Part 12

The spring immigrants flowed in gently at intervals during April and early May. The only rush recorded was on the 23d of April, when many Wheatears, Warblers, and "Flycatchers" occurred--the movement being especially pronounced at the Nash and the Eddystone; minor barometric depressions and low temperature, the wind being N.E., had prevailed prior to the 23d, on which day more favourable conditions set in, producing moderate southerly and south-easterly gales, and a rise in the temperature. The immigration of summer visitors extended until the 10th and 11th of May, when _Phylloscopus trochilus_, _Acrocephalus phragmitis_, and _Sylvia cinerea_ were killed, and _Cypselus apus_ observed at Langness. Of the transvolant spring migrants, _Numenius phæopus_ was noticed at Langness on the 16th of May.

August.--The autumnal movements commenced with an emigration of _Cuculus canorus_, _Cypselus apus_, and _Phylloscopus trochilus_, several of which were killed at the Nash lantern on the 1st of August. This was followed by movements of _Phylloscopus rufa_, _Turdus torquatus_, _Sylvia cinerea_, _Saxicola œnanthe_, _Anthus trivialis_, _Motacilla rayi_, _Cotile riparia_, and _Cypselus apus_, extending from August the 3d to the 9th, and chiefly observed at southerly stations. On the night of the 22d there was a great rush of birds at the Nash, when some hundreds of _Acrocephalus phragmitis_, _Sylvia cinerea_, and many _Saxicola œnanthe_ were flying around the lantern from 9 to 10.30 P.M., twenty-nine being killed. Emigrating summer visitors were also observed on the 23d, 27th, and 31st of the month.

September.--On the 3d there was a decided rush of birds at the Nash, on which Mr Nicholas remarks as follows:--"There was an enormous arrival of small birds, the greatest number ever seen here at any one time." This singular movement lasted from 2.10 A.M. to 3.15 A.M., or a little over an hour, during which brief interval unfortunate individuals of the following species perished at the lantern:--_Caprimulgus europæus_, _Emberiza miliaria_, _Sylvia cinerea_, _Phylloscopus trochilus_, _Cuculus canoras_, _Passer domesticus_, _Erithacus rubecula_, _Saxicola œnanthe_, and _Turdus merula_.[16] A general emigration of summer birds on the 23d and 24th, when a very decided fall of temperature was recorded, was the only other movement during the month.

[Footnote 16: For further particulars of this interesting movement, _see_ p. 88.]

October.--There were important migrations of summer birds and partial migrants on the 3d, 4th, and 5th, commencing simultaneously with the passing away of adverse meteorological conditions (_see_ p. 91). Afterwards the records indicate a complete blank until the 18th, up to which day the weather was exceedingly unsettled, with strong winds and gales. From the 18th to the 31st, conditions were quieter, with north-easterly, easterly, and south-easterly winds, and under what may be termed mildly unfavourable conditions (_see_ pp. 94 and 96), a steady and unbroken flow of migrants was kept up; during which the winter visitors first appeared at the stations, where, also, the departing summer birds put in a final appearance for the season.

November.--The only movement during the month took the form of rush, and extended from the 22d to 27th. This was, doubtless, occasioned by the outburst and prevalence of low temperature (_see_ Meteorological conditions, p. 100) then experienced in our Islands, causing birds--_Turdinæ_, _Alauda arvensis_, _Vanellus vulgaris_, _Scolopax rusticula_, _Gallinago cœlestis_, _Numenius arquatus_, and a few _Regulus cristatus_,--which would otherwise have been contented to remain with us, to seek more genial winter quarters.

The returns for this section of the coast again bear out the opinions expressed in former reports,--_First_, That the main body of the autumnal migrants reach the west coast of Wales and the south-west coast of England--and probably Ireland, too--by way of the Isle of Man; the north-western coast of England only receiving a comparatively small share in these movements; _Second_, That emigrants from Ireland, and other birds migrating _viâ_ Irish routes, strike the British coast at the mouth of the Bristol Channel, along whose north shore it is believed many pass. It seems probable, however, from a careful examination of the records, that the right wing at least of these Irish migrants extends as far south as the Land's-End stations, and those from Land's-End to Start Point. This is made evident by the several independent--if they may be so termed--and important movements which are recorded in the diary, for this portion of the coast alone, under the following dates; August 22d, September 3d, and October 24th, 25th, and 26th, and which not only indicate the route followed, but also its origin (Ireland), by reason of the circumscribed area affected.

