Part 12

_Arranmore._--January, thirty-six Barnacle; these birds have remained all the winter; have not done so for years before. Feb. 4th, twenty-two. March 2nd, two flocks passing. Sept. 30th, one Barnacle; wind N., fresh. Oct. 20th, one; 31st, a flock, and flying all night for many nights, in great quantities, in the direction of Sligo. Far the last two winters numerous flocks of Barnacle have remained on island. On Nov. 7th, 24th, 29th, and Dec. 25th, flocks are entered.

_Rathlin O'Birne._--Oct. 24th, thirty-six. Nov. 4th, twenty came from N., and passed over island to S.E.: 12th, six; 16th, small flocks coming from N., and passing S. all day. Dec. 7th, eleven on island grazing. 11th, six ditto; two were shot.

_Killybegs._--Aug. 17th, two Wild Geese, rested and flew N. Sept. 2nd, about forty at a great height, flying N.; 27th, thirteen seen. Oct. 30th, eight Wild Geese generally take a S. to S.W. course, beginning about the end of September and continuing up to the end of December, and usually travel high; but they sometimes stop to feed and rest.

_Oyster Island, North._--"During the winter months a considerable number of Barnacle arrive, some of which remain, and others pass further south, the time of their arrival and departure apparently depending on the severity of the season or otherwise." Entries of small flocks occur from Sept. 9th to Oct. 5th. Larger and more frequent flocks on Oct. 8th, 13th, 15th, Nov. 22nd, 29th, 30th, and on Dec. 5th; in almost every case the direction of flight is S. or S.E. On. Dec. 6th, 15th, and 17th, large flocks passed in the opposite direction. On Dec. 22nd continuous flocks again passed S.E., and on Jan. 5th, 1884, a small flock. The direction of flight was apparently independent of the direction of the wind or state of the weather.

_Broadhaven._--Dec. 20th and 26th. Barnacle and Wild Geese. They frequent the place in winter.

_Blackrock Mayo._--Nov. 21st, twenty Barnacle flying S.E.

_Clare Island._--Oct. 6th, about two dozen Wild Geese flying high to S.W.; wind W., light.

_Slyne Head, North._--Nov. 12th, five to twelve Barnacle at intervals; wind N.W., one shot. Are very common; arrive Nov. 1st and remain to March 1st.

_Straw Island._--March 16th, twenty Wild Geese, passing N.; wind light S.W. Oct. 29th, twenty-two, 5 p.m., going N., high, calm.

Swans.

_Rathlin Island._--Nov. 23rd, "A Black Swan shot by the rector on one of the lakes on the island."

Wild Duck.

_Fastnet._--Nov. 3rd, flock flying to E. Jan. 3rd, flock flying E.

_Old Head, Kinsale._--Nov. 8th, ten Wild Duck; two shot.

_Dungarvan._--Oct. 28th, large flock. Nov. 3rd, fifty. Dec. 23rd, four "Shelldrakes."

_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--Sept. 10th, 12th, and 15th, a few Wild Duck flying high to S. Nov. 16th, a large flock flying N.E. Dec. 7th, 14th, and 19th, two to seven at intervals.

_Tuskar Rock._--Nov. 14th, seven Wild Duck came from N.W. and flew round rock.

_Arklow North Light-ship._--Dec. 1st, a large flock going N. Feb. 6th, 1884, flock going N.E.

_Kish Bank Light-ship._--May 13th, a flock passing E. to W., 7.30 a.m. Oct. 6th, twelve at 10.45 p.m., flying high to N.W.; weather hazy. Nov. 29th, thirteen flying N.W.

_Copeland Island._--April 12th, thirty left Mew Island after remaining all the winter; wind light E., clear. Oct. 16th, several flocks of Teal and Duck on Mew Island; wind S.W., strong.

_South Maidens._--April 14th, twenty-four Ducks; hazy, with rain. Oct. 20th, twelve, 10 a.m., went towards Scotland; wind W.S.W., strong.

_Rathlin Island._--Nov. 6th, five at 8 a.m.; wind S. Dec. 6th, two going E.; wind N.E.

_Innishtrahull._--Nov. 6th, one "Shelldrake," 2 p.m.; wind N., fresh.

