ten flying about.

_Broadhaven._--May 20th to 25th, Swallows going N.W.

_Arran Island, N._--May 20th, two Swallows; 24th, one disabled. June 15th, two disabled; fog.

_Tearaght._--May 12th, one; 17th, two; 22d, one found dead at N.E. of Island.

_Skelligs._--April 17th, first seen to-day. May 13th, four; stayed three days. October 17th, a Swallow; "tail slightly, if at all, forked."

Martin.

_Dungarvan._--May 23d, four.

_Tuskar Rock._--May 27th, two Martins.

Swift.

_Dungarvan._--June 29th, one seen.

_Rathlin Island._--June 6th, three at station.

Cuckoo.

_Dungarvan._--May 9th, one; first seen this season.

_Copeland (Mew) Island._--April 22d, one seen.

_Rathlin Island._--April 20th, one. May 2d, two seen.

_Dunree Head._--May 2d, Cuckoo first heard.

_Arranmore._--April 20th, one Cuckoo.

_Blacksod._--May 15th, Cuckoo heard.

_Straw Island._--May 8th, a Cuckoo heard, being ten days earlier than the inhabitants remember hearing it.

Pigeons.

_Mine Head._--October 26th to November 16th, one to six Rock Pigeons at intervals. December 9th and 11th, twelve to forty. January 6th, 1886, eight.

_Arklow South Light-ship._--January 20th, one caught.

_Rockabill._--February 2d, Pigeon seen. May 7th and 9th, some remaining. July 5th, a Carrier Pigeon, branded on the wings; is alive. September 20th, two white ones caught. October 7th, one caught.

_Dunree Head._--June 12th, flocks of Pigeons about the cliffs.

_Lough Swilly._--November 18th, large flock going W.

_Rathlin O'Birne._--August 9th, two rested on eave of dwelling-house; one remained, and became quite tame.

_Broadhaven._--April 29th, a large flock of Pigeons.

_Blackrock, Mayo._--June 26th, ten "Sea Pigeons" about rock. November 8th, eight Rock Pigeons on rock.

_Arran Island, N._--November 23d, seven Pigeons; first seen since I came to this station.

_Straw Island._--May 23d, four Pigeons on island. July 29th, four. September 7th, do.

_Tearaght._--February 20th, last of the Rock Pigeons left about this date.

_Skelligs._--March 6th, one about rock.

Partridge.

_Rockabill._--November 12th, a Partridge.

Corncrake.

_Mine Head._--October 1st, one seen.

_Tuskar Rock._--April 17th, two on rock after the night. May 13th, two on rock, killed [Received.--R. M. B.].

_Rockabill._--November 19th, a Corncrake.

_Copeland (Mew) Island._--May 14th, a Corncrake, going S.W.

_Rathlin Island._--12th, one "Spotted Crake." June 30th, another seen.

Water Rail.

_Rockabill._--November 21st, a Water Rail.

Waterhen.

_Arran Island, N._--November 6th, one on island; must have come from the big island of Arran.

Golden Plover.

_Fastnet._--November 9th, two Plover; wind S,, fresh.

_Mine Head._--October 11th, December 11th, and January 7th, a few.

_Rathlin Island._--December 7th, flocks remain here.

_Tory Island._--"Grey Plover" noted March 22d and April 7th.

_Arranmore._--October 22d, twenty-eight Golden Plover.

_Rathlin O'Birne._--November 27th, four to twelve came from shore. Never seen here except in frosty weather.

_Killybegs._--March 12th, forty seen.

Green Plover.

_Fastnet._--March 15th, two on rock, and one drowned; wind E.N.E., fresh.

_Mine Head._--November 16th, December 8th and 9th, seen. Always in frosty weather.

_Dungarvan._--Flocks on October 23d, November 12th, 24th, and 30th.

_Rockabill._--February 11th, Lapwing in flocks, going W. Some noted November 9th, 18th, and 26th.

_Copeland (Mew) Island._--December 15th, seven flying N.

_Arranmore._--October 16th, 28th, and December 29th, one or two Lapwing noted.

_Rathlin O'Birne._--September 14th, Green Plover; seldom seen here.

_Blackrock, Mayo._--April 17th, one Green Plover alighted.

_Arran Island, N._--March 14th, forty Lapwing going N.

Seapie.

