between the movements of birds and the state of the weather. In
connection with this point I quote the words of Mr. Nicholas, keeper at
Nash E., who writes:--"I've noticed whenever there is a lot of Gulls
and Crows inland, it indicates a gale. I first noticed this Oct. 13th;
on 14th there was a whole gale. I have since that date observed the
same thing before every gale."
The prevailing winds on this coast were:--From August to Sept. 17th,
easterly; thence, to Sept. 29th, gentle to mod. W.; thence, to Oct.
8th, E., _viz._, mod. S.E. and E. to 5th, then with more or less of N.
On and after 9th, W. till 14th, with touch of N. and strong; on 16th a
whole gale, E., thence, to 24th, S.E., strong breezes; after which, to
the end of the month, E. and N.E.
Birds have not been noticed in such large flocks as last year, and
there have been but faint traces of rushes. No rare birds are reported.
The most decided and general movement took place between Oct. 16th and
27th; after October, except among the Anatidæ, the occurrences being
very scarce. The chief occurrences in September were Wrens, Wagtails,
Swallows, and Finches; and in October Starlings, Sky Larks, and the
_Turdidæ_.
In the autumnal migration the difference in date of arrival, as
compared with last year, may be worth marking. So far as our records
show the Redwing was first noticed a month later, the Blackbird six
weeks, and Thrush three weeks, the Sky Lark a month, Goldcrest twelve
days, Wheatear and Greenfinch five days, the Golden Plover fourteen
days. The following are recorded earlier: the Meadow Pipit by two
weeks. Swallow seventeen days, Starling nineteen days, Wagtail,
Chaffinch, and Linnet a few days. Of the Anatidæ, Ducks are noticed a
few days earlier, Geese considerably later.
It is difficult to say anything positive as to direction of flight,
which is too seldom noted; in case of the Turdidæ scarcely at all.
This in part is owing to many of the instances occurring at night in
the dark. So far as I can make out all birds here follow the coast
line very clearly. The main direction, to judge from the scant records
in September, was southerly; in October one or two directly E.; the
rest E., with more or less of N. With a few marked exceptions the
movement has in almost every species been noticed at the southerly
stations first, and appears gradually to have extended N. Whether this
be accidental or a rule can only be decided by continued and careful
observations from all the stations. Of the _Anatidæ_ and water-birds
the most frequent records are in October, and the direction S.W. and
S., sometimes S.E.; but between Dec. 2nd to 11th, at Morecambe Bay,
they passed N.W. After 11th to end of December S.W.
The best filled returns have this year been received from Morecambe
Bay, Skerries, and Nash E. These observers have also given the fullest
information; Nash especially in showing the direction of flight, a
matter concerning which information is very desirable.
As to the circumstances under which the movement takes place, as
affecting the flight or the striking of birds, &c., the reports bear
out the conclusions previously expressed. Last year Mr. Bowen (Bardsey)
referred to flight of birds before the wind (Rep., p. 119); Mr. Knott
now writes from Skerries, "Many birds are killed in strong winds, as
they then fly with greater force, and almost invariably in the same
direction as the wind." Still the evidence shows that birds, as a rule,
migrate with the wind on the shoulder, and not strong. When they do fly
with the wind, and the wind strong, it is probably because they have
been taken by surprise, and are unable to save themselves.
IRISH COAST: AUTUMN.
Printed schedules were forwarded to forty light stations around the
coast. Thirty stations replied by returning the schedules wholly or
partially filled with daily entries, or by sending letters remarking on
the absence of migratory birds or on their general movements.
To the Commissioners of Irish Lights we are indebted for the facilities
afforded us in conducting this enquiry. We have to thank Captain Boxer,
R.N., Inspector of Irish Lights, for his friendly co-operation--his
knowledge of the coast and intimate acquaintance with the light
stations rendered his advice and assistance especially valuable.
On the whole the returns have been as satisfactory as was anticipated;
some of the schedules have been carefully filled, and although others
contain very few entries, this is to be accounted for rather by the
absence of migratory birds than by any unwillingness on the part of the
light-keepers to assist us. When we remember their many and various
duties, and that the observations are entirely voluntary, there is
reason to be well contented with the first attempt of this kind to
collect information on the Irish coast; and we return our sincere
thanks to all the lighthouse-keepers who have given their time and
attention to the subject.