_Dunree Head._--Nov. 7th, about one hundred Wild Duck flying high to S. Dec. 22nd, about fifty swimming opposite lighthouse all day.

_Tory Island._--Nov. 23rd, Dec. 1st, 2nd, and Jan. 1st, one to three going S. or W.

_Arranmore._--April 5th, two arrived to breed. June 18th, three seen. On Nov. 3rd, 10th, 28th, and Dec. 13th, Wild Duck seen. One "Shelldrake" on Nov. 18th and 26th.

_Killybegs._--"I saw, in December, 1882, some Teal, but none since."

_Oyster Island, North._--"During the winter months a considerable number of Widgeon arrive; some remain, and others pass further south." Dec. 24th, continuous flocks going S.E.

_Clare Island._--December. A few Wild Duck on a lake during this month.

_Straw Island._--Feb. 13th, thirty, 10 a.m., remained on rock a short time, and went S. Oct. 28th, thirty going S.E.; wind light S.

_Arran Island, South._--Dec. 6th, twenty Wild Duck went S.; wind E. 30th, twenty went S., wind E.

Merganser.

_Dungarvan._--Dec. 5th, four coming from S.E.

Great Northern Diver.

_Old Head, Kinsale._--Jan. 20th, six passing S.W.

_Dungarvan._--Jan. 9th, two feeding near station.

_Tory Island._--Sept. 22nd, two "Speckled Diver," 8 a.m., going S.E.

_Arranmore._--April 7th, a Great Northern Diver shot on rock.

_Killybegs._--The Northern Diver visits us in the autumn and leaves early. I have never seen more than three together.

_Clare Island._--During December a few of the Great Northern Diver.

Guillemot.

_Rathlin O'Birne._--March 31st, ten, and April 1st, thirty alighted on rock at shore.

_Clare Island._--A large number this year.

_Tearaght._--Jan. 20th, Guillemot first observed round island on the water. Feb. 19th, about fifty came on rock for first time; left about Aug. 1st.

_Skelligs._--Nov. 20th and Dec. 11th, a few Guillemots fishing in shelter of rock; wind N.W. to W., strong gale.

_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--June 15th and 19th, "Murs" in flocks, flying in different directions. Dec. 10th, large flocks of "Murs"; also on 23rd and 26th; flocks also on 29th, 30th, Jan. 8th and 15th.

Puffin.

_Galley Head._--Feb. 12th, twenty going W.; 16th, nine ditto. April 29th, continuous flocks, from seventy to one hundred in each, going W. From May 6th to 13th, 18th to 27th, and June 16th to 25th, continuous flocks, and occasional flocks to July 16th; all going W.

_Old Head, Kinsale._--Jan. 23rd, continuous flocks, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; wind fresh S. Large numbers going S. on Feb. 7th, 20th, 22nd, and March 17th; continuous flocks on March 5th. From Oct. 7th to 10th, some hundreds going S.

_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 21st, continuous flocks flying S.W.; 26th, flocks. Nov. 16th, flocks, 9 to 11 a.m.; 21st, 23rd, Dec. 9th and 14th, flocks; passing continuously on Nov. 29th and Dec. 19th; wind W. to S.W.

_Dungarvan._--Nov. 6th, a great number.

_Tuskar Rock._--From June 13th to 18th, "Puffins and Sea-parrots" alighted in large flocks. Aug. 20th to 22nd, Puffins in hundreds on rock.

_Rathlin Island._--April 12th, "Parrots, Bridle Nebs," &c., begin to arrive; 22nd, arrived in full force and took possession of the cliffs. The Sea-parrots hatching on the cliffs are not at all as numerous as last year.

_Innishtrahull._--Dec. 8th, "three Sea-parrots and twenty Puffins." January, 1884, a few "Puffins and Sea-parrots through the month."

_Lough Swilly._--April 19th, several flocks of Puffins. June 1st, Puffins passing and repassing.

_Arranmore._--March 12th, Puffins passing.

_Rathlin O'Birne._--May 14th, Puffins passing S. In June, about the island.

_Killybegs._--April 22nd, Puffins arriving in large numbers about this date, coming early each morning and leaving in the evening, flying W. Aug. 14th, Puffins leaving, going W. They arrive about the month of July, and are to be seen in thousands until October.