_Dungarvan._--May 12th, large flock going N.W. June 2d, large flock on rocks.

_Copeland (Mew) Island._--May 6th, two in vicinity. December 22d, fifty about island.

_South Maidens._--May 3d, three on rock. 13th, two.

_Rathlin Island._--Oyster Catchers are to be seen at all times.

_Innishtrahull._--April 13th, six on island.

_Broadhaven._--August 24th, large flock of Seapies. September 12th, a flock.

_Eagle Island, S._--September 6th, two on rocks.

_Arran Island, N._--April 14th, a flock of Seapie. July 16th, Seapies. August 10th, sixty. December 26th, thirty.

_Tearaght._--March 7th, a pair observed; about island all summer.

_Skelligs._--March 8th, one perched on rock. June 15th, a pair breed here. They laid three clutches, three eggs each, their first being taken.

Woodcock.

_Copeland (Mew) Island._--December 15th, two killed striking.

_South Maidens._--April 14th, one found dead after striking at midnight.

_Arranmore._--November 8th, 15th, and December 21st, Woodcock noted. They are more numerous this year than for the past four years.

_Rathlin O'Birne._--Noted December 1st and 9th. Seldom seen, as they have no cover on island.

_Killybegs._--October 30th, 3 A.M., one killed striking; gale from S.E. November 18th, 2 A.M., another; wind strong, S.E.

_Eagle Island, E._--November 9th, one killed striking, 11 P.M.

_Tearaght._--December 8th, one on rock. 10th, one seen.

_Valentia._--November 20th, one killed striking.

_Skelligs._--October 10th, one on rock.

Snipe.

_Fastnet._--November 8th, two Jacksnipe killed striking; overcast, wind S., light.

_Mine Head._--November 18th, four seen, and observed frequently.

_Copeland (Mew) Island._--April 14th, six about island. November 5th, six remain. December 31st, eight.

_Rathlin Island._--November 10th, three Jacksnipe. December 20th, twenty Common Snipe.

_Arranmore._--October 25th, November 14th, and December 1st, Snipe noted. They are more numerous this year than for past four years.

_Rathlin O'Birne._--September 18th, 30th, October 24th, and December 11th, Snipe noted, with the remark that they resort the island all the winter.

_Killybegs,_--October 20th, 2 A.M., one killed striking; misty.

_Broadhaven._--April 16th, "a flock of Snipe" going N.

_Eagle Island, E._--October 19th, one seen, November 9th, one killed striking.

_Arran Island, N._--November 9th, two killed striking at midnight; misty.

_Tearaght._--March 8th, one "large Snipe," and on other occasions during month.

"Sea Larks," etc.

_Rockabill._--March 18th, "Sand Larks" flying about.

Copeland (Mew) Island.--April 14th, fifteen "Sand Larks" struck, 4 A.M., seven killed, night very dark. October 10th, twenty "Sand Larks" struck, ten killed, very dark; wind N., strong. November 3d, three struck, one killed.

_South Maidens._--Towards middle of April "Sand Larks" visited us daily, and then flew to a rock near. May 13th, seven.

_Rathlin Island._--"Sandpipers" at all times.

_Innishtrahull._--April 13th, "Sand Larks" on island.

_Arranmore._--June 8th, three "Sand Larks." They must have nest about station.

_Rathlin O'Birne._--August 24th, they are always about island.

_Broadhaven._--April 21st, twelve "Sea Larks" seen. September 2d, several. They breed near.

_Eagle Island, E._--September 18th, five "Sand Larks." November 8th, seven.

_Arran Island, N._--April 24th, eighteen "Sand Larks."

_Straw Island._--May 26th, thirty on island.

Redshank.

_Arran Island, N._--April 20th, twelve Redshank, July 21st, two. December 26th, twenty on island.

Greenshank.

_Dungarvan._--November 17th and 23d, flock going N.E.

Curlew.

_Fastnet._--September 24th, one for several days on rock.

_Mine Head._--July 29th, twelve Curlew going E. October 11th, four do.

_Dungarvan._--March 3d and 17th, large flocks going S.E.

_Coningbeg Light-ship._--March 16th, flock passed over ship to N. May 2d, three; 3d, several going N.E. September 10th and 11th, a few going N.E.

_Tuskar Rock._--April 18th, Curlew going N.W.

