_Broadhaven._--September 22d, several flocks alighted, twelve to twenty
in each.
_Eagle Island, E._--September 4th, four seen.
_Blackrock, Mayo._--June 20th, flock of Curlew.
_Blacksod._--January 16th, large flocks. May 2d, flocks.
_Arran Island, N._--April 10th, ten Curlew going S. May 20th, forty;
30th, twenty. June 12th, thirty. August 10th, twenty. December 20th,
forty.
_Tearaght._--March 20th, one, and for a few days after.
Whimbrel.
_Dungarvan._--April 25th and 26th, large flocks flying high to N.W.;
wind S.W. May 16th, small flocks going N.W.
_Coningbeg Light-ship._--May 12th, flock of Whimbrel passed N.
_Rockabill._--April 21st, May birds. June 26th, do.
_South Maidens._--May 8th, "May fowl" going N.W.; 13th, large flock
flying W.
_Broadhaven._--May 16th, large flocks of "May birds" going N.W.
_Straw Island._--May 17th, thirty "young Curlew" going N.E.
Terns.
_Tuskar Rock._--May 24th, Common Terns alighted on rock; 27th, passing
S.W, in small numbers since 24th.
_Copeland (Mew) Island._--May 26th, thirty "Pirrs or Sea Mews." Remain
here until middle of September. September 17th, the "Sea Mews" left
to-day.
_Slyne Head, North._--May 8th, Terns arrived to build.
_Arran Island, N._--May 19th and 20th, twenty to forty. September 10th,
a flock.
Gulls.
_Mine Head._--September 21st, Herring Gulls, young and old, and
Kittiwake in vicinity to date 15th January 1886.
_Dungarvan._--June 5th, one Skua Gull chasing birds in bay. November
4th, immense flocks in bay. December 3d, great numbers of Black-Headed
Gulls in fields.
_Coningbeg Light-ship._--May, Gulls of various kinds passed. March
14th, first Skua Gull this year.
_Kish Light-ship._--June 10th, many flocks of Grey Gulls.
_Rathlin Island._--March 4th and 6th, a few Black-Backed Gulls and
flocks of Kittiwakes and Herring Gulls noted. June 12th, thousands of
Herring Gulls. November 7th, thousands of Herring Gulls.
_Arranmore._--February 6th, one Skua Gull remained two days.
_Rathlin O'Birne._--August 9th, Royal Gulls breed on island.
_Killybegs._--May 26th, a number of Gulls flying about.
_Eagle Island, E._--September 27th, several Grey Gulls all day.
_Blackrock, Mayo._--March 31st, "small Gulls visited rock to look at
place to build." January 3d, 1886, some small Gulls after fry near rock.
_Arran Island, N._--July 14th, large flocks all day.
_Straw Island._--Numbers of Grey-Backed Gulls remain throughout the
winter. September 19th and 21st, flock of young gulls going S.W.
_Tearaght._--The Kittiwake remains long after the Puffin, Razorbill,
and Guillemot are gone, but leaves before the Stormy Petrel. Only
a few Herring Gulls breed on the island. They prey on the eggs of
other birds, and carry them off in their bill without breaking
them--Guillemots' eggs, some of which weigh eight ounces. They also
carry off the young birds and devour them on a rock close by. On May
17th I saw one seize an old Razorbill, which was on a ledge with
others, and carry it about 100 yards, when it fell into the sea. The
"Mottled Gull," which I suppose is the young Herring Gull, was not seen
since the 1st of May. They were seen again on August 5th, and will
remain during winter.
_Valentia._--September 29th, Skua Gulls seen. October 5th, twenty Skua
Gulls.
_Skelligs._--March 15th, adult Kittiwakes first appeared; 16th, first
alighted on the rock, and took possession of old nests and building
places. 23d, flock on water; came on rock again to-day. June 1st, one
lesser Black-Backed Gull. "The only one seen for past two years." (? R.
