Part 8

It is known to naturalists that some species which are known to breed in the highest northern latitudes travel on migration to the furthest southern localities. Let us instance the Knot (_Tringa canuta_). Temperature has to do with this directly. What a vast breeding-ground of this species, as yet undiscovered, must there be somewhere in the far north if we witness the great streams on their annual migration along our coasts. In spring they travel on and on towards the north until they find a temperature cool enough for the successful hatching and rearing of their young, reaching their far off summer quarters even before insect-life has begun to show itself, after the long Arctic winter; and, with the strength and vigour of a far northern-bred species, they adapt themselves to the only food existing--the fronds of lichen laid bare by the first melting of the snow. The hardiness of the race, bred thus on the shores of the Arctic seas, induces the vigour and "fitness" which enables them to travel so far again to the southward in autumn and winter; and it is the annual overflow of their vast numbers, pressing behind those in the van, which--as it were--adds impulse to the ability, and carries them forward. They press forward in autumn to fresh feeding-grounds as those behind are taken up by others succeeding them.

* * * * *

The Report for the West Coast of England, although frequently applied for by the Secretary, has up to this date not been received.

_August 26th, 1883._

* * * * *

IRISH COAST.

In the spring of 1882 forty schedules were forwarded to the light-keepers, and in the autumn forty-one. Thirty-one stations returned answers in the spring, and thirty-two in the autumn.

The same stations were selected as in the autumn of 1881, with the exception of Dursey Island, which was substituted for the Calf Rock; and Dungarvan, which was added in the autumn of 1882.

Some improvement in filling the schedules is apparent. A few errors in the identification of species probably have been made, but no blame is attached to the light-keepers, who gratuitously observe for us to the best of their ability.

In accordance with a desire expressed by the other members of the Committee, and for the sake of uniformity, the observations have been arranged under each species instead of under the day of the month, and the light-stations are arranged geographically, beginning at the Fastnet, in Cork, and going round by the east and north to the west coast. The entries in the spring schedules are placed first under each species.

The severe frost which visited these islands for about ten days, beginning on December 6th, caused a local migration of many land-birds to the sea-coast, and several entries occur in the schedules at this time.

The weather observations taken by the light-keepers, when of an ordinary character, have been sometimes omitted; but with scarcely an exception every entry in the schedules, which refers to the occurrence of a particular species on a given date, is recorded.

The name given by the light-keepers to the birds is always adopted, and generally without comment; but occasionally inverted commas are used when it appears advantageous to insert them.

Looking through the records, and comparing them with reports from the English coast and elsewhere, it is evident that Ireland lies comparatively out of the track of migrants, and its western stations are especially poor.

The Tuskar Rock, on the Wexford coast, is certainly the best station. Large numbers of migrants strike the lantern there, and many are killed. Being the nearest land to the Welsh coast, and the extreme south-eastern point of Ireland, the Tuskar is well situated for observation.

A Snowy Owl was shot on the Island of Innishtrahull, off the coast of Donegal, and forwarded by the light-keeper there to the Museum of Science and Art, Keldare Street, Dublin.

Observations on Gulls and Gannets are numerous, and it is difficult to estimate their value, as some light-keepers have given them much attention, while others have scarcely noticed these species owing to their frequent occurrence.

The presence of the Gannet all round the coast during the breeding season would seem to show that a large proportion do not breed. The little Skellig Rock, off the Kerry coast, is the only Irish breeding-place of the Gannet; and when visited in 1880, by Mr. Barrington, there were scarcely thirty pairs breeding.

In the returns many entries occur which probably do not refer to migrating birds, but it has been thought prudent not to omit any from the printed report.

It is remarked by some light-keepers that more birds strike fixed than revolving or flash lights.

Attention is called to the great scarcity of Starlings in 1882 in several schedules.

Conclusions are premature for a year or two, and it is as well to let the observations of the light-keepers speak for themselves.