The entries in all the schedules have been collected under each day of
the month as they occur; this method of arrangement shows the movements
of all birds as entered on each day, and the number of observations on
that day. The effect of the weather on the migratory movement can thus
be studied, and the general direction of flight of the various species
compared.
The daily weather-charts show last winter to have been exceptional
in the number and violence of the cyclonic disturbances, which moved
generally in a north-easterly direction along our west coasts; but
the entries in the schedules are too few to generalise or draw any
conclusions regarding the influence of the successive storms on the
migratory movement.
A table showing the days on which entries were made in the schedules
has been drawn up in, the hope that, if the extent of the migratory
movement on any particular day varied with the number of entries, some
inference could be drawn; but here also generalisation is premature.
In a few returns names are given to birds from which it is not easy
to identify the species, and occasionally there is reason to fear one
species has been mistaken for another. In all cases, however, the name
entered in the schedule has been allowed to stand without comment.
The general remarks of the light-keepers are given consecutively,
and as contributions to the Ornithology of the lighthouses they are
interesting.
A table showing the number of birds striking each lantern, the number
of daily entries in each return, the number of species of birds
mentioned in each schedule in the daily entries, the height of each
lantern above high-water mark, and its approximate distance from the
mainland is given.
Whatever results are obtained from this investigation, they will only
be arrived at by patiently collecting observations for some years.
If the light-keepers continue to assist us, this can readily be
done--without their co-operation annually we are helpless.
Alexander G. More.
Richard M. Barrington.
Names of Stations to which Schedules were sent in the Autumn of 1881.
No. of Height of
Birds No. of species lantern Miles
No. and name of light-station, striking daily in above from
and situation on coast. lantern. entries. entries. sea-level. shore.
1. Fastnet, Co. Cork 9 10 5 148 ft. 8
2. Galley Head, do. -- 6 4 174 --
3. Old Head, Kinsale, do. 5 2 2 236 --
4. Mine Head, Waterford -- 3 4 285 --
5. Coningbeg Lt.-ship, Wexford 2 3 2 38 10
6. Barrels Rock, do. 1 26 11 ? 4
7. Tuskar, do. large
numbers 12 18 101 7
8. Arklow S. Lt.-ship, Wicklow -- 17 4 39 7
9. Wicklow Head, do No reply.
10. Kish Bank Lt.-ship, Dublin -- 18 5 36 7
11. Howth Baily, do. -- 12 6 134 --
12. Rockabill, do. 13 8 10 148 5
13. Copeland Island, Down -- 18 24 131 3
14. Maidens, Antrim No reply.
15. Rathlin, do. -- 35 11 243 6
16. Innishtrahull, Donegal 3 7 12 181 6
17. Dunree Head, do. -- -- -- 150 1
18. Lough Swilly, do. No reply.
19. Tory Island, do. -- 1 1 130 9
20. Arranmore, do. -- 16 2 233 5
21. Rathlin O'Birne, do. 1 17 6 116 2
22. Killybegs, do. No reply.
23. Oyster Island, N., Sligo -- 15 5 40 1
24. Broadhaven, Mayo -- 18 3 87 --
25. Eagle Island E., do. -- -- -- 220 2
26. Eagle Island W., do. -- -- -- 220 2
27. Blackrock, do. Numbers -- -- 283 9
28. Blacksod Point, do. No reply.
29. Clare Island, do. -- 17 7 341 4
30. Slyne Head N., Galway 12 12 9 115 8
31. Slyne Head S., do. 4 5 5 104 3
32. Arran Island N., do. -- 17 4 115 9
33. Straw Island, do. No reply.
34. Arran Island S., do. 6 7 6 110 6
35. Loop Head, Clare No reply.
36. Samphire Island, Kerry Do.
37. Tearaght, do. Do.
38. Valentia, do. -- -- -- 54 --
39. Skelligs, do. -- -- -- 175 9
40. Calf Rock, Cork Destroyed in storm, Nov. 1881.
Table showing Date on which Entries were made in Schedules, with No. of
Station making same.