M. B.) 6th, Kittiwakes commenced laying. Great Black-Backed Gulls breed
on Lesser Skelligs.
Manx Shearwater.
_Mine Head._--December 27th, a few fishing.
_Dungarvan._--March 23d, fishing in bay.
_Coningbeg Light-ship._--March 14th, four about ship; first this year.
April 16th and May 6th, several seen.
_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--March 21st, first seen this year; going W.
_Arklow North Light-ship._--April 26th, "Mackerel-cocks" about ship.
_Rathlin Island._--March 17th, Shearwater seen.
_Blackrock, Mayo._--September 22d and October 3d, thousands of "Manx
Shearwater" going in one continuous stream to N.W. and N.; wind H.
_Straw Island._--July 12th, eight "Mackerel-cock."
_Tearaght._--March 7th, Shearwater first heard. May 11th, three on
water, and were heard occasionally on dark nights up to September 1st.
The Manx Shearwater breeds on Innishvicillane, an island three miles
distant.
_Skelligs._--March 2d, one struck 9.30 P.M., fell, but not killed;
first appearance this year. May 1st, great numbers came on rock about
10 P.M.; weather thick. 8th, first egg seen to-day. August 27th, one
young one caught after striking at 10 P.M. Shearwater often strike, but
I never saw one killed; the same remark applies to Stormy Petrel. They
generally strike during drizzling rain, seldom in a fog. 29th, heard at
night for last time this year.
Stormy Petrel.
_Fastnet._--October 20th, three about light; hazy, wind light, N.E.
_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 26th, one about ship, and at intervals
to May 1st. May 9th, one; also on May 20th and 24th. September 15th,
ten about ship; wind strong, W.S.W.
_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--May 27th, one hovering about; wind S.,
stormy. September 12th, three going S.W.; wind strong. November 16th,
one at noon about ship; wind strong, S.E.
_South Maidens._--July 16th, one found alive on balcony.
_Tearaght._--March 5th, one flew against glass. April 4th, one against
glass. Observed as early as March 1st, but not plentiful until July,
"If I said there were six or seven thousand here, it would be giving
an idea of how plentiful they are." The eggs are laid about 15th June,
and the first I observed hatched was on 10th August. They vomit a
half-digested white matter as well as the oil; perhaps it is this they
feed the young with.
_Valentia._--May 8th, one caught at night. October 2d, one captured in
yard. September 20th, one seen.
_Skelligs._--April 21st, first appearance on rock in holes. May 13th,
numbers about lantern at 10 P.M. June 15th, first egg seen to-day. A
fortnight later than last year.
Razorbill.
_Mine Head._--October 4th, young Razorbill diving, and on December
12th, 23d, and 27th, flocks flying towards S.W.; on latter date fishing
in great numbers. January 15th, 1886, the young Razorbill is as
plentiful here now as I ever saw them at the Tearaght.
_Dungarvan._--May 13th, great number all day.
_Arranmore._--Feb. 10th, Razorbills seen 5 wind strong, S.W.
_Blackrock, Mayo._--May 2d, flock around rock. 11th, alighted on rock.
_Tearaght._--March 12th, first came on cliffs, young birds leaving
about July 13th, old and young all gone August 20th. They were about
as plentiful as on other years. They were observed taking the young on
their backs in the same way as last year by Mrs M'Carron. The young
birds leave in the evenings and at night. When they get to the water,
the object of the old bird seems to be to get the young ones out to sea.
_Skelligs._--March 13th, a few perched on rock for first time this
year. March 16th, two "Blackbilled Auks" fishing around rock. First
seen since 2d inst., when I thought they had all left. (These are young
Razorbills.--R. M. B.) 23d, great numbers alighted on rock at 6 A.M.;
wind S., strong. May 9th, first Razorbill's egg seen. July 20th, some
leaving rock, young being fully grown. August 10th, all gone but a few.
Guillemot.
_Mine Head._--December 27th, one seen.
_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--March 31st, large flock of "Murs" going E.
