coast. Two birds have been added to the Irish list--the Red-breasted
Flycatcher (Mr Alfred B. Wall and Patrick Clancy), and the Lapland
Bunting (Mr George Dunleavy). Both were fortunately sent in the
flesh--the former as a "small bird," the latter as a "Twite."
Particulars of the occurrence of each is given in the body of the
Report. The Greenland Falcon was received from the Skelligs (Messrs
James Walsh and Benjamin Jeffers)--shot while eating a rabbit,
September 28th. It has not been noticed on the west coast by the
light-keepers since the winter of 1883-4. Probably _Falco candicans_
loses its way migrating, or in following the numerous flocks of
sea-fowl on their southerly journey from the arctic seas in the autumn.
The Falcon sent from the Skelligs was a magnificent old male--legs
yellow, and plumage unusually white. The Pied Flycatcher is reported
to have been seen at the Fastnet on April 12th. Mr George Dunleavy
says it was the same species as he sent the leg and wing of in October
1886. The first Irish specimen was killed April 18th, 1875, at Ballina
(_Zoologist_, 1875, p. 4498), but other Irish records (see Report for
1886, p. 128) are autumnal.
A Redstart was received from the Fastnet, and the stations from which
the Black Redstart is reported are more numerous than any year so far;
these are authenticated by six specimens received. The stations extend
from Arklow S. light-ship round the S. coast to Blackrock, Mayo. From
the latter station no specimen was received, but the description in the
schedule agrees with the Black Redstart. None have yet been observed at
any light stations on the N. coast.
The Sedge Warbler is killed striking more frequently than any other
Warbler; next comes the Whitethroat; but at the N. and N.W. stations
no Warblers strike--the S. and S.E. coasts containing all the records.
The legs and wings doubtfully referred to the Reed Warbler last year
have been re-examined, and do not belong to that species. A Woodlark
was received in the flesh, shot on the Tearaght Rock by Mr Ryan on
October 20th, one of the last places in Ireland one would expect to
meet this bird, even when migrating. This Lark has been seen so seldom
in Ireland since _Thompson's Natural History_ was published, in which
it is described as a "_resident_ but very local species," that some
questioned its right to be inserted in the Irish list, especially as no
specimens were produced. It has not been known to breed in Ireland. The
Snow Bunting, as is usual, occurs mainly on the N. and W. coasts. In
Ireland it is very rare inland, especially in the southern half.
The Lapland Bunting has already been referred to. It was found dead
October 16th on the Fastnet Rock, and was forwarded in the flesh. It
is a female, and probably of European origin, and is the first Irish
record.
"Mountain Finches" were reported from the Skelligs in November 1886;
but, with this exception, no Bramblings were mentioned in the schedules
until 1887, and the Siskin appears for the first time, both species
being authenticated by specimens. The distribution of some volumes of
Morris' "British Birds" has probably assisted in their identification,
combined with information received in reply to parcels of legs and
wings forwarded. Yet there can be no doubt 1887 was remarkable for the
number of Bramblings and Siskins which visited Ireland. The data from
light stations is too scanty to speak positively; but, unlike the Snow
Bunting, the Brambling and Siskin seem to have no preference for the
N. and N.W. coasts. "Linnets" is a term which has appeared in reports
from the commencement. It occasionally includes, there is little doubt,
other birds besides the Grey Linnet. Not a single leg or wing of the
Grey Linnet has yet been received. The Bullfinch is seldom alluded to,
and so far--using only the Irish migration reports--there is little or
no evidence that it migrates at all.
In 1884 an extraordinary movement of Rooks from W. to E. was observed
at the Tearaght and Skelligs in November; it lasted about three weeks.
In 1887, about the same time, a similar occurrence is mentioned at the
same stations. They are twenty miles apart, and both about nine miles
from shore. There is no land to the westward nearer than America. On
both occasions the birds are said to have appeared tired. On April
12th, a Hoopoe was shot at Eagle Island, E. (Mr Daniel Hawkins), off
Mayo, and forwarded in the flesh.