Great results are not anticipated from this enquiry, but few satisfactory ones will be forthcoming unless it be continued; it is therefore essential that the light-keepers should assist us for some years longer, and we trust they will do so.

To Captain Boxer, R.N., Inspector of Irish Lights, we are again indebted for friendly aid; as well as to the Commissioners of Irish Lights, who were good enough to take forty copies of last year's report, and distribute them to the various observers.

Alexander G. More. Richard M. Barrington.

List of Light-stations.

Miles from Sp. Au. shore. Names of Observers.

1. Fastnet, Co. Cork o o 8 2. Galley Head, do. x x - John Whelan. 3. Old Head, Kinsale, do. x x - George Dunleavy and Martin Kennedy. 4. Mine Head, Waterford x o - Joseph Hammond. 5. Dungarvan, do. - x - Wm. Higginbotham. 5. Coningbeg Lt.-ship, Wexford x x 10 Patrick Cullen. 6. Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, do. o x 4 Michael Doyle. 7. Tuskar, do. x x 7 Richard Hamilton. 8. Arklow S. Lt.-ship, Wicklow x o 7 William O'Shea. 9. Wicklow Head o o - 10. Kish Bank Lt.-ship, Dublin x x 7 William Daly. 11. Howth Baily, do. o x - William Dunne and James Higginbotham. 12. Rockabill, do. o x 5 Joseph Hammond. 13. Copeland Island, Down x x 3 John Walsh. 14. Maidens, Antrim x x 5 Patrick Keenan. 15. Rathlin, do. x x 6 John A. Murray. 16. Innishtrahull, Donegal x x - W. H. James. 17. Dunree Head, do. x x - John Stapleton. 18. Lough Swilly, do. x x - Henry Redmond. 19. Tory Island, do. o x 9 Thomas Sweeny. 20. Arranmore, do. x x 5 Henry Williams. 21. Rathlin O'Birne, do. o x 2 Joseph Hill. 22. Killybegs, do. o x - Daniel Hawkins. 23. Oyster Island, N. Sligo x x 1 John Young. 24. Broadhaven, Mayo x x - Joseph Williams and Michael Duffy. 25. Eagle Island, E., do. x o 2 Robert W. Redmond. 26. Eagle Island, W., do. x x 2 Matthew Healy. 27. Blackrock, do x o 9 Martin Kennedy. 28. Blacksod Point, do. x o - J. Williams. 29. Clare Island, do. x x 4 J. Reilly and G. H. Brownell. 30. Slyne Head, N., Galway x x 3 John Gillan and Robert Tyrrell. 31. Slyne Head, S., do. x o - William Callaghan. 32. Arran Island, N., do. x x 9 John Kelly. 33. Straw Island, do. x x 9 Charles Boyle. 34. Straw Island, S., do. o x 6 John O'Donnell. 35. Loop Head, Clare o o - 36. Samphire Island, Kerry x x ½ Michael O'Donnell and J. Williams. 37. Tearaght, do. x x 9 Edward McCarron. 38. Valentia, do. x x - Thomas McKenna and Joseph Williams. 39. Skelligs, do. x x 9 Henry Gardiner. 40. Dursey Island, Cork x x ½ James Keenan.

Abbreviations

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

General Remarks of Light-Keepers.

_Galley Head._--"Spring: There is a total absence of land-birds at this station. Autumn: Sea-birds passing are, I may say, the only birds to be seen. The Curlew and 'Small Black Crow' are here all the year round."--John Whelan.

_Old Head, Kinsale._--"Spring: No migration of birds observed this spring."--George Dunleavy.

_Dungarvan._--"Autumn: With very rare exceptions no birds strike this lantern."--William Higginbotham.

_Coningbeg Light-ship._--"Autumn: Very few birds killed against lantern since the light was changed from steady to flash light."--Patrick Cullen.