December 31st, flocks of "Murs." January 9th, 1886, small flocks of
"Murs" going E.
_Rathlin Island._--March 28th, Guillemots and Razorbills.
_Arranmore._--February 12th, Guillemots first observed.
_Tearaght._--January 28th, about twenty observed at their breeding
places. February 18th, a good many on the cliffs. Old and young gone on
17th August. About as numerous as previous year. The young leave in the
night time.
_Skelligs._--February 10th, first appearance 7 A.M.--They continued to
increase up to end of month, alighting at daybreak, and leaving about
10 P.M. or noon, when they leave again, and reappear next morning. May
9th, first Guillemots eggs seen. July 20th, some leaving rock, young
ones being fully grown. August 10th, all gone but a few.
Puffin.
_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April and May, great flocks passed during
these months.
_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--March 26th, two "Sea Parrots." First seen
this year. April 2d, "Sea Parrots" drifting with tide.
_Rockabill._--October 4th, "Puffins."
_Rathlin Island._--March 30th, Puffins.
_Eagle Island, E._--September 28th, one "Sea Parrot" (young bird)
swimming. "Did not notice any of these birds up to the present."
October 1st, fifty to sixty; also seen on 8th, and from November 28th
to December 1st, "continuous flights" are noted as going W. all day,
skimming the surface of the water.
_Blackrock, Mayo._--Flocks of "Puffins" noted March 4th, 7th, and April
6th. On 29th, "Sea Parrots alighted to look at building ground." On
June 9th, "Puffins of all kinds on rock hatching." July 20th, "Sea
Parrots leaving rock."
_Clare Island._--April 11th, Guillemots and Puffins arrived to build.
_Arran Island, N._--January 7th, flocks of "Puffins." Also on May 20th,
all day; and on July 16th.
_Straw Island._--April 7th, twenty-two "Puffins." "Sea Parrots" noted
April 11th and May 1st, going E. July 10th, thirty "Sea Parrots."
September 4th, ten "Puffins," looked very young.
_Tearaght._--March 23d, Puffin in great numbers on water. 31st,
observed on water at south side of island at 7 A.M., rose on island
at 9 A.M. Again they disappeared until April 3d, and on the 4th they
became permanent. The young birds were leaving on July 16th. This they
never do in the day-time. They left August 15th. A white-headed Puffin
was captured on June 2d. [Head received, greyish white.--R. M. B.]
_Valentia._--October 1st, one taken in yard.
_Skelligs._--March 26th, first appearance of Puffins flying; 31st,
alighted on rock first time to-day; wind strong, S.W. April 24th, first
Puffin's eggs seen. August 10th, Puffins left to-day _en masse_, except
a few whose young are not matured.
Great Northern Diver.
_Dungarvan._--April 8th, two swimming about. November 25th, two.
December 1st, four.
_Rathlin Island._--June 16th, two seen.
_Straw Island._--April 23d, two Great Northern Divers. November 7th,
two.
Cormorant.
_Mine, Head._--January 15th, 1886, plentiful along the cliffs.
_Dungarvan._--November 5th, numbers feeding.
_Coningbeg Light-ship._--A few at end of April.
_Rockabill._--October 4th, Cormorants.
_Rathlin Island._--March 6th, Green Cormorants.
_Dunree Head._--Cormorants never leave all the year round.
_Arranmore._--February 5th and March 27th, Cormorants noted.
_Rathlin O'Birne._--August 4th, twelve Cormorants. These birds are
always in vicinity. The "Black Diver" came here in spring, and
continued while fish were plenty.
_Broadhaven._--June 30th, large numbers remain here this time of year.
November 14th, they are here all the year.
_Eagle Island, E._--September 26th, October 15th and 22d, seen.
_Blackrock, Mayo._--May 25th and 29th, Cormorants alighted on rock near
us. "When they flap their wings, it is a sure sign of storm."
_Straw Island._--May 19th, four seen. July 31st, three.
_Valentia._--A few Cormorants noted in April, June, October, November,
and December.
