Part 13

_Cygnus bewicki_, Bewick's Swan.--Carlisle District, Nov. 23rd, single bird, Monkhill; sharp frost.

Anatidæ.--Teal. A pair noted at St. Bees on Aug. 24th. The references to Ducks, at both the Selker and Dee light-vessels, are very numerous; at the latter "Black Duck" (? Scoters) were first noted on Sept. 10th. "Ducks" are chronicled from many stations, but unfortunately without reference to species.

_Harelda glacialis_, Long-tailed Duck.--Carlisle District, immature male, Monkhill, Jan. 24th to March 19th.

_Œdemia nigra_, Common Scoter.--Carlisle District, Oct. 24th, one; others afterwards.

_Mergus merganser_, Goosander.--Carlisle District, Oct. 30th, one, immature; twelve others shot to Dec. 31st, three being adult males, which are very scarce here.

_Mergus serrator_, Merganser.--Carlisle District, Oct. 31st, immature male; another later. A scarce bird with us.

_Chaulelasmus streperus_, Gadwall.--Carlisle District, Oct. 21st, one, immature; shot on Eden.

_Querquedula circia_, Garganey.--Carlisle District, March 11th, two females, shot out of a small flock.

_Mareca penelope_, Wigeon.--Carlisle District, large flock on the Esk in mid-September.

_Fuligula marila_, Scaup.--Carlisle District, Nov. 23rd, a single adult male, Monkhill; others subsequently on Solway.

_Clangula glaucion_, Golden-eye.--Carlisle District, April 28th, two old drakes and several others at Monkhill. First, immature, Oct. 10th; numerous in November.

_Columba palumbus_, "Wood Pigeon."--Nash (E.) L.H., Oct. 12th, one killed against the lantern at 8.45 p.m.; on this night, Snipe, Woodcocks, and Lapwings were also immolated; Oct. 13th, another killed between the hours 2 and 5 a.m., again along with the species just mentioned; Oct. 15th, one killed at 11 p.m.

_Charadrius pluvialis_, Golden Plover.--Nash (E.) L.H., Oct. 11th, about a dozen, passing S. at 9.30 a.m. Caldy L.H., Oct. 29th, fourteen at 3 p.m.; "their first appearance this season." Nov. 13th, several at the lantern, along with other species, at 3.30 a.m.; two killed. 14th, a large flock at 11 a.m. Bardsey Island, Dec. 20th, 24th, and 26th, several shot. In the Carlisle District young birds were making for the coast on the 9th of July.

_Ægialitis hiaticula_, Ringed Plover.--Carlisle District, Aug. 28th, immense mixed flock of this and Dunlin; about one-third only were Dunlins; nearly all the Ringed Plover were adults, and large birds.

_Eudromias morinellus_, Dotterel.--Carlisle District, one shot, circa, April 20th; several others shot in the "Lakes" for the fly-dressers, which is much to be regretted.

_Rallus aquaticus_, Water Rail.--Nash (E.), L.H., Oct. 26th, one killed at 2.40 p.m. (westerly gale, mist and rain). Smalls Rock L.H., Nov. 6th, several, along with other species, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. (S.E. breeze, O.M.)

_Crex pratensis_, Land Rail.--Spring: Carlisle District, April 17th, a male; 22nd, another. Autumn: Nash (E.) L.H., Sept. 12th, one killed at midnight. (E. breeze, misty); Sept. 13th, two killed at 2.15 a.m. (moderate E. breeze, misty). Bishop Rock L.H., Sept. 20th, one, along with Wheatears, struck glass between 2 and 5 a.m. Carlisle District, Oct. 28th, one at Flunby. Bardsey Island, Mr. Bowen remarks that this species came very early and left the island sooner than usual in consequence of the dry season.