_Corvus cornix_, _Plectrophanes nivalis_, _Asio accipitrinus_, _Bernicla brenta_, _Fringilla montifringilla_, and _Passer montanus_ are again absent, or very rarely mentioned in the returns; while _Scolopax rusticula_ and _Regulus cristatus_ were not at all frequent during the season under consideration.

Among the rarer or more interesting species observed may be mentioned _Agelæus phœniceus_, _Ruticilla titys_, _Procellaria leucorrhoa_, _Stercorarius catarrhactes_, _Anas streperus_, and _Pandion haliaëtus_.

_Gallinula chloropus_, _Pica caudata_, _Gecinus viridis_, and _Emberiza miliaria_ (many of which occurred at the Nash on September 3d) may be mentioned as somewhat unusual migrants.

In conclusion, the writer would suggest to his colleagues the desirability of making an united report, instead of treating it by sections. This, it is thought, might readily be done, if the diary form were adopted, by giving under a common date-heading the information for the various coasts for that particular day; in which case the information for the East Coast of Scotland might lead, followed by the east of England, then the West Coast of Scotland, the coasts of Ireland, and finally the West Coast of England. By adopting such a readily feasible plan the significance and importance of each movement, the area covered by it, and the species participating in it, would be ascertained at a glance; while under the present arrangement, to obtain such very desirable and simple information, reference is necessary to no less than five separate reports.

Wm. Eagle Clarke.

==============

The legs and wings referred to the Reed Warbler in the Irish Report are reserved for further examination.

==============

IRISH COAST.

The number of stations returning schedules shows a slight falling off since last year; but this is compensated for by some light-keepers, who take a greater interest in the subject, sending three, four, and even five schedules. A column has been added to the list of lighthouses, showing the number of schedules received from each station.

Mine Head, Tuskar, Rockabill, and Innishtrahull are foremost in number; but good schedules have been received from the Fastnet, Coningbeg, Eagle Island (East), and Blackrock (Mayo), and a few other localities.

The marked feature of 1886 has been the number of legs and wings forwarded--numbering about one hundred--cut from birds killed striking the lanterns. In some cases specimens were received in the flesh; and it is to be hoped that in all cases of rare birds this will be done in future. Generally speaking, the legs and wings can be identified with certainty, and they have been all carefully preserved for reference. Any doubts which may exist about a species will be removed if the light-keepers send a leg and wing of every bird killed striking, with the schedule, in the envelopes provided for this purpose.

The stations sending most specimens were the Tuskar, Rockabill, and Mine Head; but they were also received from eleven others. The rarities received were numerous. Mr Thomas Fortune sent the second Irish specimen of the Wryneck from Arran Island, N., Co. Galway, killed striking at 2 A.M. on October 6th. The first specimen was shot at Dunmore, Co. Waterford, October 5th, 1877. From Mr Francis Ryan, of the Tearaght, Co. Kerry, only four wings and legs were received; but two of these proved rarities, one belonging to the Pied Flycatcher, caught at lantern September 21st, and the other to the Reed Warbler, found dead October 4th. Both species had only once before been recorded from Ireland. The Pied Flycatcher occurred at Ballina, Co. Mayo, in April 1875. The Reed Warbler is said to have been shot near Dublin on December 21st, 1843, but no specimen exists. Another leg and wing of the Pied Flycatcher, killed striking October 5th, was sent by Mr George Dunleavy from the Fastnet, Co. Cork. From Coningbeg light-ship, Co. Wexford, a leg and wing of the Reed Warbler was forwarded by Mr Patrick Cullen and Mr William Clydesdale. It was killed striking October 4th, the same date as the Tearaght specimen.