From Blackrock (Mayo), Mr Edward Rohu forwarded a Turtle Dove--a rare
and unexpected visitor in such a locality. From the Tearaght, Co. Kerry
(Mr F. Ryan), the skin of a Spotted Crake--very rare in Ireland--was
sent. Bird caught August 21st.
Between November 8th and 19th the Water Rail occurred at several
stations all round Ireland, except on the W. coast, and in all cases
but one at a considerable distance from shore. Records authenticated by
specimens killed striking.
A Bald Coot was killed striking the Arklow S. light-ship September 22d,
and for the first time this species has appeared in our reports. Leg
and wing received.
Considering the numbers of Woodcock which annually visit Ireland,
the scanty information received from the light-stations as to its
movements is surprising. It is insufficient to enable any one to form
an opinion as to whether it arrives first on the W. coast or not, but
the statement that it does so is contrary to what might be expected,
and until supported by satisfactory evidence would be prudently omitted
from our text books.
The observations on Gulls are of questionable value. Confusion between
the species is inevitable, but they are continued in the hope that when
the schedules for several years are compared some tangible fragment
may be forthcoming. "Cream-coloured Gulls" were noted at Slyne Head,
S., and at the Tearaght. They are probably Iceland Gulls, and from
previous migration reports it may be gathered that a few straggle to
the W. coast of Ireland almost every year. A Glaucous Gull is noted
at Blackrock, Mayo, the first time this species has been definitely
mentioned in the schedules. The Fork-tailed Petrel was found breeding
on the Tearaght Rock in very limited numbers by Mr By an, who kindly
forwarded a specimen and its egg. Particulars are given under this
species.
The only stations at which the migratory movements of Wild Geese are
returned in any number, are on the coast of Donegal. This has always
been the case.
The autumn rushes of most species were on a larger scale than usual,
and between the 10th and 13th of November the greatest migratory
movement yet recorded on the Irish coast took place. As usual the S.E.
stations experienced the rush most, but it was felt on the W. coast
also. At the Tuskar countless numbers of Blackbirds, Thrushes, and
Starlings passed. Chaffinches and Larks and other birds in smaller
numbers accompanied them. The spring movements in February and March
were also better defined than usual, but only a careful mapping out of
the various entries all round the coast would enable one to make an
accurate comparison with previous years.
As far as Waders are concerned, there is no evidence derived from the
light-stations to show that they arrive in greater numbers on our N.
coast in the autumn than on our S. and S.E. coasts.
One or two instances of Gulls chasing and killing small birds are given
in schedules. (See under Skylark and Greenfinch.)
There are several entries of birds killed striking on clear nights,
which is not usual.
At the conclusion of the preface to every Report it has been usual to
express our thanks to the Irish light-keepers for their assistance and
co-operation. This year such thanks were never better deserved. It may
be that at times the letters of inquiry, legs and wings and specimens
received from the light-keepers have remained unacknowledged for a long
time. If this has been the case, it is only due to the great pressure
of private business, between the intervals of which this Report alone
can be written, and not from any wilful negligence or failure to
appreciate the gratuitous services of the observers, for whom this
apology is intended. To Mr Owen Armstrong, the secretary to the Irish
Light Board, and to Captain Boxer, R.N., inspector of Irish Lights, we
are under many obligations. Their co-operation is as necessary as the
sanction of the Irish Light Board to the continuance of this inquiry,
and for both we express our gratitude.
Richard M. Barrington. Alexander G. More.
Abbreviations:
SF = Schedules Filled. LW = Legs, Wings, etc., Received.
LS = Light-ship MS = Miles from Shore.
Remarks Names of
List of Light Stations. SF LW on Sch. Sp Au MS Observers.
