Nov. 8th, a very large flock at 10.30 a.m. Scarweather L.V., Nov. 14th,
a very large flock at 11 a.m.
_Alauda arvensis_, Sky Lark.--Under this heading and the general term
of "Lark" there are very numerous entries, most of which doubtless
refer to this species; but experience leads one to opine that in some
instances the Meadow Pipit, or "Titlark," may be meant. Recorded from
most stations between Sept. 14th at Eddystone and Feb. 17th, 1885,
at the South Bishop. On Oct. 21st there was a general movement, the
species being observed from the Selker L.V. to the Eddystone L.H. Great
numbers occurred at the Longships L.H. on Sept. 29th, at the South
Bishop L.H. on Oct. 14th, and on Nov. 4th and 6th at the Smalls Rock
L.H. Migrates during the daytime, and rarely at night. Mr. Hills, of
the South Bishop, says that flocks of Larks pass south, during the
daytime, from November until the end of January.
_Cypselus apus_, Swift.--Spring: Carlisle District, April 28th, one
flying at a considerable height. Autumn: Carlisle District, Aug. 17th,
one seen; another on the 19th. Flatholm L.H., Aug. 26th, continuous
flocks of Swifts and Martins passing south at 10 a.m.
_Cuculus canorus_, Cuckoo.--Carlisle District, April 14th, seen and
heard.
Striges "Large-horned Owl" (? _Asio accipitrinus_).--South Bishop
L.H., Oct. 14th, one hovering around the lantern, between 11 p.m. and
daylight, making, along with three "Falcon Hawks," "sad havoc" with the
numerous smaller species present.
_Asio accipitrinus_, Short-eared Owl.--Carlisle District, Sept. 6th,
one adult female; one in November; strange to say, no others.
Accipitres.--Under the heading of "Hawk" there are the following
records:--Morecambe Bay L.V., May 11th, one flying E. by S. in the
early morning. South Bishop L.H., Oct. 14th, between 11 p.m. and
daylight, three "Falcon Hawks" and a "Large-horned Owl" made "sad
havoc" among the numerous birds around the lantern. St. Tudwall's L.H.,
Oct. 18th, one small Hawk at sunset going S.W. Helwick L.V., Oct. 30th,
a Hawk at 7 a.m.
_Falco peregrinus_, Peregrine.--Carlisle District, Oct. 11th, one, near
Allonby.
_Falco æsalon_, Merlin.--Carlisle District, Oct. 27th, one seen on
Rockliffe; another, male adult, shot, Nov. 8th; female and male, juv.,
subsequently.
_Ardea cinerea_, Heron.--Bardsey L.H., Aug. 28th, one on the island;
Sept. 13th, two in the evening. St. Tudwall's L.H., Nov. 29th, one at 3
p.m.; Jan. 23rd, 1885, one at 2 p.m.
_Phalacrocorax carbo_, Cormorant.--Bull Point L.H., Aug. 22nd, six at 6
a.m., flying W. Nash (E.) L.H., Sept. 1st, one at 11 a.m., passing N.W.
Bardsey L.H., Dec. 19th, four during the morning. Bahama Bank L.V.,
Dec. 18th and 19th, single birds seen.
"Grey Geese."--Carlisle District, Oct. 10th, large arrival, most of
which passed on. Mr. Macpherson's impression is that Bean, Pink-footed,
and Grey-lag, all occurred during the autumn and winter; but the only
birds shot belonged to the first-named, _A. segetum_. Two of these were
shot, out of a flock of twenty-five. Carnarvon Bay L.V., Jan. 4th,
1885, forty at 10 a.m., flying N.N.W.
_Chen albatus_, Snow Goose.--Carlisle District, Aug. 22nd, one adult,
Allonby, 9 a.m., weather very hazy; flew from west (Irish Channel?) to
east. Followed up all day, to no purpose. Seen again Sept. 8th and Oct.
14th. It is impossible to shoot Geese on the Solway in open weather,
except at night.
_Bernicla leucopsis_, Barnacle Goose.--Carlisle District, large
arrival about Oct. 10th. A flock of considerably more than a hundred
rose off Rockliffe Marsh, and pitched on the Burgh side, early on
Oct. 16th. A flock, estimated at between 600 and 1000 birds, visited
Rockliffe in December.
_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.