These three species--Wryneck, Pied Flycatcher, and Reed Warbler--are examples of birds which breed in Great Britain, and have only been met with in Ireland during the autumnal migration, except the Pied Flycatcher, which once occurred in April. All the birds were observed on the south or west coasts.

Taking the other legs and wings in order. The Missel Thrush was sent from the Tuskar, being the only specimen yet received. A male and female Redstart were sent from Rockabill, Co. Dublin, by Mr Joseph Hammond, having been obtained on April 24th and May 9th respectively. The Redstart has quite recently been discovered to breed in Ireland, at Powerscourt, Co. Wicklow. The Black Redstart was received from the Fastnet, Co. Cork, found dead October 30th. It is recorded at four other stations on the south coast. Its regular occurrence in the south and east of Ireland has been established by this inquiry. On July 10th a "Blackstart" is reported at Rockabill, Co. Dublin; but no specimen having been sent, this unusual date requires confirmation. The Whinchat, which is in Ireland a local bird, was killed striking Coningbeg lantern on May 7th. Several Sedge Warblers and Whitethroats were received from Rockabill, the Tuskar, and other stations. A rush took place on May 9th. These Warblers were not previously recognised--"Tits," "Wrens," "Flycatchers," and "Sally-pickers" doing duty for them, and other allied species. The Grasshopper Warbler (rare and local in Ireland) was obtained at the Tuskar, having been correctly identified by Mr Richard Hamilton, from a copy of Morris' "British Birds" supplied to that station by the Irish Lights Board. The Blackcap was killed striking on Eagle Island, off Mayo, as late as October 31st, the leg, wing, and head being forwarded by Mr Daniel Hawkins. A fine old male Yellow Wagtail (_Motacilla Raii_) was killed at the Tuskar on May 3d. It is rare and local in Ireland, occurring on the east and south coasts. The wing and leg of a Skylark, caught striking at Mine Head on 26th February, was of a much paler colour, and had shorter toes than the ordinary form. A very large leg and wing of a Skylark was received from Arklow South light-ship, killed October 28th. The October immigration of the Chaffinch was evidenced by the production of legs and wings, and extended to the lighthouses, several miles from land, off the west of Ireland. A Turtle Dove was received from the Tuskar in May, and some entries of "Doves" in the autumn, which have been placed under the heading "Pigeons," are perhaps referable to this species. The repeated occurrence of the Corncrake, several miles from shore--killed striking against lanterns between 100 and 200 feet above the sea-level--must satisfy the sceptical that this bird can fly long distances and at a high level with great power and velocity. The Water Rail, which seems so unwilling to fly, was received from the Fastnet and Tuskar, and the Water Hen from Rathlin O'Birne, both having been killed striking on 26th and 28th October. The first two stations are seven or eight miles from the nearest land, and the last, two miles. The Water Hen is stated by Mr Macginley of Rathlin O'Birne to have struck "with tremendous force" at 11.30 P.M. This lantern is 116 feet over sea.

The words "Sand Larks," and "Sea Larks," so vague, and signifying almost any of the smaller Sandpipers, is now better understood by the production of legs and wings--those of the Curlew Sandpiper, Purple Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, and Turnstone having been sent. A leg and wing of the Fork-tailed Petrel was forwarded from Eagle Island, W., off Mayo, caught at lantern in second week of October.

