Part 9

+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ | Date. | 1884. Mar. 31. | +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ | Locality. | Pentland Skerries. | +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ | Species. | _Ruticilla titys_ (Scop.). | +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ | Age--Adult or Young. | Ad. | +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ | Sex. | ♂ | +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ | Alone, or | -- | +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ | with others, | X | +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ | of its own, | -- | +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ | or other Species.* | X | +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ | Direction of Wind, | S.E. | +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ | and Strength. | Strong. | +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ | Prevailing Wind for past Few Days.| S. & S.E. | +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ | Weather. | Clear on 28th. Fog on 31st. | +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ | =Remarks.= | | | |* If with other species, name them here:--1 Robin, Sandpipers, | | 1 Yellow Bunting, 1 Chaffinch, "Stonechats" (_i.e._, Wheatears),| | 1 G. C. Wren, 1 Common Thrush. | +--------------------------------------------------------------------+

IRISH COAST.

In the spring of 1883 schedules were forwarded to forty-two stations, Arklow North Light-ship having been added to those of the previous year. Twenty-five replied.

In the autumn only thirty-five schedules were sent out, seven having been omitted, _i.e._, Mine Head, Wicklow Head, Lough Swilly, Eagle Island East, Slyne Head South, Loop Head, and Samphire Island. Thirty-four were returned, one station sending no answer.

A decided improvement in filling the schedules occurred in the autumn, the observations of some light-keepers extending over three or even four schedules. The labour of arranging the materials for this report and placing the entries under the head of each species has consequently been much increased.

In addition to the schedules the light-keepers at Coningbeg light-ship, Tuskar Rock, Rathlin Island, Killybegs, Tearaght, and Skelligs have forwarded lists of all the birds they have observed, whether migrating or otherwise. There is an evident disposition on the part of all to help us as far as possible in this enquiry. The light stations are arranged geographically--beginning at the Fastnet, in Cork, and going' round by the east to the west coast.

The number of migrants passing in the autumn seems to have been greater than usual. A great rush of Thrushes (including probably Redwings), Blackbirds, and Starlings, took place at our south eastern and southern stations between Oct. 25th and Nov. 2nd--notably at the Tuskar, on the Wexford coast, which is the best Irish station. Smaller rushes of these and other birds are also recorded, but it is premature at present to analyse the movements of each species or the dates on which they occurred. After a few years conclusions will be far more satisfactory.

The great majority of birds are killed striking on foggy, misty, or dark nights, and it is perhaps not impossible for a great migration to take place, and pass almost unrecorded if the night be fine and bright. Whenever a bird has been killed striking, it is so stated, and not left to be understood.

The bulk of the migrants appear to arrive on our south eastern coast, except such birds as the Barnacle Goose and Snow Bunting, which are mainly recorded from the north western stations, being rarely entered in the schedules from the east or south coasts.

An interesting feature this year is the occurrence of several examples of the Greenland Falcon on the west coast.

The winter of 1883-4 was exceptionally mild, and the entries due to local migration from frost and hard weather are probably few.

Many entries no doubt refer to birds not migrating at all, but none have been omitted, as it is difficult to know where to draw the line. It is desirable, however, that the light-keepers should state whether the bird is believed to be migrating or merely moving about the district from local causes.

In the schedules for next year a special column for the direction of flight has been added. This we think quite as important as the direction of the wind. Birds seem rarely to fly directly with the wind. Attention is drawn to this point in order to have it confirmed or otherwise.

In order to diminish the errors in the identification of species the light-keepers have been instructed to forward, when possible, a leg and wing of every bird about which they are doubtful, and we trust they will do so.

Some entries seem very improbable, and others are isolated and apparently valueless. When records accumulate, both may prove useful.

In addition to the little Skellig Rock--off the coast of Kerry--the Gannet also breeds on the Bull Rock fifteen miles further south, and a few are also reported as breeding in the Cow Rock quite close to it.

No matter what results are arrived at from this enquiry, it is satisfactory to be in correspondence with a number of observers on isolated points all around the coast.

The information supplied, if corroborated during several years by different light-keepers, cannot but be valuable, and we wish to impress on them the necessity of continuing to assist in this investigation.

To all the light-keepers who have given their time and attention to the subject we return our sincere thanks, especially as their assistance is voluntary and given solely for the advancement of knowledge.

Mr. Armstrong, Secretary to the Irish Lights Board, and Captain Boxer, R.N., Inspector of Irish Lights, have helped us in many ways by their advice and co-operation. The Commissioners of Irish Lights have given us every facility, and also material support by subscribing for forty copies of the report and distributing them among the light-keepers.

Alexander G. More. Richard M. Barrington.