1. Fastnet, Co. Cork, 5 15 excellent, x x 8 George Dunleavy.
3. Old Head, Kinsale, Cork, 2 0 good. x x -- Robert Tyrrell.
4. Mine Head, Waterford, 2 7 very good, x x -- Edward M'Carron.
5_a_. Hook Tower, Wexford, 1 3 fair. x o -- Richard Hamilton.
5.* Coningbeg LS, Wexford, 5 24 excellent, x x 10 Patrick Cullen and
Wm. Clydesdale.
6. Barrels Rock LS, do., 4 4 very good, x x 4 Charles H. M'Cabe.
7. Tuskar Rock, do., 6 32 excellent, x x 7 P. Page, E. M'Kenna,
J. M. Leary, and
Patrick Corish.
7_a_. Lucifer Shoals LS, do., 1 1 good. o x 9 James Byrne and
Michael Ansel.
8. Arklow Sth. LS, Wicklow, 3 12 very good, x x 7 Patrick Clancy and
Alfred B. Wall.
8.* Arklow North LS, do., 3 0 very good, x x 8 William Daly.
11. Howth Baily, Dublin, 1 1 fair. o x -- R. Armstrong.
12. Rockabill, Dublin, 5 2 fair. x o 5 Henry Kelly.
12_b_. South Rock Lt.-ship, 1 0 good. o x 3 Thomas Cooney and
Down, Henry Thompson.
14.* Maidens, South Antrim, 1 0 fair. o x 5 B. Sole and J.
Corish.
14. Maidens, North do., 1 1 fair. o x 5 Richard Hamilton.
15. Rathlin, Antrim, 1 0 poor. o x 6 Patrick Keenan.
16. Innishtrahull, Donegal, 2 2 very good, x x 6 M. S. Kennedy.
17. Dunree Head, do., 2 0 good. x x -- Jervis Brownell.
19. Tory Island, do., 2 7 very good, x x 9 Henry Kelly.
20. Arranmore, do., 2 0 very good, x x 5 Henry Williams and
Thomas Fortune.
21. Rathlin O'Birne, do., 2 2 very good, x x 2 J. C. M'Ginley.
22. Killybegs, do., 7 0 very good, x x -- Joseph Hill.
24. Broadhaven, Mayo, 2 0 fair. x x -- John A. Murray.
26. Eagle Island, W., Mayo, 1 1 poor. x o 2 Hugh Keeney.
27. Blackrock, Mayo, 2 5 very good, x x 9 Edward Rohu.
31. Slyne Head, S., Galway, 3 0 very good, x x 3 Richd. Widdicombe.
32. Arran Island, Is., do., 2 0 very good, x x 9 Thomas Fortune and
Henry Williams.
34. Arran Island, S., do., 1 0 very good. o x 6 Charles P. Page.
36. Samphire Island, Kerry, 1 0 poor. o x -- R. Phelan.
37. Tearaght, Kerry, 3 13 very good, x x 9 Francis Ryan.
39. Skelligs, Kerry, 3 9 very good, x x 9 James Walshe.
Legs, wings, etc., received, 142. Eagle Island, East, sent no
schedule, but forwarded a rare bird--the Hoopoe. Galley Head,
Dungarvan, Kish Light-ship, Copeland or Mew Island, Oyster Island,
N., Blacksod Point, Clare Island, Slyne Head, N., Straw Island,
Valentia, and Dursey Island--sent neither schedules nor legs or
wings of birds, and are therefore omitted from the list; and four
new stations--Hook Tower, Lucifer Shoals, South Rock Light-ship,
and Maidens, North--have been added. As a whole the schedules were
never better filled.
o = No reply. x = Schedules returned partly or wholly filled.
Sp = Spring, replies received, 23. Au = Autumn, replies received, 28.
Legs, Wings, etc., Received.
How Name of
Species. How Received. Procured. Date. Station.
Greenland Falcon, Rec'd. in flesh, Shot, 28/ 9 mo., Great Skellig.