_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--"Autumn: This is a very quick red light, flashing 30"; no birds ever struck the lantern. I believe the quick revolution frightens them away, as in fog and thick weather no birds ever stay about the light like the ships that have the bright light."--Michael Doyle.

_Tuskar Rock._--"Spring: Not many birds this spring: a good deal more last year. Autumn: The 'Black Diver' leaves about May 1st, and returns in October."--Richard Hamilton.

_Kish Bank Light-ship._--"Autumn: Very few birds pass this station. Birds seldom strike our lantern, as it is a revolving light. September and October are the chief months for the migration of birds from the Welsh coast."--William Daly.

_Howth Baily._--"Autumn: Sea Gulls and Cormorants all through the winter. Puffins disappeared about middle of December."--William Dunne.

_Copeland Island._--"Autumn: Large numbers of birds resort to this island and Mew Island during the winter months, and generally leave early in March. The species seen daily are as follows:--Oystercatchers, about 50; Wild Duck, 10 to 40; Sandpipers, 20; Cormorants, 8 to 10; Starlings, 20 to 40; Blackbirds, 4 to 6; 'Grey' Plover, 2 to 20; Curlew, 10 to 100 in each flock."--John Walsh.

_South Maidens._--"I saw no birds strike the lantern since I came to this station."--Patrick Keenan.

_Rathlin._--"Spring: The Ducks are breeding on every little pond and moss on the island; the 'Shell Duck' breeds here. Any amount of sea-birds. Jan. 14th, 1883, the species of birds remaining on the island at this date are:--'Large Gulls, Sparrows, Linnets, Stonechats, Black Crows, White-backed Crows, Golden Plover, Green Plover, Bald Coot, Curlew, Wild Duck, Snipe, Redshank or Sandpiper, Starling (they have been scarce), Blackbirds, Thrushes, Cormorants, Water Wagtails, one Snow Bunting (very few this season).'"--John A. Murray.

_Dunree Head._--"Autumn: Cormorants are here all the year round; they build their nest under the lighthouse. They go up the Lough every morning, and return in the evening. No birds strike this light. Land-birds are very scarce."--John Stapleton.

_Lough Swilly._--"Autumn: Birds seldom strike this lantern. Barnacle Duck and Widgeon frequent the head of Lough Swilly from about Oct. 1st to end of March."--Henry Redmond.

_Arranmore._--"Spring: The birds that breed on this island are 'Stonechats,' 'Gulls,' 'Puffins,' 'Ravens,' 'Goldfinches,' 'Hawks,' and 'Red-legged Jackdaws' (Choughs). Autumn: This station seems out of the line of passing birds."--Henry Williams.

_Killybegs._--"Autumn: The number of birds striking the lantern has been very few since 1879; only the two named in the schedule (Woodcock) have struck up to the present. The frost and snow of 1879 made great havoc among Thrushes, Blackbirds, Starlings, and Fieldfares. I saw no Starlings since 1881, which is very unusual. In the spring of 1882 I saw two very fine specimens of the Northern Diver; they remained until late in summer. Puffins arrive in large numbers early in July, and usually leave _en masse_ towards the middle of August. Cormorants muster pretty strongly in the autumn months. Several Grey Gulls and four or five Black-headed remained here during the present winter. I observed one Gull a few days ago of a dirty white or creamy colour, no feathers of any other colour being visible. The Sea Swallow, or 'Pirr Gull,' used to visit us in thousands formerly; but since the autumn of 1878 not one has been seen here. When stationed at the mouth of the Boyne, in 1876, a few of these birds used to breed there, laying their eggs on the top of little sandy hillocks."--Daniel Hawkins.

_Oyster Island, North._--"Scarcely any land-birds visit this island."--John Young.

_Broadhaven._--"Autumn: The Gannet does not breed on the Stags, but is to be seen after herring."--Michael Duffy.

_Eagle Island, East._--"Spring: did not observe any birds of a migratory kind pass this island."--Robert W. Redmond.