Nos. and Names of Stations.
1. Fastnet
2. Galley Head
3. Old Head, Kinsale
4. Mine Head
5. Coningbeg Lt.-ship
6. Barrels Rock, do.
7. Tuskar
8. Arklow S. Lt.-ship.
10. Kirk Bank, do.
11. Howth Baily
12. Rockabill
13. Copeland Island
15. Rathlin
16. Innishtrahull
17. Dunree Head
19. Tory Island
20. Arranmore
21. Rathlin O'Birne
23. Oyster Island N.
24. Broadhaven
25. Eagle Island E.
26. Eagle Island W.
27. Black Rock (Mayo)
29. Clare Island
30. Slyne Head N.
31. Slyne Head S.
32. Arran Island N.
34. Arran Island S.
38. Valentia
39. Skelligs
Day of
Month. September. October. November.
1st 15 6, 8 12, 21
2nd 15, 31, 32 1, 10, 11, 13, 15, 23, 32 12, 15, 24, 34
3rd 2, 8, 15, 29, 82 8, 10
4th 8, 15 12, 15, 23, 24
5th 29, 30 6, 8, 15, 31 7, 10
6th 1, 29 6, 10, 24
7th 8, 11, 15, 32 30 6, 15, 32
8th 6, 8, 32 6, 13, 23 10, 16
9th 6, 8 6 11
10th 10, 13, 15, 29, 34 11, 12, 13, 15, 19, 23 15, 29, 30
11th 6, 10 1, 16 23
12th 7, 29, 30, 32 6, 10, 11, 16, 21, 23, 32 15, 30
13th 8, 32 6, 32 10
14th 2, 8, 3 21, 32
15th 8, 11, 13, 21 20, 24 13, 29
16th 6, 8, 13 15, 21, 32 11, 15
17th 13, 23 15 15
18th 6, 7, 16, 8 6, 12, 20 5, 10, 13, 23
19th 7, 8 6, 31, 32 21
20th 23, 29, 30 6, 11, 15, 29, 82 2, 5, 17, 30
21st 6, 7, 13, 21 6, 13, 21, 34 5
22nd 8, 13, 31 31 34
23rd 8, 11, 21 7, 16, 23 6, 15
24th 21 3, 6, 7, 21
25th 1, 8 6, 7, 23, 29, 30, 32, 34 7, 29
26th 6, 29, 34 1, 7, 15, 21, 29 6, 16
27th 8 6, 7, 12, 15, 32 15, 16, 29
28th 8, 13 6, 7, 10, 12, 32 21, 23
29th 1, 15 2
30th 7, 11, 18 11, 30 30
31st 34
Day of
Month. December. January.
1st 15, 21, 24, 80 10
2nd 24
3rd 2, 4 1, 13, 24
4th 6, 21, 29
5th 1
6th 21 21
7th 15 1
8th 24 1, 10, 24
9th 24
10th 10, 15, 24, 29, 31
11th 4, 28, 30
12th 3, 4, 15, 24 21, 24
13th 23
14th 11
15th 15
16th 7
17th 2, 13
18th 15, 24
19th
20th
21st 15
22nd
23rd
24th 13, 15, 24
25th 24
26th
27th 10, 29
28th 13, 15
29th 24
30th 24
31st
General Remarks of Light-Keepers.
1. _Fastnet._--"Very few birds came on or passed the rock this winter.
It must be in consequence of bad weather on this coast. No sea birds
build nests near this station."--John Tottenham.
2. _Galley Head._--"This is one of the worst stations I have been at
for birds; in fact we think it rare to see any only those that are
natives of the place. This year they are very scarce. The Starling has
not come down to us from the mountains yet."--John Whelan.
3. _Old Head, Kinsale._--"No birds, only the above (_i. e._, five
Golden-crested Wrens on Oct. 24th, and several flocks of Lapwings
on Dec. 12th) have appeared in the vicinity this season. The Gannet
usually proceeds to the eastward in August and September, and flies
westward from January to March. The Guillemots, Razorbills, Cormorants,
Kittiwake, and Herring Gulls all arrive here to breed in March, and
depart in August and September."--John Dunleary.