An egg of this species is recorded to have been found on the Tearaght, Co. Kerry (_Zoologist_, 1886, p. 367). Most of the legs and wings were obtained at the autumnal migration. The autumn rush of Thrushes, Starlings, Blackbirds, and Larks took place October 20th to 28th, on the E. and S.E. coasts, there being little evidence of it on the W. coast. From 27th February to 1st March another great movement took place on the S.E. coast, and again about March 27th. At the N.W. stations a great rush of Fieldfares, Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Starlings occurred December 17th and 24th, under the influence of a sudden pinch of cold. The Fieldfares were noticed in great numbers at Innishtrahull, a rocky islet six miles north of Donegal. Mr M. S. Kennedy "never saw the like." There was snow, with a very strong wind. At Rathlin O'Birne (West Donegal) immense flocks of birds--Starlings, Thrushes, and Fieldfares--passed west December 18th to 23d. The nearest land to the west of this rocky island is America, and one is puzzled to know where the birds were going; but this is not an isolated occurrence--the westerly flight of land birds at stations off the west coast of Ireland has been noticed on other occasions. The movement is apparently as reckless as that of the Lemmings. The Ring Ouzel is again stated to have been seen in the winter (January 15th) at Mine Head. It is strange that not a single leg and wing of the Grey Linnet, or the Twite (birds, doubtless, included under the name of "Linnets"), has yet been received. They seem rarely to strike. There are two or three instances of the Golden Plover having been killed striking in 1886. The "Cream-coloured" Gulls seen off Blackrock, Mayo, November 5th, and also seen in August 1881, April and May 1882, and October 11th, 1884 (see Report, 1884, p. 181), were probably Iceland Gulls. The Gannet is well known to every light-keeper, and its movements are not likely to be confounded with any other bird. The entries, therefore, under it may be examined with confidence. Species which are ill-defined, or named with doubtful accuracy in the Report, are put in in inverted commas. In Ireland birds are far less numerous than in Great Britain, and their movements are less distinctly marked. Few entries have, therefore, been omitted, for their value cannot be estimated until a number of Reports have been compared. It is proposed next year to analyse all the Irish observations.

To all the light-keepers forwarding schedules our best thanks are due; to those sending legs and wings, and specimens in the flesh, we are under still further obligations. The interest evinced when three, four, and five schedules are filled with careful notes, shows the desire to further knowledge for its own sake, and speaks well for the intelligence of such observers. The Commissioners of Irish Lights, and their secretary, Mr Owen Armstrong, continue to give us their very necessary assistance; and Captain Boxer, E.N., in his frequent visits to the lighthouses, is ever ready to further the objects of this inquiry.

Richard M. Barrington. Alexander G. More.

List of Light-Stations.

Miles Sched. from Names of Filled. Au. Sp. Shore. Observers.

1. Fastnet, Co. Cork, 2 x x 8 George Dunleavy. 2. Galley Head, Cork, o o o -- _No reply._ 3. Old Head, Kinsale, Cork, o o o -- _No reply._ 4. Mine Head, Waterford, 4 x x -- Edward M'Carron. 5. Dungarvan, Waterford, 1 o x -- Wm. Higginbotham. 5.*Coningbeg Lt.-ship, Wexford, 2 x x 10 Patrick Cullen and Wm. Clydesdale. 6. Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, do., 3 x x 4 Charles H. M'Cabe. 7. Tuskar Rock, do., 4 x x 7 Rd. Hamilton, Peter Page, & E. M'Kenna. 8. Arklow Sth. Lt.-ship, Wicklow, 2 x x 7 Patrick Clancy and Alfred B. Wall. 8.*Arklow North Lt.-ship, do. 3 x x 8 William Daly. 10. Kish Bank Lt.-ship, Dublin, 1 x o 7 Michael Cunniam. 11. Howth Baily, Dublin, o o o -- No reply. 12. Rockabill, Dublin, 5 x x 5 Jos. Hammond and Henry Kelly. 13. Copeland (Mew) Island, Down, 1 x o 3 John O'Donnell. 14. Maidens, Antrim, 2 x x 5 Michael Barry. 15. Rathlin, Antrim, 1 x o 6 John A. Murray. 16. Innishtrahull, Donegal, 4 x x 6 M. S. Kennedy. 17. Dunree Head, Donegal, 1 x x -- Jervis Brownell. 19. Tory Island, Donegal, 1 x o 9 Henry Stocker. 20. Arranmore, Donegal, 2 x x 5 Henry Williams. 21. Rathlin O'Birne, Donegal, 1 o x 2 J. C. Macginley. 22. Killybegs, Donegal, 3 x x -- Joseph Hill. 23. Oyster Island, N. Sligo, o o o 1 _No reply._ 24. Broadhaven, Mayo. 1 o x -- John A. Murray. 25. Eagle Island, E., Mayo, 2 x x 2 Daniel Hawkins. 26. Eagle Island, W., Mayo, o o o 2 _No reply._ 27. Blackrock, Mayo, 2 x x 9 Edward Rohu. 28. Blacksod Point, Mayo, o o o -- _No reply._ 29. Clare Island, Mayo, o o o 4 _No reply._ 30. Slyne Head, N., Galway, o o o 3 _No reply._ 31. Slyne Head, S., Galway, 1 o x 3 Rich. Widdicombe. 32. Arran Island, X., Galway, 2 x x 9 Thomas Fortune. 33. Straw Island, Galway, o o o 9 _No reply._ 34. Arran Island, S., Galway, o o o 6 _No reply._ 36. Samphire Island, Kerry, 1 x o -- R. Phelan. 37. Tearaght, Kerry, 2 x x 9 Francis Ryan. 38. Valentia, Kerry, 1 x o -- Joseph Williams. 39. Skelligs, Kerry, 2 x x 9 James Walshe. 40. Dursey Island, Cork, o o o ½ _No reply._