Merlin, " " 19/10 mo., Tearaght.
Long-eared Owl, Leg and wing, " 13/11 mo., Tuskar.
Spotted " Killed 1/ 6 mo., Barrels Rock
Flycatcher, st.,[11] Lt.-ship.
" " " 21/ 9 mo., Coningbeg Lt.-sh.
" " Shot, 2/10 mo., Tearaght.
Red-breasted Rec'd. in flesh, Killed st., 23/10 mo., Arklow S. Lt.-sh.
Flycatcher,
Missel Thrush, Leg and wing, " 12/11 mo., Tuskar.
Thrush, " " 12/11 mo., Fastnet.
" " Found dead 10/ 3 mo., Coningbeg Lt.-sh.
on deck,
" " Killed st., 19/ 3 mo., "
" Rec'd. in flesh, " 6/11 mo., "
" Wing, " 19/ 2 mo., Tuskar.
" Leg and wing, " 21/10 mo., "
" " " 21/ 3 mo., Arklow S. Lt.-sh.
" " " 11/11 mo., "
" " Shot, 28/10 mo., Tearaght.
Redwing, " Killed st., 12/11 mo., Fastnet.
" " " 11/11 mo., Barrels Rock
Lt.-ship.
" " " 17/10 mo., Tuskar.
" " " 12/11 mo., "
" " " 22/12 mo., "
" " " 12/11 mo., Innishtrahull.
" " " 16/10 mo., Tory Island.
Fieldfare, " Shot, 19/12 mo., Mine Head.
" " Killed st., 7/11 mo., Tuskar.
" " " 9/11 mo., "
" " " 16/10 mo., Tory Island.
" Rec'd. in flesh, " 10/11 mo., Eagle Island, W.
Blackbird, Leg and wing, " 16/ 7 mo., Hook Tower.
" " " 20/ 2 mo., Coningbeg Lt.-sh.
" " " 3/ 3 mo., "
" " " 20/ 3 mo., "
" " " 6/10 mo., "
" " " 12/11 mo., Barrels Rock
Lt.-ship
" " Caught at 14/11 mo., Arklow S. Lt.-sh.
lantern,
" Wing, Killed st., 19/ 2 mo., Tuskar.
" Leg and wing, " 21/10 mo., "
" " Caught at 7/11 mo., "
lantern,
" " Killed st., 16/10 mo., Tory Island.
" " Caught, 10/11 mo., Blackrock, Mayo.
[Footnote 11: Killed st. = Killed striking lantern.]
Legs, Wings, etc., Received--continued.
How Name of
Species. How Received. Procured. Date. Station.
Ring Ouzel, Rec'd. in flesh, Killed st., 21/ 9 mo., Tuskar.
Redstart, " Caught, 5/10 mo., Fastnet.
Black Redstart, " " 19/10 mo., "
" " Killed st., 23/10 mo., Arklow S.
Lt.-ship.
" " Shot, 20/10 mo., Skelligs.
" Leg and wing, Found dead, 23/10 mo., "
" " Shot, 20/10 mo., Tearaght.
" Rec'd. in flesh, Caught, 21/ 3 mo., Hook Tower.
Stonechat, " Found dead, 20/10 mo., Fastnet.
Wheatear, Leg and wing, Killed st., 15/ 3 mo., Tuskar.
Sedge Warbler, " " 15/ 5 mo., Coningbeg
Lt.-ship.
" " " 30/ 5 mo., "
" " " 6/10 mo., Tuskar.
Whitethroat, " Caught, 20/ 9 mo., Mine Head.
" " Killed st., 16/ 5 mo., "
Willow Wren, " Found dead, 22/ 5 mo., Coningbeg
Lt.-ship.
" " " 21/ 4 mo., Arklow S.
Lt.-ship.
" Wing, " 13/ 4 mo., Tearaght.
Goldcrest, Leg and wing, Shot, 22/10 mo., "
Blue Tit, " " 14/ 3 mo., Mine Head.