_Vanellus vulgaris_, Lapwing.--St. Bees L.H., Aug. 27th, a flock of two or three hundred appeared at 10 a.m. Carnarvon Bay L.V., Oct. 2nd, one at 11 a.m. Nash (E.) L.H., Oct. 12th, Lapwings and Snipe from 9 to 11.30 a.m., three Lapwings killed; Oct. 15th, a large flock passing S.W. at 10 a.m. Bishop Rock L.H., Nov. 14th, many, along with Blackbirds, Redwings, &c., from 10 p.m. to daylight. Bardsey L.H., Dec. 10th, several during the day; Dec. 20th to 26th, flocks, along with Golden Plover. Scare weather L.V., forty or fifty at 11.30 a.m.

_Strepsilas interpres_, Turnstone.--Carlisle District, Aug. 4th, two. Skinburness, September 6th, one female, immature.

_Scolopax rusticula_, Woodcock.--Reported from two stations only. Bardsey L.H., Oct. 19th, one killed during the night. Nash (E.) L.H., Oct. 8th, one at 2.45 a.m., which, after wheeling round the lantern for some time, passed S.W. (N.E., bright and clear); Oct. 12th, two struck between 3 and 4 a.m., one killed; Oct. 13th, one killed between 2 and 5 a.m.; Oct. 14th, two killed at 3 am. Merionethshire, Oct. 14th, one in Arthog woods.

_Gallinago cœlestis_, Snipe.--Scarweather L.V., Sept. 10th, two at 1.23 p.m. Nash (E.) L.H., Oct. 12th, six struck, four of which were killed, at 7 p.m., and between 9 and 11.30 p.m. two more were killed; Oct. 13th, two killed between 2 and 5 a.m., along with Blackbirds and Woodcocks. Eddystone L.H., Nov. 10th, a male caught at lantern at 11.15 p.m. Start L.H., Nov. 12th, one killed at midnight. Bideford Bar L.H., Dec. 13th, "Eight Snipe."

_Tringa subarquata_, Curlew Sandpiper.--Carlisle District, Solway, Sept. 3, one, immature, shot with some Dunlins.

_Tringa striata_, Purple Sandpiper.--Carlisle District, a few arrived early in October; one immature, "telegraphed" Oct. 24.

_Machetes pugnax_, Buff.--Carlisle District, Aug. 30, one, female, Rockliffe; Sept. 8th, six, Burgh; Sept. 10, one, female, Skinburness; all immature, and, with the exception of the first, too hard hit for preservation.

_Tringoides hypoleucos_, Common Sandpiper.--Carlisle District, arrived on Eden, Petteril, and Caldew, on April 13th.

_Helodromas ochropus_, Green Sandpiper.--Carlisle District, Sept. 5, one shot, immature; others seen, Rockliffe, Burgh, Allonby, August and September; one, adult, seen last week December (shot January, '85).

_Totanus canescens_, Greenshank.--Carlisle District, Aug. 24th, two, male and female; Aug. 28th, saw another at Port Carlisle.

_Limosa ægocephala_, Black-tailed Godwit.--Carlisle District, Sept. 6th, one, immature, shot, another seen; Oct. 28th, one shot (these are the first since 1876, when one was shot).

_Numenius phæopus_, Whimbrel.--Carlisle District, May 10th; numerous during August and September.

_Numenius arquata_, Curlew.--Bull Point L.H., Aug. 17th, about twenty flying S.W. at 10 a.m. Bardsey L.H., Aug. 27, fourteen during the morning. Dee L.V., Aug. 29th and 30th, a flock each morning at 9.30 a.m. Helwick L.V., Sept. 10th, several passed the lantern Hying from E. to W. at 8.30 p.m. Longships L.H., Nov. 13th, one struck the lantern at 8.45 p.m., "a very rare occurrence." There are other entries concerning this species, but referring obviously to local movements only.

Sterninæ, Terns.--Bishop Rock L.H., October 5, several Sea-Swallows from sunrise to 5 p.m.; also large numbers of Gannets "after Pilchards."

_Sterna fluviatilis_, Common Tern.--Carlisle District, arrived at breeding haunts on the 4th of May.