List of Light-stations.

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

_Abbreviations:_

Sp. = Spring. Au = Autumn. o = No reply. x = Schedule returned partly or wholly filled. * = No schedule sent to this station.

General Remarks of Light-Keepers.

_Fastnet._--"Autumn: On the night of Nov. 2nd, the weather being hazy, there was a quantity of all species of birds came from the N.E., and several of them were killed by striking the lantern; but what was most remarkable was the quantity of large Moths, which I could compare to nothing but a heavy fall of snow, they were so numerous. In bad weather a few Seals frequent the rock, and a quantity of Gulls and Sea Parrots--the latter I have frequently seen killed and eaten by the Royal Gull. The Gannet is here all the year. No birds breed. On Nov. 2nd, from one a.m. to seven a.m., there were killed by striking the lantern twenty-two Thrushes, eleven Blackbirds, four Woodcocks, seventeen Starlings, eight Linnets, five Larks, and seven Robins. Wind S.E., light, hazy."--James Walsh.

_Galley Head._--"Spring: The flight of the Gannet and Puffin is always to the west here. I have many times thought they must pass east by some other route. The Grey-backed Crow and Common Crow are seen all the year round. The Wagtail, Stonechat, and other small birds have almost disappeared this year. The Cuckoo I have not seen or heard this year. I have never been at a station with less birds about than this one. I am four years here, and there has not been one case of a bird striking the lantern."--John Whelan.

"Autumn: I arrived at this station Nov. 6th, and from that date to the present from ninety to one hundred Sea Gulls are to be seen daily flying about the cliffs near the Lighthouse. No birds of any other species have been seen passing."--John Kelly. Feb., 1884.

_Old Head, Kinsale._--"Autumn: I have only seen some small birds, such as Larks and Chaffinches, from Dec. 17th to Jan. 1st, 1884. There are Sea Gulls, Rooks, and Grey Crows seen here all the year round, also two Falcon Hawks. Starlings commenced to leave here the last week of November. Larks, Wrens, Titmice, and Twite Linnets are seen all the year round, and on the lake, three miles distant, large Duck, Widgeon, Coot, and Waterhens. On Dec. 15th I saw a large flight of birds going to the south at a great height, and suspect they were Golden Plover. The Curlew never leaves the marsh three miles from here. I never saw less birds than there is this winter."--Martin Kennedy.

_Coningbeg Light-ship._--"Autumn: A great quantity of birds passed this station last month. I have not seen so many birds killed since I came to this station three years ago."--Patrick Cullen. Nov., 1883.

_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--"Spring: I have observed very few land birds passing this year, and none about the ship in foggy weather, like other stations I have been at."

_Tuskar Rock._--"Spring: A great absence of sea fowl this year. I consider it owing to the scarcity of fish."

_Arklow North Light-ship._--"Autumn: As a rule all birds give the ship a wide berth when passing, and it is very hard to tell what they are. During thick foggy nights a large quantity of small land birds are killed striking our lantern."--William Daly.

_Copeland Island._--"Autumn: A number of sea birds of different species resort to this locality in the autumn and winter months for feeding purposes, and are seen in greater or lesser numbers each day as the weather suits and feeding is plentiful. They are Gannets, Cormorants, Puffins, Grey and Royal Gulls, Sea-pies, 'Cranes,' Ducks, Teal, Curlew, and Sandpipers. None of these breed in the vicinity. On Oct. 10th a rush of Larks, Starlings, Linnets, Titmice, Thrushes, Blackbirds, 'Grey' Plover, and Snipe. Eighteen Starlings, six Blackbirds, twenty Larks, twelve Linnets, eight Titmice, four Thrushes, three Plover, and two Snipe killed striking lantern, and several injured but not killed."--John Walsh.

_South Maidens._--"Spring: No birds strike the lantern in April and May. They do not strike until October. Twelve Gannets, twenty-four Ducks, six Sea-pies, and twelve Wild Geese are all the birds I have seen for three months."--Patrick Keenan.--"Autumn: I arrived here Sept. 25th, 1883, and saw no birds up to Oct. 15th, save Puffins, Sea Gulls, and Cormorants, and Sand Larks occasionally. Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Larks are rarely seen. Wild Duck do not strike the lantern glass."--Michael Barry.

_Rathlin Island._--"April 12th: Blackbirds, Thrushes, Skylarks, Wild Ducks, Redshanks, Pigeons, and 'Sea Coot' seem to remain for the season. Autumn: I have never at any time during the migratory season for Ducks, Widgeon, Wild Geese, Barnacles, and Swan heard them passing at night as at other stations."--John A. Murray.