_Eagle Island, West._--"Autumn: I have carefully watched the movements of birds, and have not found anything worth reporting. Sea-fowl occasionally after herring in large groups; but they come and go no particular way."--Matthew Healy.

_Clare Island._--"Autumn: Very few migratory birds at this station in 1882, with the exception of Gulls, Guillemots, Puffins, and Razorbills, of which large numbers arrived in the latter part of March, and left on Aug. 18th. Cormorants and Kittiwakes all the year round. Large numbers of Grouse from August to January. Snipe and Woodcock, November to March. Two large Eagles have their eyrie on the cliffs of a mountain close to the lighthouse: they kill several lambs. Geese, Ducks, and Hens, and carry them to the mountain with the greatest ease."--George H. Brownell.

_Slyne Head, North._--"Autumn: Very few land-birds visit this station."--Robert Tyrrell.

_Slyne Head, South._--"Spring: The Tern used to arrive for breeding perhaps about May 4th or 6th; this year they did not come until June 4th, and not one bird hatched on the island this year. Sea-hawks arrive the first week in April, and leave about the end of October. I have not seen a Crow for two years, nor a Starling this year."--William Callaghan.

_Arran Island, North._--"Autumn: No birds struck the lantern in 1882. I have not observed any Blackbirds, Thrushes, or Starlings, during the past year."--John Kelly.

_Straw Island._--"Autumn: All descriptions of birds were fewer this year than usual."--Charles Boyle.

_Arran Island, South._--"Autumn: Only a few 'Stares' struck the lantern this winter."--John O'Donnell.

Samphire Island.--"Spring: Not a single bird struck last winter, the chief cause being that we have a red light all round east and south, which birds never strike. Almost all birds strike with S.E. winds, and generally on the east side of the lantern."--Michael O'Donnell.

_Tearaght Rock._--"Spring: The Sea-parrots are so plentiful here (April 25th) that on some occasions the whole island is completely covered with them: they are just now beginning to find their way into their holes. There is some solitary bird here, so it seems, makes a noise so loud, or crows so loud, in the cliffs, that one can hear it distinctly in the dwellings. It sounds something as follows: 'kuck, kuck, ko, kuck, kuck, ko.' This is repeated a few times, and then there is an interval of some minutes. So far I can neither see nor hear it in the daytime. It is called in this place the 'Night-bird.' (See 'Zoologist,' January, 1883). The Sea-parrot does not lay more than one egg unless it is taken away, when another is laid at the end of a week, and if this is taken away another egg is laid; then no more are laid that year. The young remain in their holes until they are fully feathered. They leave them in July, and are well guarded in the sea by the old birds. It is my opinion they do not ascend on the island any more after they have left their holes. The only way the young birds are distinguished from the old ones the following spring is that their feet are still a little black. The Razorbill begins to lay its egg about May 18th. The parent birds relieve each other while hatching. I actually saw one Razorbill come up to another which was on the egg, peck it, when off it went, and the new comer at once took its place. The Stormy Petrels breed here, but in small quantity. Autumn: Referring to the cry of the 'Night-bird' (Manx Shearwater ), the letter 'a' should be added to the 'ko,' and it would then read, 'kuck, kuck, ko-a.' The cry is as distinct as that of the Cuckoo, and would be heard about the same distance. I never remember to have seen a Crested Cormorant until I came here. Starlings and Thrushes come off with easterly winds when there is frost or snow on the mainland. About a dozen Grey Linnets remained here during December; also a few Snow Buntings. There are a couple of hundred Titlarks summer and winter; they do not migrate. The same might be said of the Common Wren; about a dozen."--Edward McCarron.

_Valentia._--"Spring: No bird struck this lantern for five years. This point is too far west, and is out of the track of migrating birds."--Thomas McKenna.

Eagle.

_Skelligs._--April 4th, two Eagles flying about the island.

Hawk.

_Rathlin Island._--April 1st, five Hawks, stopping in vicinity. June 22nd, four seen.