_Sterna cantiaca_, Sandwich Tern.--Carlisle District, April 23rd, Mr. Reynolds noted its arrival on this day.

_Hydrochelidon nigra_, Black Tern.--Carlisle District, two, at the point of Rockliffe Marsh, which runs far out into the Solway, October 20th, 21st.

Larinæ, Gulls.--Nash (E.)L.H., large flocks of Common Gulls passing inland along with Crows from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bideford Bar L.H., Nov. 18th and 20th, flocks of Gulls all day.; Dec. 11th, about two hundred Gulls and forty Crows at 7.30 p.m. There are other references of an unimportant nature and needing no record.

_Stercorarius pomatorhinus_, Pomatorhine Skua.--Carlisle District, Oct. 28th, one, in almost adult dress, shot at Bowness; on the 26th a brisk W. gale; on 27th, high W. wind, wilder p.m.; 28th, westerly gale, a.m.

_Procellaria pelagica_, Stormy Petrel.--South Bishop L.H., Oct. 14th, from 11 p.m. to daylight, about three hundred Larks, Blackbirds, Missel and Song Thrushes, Wheatears, Goldcrests, and eight Storm Petrels were killed or captured at the lantern. Dee L.V., Oct. 25th, one alive on deck at 6 a.m.

_Procellaria leucorrhoa_, Leach's Petrel.--Carlisle District, Oct. 28th, one "telegraphed," picked up and still living.

_Puffinus_ -------- ?--Bishop Rock L.H., during August several Shearwaters struck the glass between the hour of lighting and 4 a.m., but none were killed.

_Colymbus septentrionalis_, Red-throated Diver.--Carlisle District, Nov. 1st, two seen; Nov. 7th, two, adults, shot at Bowness and Skinburness; others afterwards.

_Podiceps cristatus_, Great-crested Grebe.--Carlisle District, March 11th, one male, on Eden, adult; Oct., one near Penrith, immature.

_Mergulus alle_, Little Auk.--Carlisle District, one, adult, Brampton, about Nov. 20th-21st; severe gale from east, 18th and 19th; another, shortly after, near Cockermouth, was swimming on a small inland pool when shot; this also Mr. Macpherson examined, and believes it to be a bird of the year.

_Fratercula arctica_, Puffin.--Spring: Caldy L.H., April 9th, one hundred or more at daybreak; "the first seen this season."

_Alca torda_, Razorbill.--Longships L.H., Sept. 30th, great numbers going S. in the morning; Nov. 24th, a flock at 2 p.m. going S.S.W.; 27th, flocks at mid-day, moving S.W.

William Eagle Clarke.

IRISH COAST.

In the spring of 1884 schedules were forwarded to thirty-six light-stations. Twenty-seven replied by returning the schedules either partially, or wholly, filled with observations.

In the autumn a similar number of schedules were sent out, and twenty-six stations replied.

Several stations filled two, and some light-keepers, who took a special interest in Ornithology, returned as many as three and four schedules, both in spring and autumn. Observers placed on isolated rock stations at a distance from the coast, or on light-vessels, have, as a rule, taken the most interest in the subject of migration. This is fortunate, as such stations are least influenced by the local movements of birds on the mainland.

Observations have now been taken on the Irish coast for three years and a half, during which period a large body of statistics has been collected. Their value cannot be questioned; but as the records accumulate the importance of correctly identifying every species becomes more apparent. To attain this object the light-keepers were asked to forward the leg and wing of all birds about which they felt any doubt. Several wings, &c., have been sent, and a list of them is subsequently given. In future, it is hoped that the light-keepers will not think it too much trouble to preserve and label the wings and legs of _at least one specimen of each kind of bird which is killed at their station_. This is very desirable, since it cannot be expected that with so short experience as they have had the light-keepers would be able to identify all species beyond a doubt.