_Arklow South Light-ship._--July 24th, one Curlew on deck. August 6th, a flock.

_Arklow North Light-ship._--March 4th and 5th, two to four about lantern at night.

_Rockabill._--April 14th, 15th, and 16th, Curlew.

_Copeland (Mew) Island._--October 11th, fifty about.

_South Maidens._--April 14th, Curlews in night over lighthouse. These birds are extremely cautious, rarely striking lantern. June 21st, a large flock going S.E.; wind N.W. Some noted July 18th, 28th, and August 8th.

_Rathlin Island._--April 14th, a flock of Curlew at midnight.

_Innishtrahull._--April 13th, fourteen Curlew on island.

_Lough Swilly._--September 15th, four; 28th, large flock going N.W.

_Arranmore._--September 12th, three.

_Rathlin O'Birne._--November 21st, about twenty on rocks. They are always on island.

_Killybegs._--November 19th, about twenty seen.

_Broadhaven._--September 22d, several flocks alighted, twelve to twenty in each.

_Eagle Island, E._--September 4th, four seen.

_Blackrock, Mayo._--June 20th, flock of Curlew.

_Blacksod._--January 16th, large flocks. May 2d, flocks.

_Arran Island, N._--April 10th, ten Curlew going S. May 20th, forty; 30th, twenty. June 12th, thirty. August 10th, twenty. December 20th, forty.

_Tearaght._--March 20th, one, and for a few days after.

Whimbrel.

_Dungarvan._--April 25th and 26th, large flocks flying high to N.W.; wind S.W. May 16th, small flocks going N.W.

_Coningbeg Light-ship._--May 12th, flock of Whimbrel passed N.

_Rockabill._--April 21st, May birds. June 26th, do.

_South Maidens._--May 8th, "May fowl" going N.W.; 13th, large flock flying W.

_Broadhaven._--May 16th, large flocks of "May birds" going N.W.

_Straw Island._--May 17th, thirty "young Curlew" going N.E.

Terns.

_Tuskar Rock._--May 24th, Common Terns alighted on rock; 27th, passing S.W, in small numbers since 24th.

_Copeland (Mew) Island._--May 26th, thirty "Pirrs or Sea Mews." Remain here until middle of September. September 17th, the "Sea Mews" left to-day.

_Slyne Head, North._--May 8th, Terns arrived to build.

_Arran Island, N._--May 19th and 20th, twenty to forty. September 10th, a flock.

Gulls.

_Mine Head._--September 21st, Herring Gulls, young and old, and Kittiwake in vicinity to date 15th January 1886.

_Dungarvan._--June 5th, one Skua Gull chasing birds in bay. November 4th, immense flocks in bay. December 3d, great numbers of Black-Headed Gulls in fields.

_Coningbeg Light-ship._--May, Gulls of various kinds passed. March 14th, first Skua Gull this year.

_Kish Light-ship._--June 10th, many flocks of Grey Gulls.

_Rathlin Island._--March 4th and 6th, a few Black-Backed Gulls and flocks of Kittiwakes and Herring Gulls noted. June 12th, thousands of Herring Gulls. November 7th, thousands of Herring Gulls.

_Arranmore._--February 6th, one Skua Gull remained two days.

_Rathlin O'Birne._--August 9th, Royal Gulls breed on island.

_Killybegs._--May 26th, a number of Gulls flying about.

_Eagle Island, E._--September 27th, several Grey Gulls all day.

_Blackrock, Mayo._--March 31st, "small Gulls visited rock to look at place to build." January 3d, 1886, some small Gulls after fry near rock.

_Arran Island, N._--July 14th, large flocks all day.

_Straw Island._--Numbers of Grey-Backed Gulls remain throughout the winter. September 19th and 21st, flock of young gulls going S.W.

_Tearaght._--The Kittiwake remains long after the Puffin, Razorbill, and Guillemot are gone, but leaves before the Stormy Petrel. Only a few Herring Gulls breed on the island. They prey on the eggs of other birds, and carry them off in their bill without breaking them--Guillemots' eggs, some of which weigh eight ounces. They also carry off the young birds and devour them on a rock close by. On May 17th I saw one seize an old Razorbill, which was on a ledge with others, and carry it about 100 yards, when it fell into the sea. The "Mottled Gull," which I suppose is the young Herring Gull, was not seen since the 1st of May. They were seen again on August 5th, and will remain during winter.