_Tearaght._--March 22d, two Green Cormorants, and several times after.
On March 20th, "I observed a very strange specimen of the Cormorant.
The crown of the head seemed flat, the whole length of the bill being
in a line with it. The under part of the bill, at a short distance from
the head, terminated abruptly; white in front of eyes, large black
curved streak round eyes behind, grey round back of neck, crown of head
a little tufted behind."
Gannet.
_Dungarvan._--Entries on March 8th, May 20th, and June 20th. Direction
of flight variable.
_Coningbeg Light-ship._--March 13th, ten; 31st, five going E. During
September Gannets at intervals passing ship, generally E.
_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--March. 24th, small flocks going S.W.
September 22d, flocks going east. December 27th, 28th, 31st, and
January 9th, 1886, Gannets noticed going in various directions.
_Arklow South Light-ship._--Gannets noted February 14th, 19th, 20th,
March 2d, 4th, 23d, and May 12th, in every case flying low to the N.E.
August 16th and September 23d, flocks of Gannet.
_Arklow North Light-ship._--February 24th, flocks going N. and S.
March 23d, four passed N, During the month of April flocks of Gannets
constantly passed, going N. May 19th, several flocks passed, going N.E.
and S.W. October 27th, six going N.
_Kish Light-ship._--A few Gannets going N. April 16th, 17th, and May
4th, and going S. on 29th May and June 17th.
_Rockabill._--March 18th, April 21st, May 9th, Gannets seen. September
21st, October 8th, 12th, 22d, noted.
_Copeland (Mew) Island._--March 25th, two--the first seen since last
September. May 8th, eight seen.
_South Maidens._--April, Gannets fishing.
_Rathlin Island._--March 2d, 14th, April 3d and 6th, flocks going W.
May 5th, small flock going W. all day; also on June 3d and 21st, going
W. September 14th, a flock going W., and more or less every day this
month.
_Arranmore._--February 7th, Gannets going S.W. March 20th and May 23d,
going E. and N.E.
_Rathlin O'Birne._--Saw plenty in September.
_Killybegs._--March 22d to 28th, a few going N. Noted in June fishing.
_Eagle Island, E._--September 26th, and on frequent dates up to October
17th, Gannets in twos and threes and flocks, all going W.
_Blackrock, Mayo._--Flocks noted March 22d, 25th, and May 19th. On
July 2d, a few fishing. October 18th, 19th, and 20th, great numbers of
Gannets going N. January 17th and 19th, 1886, two or three, the first
seen since October 20th.
_Slyne Head, North._--May 17th and 20th, large flocks of Gannets.
_Arran Island, N._--January 8th, Gannets observed. July 14th, numbers
of Gannets about.
_Straw Island._--March 7th and April 3d, a few noticed.
_Skelligs._--February 28th, _Gannets first perched on Lesser Skelligs_,
their breeding station. June 15th, an unusual number this year.
They must have come from the Bull Rock, owing to the erection of a
lighthouse on it, which is now building.
Herons.
_Dungarvan._--March 27th, two flying inland; wind N.W. October 26th,
two.
_Tuskar Rock._--March 14th, two going H.
_Copeland (Mew) Island._--September 21st, two "Cranes."
_Rathlin Island._--May 24th, two going W.
_Eagle Island, E._--September 27th, one seen.
_Blackrock, Mayo._--April 20th, two Cranes seen. July 12th, one.
_Tearaght._--July 22d, "four Herons (?) flying about island, and for a
few days. Was quite close to them. Never saw anything like them before.
Tips of wings were black, which continued along inner side, forming
a black fringe. There was a white spot at the angle of the wings in
front."
_Skelligs._--March 22d, a Heron seen; wind H., strong. July 22d, two
Herons perched on rock; flew E. 26th, two seen.
Geese.
_Copeland (Mew) Island._--March 11th, twenty going E.
_South Maidens._--March 19th, three Barnacle. August 25th, a flock of
Barnacle going S.