Pied "Wagtail, " Found dead, 28/ 2 mo., Fastnet.
" " Caught, 22/ 9 mo., Tuskar.
Grey Wagtail, " Killed st., 8/10 mo., Coningbeg
Lt.-ship.
Meadow Pipit, " " 21/ 9 mo., "
" " Found dead, 8/10 mo., "
" " Killed st., 12/11 mo., Tuskar.
" " Found dead, 23/10 mo., Skelligs.
Skylark, " " 16/10 mo., Fastnet.
" Wing, Killed st. 19/ 2 mo., Tuskar.
" Leg and wing, " 19/10 mo., "
" " " 21/10 mo., "
" " Caught, 11/11 mo., "
" " Killed st., 18/10 mo., Tory Island.
Woodlark, Rec'd. in flesh, Shot, 20/10 mo., Tearaght.
Snow Bunting, Leg and wing, " 3/ 5 mo., "
Lapland Bunting Rec'd, in flesh, Found dead, 16/10 mo., Fastnet.
Black-headed " Caught, 12/11 mo., Arklow S.
Bunting, Lt.-ship.
Yellow Bunting, " .... 30/11 mo., Maidens, N.
" " .... 8/ 9 mo., Arklow S.
Lt.-ship.
Chaffinch, Leg and wing, Found dead 17/10 mo., Fastnet.
" " " 9/12 mo., "
" " Caught, 16/10 mo., Mine Head.
" " Found dead, 13/ 5 mo., Coningbeg
Lt.-ship.
" Rec'd. in flesh, Killed st., 13/11 mo., "
" " " 7/11 mo., Barrels Rock
Lt.-ship
Legs, Wings, etc., Received--continued.
How Name of
Species. How Received. Procured. Date. Station.
Chaffinch, Wing, .... 29/ 3 mo., Tuskar.
" Leg and wing, Killed St., 16/10 mo., "
" " " 17/10 mo., "
" " Shot, 22/11 mo., Blackrock, Mayo.
" " Found dead, 22/10 mo., Skelligs.
Brambling, Rec'd. in flesh, Killed st., 12/11 mo., Arklow S. Lt.-ship.
" Leg and wing, Shot, 20/10 mo., Tearaght.
" " " 10/11 mo., Skelligs.
House Sparrow, " " 14/ 3 mo., Mine Head.
Greenfinch, Rec'd. in flesh, Killed st., 9/11 mo., Lucifer Shoals.
" Leg and wing, Caught, 12/11 mo., Blackrock, Mayo.
" " Shot, 20/10 mo., Tearaght.
Siskin, Rec'd. in flesh, Caught, 18/10 mo., Fastnet.
" " Killed st., 20/10 mo., "
" " " 11/11 mo., Coningbeg Lt.-ship.
" Leg and wing, Found dead, 3/12 mo., Tuskar.
" " Shot, 24/10 mo., Skelligs.
" " Found dead, 18/11 mo., "
" " Shot, 19/10 mo., Tearaght.
Starling, Rec'd. in flesh, Found dead, 13/11 mo., Fastnet.
" Leg and wing, Killed st., 19/ 3 mo., Coningbeg Lt.-ship.
" " " 20/ 3 mo., "
" " " 16/10 mo., Tuskar.
" " " 10/12 mo., Arklow S. Lt.-ship.
" " " 16/10 mo., Tory Island.
Swallow, " Caught, 5/10 mo., Fastnet.
" Rec'd. in flesh, Found dead, 4/ 5 mo., Coningbeg Lt.-ship.
Swift, Leg and wing, " 22/ 5 mo., Tuskar.
Hoopoe, " Shot, 12/ 4 mo., Eagle Island, East.
Rock Pigeon, Rec'd. in flesh, " 19/10 mo., Tuskar.
Turtle Dove, Leg and wing, " 27/ 6 mo., Blackrock, Mayo.
