Whimbrel(Numenius phæopus, Linn.).
Fastnet.—April 30th, one going S.E.; wind light S.E. May 3d, one going N.E.; seemed exhausted, as it flew with difficulty; wind light N., clear. November 29th, one shot on shore of mainland. [Whimbrel received in flesh.]
Mine Head.—May 13th and 27th, a great noise of "May Fowl or Whimbrel;" lasted 15 minutes; fog.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—May 22d, flock flying N., 10.30P.M.; rain, calm.
Innishtrahull.—May 12th, nine "May birds" all day on island; wind N.W., gale; 25th, young Curlew all day on island.
Tory Island.—May 10th, eight "Whimbrel (Maybirds)" all day about island.
Arranmore.—May 19th, two; 27th, one.
Rathlin O'Birne.—April 20th, "thirty-four Curlew (Maybirds)" came from shore. Large flocks until May 8th. July 25th, "twenty Whimbrel, or young Curlew," on island; wind light N.W. [If Whimbrel, the date is unusually late.]
Broadhaven.—May 17th, "flocks of Whimbrel." Left June 13th.
Blackrock, Mayo.—May 12th, "Maybirds" about lantern, 10P.M.; wind strong N.W.
Tearaght.—May 14th, Whimbrel flying N., very high; wind strong N.
"Terns."
Fastnet.—December 12th, six "Sea Mews" [Terns?] startled from rock by firing gun cotton.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—October 6th, one killed striking. [Leg and wing of Common Tern received.]
Tuskar.—August 17th, one "Arctic Tern" at night.
Innishtrahull.—July 19th and 20th, one Tern noted.
Rathlin O'Birne.—June 2d and 8th, eight to fifteen seen. Breed on island to W. of lighthouse.
"Gulls."
Fastnet.—January 20th to 28th, large numbers feeding about rock; 24th, two Royal Gulls. [Great Black-backs.—R. M. B.] February 19th, two small Royal Gulls, all day. April 12th, two Royal Gulls, last year's birds; 30th, a small Gull. November 10th, several Gulls about rock; also four "large, light-grey Gulls, not so light as the Iceland Gull; flew very sluggishly;" wind light S.E.; 20th, several flocks of Gulls flying high to N.W.; clear, wind light N.W. December 1st, two Great Black-backed Gulls about rock; 5th, a pet Gull about rock, first time this winter; comes every winter, and is very tame and fed regularly; 6th, several Gulls all day flying N.W.; strong gale from N.W.
Old Head, Kinsale.—January 4th, flock flying W. March 12th, great flocks flying E.; 15th and 20th, flocks. April 5th, great numbers on water. May 14th, June 2d and 14th, flocks.
Mine Head.—February 14th, Herring Gulls breed. They are here summer and winter. August 30th, two "Royal Gulls." November 21st, two do. going N.E. December 13th, two. October 13th, great number of Gulls after fish.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—June, great flocks of Herring Gulls, old and young; also small "Common Gulls," and a few Black-backed Gulls, about ship up till 12th; on 29th and 30th, several small Gulls. October, a few Skua Gulls seen passing.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—November 6th, passing all day to W. in twos and threes; wind fresh E.
Tuskar.—March 10th, about fifty Sea Gulls; 24th, none seen since 10th. November 12th to 18th, numbers noted. "I have not entered movements of Gulls and Gannets, as they are nearly always about rock fishing, and going in no particular direction."
Arklow South Light-ship.—September 19th, hundreds of small Gulls on water.
Howth Baily.—November 2d, large flock going N.W.
Dunree Head.—July 27th, numbers of Gulls; a few, August 15th and October 2d.
Tory Island.—April 23d, flocks; breeds in thousands at east end of island.
Arranmore.—March 20th, two "Royal Gulls."
Broadhaven.—November 12th, thirty Great Black-backed Gulls; "Common Gulls" every day.
Eagle Island, W.—February 28th, two Royal Gulls.
Blackrock, Mayo.—November 8th, one Glaucous Gull at noon, soaring. "I identified in Dublin Museum subsequently." November 11th, large quantity of Kittiwake and Herring Gulls fishing; 14th, one Glaucous Gull; 15th and 16th, very large flocks of Kittiwakes, Herring, and a number of Royal Gulls. December 11th and 24th, do., and one Glaucous Gull on last date. January 6th, 1888, large flocks of Kittiwakes (young, generally), and one Glaucous Gull.
Slyne Head, S.—October 13th, numbers of Grey Gulls. November 1st and 2d, Gulls and Kittiwakes going S.W.; 7th, one "Cream-coloured Gull" flying about island. [Probably an Iceland Gull.]
Tearaght.—August 23d, Kittiwakes breeding; have all left; a few Herring Gulls all the year round; also a pair of Great Black-backed Gulls. December 12th, large flock of Herring Gull close to island. Among them I saw "four Cream-coloured Gulls," and they seemed large.