4. _Mine Head._--"Birds of all descriptions were not so scarce at this
station for the last seven years as during the year 1881."--Joseph
Hammond.
5. _Coningbeg Light-ship._--"There were no birds about the station in
the month of December, or up to the 20th of January, with the exception
of a few Sea Gulls each day."--Patrick Cullen.
6. _Barrels Rock Light-ship._--General remarks none, but a full
schedule of daily entries.--Joseph Oxford.
7. _Tuskar._--General remarks, none. A full schedule.--Richard Hamilton.
8. _Arklow, South, Light-ship._--General remarks, none. A full
schedule.--William Shea.
9. _Wicklow Head._--No reply.
10. _Kish Bank Light-ship._--"Less birds passed the station this winter
than ever. No birds have been killed by striking our lantern for some
years."--William Daly.
11. _Howth Baily._--General remarks, none.--Joseph Brownell.
12. _Rockabill._--"Sept. 1st. Received schedule; a great number of
different species of Gulls in vicinity of Rock, and on smaller rock
called the Bill, from about the second week in August to the third
week in September, when they almost entirely disappeared. Cannot name
the species; there were also Puffins, and occasionally two or three
Gannets. This is an annual occurrence, but not always at the same time.
Birds have been unusually scarce this season. Since stormy weather set
in early in November no birds have been about the Rock, except a few
Sand Larks, and a few Gulls, Puffins, and Cormorants flying about this
and the smaller rock during a storm."--William Dunne.
13. _Copeland Island._--"There were no birds struck the light this
winter owing to the strong gales which prevailed."--Henry Williams.
14. _The Maidens._--No reply.
15. _Rathlin Island._--A second schedule partly filled. Remark:--"The
Sea Parrot begins to arrive for the purpose of cleaning out its nest
on March 17th, and then goes away until the 1st of April, when the
different species of sea birds commence to arrive for the season. They
begin to go away about 1st of August, and finally disappear by the end
of the month."--John A. Murray.
16. _Innishtrahull._--"September, Gannet daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Curlew
daily. The 'Grey' Gull, 'Little' Gull, Black-backed or Royal Gull,
Common Gull, and Grey Crow remain on the island all the year. Gulls
nidify on the rock called Torr near the island; Grey Crows nidify on
the island. In November flocks of twelve to twenty Starlings daily.
Owing to this winter being very stormy little birds of any sort visited
the island. During the months of January and February, 1881, a great
number of Woodcock and Snipe were killed here."--W. H. James.
17. _Dunree Head._--Daily entry, none. Remark:--"I beg to state
there are no migrations of birds to be seen at this station, except
Cormorants; they remain the year, round, also a small number of Sea
Gulls. No other birds resort or pass this station."--John Stapleton.
18. _Lough Swilly._--No reply.
19. _Tory Island._--"The Petrel, Raven, Common Sandpiper, Common
Guillemot, Black Guillemot, Razorbill, Diver, Puffin, Cormorant,
Kittiwake, Common Gull, Herring Gull breed on the east end of the
island, and are annually decreasing. Breed in larger numbers on Horn
Head. Have not observed birds migrating. No birds struck the lantern
this winter. Have not observed the Gannet or other sea birds taking a
continuous flight."--Thomas Sweeney.
20. _Arranmore._--"Barnacle Geese generally commence to come from
the north on the 15th or 16th of October in flocks averaging four
to eighty, that being the most counted in one flock. They pass at
intervals of from two to twelve hours both day and night until the end
of the month, when they cease. They commence to appear again on the
10th or 12th of April, coming from south, but in larger flocks and
shorter intervals. No other species but Gannet and Barnacle resort this
locality."--John Walsh.
21. _Rathlin O'Birne._--"Sky Larks, Titlarks, and Stonechats continued
arriving in numbers of two, four, and six until about the 10th of May.
At that time there were about twenty of each species on the island.