With the view of still further attaining accuracy of identification, a request was made to the Commissioners of Irish Lights to supply to the Lighthouses some copies of the eight-volume edition of Morris's 'British Birds.' The Commissioners very kindly consented to purchase and distribute six copies, and we are greatly indebted to them for thus placing in the hands of the light-keepers this useful book, which will at once assist their observations and relieve the monotony of some lonely stations. The stations which have received copies of Morris are the Tuskar, Tearaght, Rathlin, Innishtrahull, Rockabill, and Coningbeg Light-ship.

Since the volumes have been distributed in the summer of 1884, some records have appeared in the schedules which are highly improbable. They appear due to the fact that the bird seen had some slight resemblance to a rare species figured in Morris. On the other hand, the coloured figures have been the means of correcting many errors.

The schedules for 1884 exhibit or emphasize the following points:--

In 1884 the number of birds has been equal to, and in a few instances above, the average.

The bulk of the migrants arrive on the southern half of the east coast of Ireland, and on the easternmost of our southern counties,--in other words, along the shore extending from Dublin to Waterford, and having its limits at Rockabill Lighthouse and Dungarvan Lighthouse.

A _marked_ migratory movement might be expected in our northeastern counties between Scotland and Ireland, where the Channel is narrowest; but we have no evidence that such is the case.

The usual course taken by birds seems to be either N.W. or S.E. The number of birds which only occur singly and do not seem to migrate in flocks is large. In such instances it is difficult to trace the line of migration.

The occurrences now noted of the Greenland Falcon, properly belong to the same flight that has already been noticed in last year's Report.

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.

Single Hawks appear occasionally with rushes of small birds, perhaps to capture the disabled ones.

There is one record of Bats being seen at Rockabill, around the light, the first instance of such an occurrence on the Irish coast.

As our records increase and statistics accumulate, it becomes the more necessary that the investigation should be continued, so that results may be confirmed beyond question.

To all the light-keepers who have, again, so kindly given their time and attention to the subject of migration, we are much indebted. We feel sure that many are anxious to continue their observations, and that none who are able will refuse to further our enquiry.

To the Commissioners of Irish Lights, who have supplied six copies of Morris's 'British Birds' to the light-keepers, and subscribed for twenty-four copies of the Report, we are under the deepest obligations, and it is very encouraging to meet with such valuable assistance from a Public Board whose co-operation is so essential to the success of our undertaking.

To Mr. Armstrong, the courteous Secretary to the Commissioners, and to Captain Boxer, R.N., and to Captain Gallway, R.N., our thanks are especially due.

Alexander G. More. Richard M. Barrington.

_19th May, 1885._

List of Light-stations.

Miles from Sp. Au. Shore. Names of Observers

1. Fastnet, Co. Cork x x 8 James Walsh. 2. Galley Head, Cork o o -- _No replies._ 3. Old Head, Kinsale, Cork x x -- Martin Kennedy. 4. Mine Head, Waterford -- -- -- No schedule sent. 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. 7. Tuskar Rock, do. x x 7 Richard Hamilton and Patrick D'Arcy. 8. Arklow Sth. Lt.-ship, Wicklow x x 7 Patrick Clancy. 8.*Arklow North Lt.-ship, do. x x 8 William Daly. 10. Kish Bank Lt.-ship, Dublin x o 7 Michael Cunniam. 11. Howth Baily, Dublin o x -- William Dunne. 12. Rockabill, Dublin x x 5 Joseph Hammond. 13. Copeland Island, Down x o 3 John Walsh. 14. Maidens, Antrim x x 5 Michael Barry. 15. Rathlin, Antrim x x 6 John A. Murray. 16. Innishtrahull, Donegal x o 6 W. H. James. 17. Dunree Head, Donegal x x -- John Stapleton. 18. Lough Swilly, Donegal -- -- -- No schedule sent. 19. Tory Island, Donegal x o 9 Thomas Sweeny. 20. Arranmore, Donegal x x 5 Henry Williams. 21. Rathlin O'Birne, Donegal x o 2 John Scallan. 22. Killybegs, Donegal o x -- Joseph Hill. 23. Oyster Island, N. Sligo x o 1 Joseph Hill. 24. Broadhaven, Mayo x x -- Patrick Keenan. 25. Eagle Island, E., Mayo o x 2 Daniel Hawkins. 26. Eagle Island, W., Mayo o o 2 _No replies._ 27. Blackrock, Mayo x x 9 John Redmond, J. Young and B. Lyons. 28. Blacksod Point, Mayo o x -- Robt. W. Redmond. 29. Clare Island, Mayo x x 4 G. H. Brownell. 30. Slyne Head, N., Galway o x 3 Robert Tyrrell. 31. Slyne Head, S., Galway -- -- 3 No schedule sent. 32. Arran Island, N., Galway o x 9 Thomas Fortune. 33. Straw Island, Galway x x 9 Charles Boyle. 34. Arran Island, S., Galway o o 6 _No replies._ 36. Samphire Island, Kerry -- -- ½ No schedule sent. 37. Tearaght, Kerry x x 9 Edward McCarron. 38. Valencia, Kerry x x -- Joseph Williams. 39. Skelligs, Kerry x x 9 Thomas Kerley. 40. Dursey Island, Cork x o ½ James Keenan. X/