_Valentia._--September 29th, Skua Gulls seen. October 5th, twenty Skua Gulls.

_Skelligs._--March 15th, adult Kittiwakes first appeared; 16th, first alighted on the rock, and took possession of old nests and building places. 23d, flock on water; came on rock again to-day. June 1st, one lesser Black-Backed Gull. "The only one seen for past two years." (? R. M. B.) 6th, Kittiwakes commenced laying. Great Black-Backed Gulls breed on Lesser Skelligs.

Manx Shearwater.

_Mine Head._--December 27th, a few fishing.

_Dungarvan._--March 23d, fishing in bay.

_Coningbeg Light-ship._--March 14th, four about ship; first this year. April 16th and May 6th, several seen.

_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--March 21st, first seen this year; going W.

_Arklow North Light-ship._--April 26th, "Mackerel-cocks" about ship.

_Rathlin Island._--March 17th, Shearwater seen.

_Blackrock, Mayo._--September 22d and October 3d, thousands of "Manx Shearwater" going in one continuous stream to N.W. and N.; wind H.

_Straw Island._--July 12th, eight "Mackerel-cock."

_Tearaght._--March 7th, Shearwater first heard. May 11th, three on water, and were heard occasionally on dark nights up to September 1st. The Manx Shearwater breeds on Innishvicillane, an island three miles distant.

_Skelligs._--March 2d, one struck 9.30 P.M., fell, but not killed; first appearance this year. May 1st, great numbers came on rock about 10 P.M.; weather thick. 8th, first egg seen to-day. August 27th, one young one caught after striking at 10 P.M. Shearwater often strike, but I never saw one killed; the same remark applies to Stormy Petrel. They generally strike during drizzling rain, seldom in a fog. 29th, heard at night for last time this year.

Stormy Petrel.

_Fastnet._--October 20th, three about light; hazy, wind light, N.E.

_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 26th, one about ship, and at intervals to May 1st. May 9th, one; also on May 20th and 24th. September 15th, ten about ship; wind strong, W.S.W.

_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--May 27th, one hovering about; wind S., stormy. September 12th, three going S.W.; wind strong. November 16th, one at noon about ship; wind strong, S.E.

_South Maidens._--July 16th, one found alive on balcony.

_Tearaght._--March 5th, one flew against glass. April 4th, one against glass. Observed as early as March 1st, but not plentiful until July, "If I said there were six or seven thousand here, it would be giving an idea of how plentiful they are." The eggs are laid about 15th June, and the first I observed hatched was on 10th August. They vomit a half-digested white matter as well as the oil; perhaps it is this they feed the young with.

_Valentia._--May 8th, one caught at night. October 2d, one captured in yard. September 20th, one seen.

_Skelligs._--April 21st, first appearance on rock in holes. May 13th, numbers about lantern at 10 P.M. June 15th, first egg seen to-day. A fortnight later than last year.

Razorbill.

_Mine Head._--October 4th, young Razorbill diving, and on December 12th, 23d, and 27th, flocks flying towards S.W.; on latter date fishing in great numbers. January 15th, 1886, the young Razorbill is as plentiful here now as I ever saw them at the Tearaght.

_Dungarvan._--May 13th, great number all day.

_Arranmore._--Feb. 10th, Razorbills seen 5 wind strong, S.W.

_Blackrock, Mayo._--May 2d, flock around rock. 11th, alighted on rock.

_Tearaght._--March 12th, first came on cliffs, young birds leaving about July 13th, old and young all gone August 20th. They were about as plentiful as on other years. They were observed taking the young on their backs in the same way as last year by Mrs M'Carron. The young birds leave in the evenings and at night. When they get to the water, the object of the old bird seems to be to get the young ones out to sea.

_Skelligs._--March 13th, a few perched on rock for first time this year. March 16th, two "Blackbilled Auks" fishing around rock. First seen since 2d inst., when I thought they had all left. (These are young Razorbills.--R. M. B.) 23d, great numbers alighted on rock at 6 A.M.; wind S., strong. May 9th, first Razorbill's egg seen. July 20th, some leaving rock, young being fully grown. August 10th, all gone but a few.

Guillemot.

_Mine Head._--December 27th, one seen.