They nidificated on the island. By the 10th of September the Sky
Larks had departed; by the 20th of October the Titlarks had departed;
by the 16th of November the Stonechats had departed. None of these
species were observed after that date until Dec. 22nd, when five or
six Titlarks returned, and are here still. On June the 3rd twelve to
fourteen Common Terns alighted on a small island outside lighthouse,
nidificated, and left about Aug. 1st. Sea Gulls nidificated on small
island above referred to, and one pair of 'sepoys' on this island. In
July several pairs of Skua Gulls passed, and some remained in vicinity.
Curlew frequent this island from 1st of May until 1st of October. They
come at night time, and leave the following day generally. Unless with
frosty and snowy weather, Starlings, Snipes, Woodcocks, Blackbirds,
or Thrushes do not visit. Sandpipers and Jack Curlew are about the
shores all the year round. No Gannets seen since Nov. 8th. Sea Gulls
in vicinity all the year. Barnacle continue coming and departing
until about Feb. 15th. No Starling or Snipe visited since last
winter."--Joseph Hill.
22. _Killybegs._--No reply.
23. _Oyster Island, North._--"From the middle of October to the last
week in November several large flocks of Gulls were to be seen in the
bay after herrings, principally of the Kittiwake species, with a few
large Grey Gulls and an occasional Royal or Black-backed Gull; also
large flocks of Puffins, which all left when the herrings disappeared.
Large flocks of Barnacle and Wigeon arrive in this locality early in
October, and remain until latter end of March, passing to and fro
to feeding-ground according to tide, besides those going further
south."--John Young.
24. _Broadhaven._--"The above (_i.e._, Barnacle, Wild Geese, Wild
Duck, and Solan Geese) are the only description of birds seen in the
locality; they are generally passing inland, and at times alight near
the lighthouse to feed on the swampy land. No Sea Gulls build near this
station, but a few come into the harbour in the summer months after the
fry of fish."--Joseph Williams.
25. _Eagle Island, East._--No entry in schedule. Remark:--"Up to the
present no birds are visible, only on occasions when fish are seen on
the surface of the water, and these are Gannets and large-sized Gulls.
I have not noticed any kind of birds pass or rest at this station in
their flight of migration."--Robert Redmond.
26. _Eagle Island, West._--No entry in schedule. Remark:--"This island
is very small, and the adjacent shores being all bog for miles inland
very few birds alight on island. The Stonechatter is to be seen here
all the year round. In May the sea-fowl come round the island in great
numbers; as a rule they go gradually to the south, following shoals
of fish, and very few are to be seen during the winter months. To-day
(Jan. 15th, 1882) I have seen a few Gannets and Sea Gulls flying about.
No birds have struck the lantern since my arrival at this station
eighteen months since."--Mathew Healy.
27. _Black Rock (Mayo)._--No daily entry, but schedule filled by
following general remarks:--"Gannets seen passing south all the year
round, most seen in calm weather, ten to twenty in each flight. Puffins
from April 15th to Aug. 15th; build on the Rock. Cormorants here all
the year round; build on the Rock. Kittiwake Gulls build on an island
three miles away; also Royal Gulls. Small Gulls, commonly called
'Wheelons,' build on the Rock. Barnacles here from October to March.
Two 'Falcon Hawks' build on an island three miles away; here all the
year round. Two 'Sparrowhawks' seen in the mornings. Rooks, in flocks
of 100 to 500, mostly seen in snow and frosty weather. Starlings from
September to March, morning and evening, 1000 to 5000 in a flock, seen
with all winds, mostly in frosty weather; hundreds killed against
lantern. 'Missel Thrushes' from November to March, 50 to 100 in each
flock, most in frosty weather; seen at all hours; a large number
killed. Snipe from November to March in flocks of two to four, in frost
and snow; some killed. Woodcocks from November to March in frost and
snow; some killed. Curlews, twenty to thirty in a flock, from daylight
till dark; seen all the year round. Wrens seen very seldom in the
spring. Blackbirds only seen in frosty weather; some killed by striking
lantern. 'Titmouses' seen in all weathers; build on the Rock. Stormy
Petrels from March to September, at all hours of the night; build on
the Rock. Larks in flocks of 100 to 300, only seen in frosty weather; a
large number killed by striking glass. I have seen some strange birds
rest here on their passage to the mainland, but do not know their
names. I have seen a Hoopoe on one occasion rest here. There has been
a species of Sea Gull of a deep cream-colour on the coast last August,
supposed to be a North American bird. I have seen large flights of
Rooks rest here after coming in from the sea in a S.W. direction, which
seemed so much fatigued that they would fall over after resting, and
remain to be caught."--Martin Kennedy.