_Innishtrahull._--March 5th, small Hawks.

_Slyne Head, South._--May 26th, two Hawks, noon to 4 p.m. "There are many Sea Hawks about this island. They arrive the first week in April, and leave about the end of October."

_Howth Baily._--Dec. 13th, two Hawks. Jan. 2nd, one.

_Rathlin Island._--Nov. 10th, "two Game Hawks coursing a Pigeon;" 16th, one Sparrow Hawk.

_Innishtrahull._--Dec. 16th, one Hawk; 19th, ditto.

_Arranmore._--Nov. 18th, one.

_Killybegs._--Nov. 26th, two remained about a week.

_Clare Island._--Nov. 23rd, two Kestrels.

_Tearaght._--Dec. 9th, "one Falcon." Jan. 8th, 1883, two Sparrow Hawks.

_Dungarvan._--Nov. 14th, one Sparrow Hawk; 16th, one "Falcon Hawk;" 25th, two Sparrow Hawks. Jan. 4th, 1883, one.

Snowy Owl.

_Innishtrahull._--Nov. 19th, one shot (now in Museum of Science and Art, Kildare Street, Dublin).

Thrush.

_Slyne Head, North._--April 17th., one Thrush killed, 2 a.m., striking lantern; 29th, flocks of Thrushes pitched on this island. July 8th, five Thrushes struck lantern, one killed.

_Skelligs._--Jan. 3rd, 1882, eight Thrushes perched on island.

_Galley Head._--Dec. 13th, Thrushes going south.

_Old Head, Kinsale._--Dec. 6th, hundreds of "Mountain Thrush;" 8th, some hundreds of Thrushes.

_Tuskar Rock._--Oct. 13th, Thrushes continually striking, ten killed, and one "Mountain Thrush."

_Kish Bank Light-ship._--Oct. 12th, 13th and 14th, Thrushes about lantern.

_Howth Baily._--Oct. 14th, two killed. Dec. 9th, one seen; 11th, one; 12th to 18th, several about station, frost. Jan. 13th, 1883, Thrushes about light.

_Rockabill._--Oct. 4th, Thrushes. Dec. 12th, ditto.

_Copeland Island._--Nov. 9th, two Thrushes killed. Dec. 18th, four ditto.

_Innishtrahull._--Oct. 15th, Thrushes about lantern, one killed. Nov. 7th, Thrushes. Jan. 5th, 1883, ditto.

_Lough Swilly._--Dec. 14th, one.

_Tory Island._--Oct. 19th, one struck, not killed. Dec. 10th, one seen.

_Arranmore._--Oct. 22nd, one. Nov. 18th, one.

_Rathlin O'Birne._--Dec. 13th, one Thrush.

_Killybegs._--Dec. 10th, about twenty came when the frost began.

_Clare Island._--Dec. 9th, several.

_Tearaght._--Dec. 14th, half a dozen Thrushes; 24th, a dozen.

_Valentia._--Oct. 8th, one killed against lantern.

_Skelligs._--Nov. 3rd, ten. During December a few were observed daily on island; also on Jan. 8th, 1883.

_Dursey Island._--Oct. 21st, four Thrushes going E.

Fieldfare.

_Valentia._--Nov. 29th, two Fieldfares.

_Dungarvan._--Nov. 11th, twelve.

Blackbird.

_Slyne Head, North._--March 20th, one Blackbird killed against lantern, 3 a.m.

_Skelligs._--Jan. 25th, four Blackbirds on island. April 3rd, three ditto.

_Old Head, Kinsale._--Dec. 8th, several Blackbirds.

_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--Dec. 7th, four flying north.

_Tuskar Rock._--Oct. 7th, one; 13th, thirty struck, all killed. Nov. 14th, three ditto.

_Kish Bank Light-ship._--Oct. 14th, Blackbirds about lantern. Nov. 15th, hen Blackbird killed, "being the first bird I have seen killed by our lantern for the last two years." Dec. 10th, two blackbirds.