_Oyster Island, North._--April 19th, several during day. May 29th, small flocks.

_Black Rock, Mayo._--Sept. 9th, Puffins on water round the rock; a few nearly every day during September and October.

_Clare Island._--March 15th, about fifty; wind N.N.E. Generally arrive latter part of March, and leave towards the end of August. A large number this year.

_Straw Island._--March 17th, forty Puffins remained two days; wind S., hazy fog. April 9th, twenty "Sea-parrots," wind S.W., strong. Aug. 20th, forty-four going S. They arrive early in spring and generally leave in September, and breed on the middle island of Arran.

_Tearaght._--"April 1st, the Sea-parrots arrived; not so plentiful as in previous years. Aug. 20th, only about half a dozen Sea-parrots on the island; left about this date. When they arrive on April 1st they remain perhaps a week on the water before they come on the island; then they mostly rise in one body, and hover some time before they rest. They all go down to the water again when getting dark, except when breeding; those hatching remain. As a rule there is a rush to the island every day about 4 p.m. Sometimes there are two rushes in the day. Their fighting propensities are often put into practice, and when so engaged they can readily be captured; their fight only ends when they have reached the sea, after having tumbled sometimes all the way from the highest pinnacle of the island."

_Skelligs._--Nov, 20th, a few Puffins fishing in shelter of rock; wind N.W., gale.

Razorbill.

_Clare Island._--April 30th, two to four dozen Razorbills at 9 a.m.

_Tearaght._--March 19th, great numbers of Razorbills first observed; 20th, first rested on rock. Left about Aug. 10th.

_Skelligs._--Sept. 16th, large flocks flying S.S.W.; wind S.E. Nov. 20th, flocks fishing in shelter of rock, mostly young birds; wind N.W., strong gale. Dec. 11th, Razorbills fishing in shelter; wind W., strong gale.

Cormorant.

_Tuskar Rock._--April 27th, the Cormorants have totally deserted the rock.

_Rockabill._--Oct. 30th, Cormorants all day; they leave the rock in April, and are back this month.

_Rathlin Island._--June 22nd, five seen. Aug. 17th, three. Dec. 4th, 5th, and 9th, one to six.

_Tory Island._--Dec. 11th, six on rock at 9 a.m.

_Killybegs._--May 2nd, Cormorants to the number of about forty observed. Aug. 26th, about seventeen. The greater number leave about the end of December, but some remain all the winter.

_Blackrock, Mayo._--Sept. 30th, five flying S.E. A few nearly every day during September and October.

_Clare Island._--Cormorants are seen all the year round.

_Slyne Head, North._--The Cormorant leaves to breed elsewhere.

_Straw Island._--Feb. 22nd, Cormorants at all hours. Remain during the year, generally fishing singly. Sept. 24th, ten.

_Arran Island, South._--Nov. 11th, eleven Cormorants seen at intervals along the shore.

_Valentia._--Sept. 20th, four. Nov. 16th, two; 22nd, five. Dec. 5th, eight; also on 21st and 24th.

_Skelligs._--One or two entered on Sept. 20th, Oct. 12th, and during December.

_Dursey Island._--A few noted on April 11th and July 13th, and one to four seen at intervals from Sept. 27th to Dec. 18th.

Gannet.

_Galley Head._--Five to twelve going W. on Jan. 29th, Feb. 7th, April 11th, May 14th, 18th to 27th; continuous flocks of Gannets going W. on March 19th, 20th, 27th, 28th, June 16th to 25th; and in less numbers to date of sending schedule, July 16th. No entry of Gannets going E. at this station except on April 20th. One or two grey or young Gannets seen on May 14th and June 16th.

_Old Head, Kinsale._--Jan. 20th to 23rd, continuous flocks passing S.W. Large flocks on Feb. 7th, 22nd, and March 17th. On Oct, 5th and 6th, some hundreds going S. Nov. 5th, forty-five going E.; 20th, Gannets.

_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 29th, four flying W. June 6th, two Gannets, and at intervals to end of month. Oct. 15th, four flying E.; and from 31st to Dec. 1st, one to five passing at intervals.