_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--March 31st, large flock of "Murs" going E. December 31st, flocks of "Murs." January 9th, 1886, small flocks of "Murs" going E.

_Rathlin Island._--March 28th, Guillemots and Razorbills.

_Arranmore._--February 12th, Guillemots first observed.

_Tearaght._--January 28th, about twenty observed at their breeding places. February 18th, a good many on the cliffs. Old and young gone on 17th August. About as numerous as previous year. The young leave in the night time.

_Skelligs._--February 10th, first appearance 7 A.M.--They continued to increase up to end of month, alighting at daybreak, and leaving about 10 P.M. or noon, when they leave again, and reappear next morning. May 9th, first Guillemots eggs seen. July 20th, some leaving rock, young ones being fully grown. August 10th, all gone but a few.

Puffin.

_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April and May, great flocks passed during these months.

_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--March 26th, two "Sea Parrots." First seen this year. April 2d, "Sea Parrots" drifting with tide.

_Rockabill._--October 4th, "Puffins."

_Rathlin Island._--March 30th, Puffins.

_Eagle Island, E._--September 28th, one "Sea Parrot" (young bird) swimming. "Did not notice any of these birds up to the present." October 1st, fifty to sixty; also seen on 8th, and from November 28th to December 1st, "continuous flights" are noted as going W. all day, skimming the surface of the water.

_Blackrock, Mayo._--Flocks of "Puffins" noted March 4th, 7th, and April 6th. On 29th, "Sea Parrots alighted to look at building ground." On June 9th, "Puffins of all kinds on rock hatching." July 20th, "Sea Parrots leaving rock."

_Clare Island._--April 11th, Guillemots and Puffins arrived to build.

_Arran Island, N._--January 7th, flocks of "Puffins." Also on May 20th, all day; and on July 16th.

_Straw Island._--April 7th, twenty-two "Puffins." "Sea Parrots" noted April 11th and May 1st, going E. July 10th, thirty "Sea Parrots." September 4th, ten "Puffins," looked very young.

_Tearaght._--March 23d, Puffin in great numbers on water. 31st, observed on water at south side of island at 7 A.M., rose on island at 9 A.M. Again they disappeared until April 3d, and on the 4th they became permanent. The young birds were leaving on July 16th. This they never do in the day-time. They left August 15th. A white-headed Puffin was captured on June 2d. [Head received, greyish white.--R. M. B.]

_Valentia._--October 1st, one taken in yard.

_Skelligs._--March 26th, first appearance of Puffins flying; 31st, alighted on rock first time to-day; wind strong, S.W. April 24th, first Puffin's eggs seen. August 10th, Puffins left to-day _en masse_, except a few whose young are not matured.

Great Northern Diver.

_Dungarvan._--April 8th, two swimming about. November 25th, two. December 1st, four.

_Rathlin Island._--June 16th, two seen.

_Straw Island._--April 23d, two Great Northern Divers. November 7th, two.

Cormorant.

_Mine, Head._--January 15th, 1886, plentiful along the cliffs.

_Dungarvan._--November 5th, numbers feeding.

_Coningbeg Light-ship._--A few at end of April.

_Rockabill._--October 4th, Cormorants.

_Rathlin Island._--March 6th, Green Cormorants.

_Dunree Head._--Cormorants never leave all the year round.

_Arranmore._--February 5th and March 27th, Cormorants noted.

_Rathlin O'Birne._--August 4th, twelve Cormorants. These birds are always in vicinity. The "Black Diver" came here in spring, and continued while fish were plenty.

_Broadhaven._--June 30th, large numbers remain here this time of year. November 14th, they are here all the year.

_Eagle Island, E._--September 26th, October 15th and 22d, seen.

_Blackrock, Mayo._--May 25th and 29th, Cormorants alighted on rock near us. "When they flap their wings, it is a sure sign of storm."

_Straw Island._--May 19th, four seen. July 31st, three.

_Valentia._--A few Cormorants noted in April, June, October, November, and December.

_Tearaght._--March 22d, two Green Cormorants, and several times after. On March 20th, "I observed a very strange specimen of the Cormorant. The crown of the head seemed flat, the whole length of the bill being in a line with it. The under part of the bill, at a short distance from the head, terminated abruptly; white in front of eyes, large black curved streak round eyes behind, grey round back of neck, crown of head a little tufted behind."

Gannet.