_Howth Baily._--Dec. 6th, fourteen in fields; 12th, one. Jan. 13th, 1883, five about light.

_Rockabill._--Oct. 4th and 12th, Blackbirds striking lantern. Dec. 12th, Blackbirds seen.

_Copeland Island._--Sept. 21st, three Blackbirds killed. Oct. 8th, one ditto. Dec. 18th, one killed.

_Innishtrahull._--Oct. 10th to 15th, Blackbirds about lantern; 18th, three struck, killed. Nov. 7th, Blackbirds, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 5th, 1883, three or four.

_Tory Island._--Oct. 19th, one female struck, not killed.

_Arranmore._--Oct. 21st, one. Nov. 13th, one.

_Rathlin O'Birne._--Oct. 19th, one struck, killed, 2 a.m. Nov. 13th, one. Dec. 1st, one.

_Killybegs._--Dec. 10th, about twenty came on the appearance of frost.

_Clare Island._--Dec. 9th, several.

_Slyne Head, North._--Sept. 9th, two. Oct. 11th, two. Dec. 15th, two.

_Straw Island._--Nov. 13th, a flock of Blackbirds, 2 a.m., a few struck, but none killed; fog and rain.

_Valentia._--Oct. 2nd, one killed against lantern.

_Skelligs._--Nov. 15th and 22nd, and at intervals during December, a few were seen on island.

Robin.

_Eagle Island, West._--March 2nd, caught a Robin in an out-house, wind N., moderate.

_Howth Baily._--Dec. 20th, four about station.

_Innishtrahull._--Oct. 29th, one, 8 a.m., wind S.S.E.

_Lough Swilly._--Dec. 1st, one; 2nd, one; 6th, one.

Stonechat.

_Arranmore._--April 7th, eight "Stonechats" arrived.

_Rathlin O'Birne._--March 23rd, four "Stonechats;" seen also April 4th and 8th. May 8th, they rested on the island.

_Eagle Island, West._--April, "Stonechats" arrived, about eighteen.

_Galley Head._--Oct. 30th, the "Stonechick" has left.

_Eagle Island, West._--Nov., saw a few "Stonechats."

[Some of the above entries may refer to the Wheatear.]

Golden-crested Wren.

_Slyne Head, North._--May 11th, one Golden-crested Wren killed.

_Tuskar Rock._--July 27th, two Golden Wrens; also on Aug. 6th and 9th. Oct. 12th, twelve, one killed; 13th, continually striking all night.

_Howth Baily._--Oct. 9th, five Golden Wrens struck lantern; 12th, two ditto. Dec. 17th, six.

_Rathlin Island._--Aug. 26th, one. Oct. 9th, two (one killed); 13th, five struck (two killed). Nov. 30th, four seen.

_Innishtrahull._--Oct. 15th, Golden Wrens about lantern.

_Arran Island, South._--Oct. 14th, fourteen struck lantern; none killed.

Wren.

_Arklow Bank, South._--April 15th, six Wrens going N.W., wind light N.E., cloudy; 18th, one Wren on deck, 5 a.m.

_Skelligs._--Feb. 22nd, two Wrens on island. April 9th, two Wrens on island.

_Tuskar Rock._--July 27th, four "Common Wrens." Seen also Aug. 5th, 9th, and 31st; and Oct. 8th and 9th.

_Howth Baily._--Dec. 10th, six flying south; 16th, three.

_Innishtrahull._--Oct. 15th, "Brown Wrens" about lantern. Nov. 7th, ditto seen.

_Tory Island._--Oct. 6th, two Wrens caught on lantern.

_Arranmore._--Oct. 22nd, one seen.

_Rathlin O'Birne._--Oct. 28th, one seen.

_Eagle Island, West._--Nov., saw two pairs of Wrens.

_Slyne Head, North._--Sept. 9th, two Wrens seen.