Corncrake, " Found dead, 1/ 5 mo., Mine Head.
" " " 16/ 6 mo., Skelligs.
Spotted Crake, " Caught, 21/ 8 mo., Tearaght.
Water Rail, Skin received, Killed st., 6/11 mo., Coningbeg Lt.-ship.
" Leg and wing, Found dead 14/11 mo., Tuskar.
" " Killed st., 8/11 mo., Hook Tower.
" Rec'd. in flesh, " 11/11 mo., Rockabill.
" Leg and wing, " 12/11 mo., Innishtrahull.
" " Caught, 16/11 mo., Tory Island.
" Rec'd. in flesh, Shot, 19/11 mo., Tearaght.
Bald Coot, Leg and wing, Killed st., 22/ 9 mo., Arklow S. Lt.-ship.
Green Plover, " " 16/ 2 mo., Rockabill.
Woodcock, " " 11/11 mo., Tuskar.
Jack Snipe, " Found dead, 7/10 mo., "
" " Caught, 11/11 mo., "
Legs, Wings, etc., Received--continued.
How Name of
Species. How Received. Procured. Date. Station.
Jack Snipe, Leg and wing, Killed st., 10/10 mo., Arklow S. Lt.-sh.
Whimbrel, Rec'd. in flesh, Shot, 29/11 mo., Fastnet.
Common Tern, Leg and wing, Killed st., 6/10 mo., Coningbeg Lt.-sh.
Manx Shearwater, " " 15/ 5 mo., "
" Rec'd. in flesh, " 10/ 5 mo., Howth Baily.
Fork-tailed Skin received, Caught, 15/11 mo., Blackrock, Mayo.
Petrel,
" Rec'd. in flesh, " 21/ 6 mo., Tearaght.
Stormy Petrel, Leg and wing, " 21/ 9 mo., Coningbeg Lt.-sh.
" " Killed st., 15/ 9 mo., Tory Island.
White-fronted Shot, 3/ 5 mo., Rathlin O'Birne.
Goose,
Brent Goose, " " 10/ 7 mo., "
List of Birds Noticed.
PAGE PAGE
Eagles, 122 | Greenfinch, 145
Greenland Falcon, 122 | Goldfinch, 146
Hawks, 122 | Siskin, 146
Owls, 123 | "Redpole," 146
Spotted Flycatcher, 124 | "Linnets," 147
Red-breasted Flycatcher, 124 | "Twite," 148
Pied Flycatcher, 124 | "Bullfinch," 148
Missel Thrush, 124 | Starling, 148
Thrush, 125 | Chough, 152
Redwing, 127 | Raven, 153
Fieldfare, 128 | Hooded Crow, 153
Blackbird, 129 | Rook, 154
Ring Ouzel, 132 | Jackdaw, 155
Hedge Sparrow, 132 | Magpie, 155
Robin, 132 | Swallow, 155
Redstart, 133 | Sand Martin, 157
Black Redstart, 133 | Swift, 157
"Stonechat," 134 | Nightjar, 157
Wheatear, 134 | Cuckoo, 157
Sedge Warbler, 135 | Hoopoe, 157
Whitethroat, 135 | "Woodpecker," 157
Willow Wren, 135 | "Pigeons," 157
Golden-crested Wren, 136 | Turtle Dove, 158
Wren, 136 | Corncrake, 158
"Tits," 136 | Spotted Crake, 158
Wagtail, 137 | Water Rail, 158
Titlark, 137 | Water Hen, 159
Skylark, 138 | Bald Coot, 159
Woodlark, 141 | "Ringed Dotterel," 159
Snow Bunting, 141 | Golden Plover, 159
Lapland Bunting, 142 | Green Plover, 160
Reed or Black-headed Bunting, 142 | Oyster-catcher, 161
Yellow Bunting, 142 | Woodcock, 161
Chaffinch, 143 | Common Snipe and Jack Snipe, 161
Brambling, 144 | "Sand Larks," 162
Sparrow, 145 | Redshank, 163
List of Birds Noticed--continued.