_Innishtrahull._--January, small flocks of Barnacle passing S.; also on
February 10th, 15th, and 18th, one shot on 20th.
_Lough Swilly._--October 8th, eighteen; 12th, large flocks passing N.
_Tory Island._--March 23d and 28th, Barnacle passed.
_Arranmore._--February 13th, Barnacle remain on island all winter.
April 1st, some going N.W. October 3d, twenty-four going S.; wind W.,
strong. Barnacle also passed on 6th, 8th, 10th, and 18th to 22d.
_Rathlin O'Birne._--October 4th, twenty-two alighted on island; shot
two. November 7th, 16th, and 20th, Barnacle noted, "one being a gander,
the first seen for last two years."
_Broadhaven._--April 1st, a large flock of Wild Geese going S.W.
December 22d, Wild Geese remain here until March.
_Eagle Island, E._--October 19th, seven Barnacle going S.W. November
8th, about one hundred going S.W.
_Blacksod._--January 17th, February 10th, and April 30th, noted.
_Arran Island, N._--February 14th, twelve Wild Geese. May 18th, flock
of Barnacle going N. July 19th, four "Wild Geese" going S.; 23d, five
going N. October 10th, large flock of Barnacle going S.
_Straw Island._--November 9th, eight Wild Geese going N. Tearaght. May
2d, thirty going N.; 17th, twenty ditto.
Ducks.
_Mine Head._--December 13th, one found dead near lighthouse.
_Dungarvan._--April 14th, large flock of Teal going to sea. June 27th,
thirteen Wild Duck on a rock near station. October 25th, flock of Teal.
November 1st, large flock of Duck; 11th, a flock; 13th, large flock of
Widgeon; 29th, numbers of Duck and Teal on water.
_Tuskar Rock._--January 22d, one alighted on rock.
_Arklow North Light-ship._--March 16th, 23d, and 24th, flocks of Ducks
going N.
_Copeland (Mew) Island._--April 12th, three; 16th, eight. May 6th, two
Shelldrake. November 4th, four Wild Ducks. December 26th, twelve about
island.
_Rathlin Island._--December 9th, one Shelldrake. November 8th, one
Pochard shot.
_Dunree Head._--February 6th, 20th, 20th, and 27th, flocks passing
station.
_Lough Swilly._--October 30th, four seen.
_Tory Island._--Ducks noted February 14th and March 17th.
_Arranmore._--Ducks on island all winter.
_Killybegs._--April 20th, two. About six pair nest in a bog near.
_Broadhaven._--March 4th, flock of Shelldrake going N.W. 29th, five
Wild Duck.
_Straw Island._--March 5th, eight Wild Duck; 13th, six. October 17th,
fifteen Wild Duck; 18th, two Shelldrake. November 5th, thirty Wild Duck.
Merganser.
_Dungarvan._--April 5th, eleven going S.
Birds not Identified.
_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--May 21st, "observed a curious bird hovering
around the ship. It was larger than a Thrush, and of a brown mottled
colour, with a streak of white across each wing. It flew N."
_South Maidens._--May 13th, "a strange bird seen on rock, not as large
as a Thrush, with a portion of the back yellow, white near the tail,
which was dotted with yellow spots. I have not seen a bird resembling
this one since I came to station."
_Tearaght._--On 12th April, a bird Like the Great Shrike was observed.
_Skelligs._--October 16th, "a small bird about the size of a Wren with
a white spot on its forehead, flitting about amongst the lichen on the
face of the rocks. It uttered a note like tzit, tzit, tzit, or tzee, a
little sibilant in tone."
_Skelligs._--October 23d, a Starling? feeding on rock. A gale from
N.E., with mist. "This bird was spotted with white spots, the same as
Morris's Nutcracker."
* * * * *
Transcriber Note
Some irregularities in spelling and hyphenation were left as printed.
Minor typos were corrected. The elevation of the Lochindaul Station on
p. 93 was corrected to 50 based on the 1884 Report.