28. _Blacksod Point._--No reply.
29. _Clare Island._--"The following varieties of birds build their
nests round the cliffs here; they come on the 1st of April and
leave about the 20th of August:--Guillemots, Razorbills, Puffins,
Kittiwakes."--James Reilly.
30. _Slyne Head (North)._--"The 'Purr' is the only sea-bird that
breeds near this station. They arrive in April and depart in August.
The arrival of birds to this island during the past autumn and winter
was very few in comparison with other years, and the only reason I can
assign for it is that we had very little snow. During the snow of 1880
we had large flocks of Starlings, Thrushes, and Blackbirds arriving
daily from the east."--John Gillan.
31. _Slyne Head (South)._--No general remarks. Schedule partly
filled.--William Callaghan.
32. _Arran Island, North._--"The only birds seen in the vicinity of
this station since July are the Gannet, the Royal or Black-backed Gull,
and the Common Gull. They do not breed on this island, as it is low and
flat. The Gulls breed on the cliffs of the large island of Arran and
cliffs of the Co. Clare. Do not know dates of arrival or departure.
The Gannets and Gulls that visit this station come from the direction
of the Co. Clare, remain during the day, and return in the evening. No
flocks seen after Nov. 7th."--John Kelly.
33. _Straw Island._--No reply.
34. _Arran Island, South._--"Have never known less birds strike the
lantern."--Francis Ryan.
35. _Loop Head._--No reply.
36. _Samphire Island._--No reply.
37. _Tearaght._--No reply.
38. _Valentia._--"I have been at this station 4-1/2 years, and have
never seen any birds migrating or resorting this locality except
sea-birds, such as Gannet, Puffin, Cormorants, &c. They are not very
numerous, and seldom visit except from August to the end of October.
Very few land-birds visit here, except in severe frosts and snow in
winter; then the Starling, Thrush, Blackbird, Lark, &c., come down
from the mountains. Hundreds of Starlings, Thrushes, and Curlews died
last January in this locality by severe frost and snow. There are not
any birds strike this lantern. Very few strike land-lights, but on the
South Maiden lighthouse I have seen hundreds of Starlings, Thrushes,
and Blackbirds strike and kill themselves in one night, and frequently
Snipe and Woodcock. On the Tuskar Rock lighthouse I have counted twelve
hundred killed in one night, and hundreds more fell into the sea that
we did not get. At Rockabill lighthouse also I have got great numbers
killed, and frequently four and six Teal or small duck, and Snipe and
Woodcock. I have not seen since I came to this station one Wild Duck or
Goose, nor any flock of migrating birds. I have kept a good look-out
for the last two months, and have not seen any birds except a few
Gannets and Sea Gulls."--Thomas McKenna.
39. _Skelligs._--No entry in schedule. Remark:--"The only birds
observed at present in this locality are a few Gannets and Sea Gulls
occasionally."--Henry Gardiner.
40. _Calf Rock._ No reply. Destroyed by storm in Nov., 1881.
Daily Entries in Schedules, Sept., 1881, to Jan., 1882.
SEPTEMBER.
1_st._--Rathlin Island, eighty Swallows, 10 a.m., wind light S.E.,
clear; hovered about. Twenty-six Gannets, 11.30 a.m., going E.
2_nd._--Rathlin Island, eight Gannets, 5.30 a.m., wind light E., clear,
going E. Slyne Head South, continuous flocks of Gannets, 5 a.m. to
6 p.m., wind light S.E., clear, came from S.W.; remained for three
months. Arran Island North, about 200 Gulls, 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., wind
N.E., calm, clear.