_Innishtrahull._--"April 30th. A small bird with an orange tail, name unknown, struck, not killed." Wind S.W.; a gale. "Very little birds visited this island in May, June, and July, except a flock of Curlew." Autumn: "There has been a great absence of birds this winter, and no Snipe or Woodcock visited this place. Snow Buntings remained here all the past winter."

_Dunree Head._--"Autumn: No birds resort to this station only Cormorants, which remain all the year and breed. I have been at several stations on the coast, but never was at a station so scarce of birds as this."--John Stapleton.

_Tory Island._--"Autumn: Very few birds past this station. I suppose owing to its being so far out to sea. I am informed that birds pass more frequently the east side of the island. On the islands between this and the mainland large flocks of Barnacle stop during the winter months. I have not seen a Snow Bunting, Snipe, or Starling this season. During heavy frost, snow-birds frequent the island from the mainland, but return as soon as the thaw commences."--Thomas H. Sweeny.

_Arranmore._--"Spring: Gulls and Puffins have laid great quantities of their eggs this year on the rock. A great many have been destroyed by the Grey Crow."--Henry Williams.

_Killybegs._--"Autumn: The birds which breed around here are the Wild Duck, Wild Pigeon, Lapwing, Lark, Linnet, Swallow, Snipe, Common Wren, Thrush, Robin, Blackbird, Sparrow, Stonechat, Sand Lark, and Grey Crow."--Daniel Hawkins.

_Broadhaven._--"Autumn: No birds strike this light."--Patrick Keenan.

_Eagle Island, East._--"Since I joined this station in Sept., 1882, up to present date, Sept., 1883, nothing worth noting."--H. Stocker.

_Eagle Island, West._--"There was absolutely nothing of interest to enter in schedule last autumn-. The sea has been crossing this island, I may say daily, for the last five months, and with the exception of a few Sea Gulls, which seem never to leave the locality, there were no birds visited." March, 1884.--Matthew Healy.

_Blacksod._--"I have carefully looked out for birds, and seen none worth entering. I have seen several seals."--Robert W. Redmond.

_Clare Island._--"In February very few birds are seen at this station. No birds strike this lantern. A great number of seals frequent this place in caves round the cliffs."--George H. Brownell.

_Slyne Head, North._--"Spring: I beg to remark that at all times sea birds are to be seen on this coast, their numbers being chiefly regulated by the feeding for them."--Robert Tyrrell.

_Arran Island, North._--"During the months of January and February no birds are seen except a few Sea-pies and Sand-larks. It must be in consequence of the very wild and stormy weather."--Thomas Fortune.

_Straw Island._--"Spring: The different species of sea fowl are very scarce this season. I believe from the want of small fry. None breed on this island, it being low and flat. Autumn: Birds scarcely ever strike the lantern in consequence of the light appearing in a different direction to the general flight of birds, being also a red light. It is 26 feet above high water, and ten miles from land. I have remarked a greater number of Blackbirds and Starlings this winter than since the great frost of 1880. On Oct. 28th a flock of Wild Duck alighted, apparently much exhausted, and remained a few hours, and went S.E., towards land."--Charles Boyle.

_Tearaght._--July 30th. "The following birds are still on the island, _viz._, Guillemots, Sea Parrots, Kittiwakes, Grey Crows, Sea-pies, Razorbills, Manx Shearwater, Stonechats, and, I think. Choughs and Falcons (Blue Hawks). All these breed on the island. Dec. 18th, birds remaining: Grey Linnets, Rock Pigeon, Thrushes, Mackerel Cock (on water). Blackbirds. Residents, Titlarks and Common Wren. The 'Mackerel Cock' is about the size of a Razorbill, but it is not the Razorbill. Thousands of them are round the rock now. Feb. 2nd, 1884." (See under Manx Shearwater).

_Dursey Island._--"The Gannet breed on the Bull Rock, several hundred. On the Cow Rock, distant three-quarters of a mile from the Bull, a few also breed. I believe the Gannet did not breed on the Bull until after the Skellig light was erected." [This was in 1826. R. M. B.]--Michael Shea. "Very few birds breed on this island, except the Wild Pigeon, Jackdaw, and a few Sea Gulls. On the Bull Rock, four miles N.W. of Dursey Head, the Gannet and Puffin breed in great numbers, coming about March 1st and leaving Oct. 1st."--James Keenan.

Eagle.

_Clare Island._--"The Eagles still inhabit the cliffs, and have been as usual destructive to young lambs and fowls belonging to the inhabitants. In December they make very bold, and not having sea birds to feed on, are often observed near the villages, principally when the wind is east."

Greenland Falcon.