_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--April 27th, May 18th, 20th, and 26th, occasional Gannets flying W. June 27th, Gannets in twos and threes. Oct. 23rd, occasional Gannets, and a few at intervals until January.

_Arklow South Light-ship._--March 10th, a flock; 26th, seven. During April flocks at intervals, especially towards end of month. In May two to seven passing at intervals in various directions. During June, July, August and September a few Gannets seen frequently. In October less common.

_Arklow North Light-ship._--Gannets noted at intervals during April, May, and June; May 1st and 12th, flocks continuous. Flight generally N.E. September, flocks at intervals.

_Kish Bank Light-ship._--Three entries of Gannets in May, one in June, and one in July; direction of flight different in each case. Oct. 3rd, six flying S.W. Nov. 23rd, flocks from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. going to S.W.

_Copeland Island._--Gannets remain about the island all the year. In August this year large numbers fishing in vicinity.

_South Maidens._--Two entries of Gannets in April. Oct. 20th, two seen.

_Rathlin Island._--Fourteen entries occur in schedule between March 28th and June 17th; in eleven the direction of flight was entered, and in all it was towards the west, and seemed independent of the weather. On April 13th, 19th, 21st, May 4th, 7th, 12th, 13th, 23rd, and June 2nd the flocks were passing all day. During August four entries occur, but direction of flight is not given. One entry in October.

_Innishtrahull._--Jan. 8th, four Gannets; wind strong S.W.

_Lough Swilly._--May 1st, 20th, and July 30th, a few noted.

_Tory Island._--Nov. 13th, two going E.; noon.

_Arranmore._--March 9th and 26th, four to six passing all day. Oct. 14th, twelve.

_Rathlin O'Birne._--April 6th and 18th, a few. May 14th and 18th, continuous flock all day going S. In June Gannets around island at intervals. Sept. 9th, 19th, a few. Oct. 5th and 6th, hundreds; most left about Oct. 17th.

_Killybegs._--April 9th, two; 12th, about thirty, usually in pairs. Aug. 14th, Gannets leaving. Gannets begin to arrive in June, sometimes earlier, and mostly leave in September; their movements are very uncertain.

_Oyster Island, North._--Gannets noted at intervals from April 5th to 18th.

_Blackrock, Mayo._--To be seen nearly every day during September and October.

_Slyne Head, North._--Aug. 1st, numbers of young Gannets are to be seen. Gannets entered on Aug. 10th, 17th, very common, and flocks at intervals on Nov. 17th; and thirty on Nov. 25th.

_Straw Island._--Feb. 10th, fifteen Gannets seen at 2 p.m., strong breeze, W., going S. Gannets entered on Aug. 8th, Sept. 3rd, and Oct. 11th, generally hovering about. It generally makes its appearance with various kinds of fish, mackerel, pilchards, &c.

_Arran Island, South._--Nov. 29th, two at noon; remained three days.

_Skelligs._--Sept. 20th, several fishing. Nov. 20th, saw no Gannets since Oct. 29th.

_Dursey Island._--Seven to thirty noted at intervals during April and on May 11th and 29th; flight generally W. or N.W. A few noted Aug. 11th; Sept. 6th, large flocks all day going S.; and a few on Sept. 28th.

Tern.

_Copeland Island._--The Terns appear on Mew Island to breed on May 15th and 16th. They come in the night, at first in small numbers, increasing each night for ten or twelve nights, when many hundreds are to be seen. Sept. 19th, some hundreds of Terns left Mew Island on this date; wind S.E., light misty rain. Heard leaving during night.

_Rathlin O'Birne._--Terns arrived at usual time; they breed on island outside lighthouse.

_Oyster Island, North._--April 8th, five Terns passing S.; 12th, several during day.

_Slyne Head, North._--May 20th, the Tern arrives for breeding, and continues until about Aug. 2nd.

Gulls.

_Galley Head._--June 1st to 15th, large flocks of Gulls after fry.

_Old Head, Kinsale._--Oct. 7th to 10th, some hundreds going S. Nov. 20th, Grey Gulls.

Coningbeg Light-skip.--April 22nd, flocks of Grey Gulls; 26th, ditto. June 13th, ditto. Nov. 21st, flocks of small Gulls.