Notes

Sp. = Spring. Au. = Autumn. o = No reply. x = Schedule returned partly or wholly filled.

Spring, 36 schedules sent out; replies received, 27. Autumn, 36 schedules sent out; replies received, 26.

List of Birds noticed.

PAGE | PAGE Eagle 135 | Swallow 160 Greenland Falcon 135 | Martin 162 Hawks 136 | Swift 162 Owl 137 | Cuckoo 163 Thrushes 138 | Pigeons 163 Redwing 139 | Grouse 163 Fieldfare 140 | Golden Plover 164 Blackbird 140 | "Dotterel" 164 Ring Ouzel 141 | Green Plover 164 Hedgesparrow 142 | Turnstone 165 Robin 142 | "Sea-lark" 165 Redstart 142 | Sea-pie 165 "Stonechat" (Wheatear) 142 | Redshank 166 Blackcap 144 | Greenshank 166 Willow Wren 144 | Heron 166 Chiffchaff 144 | Curlew 167 "Grasshopper Warbler" 144 | Whimbrel 167 Golden-crested Wren 144 | Woodcock 169 Wren 145 | Snipe 169 "Tits" 146 | Corn Crake 170 Wagtails 146 | Geese 170 Titlark and Rock Pipits 147 | Ducks 172 Larks 148 | Merganser 173 Snow Bunting 150 | "Grebe" 173 Yellowhammer 151 | Great Northern Diver 173 Chaffinch 151 | Guillemot 173 Sparrow 152 | "Little Auk" 174 Greenfinch 152 | Puffin 174 Goldfinch 152 | Razorbill 175 Linnet 153 | Cormorant 177 Starling 155 | Gannet 178 Chough 157 | Terns 180 Raven 157 | Gulls 180 Hooded Crow 158 | Stormy Petrel 182 Rook 158 | Manx Shearwater 183 Jackdaw 160 | Birds not identified 184 Magpie 160 |

Number of Lighthouses at which the following Birds are reported to have struck the Lantern-glass at Night.

Lighthouses.| Lighthouses. "Small Grey Hawk" 1 | Chaffinch 2 Thrush 10 | Greenfinch 2 Redwing 1 | Linnet 2 Fieldfare 3 | Starling 11 Blackbird 9 | Swallow 4 Robin 4 | Green Plover 1 "Stonechat" (Wheatear) 4 | Sea-pie 1 Willow Wren} | Curlew and Whimbrel 3 Chiffchaff } 3 | Woodcock 6 Golden-crested Wren 7 | Snipe 3 Wren 7 | Wild Duck 1 "Tits" 1 | Stormy Petrel 5 Titlark 4 | Manx Shearwater 3 Lark 9 |