Abbreviations:

o = No reply. x = Schedule returned partly or wholly filled. Sp = Spring, replies received, 24. Au = Autumn, replies received, 22.

Legs, Wings, etc. Received.

Mine Head, Leg and wing, Kestrel, Shot 29th Oct. Fastnet, " Pied Killed striking, Flycatcher, 4 A.M., Oct. 5. Tearaght, " " Caught at lantern, 8 P.M., Sept. 21. Tuskar, " Missel Thrush, October. Mine Head, " Thrush, Killed striking, Feb. 8. Coningbeg Lt.-ship, " " Received June 2. Tuskar, " " October. Rockabill, " " Killed striking, Oct. 7. Rathlin O'Birne, " " Struck, Dec. 25. Coningbeg Lt.-ship, " Redwing, Killed striking, Oct. 26. Rockabill, " " " Oct. 28. Arklow S. Lt.-ship, " Fieldfare, Dead on deck, Nov. 26. Rockabill, " " Killed striking, Oct. 24. Innishtrahull, " " " Oct. 27. Mine Head, " Blackbird, " Oct. 2. " " " Disabled strik'g., Oct. 29. Coningbeg Lt.-ship, " " Killed striking, Oct. 23. Tuskar Rock, " " October. Rockabill, " " (male), Killed striking, Oct. 7. " Rec'd. in flesh, Redstart, Shot, April 24. " " " (female), Killed striking, May 9. Fastnet, Leg, wing, and Black Redstart Found dead on rock, tail, Oct. 30. Mine Head, Leg and wing, Stonechat, Shot, February. Coningbeg Lt.-ship, " Whinchat, Struck lantern, 3 A.M., May 7. Mine Head, " Wheatear, Caught striking, 9.30 P.M., Aug. 22. Coningbeg Lt.-ship, " " Killed striking, Sept. 4. Eagle Island, E., " " Shot first week in April. Coningbeg Lt.-ship, " Reed Warbler, Killed striking, Oct. 4. Tearaght Rock, " " Found dead, Oct. 4. Mine Head, Rec'd. in flesh, Sedge Warbler, " May 3. " Leg and wing, " May 10. " " " Killed striking, Aug. 22. Hook Tower, Received in flesh fr. Capt. Boxer, " September. Tuskar Rock, Rec'd. in flesh, 4 male Sedge Killed striking, Warblers, May 9. " " 3 Sedge Warblers, May 16. " Leg and wing, Sedge Warbler, Caught striking, Sept. 24. Rockabill, Rec'd. in flesh, 4 Sedge Warblers, Killed striking, May 9. Tuskar Rock, " Grasshopper Killed striking, Warbler, 11.30 P.M., April 30. " " 5 Whitethroats Killed striking, (4 male and 1 May 9. female.) " Leg and wing, Whitethroat, Caught at lantern, Sept. 24.

Legs, Wings, etc., Received--_continued_.

Rockabill, Rec'd. in flesh, 5 Whitethroats, Killed striking, May 9. Tearaght Rock, Leg and wing, Whitethroat, Shot, May 21.