_Dungarvan._--Nov. 6th, a great number.

_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--July 3rd and 9th, Sea Gulls in flocks, flying E. after fry. During November and part of December large flocks apparently after small fish, working east and west with the tides.

_Tuskar Rock._--From June 13th to 18th, Gulls alighted in large flocks.

_Arklow North Light-ship._--April 1st, continuous flocks of Grey Gulls going N.E.

_Kish Bank Light-ship._--Flocks of Grey Gulls noted on May 8th, 25th, and June 15th. Oct. 16th, flock of Grey Gulls hovering about all day. Nov. 27th, a flock all day after fry.

_Rockabill._--Gulls come in April and leave at the end of September.

_Copeland Island._--Herring Gulls remain about the island all the year. In August a large number of Grey and Royal Gulls fishing in vicinity.

_Rathlin Island._--Flocks of Gulls on March 29th, May 1st, 18th, 22nd, June 8th, 20th, and 27th; direction of flight not given. Flocks during August of twenty to thirty Royal Gulls at intervals. Two or three thousand Kittiwakes on 11th and 30th. Entries of Gulls occur twice in November, and large flocks going S. on Dec. 17th, 21st, and 30th.

_Innishtrahull._--Dec. 25th, two Royal Gulls.

_Lough Swilly._--April 1st, a few; 6th, several; 19th, in great numbers. May 1st, ditto. May 20th and June 1st, Gulls. July 27th, very numerous all day.

_Tory Island._--Sept. 5th, a flock of "Common Gulls" flying W. Nov. 15th, three Black-backed Gulls at 8 a.m., going E.; 28th, a flock of Gulls.

_Arranmore._--March 12th, Gulls passing.

_Rathlin O'Birne._--Flocks of fifty to one hundred on April 10th, 12th, 28th, and May 8th. In June, Gulls about island. Flocks of Gulls from one hundred to thousands on Aug. 31st, Sept. 19th, 20th, 30th, Oct. 5th, and 6th. The greater number left on Oct. 17th. On Nov. 4th, 22nd, and Dec. 7th, eighty to one hundred all day.

_Killybegs._--Gulls of the grey species to the number of about two hundred remained here during spring, coming in the morning and departing in the evening to the cliffs around Slieve League. Thousands of Kittiwakes arrived about beginning of May, and still (August) remain. Aug. 14th, several hundreds leaving. Kittiwakes and Grey Gulls usually arrive in large numbers about June or July, and leave towards the end of September; but a few, notably the large grey kind, remain all the month.

_Oyster Island, North._--Gulls noted on April 12th, 18th, 22nd, May 24th, and 29th.

_Broadhaven._--Oct. 10th, three dozen Kittiwakes; 24th, four dozen Black-headed Gulls.

_Blackrock, Mayo._--Sept. 9th, flocks of small Gulls on water. Sept. 22nd and Jan. 5th, 1884, two Royal Gulls. Large and small Gulls nearly every day during September and October.

_Clare Island._--March 15th, about a dozen small Sea Gulls during day. A large number of Gulls of different species in the cliffs near lighthouses this year. Kittiwakes are here all the year.

_Slyne Head, North._--Gulls noted on Aug. 20th and Nov. 17th.

_Arran Island, North._--Nov. 14th, ten; wind fresh W.S.W.

_Straw Island._--Feb. 13th, the Grey and the Royal Gull continually in vicinity of lighthouse. The Grey Gulls remain during year. Gulls entered Aug. 13th, Sept. 1st, and Oct. 5th (Royal). Flight generally S.W.

_Arran Island, South._--July 25th, fifty Sea Gulls. Nov. 27th, Sea Gulls about shore to be seen at all times.

_Tearaght._--Feb. 6th, Kittiwakes first came on rock about this time; left about Sept. 1st. "They commence to build about May 1st. On May 24th only two eggs were found among hundreds of nests. The nest-building is carried on by some after hatching has commenced with others. A difficult business this nest-making seems to be, as the mud or clay which makes up the foundation has to be carried from some soft bank. Hundreds of them are employed about six weeks at this operation, some going with the very small portion of mud they are able to take in their beaks, others coming for more, the bank covered over with more in the act of digging out. The whole is a continuous busy scene."