PAGE PAGE
"Greenshank," 163 | Puffin, 169
Curlew, 163 | "Great Northern Diver," 170
Whimbrel, 164 | Cormorant and Shag, 170
"Terns," 164 | Gannet, 171
"Gulls," 165 | Heron, 172
Great Shearwater, 166 | "Geese." 173
Manx Shearwater, 166 | "Swans," 174
Fork-tailed Petrel, 167 | "Ducks," 174
Stormy Petrel, 168 | Birds not identified, 175
Razorbill and Guillemot, 168 |
Eagles.
_Samphire Island._--November 14th, two "White-tailed Eagles" going
inland at noon; wind light N.W.
_Tearaght._--December 4th, one Eagle. This bird had a white tail.
Greenland Falcon (_Falco candicans_, Gmel.).
_Skelligs._--September 28th, one "Jer Falcon," 4.30 P.M.; wind strong
N. Shot at 5 P.M. while feeding on a rabbit. [Received a magnificent
old male Greenland Falcon in the flesh.]
Hawks.
_Fastnet._--March 14th, "one Hawk larger than a Sparrow Hawk, but
not so large as a Falcon, and of a deep brown colour," on rock; wind
fresh N.W. May 1st, one "Kite" going S. October 23d, one "small Hawk,"
remained three days on rock. November 16th, one "Kestrel Hawk" flying
S.W.
_Mine Head._--April 15th, eggs taken from Peregrine's nest. Laid again
and reared young birds.
_Coningbeg Light-ship._--September 29th, one Hawk about ship, 9.30
A.M.; wind light N.E., clear. November 8th, one Sparrow Hawk flying
N.W.; wind N.E., strong.
_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--May 26th, one "Sparrow Hawk and a Wren lit
on deck together," but flew away on trying to catch them, 11 A.M.; wind
N.E., fresh, clear.
_Tuskar._--March 4th, one "Hawk" at 10 A.M., wind E.; 9th, two "Hawks"
at noon, wind S.; 16th, one "Hawk," 10 A.M., wind strong. October 8th,
one "Hawk" going N.W. December 5th, one "Hawk" on rock.
_Arklow South Light-ship._--March 26th, two "Hawks" going W.; gloomy.
_Arklow North Light-ship._--November 4th, one "Hawk" going S., noon;
wind fresh N., clear.
_Rockabill._--January 15th, one "Sparrow Hawk" about rock, 9 A.M.
_Innishtrahull._--April 11th, two "Merlin Hawks" on island, wind light
S.E.; 16th, two, one shot. May 8th, one.
_Dunree Head._--January 19th, February 20th, June 13th, one Hawk seen.
August 4th and 10th, one.
_Tory Island._--April 3d, "two Falcon Hawks" about island. May 15th,
"two Sparrow Hawks" do. Hawks breed here.
_Arranmore._--March 23d, one Sparrow Hawk. April 6th, one Peregrine.
June 1st, one Kestrel. October 1st, Falcon and Kestrel seen. A pair of
Falcons, Kestrels, and Sparrow Hawks breed here annually.
_Rathlin O'Birne._--June 29th, "two Sparrow Hawks" on island. I have
seen them kill several small birds.
_Broadhaven._--"Sparrow Hawk" resident. Noted October 7th, December
13th.
_Eagle Island, W._--February 2d to 8th, large Hawk about island.
_Blackrock, Mayo._--January 11th, 1888, two Falcons soaring.
_Slyne Head, S._--October 11th, one "Falcon Hawk" here every day at
times.
_Arran Island, N._--November 19th, two "Peregrine Hawks."
_Arran Island, S._--October 9th, two "Sparrow Hawks" chased a small
bird, which flew into dwellings.
_Tearaght._--October 19th, one Merlin shot. [Received in flesh.]