_Blackrock Mayo._--Nov. 9th. "Two grey speckled Hawks at three p.m., wind strong W., showery. One shot; it measured four feet from tip to tip of wings, and had down under its feathers like a sea bird."

_Slyne Head, North._--Dec. 2nd, one White Hawk, at two p.m.; wind N., clear. First seen here, and very tame.

_Tearaght._--Dec. 12th, Mr. P. Sheehy, assistant-keeper, saw a White Hawk; wind N.W., strong breeze, and gloomy. March 23rd, 1884, one white spotted Falcon shot. April 2nd, another much smaller and whiter shot.

[This has been an extraordinary year for the occurrence of the Greenland Falcon, no less than eight having been obtained at various points along the west coast of Ireland from Donegal to Cork, and one Iceland Falcon at West Port.--R. M. B.]

Hawks.

_Fastnet._--Sept. 14th, one flying east.

_Dungarvan._--Dec. 17th, two Falcons passing S.W.

_Tuskar Rock._--Feb. 25th and 27th, March 3rd and 10th, one Hawk seen at daylight; 26th, 'two Sparrow Hawks; Oct. 13th and 15th, one seen.

_Arklow North Light-ship._--May 4th, one Sparrow Hawk, 7.20 a.m., on lantern; Feb. 22nd, 1884, one hovering about ship nine a.m.

_Kish Bank Light-ship._--Oct. 30th, three Hawks hovering about ship; flew to N.W.

_Rockabill._--Aug. 31st, one caught on balcony.

_Rathlin Island._--June 25th, one Sparrow Hawk at noon; Aug. 28th, one Sparrow Hawk and one Falcon Hawk; Dec. 8th and 20th, two Falcon Hawks at noon.

_Innishtrahull._--March 23rd, one Hawk, 11.50 a.m.; wind strong W. April 15th, one, two p.m.; wind N., fresh. May 15th, a Grey Hawk, at two a.m.; wind N.W., misty. During August several "Brown Hawks," which remained most of the month; Dec. 8th, one Brown Hawk.

_Lough Swilly._--April 3rd, one Hawk, four p.m.; May 14th, one Sparrow Hawk; June 22nd, two Hawks.

_Arranmore._--April 12th, Peregrine Hawks breed on island; 15th, one Sparrow Hawk; May 6th, four Hawks; June 28th, one; Sept. 4th, one.

_Killybegs._--Aug. 14th, one hovering about.

_Blackrock Mayo._--Dec. 10th, two Falcons flying N.E., high; wind S.W., gale. Dec. 19th, one Falcon, one p.m.; wind W., fresh, gloomy. Dec. 24th, two Sparrow Hawks, flying S.E.; wind S., gale.

_Clare Island._--Two Kestrel Hawks build their nest, as usual, in the vicinity of the Lighthouse.

_Arran Island, South._--April 8th, four "Holland Hawks," six a.m.; wind S.S.E. They remain here.

_Tearaght._--Jan. 30th, one Falcon? one p.m.; wind N.W., clear. March 2nd, two Sparrow Hawks, also on March 3rd. They come and go occasionally the year round. Oct. 29th, one Hawk, colour grey, portions white and black, beak white, and white spot on crown of head. A pair of Falcons and "Sparrow Hawks" breed on the island.

_Valentia._--Sept. 1st, two small Hawks; wind strong S.E. Also on Oct. 14th and Nov. 8th.

Owl.

_Innishtrahull._--Feb. 15th, one "Brown Owl," two p.m.; wind N.E., gale, squally. Nov. 8th, "I have been told another snowy Owl was seen on the island about the 14th of last month, but not so large" as the specimen shot on Nov. 19th, 1882. "It was not observed by me." (See last year's Report).

_Killybegs._--April 10th, one "Screech Owl," shot at six p.m. Rose out of a swamp in vicinity, an unusual visitor.

Thrushes.

_Fastnet._--Oct. 22nd, ten Thrushes; Nov. 2nd, twenty-two killed striking.

_Old Head, Kinsale._--Feb. 3rd, large numbers from sunrise to sunset, coming from the north. Dec. 16th, some hundreds; wind N., frosty.

_Coningbeg Light-ship._--Oct. 26th, one alighted on ship; 28th, flocks about the ship from 9 p.m. until midnight; fifteen killed striking; wind light, S., gloomy. 29th, a great number about ship during night, many killed and fell overboard; gloomy. They made for the land. 30th, three struck at 3 a.m., killed. 31st, two about light 10 p.m.

_Dungarvan._--Oct. 2nd, a great number of song Thrushes in vicinity all day. Oct. 26th, plentiful in fields about station. 28th, one "Redwing Thrush" struck 11.20 p.m.