_Valentia._--Royal Gulls, one to four, Sept. 10th, 30th, Oct. 28th, and Nov. 10th.

_Skelligs._--Sept. 16th, observed large flocks of Kittiwakes flying S.S.W.; wind S.E. Grey Gulls noticed from September to January, and two to four Black-backed Gulls occasionally. Kittiwakes fishing in shelter of rock, Nov. 20th and Dec. 11th; wind strong gale, N.W. and W.

_Dursey Island._--Large flock of Gulls noted on April 7th, 25th, 27th, and May 5th. A few on May 27th, and at intervals to July. Large flocks on Aug. 25th and Sept. 18th, going W. Four Royal Gulls on Dec. 22nd.

Skua Gull.

_Galley Head._--Jan. 20th, flocks of five to seven Skua Gulls going W.

_Coningbeg Light-ship._--Oct. 28th, two Skuas chasing Gulls.

_Tuskar Rock._--June 7th, flocks alighted on rock four mornings in succession at same hour. Aug. 20th to 22nd, Skua Gulls in hundreds.

_Lough Swilly._--June 22nd, one "Boatswain Skua Gull."

_Valentia._--Nov. 22nd, four Skua Gulls.

Manx Shearwater.

_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--July 6th, "Mackerel Cocks" flying in different directions.

_Rathlin Island._--April 12th, Shearwater began to arrive; 22nd, more arrived.

_Tearaght._--Jan. 30th, "Mackerel Cock" in great numbers diving round rock; observed a fortnight previous to this date. Feb. 25th, "Mackerel Cock" (believed to be) left, always diving, and did not come on rock. April 5th, note of the Shearwater first heard. Nov. 21st, "Mackerel Cock" diving about the rock pretty plentifully. Not certain about this bird. The Manx Shearwater left about Aug. 1st. It was heard frequently during the summer, and always on very dark calm nights. The sounds, being frequent and distinct, were, very impressive. When the moon would rise, or it would clear, a single note was not to be heard.

Stormy Petrel.

_Coningbeg Light-ship._--Oct. 9th, five Mother Carey's Chickens caught on deck, 5 a.m.; wind light, hazy. Oct. 15th, two Stormy Petrels about ship; 28th, two caught on deck, 10.30 p.m.

_Arklow South Light-ship._--April '24th, one; wind light E.

_Tearaght._--Stormy Petrel very plentiful this year. They are not much observed until July, from which time they continue breeding until September. They make a noise which is a continuous chain of articulations, and might be heard on a calm night a distance of 300 feet; this noise is kept up by those in the holes as well as those on the wing.

_Skelligs._--Sept. 4th, two struck, 10.30 p.m., not killed; did not notice any after this date. They breed here.

Birds not Identified.

_Rockabill._--"March 6th, large bird, name unknown, killed striking, at 3 a.m.; wind N., fresh, cloudy. Had long bill, and long black legs."

_Killybegs._--April 8th, "three strange birds, name unknown. White fan-shaped tail, tipped with black; wings white, tipped with black; white ring round neck; size of Sparrow; came from seaward, and remained several days."

_Tearaght._--May 20th, "one bird, not known, about the size of a Lapwing; colour of a Grey Plover, land-bred, fan-tail, tips of feathers of tail white, chased by Crows."

_Tearaght._--Oct. 28th, "small bird, size of a Linnet; shoulders red or copper-colour; breast and belly grey, also round neck; head tufted. It remained about a week."

_Tearaght._--Nov. 18th, "a bird about the size of a Linnet came on island; above eyes a white curved streak; eyes and round eyes black; under head, round breast, a white ring, thence down belly, wings, and back of a reddish or copper-colour; some white feathers in wing; top of head black, and tail appears narrow and black. Two of these, one readily distinguished from the other."

WEST, NEWMAN AND CO., PRINTERS, 54, HATTON GARDEN, LONDON, E.C.

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Transcriber Note

Minor typos corrected. In previous editions, one locality was listed as "Farne". In this edition, there is one reference to Farne Islands (p. 54) all of the other locations are listed as "Farn" and left as is. Due to space limitations, the table on page 81 was rotated 90°.