_Skelligs._--Peregrine breed here. Two to four seen in September.
October 15th, one Sparrow Hawk, 9 A.M.; wind light N.E. November 7th,
two Peregrines.
Owls.
_Mine Head._--July 26th, one seen.
_Tuskar._--March 20th, two "Owls at 11 A.M." going N.E.; wind light
S.E., hazy. November 13th, one shot on rock, 11.30 A.M.; wind light
E., overcast. [Leg and wing of Long-eared Owl received.]
_Slyne Head, S._--March 8th, one "Grey Owl" on island. October 19th,
one owl on island, "grey, white, and yellow coloured." November 5th, do.
_Arran Island, N._--October 18th, one "Brown Owl" shot at noon.
Spotted Flycatcher (_Muscicapa grisola_, Linn.).
_Coningbeg Light-ship._--September 21st, one killed striking. [Leg and
wing received.]
_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--June 1st, flock of small birds flying N.W.,
9 A.M.; calm, thick haze, one killed against rigging. [Leg and wing of
Spotted Flycatcher received.]
_Tearaght._--October 2d, one Flycatcher shot 11 A.M.; wind light N.E.
[Leg and wing of Spotted Flycatcher received.]
Red-breasted Flycatcher (_Muscicapa parva_, Bech.).
_Arklow South Light-ship._--October 23d, "several small birds about
lantern 7 P.M. to 5 A.M.; wind fresh S.W., gloomy; several killed and
fell overboard; two sent by post." [Red-breasted Flycatcher and Black
Redstart received in flesh.--R. M. B.]
Pied Flycatcher (_Muscicapa atricapilla_, Linn.).
_Fastnet._--April 12th, a small bird on rock, name unknown; wind light
S.E., hazy. "This is the same sort as the one I sent the leg and wing
of (in 1886) which you thought was a Flycatcher; was unable to capture
it." [A Pied Flycatcher's leg and wing was forwarded by Mr Dunleavy on
October 5th, 1886. See Report for 1886, p. 128.]
Missel Thrush (_Turdus viscivorus_, Linn.).
_Fastnet._--March 2d, 1.30 A.M., one striking, "seemed a very large
size;" wind light S.W., hazy; 4th, two about light, 7 A.M., one killed
striking, a large size; wind light S.E., hazy.
_Tuskar._--November 12th, one killed striking. [Leg and wing received.]
Wind light E., cloudy.
_Blackrock, Mayo._--October 20th, three on rock; wind light N.; 24th,
one at lantern, 10 P.M.; gale from W. November 9th, one on rock; wind
fresh N.E.; 10th; several about lantern at night, one caught.
Thrush (_Turdus musicus_, Linn.).
_Fastnet._--November 12th, one killed striking. [Leg and wing received.]
_Old Head, Kinsale._--January 10th, a flock flying N. October 5th, a
great many flying E.
_Coningbeg Light-ship._--March 3d, one found dead on deck. [Leg and
wing received.] March 19th, flocks about lantern, 9 P.M. to midnight;
some killed striking. [Leg and wing received.] Gloomy; wind light E.
September 19th, four going S., 7 A.M., clear; wind light N.E. October
21st, 22d, and 23d, Thrushes about lantern at night; wind light,
overcast; 24th, three on ship; 25th, one. November 6th, one killed
striking. [Received in flesh.] November 7th, two on ship and others
about lantern at night; 8th, 10th, 11th, 13th, 14th, about lantern;
two killed striking on 11th, and on 13th and 14th many killed and fell
overboard; weather generally gloomy; wind E.; but night of 14th is
entered clear; on 12th and 15th, one or two about ship in daytime. (See
under Starling.) 21st, three about light, 10 P.M. to midnight; wind
fresh S.E., rain; 22d, one at lantern, 9 P.M. December 23d, several
at lantern, midnight to 4 A.M.; wind fresh N.W., showers; some killed
striking.