Skelligs.—January 1st to 9th, Kittiwakes and Herring Gulls fishing; 16th, do., and some Black-backed Gulls. February 1st, 3d, and 4th, Great Black-backs and Herring Gulls; 9th and 10th, several Herring Gulls. March 14th, Kittiwakes first landed, and took possession of the old nests. December 5th, large flock of Kittiwakes about rock; 11th, do. of Herring Gulls.
Great Shearwater(Puffinus major, F. Faber).
Tearaght.—"On 21st September, observed two birds close to rock; they seemed to me to be the large Shearwater."
Manx Shearwater(Puffinus anglorum, Temminck).
Mine Head.—Heard at intervals between May 16th and July 26th.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—May 14th, one about lantern, 11P.M.; gloomy, calm; disabled; 15th, one struck lantern, 10.30P.M.,killed—[Leg and wing received]—gloomy, calm. June, quantities passing by ship.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—March 27th, a few all day; the first seen. April 8th, some seen. June 26th and 27th, small flocks all day.
Howth Baily.—One killed striking about May 10th. [Received in flesh.]
Arklow North Light-ship.—April 6th and 8th, Mackerel Cocks all day about ship; wind fresh E., sleet.
Arranmore.—April 9th, thirteen Manx Shearwaters. Great quantities breed in the peat holes about the station.
Skelligs.—June 27th, young "night bird" sent. [Received young Manx Shearwater.] June 29th, another sent, [Received.]
Fork-Tailed Petrel(Cymochorea leucorrhea, Vieill.).
Blackrock, Mayo.—September 3d. "Relative to the Fork-tailed Petrel resorting (breeding at) this rock, I think from long observation (over six years) that they do not." November 12th, four or five Fork-tailed Petrels about rock, 10A.M.; wind light S.E., gloomy. Never noticed any Petrels in the daytime here before. November 13th, one, 10A.M.; 15th, one caught in yard, 6P.M.[Skin and contents of gizzard received.—R. M. B.]
Tearaght.—June 21st, found a Fork-tailed Petrel breeding on island. Bird caught on egg and forwarded to Mr A. G. More; egg broken; 23d, found another breeding; egg forwarded. [The bird referred to on 21st June was received by Mr More, and the egg found on 23d was received by R. M. B. Both correctly identified.] Mr Ryan in a letter says:—"Both birds had nice nests made of withered grass; I have seen none since, and think they are very scarce." Subsequently he writes: "Little nests were formed, but nothing like what land birds make. The little hollow was lined thinly with grass. I often found some of the Stormy Petrels with little nests; but again plenty lay on the bare earth or among loose stone." [Though I have frequently taken the eggs of the Fork-tailed and Stormy Petrels, no grass was ever found about them. SeeZoologist1887, p. 349, as to breeding of Fork-tailed Petrel on Tearaght.—R. M. B.]
Stormy Petrel(Procellaria pelagica, Linn.).
Fastnet.—September 22d, one about light; wind fresh S.E., gloomy.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—June 1st, one to seven about ship on several occasions up to 21st, in the daytime. Fine weather, and wind light throughout. Several seen on 7th. September 21st, some about lantern, 8P.M.to midnight; wind light E., hazy; one killed striking. [Leg and wing received.] October 27th, one about ship. November 5th, three do.; 13th, five on ship at night; wind light S.E., gloomy.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—November 5th, seven going E.; wind fresh S.W.
Arrow South Light-ship.—November 10th, one "Mother Carey Chicken" struck lantern, 9P.M.; fell on deck; wind light.
Tory Island.—July 1st, "large flocks" of Stormy Petrel remain. At the end of June numbers arrive. [They breed on Tory Island.—R. M. B.] September 15th, one killed striking, 11P.M.; hazy, wind light N. [Leg and wing received.]
Rathlin O'Birne.—July 30th, one caught under rock on its egg; they breed here. [Stormy Petrel and its egg received.]
Blackrock, Mayo.—April 29th, one at lantern, 1A.M.; wind fresh N.E. September 3d, "used to breed here in large numbers, but owing to mice, a cat was introduced, and I don't think there are over one dozen Petrels breeding this year. I have often counted twelve pair of Petrel's wings and tails in the morning—killed by the cat. They are easily captured."
Slyne Head, S.—October 20th, one killed striking.
Skelligs.—September 22d, several at lantern from 10P.M.to 2A.M.; two young ones killed striking; wind light S.E., hazy. October 9th, one young bird killed striking, 8P.M.; 15th, several at lantern, 7 to 11P.M.; one killed striking (young bird); wind light N.E., gloomy.
Razorbill and Guillemot(Alca torda, Linn.; andUria troile, Linn.).
Fastnet.—January 20th to 28th, large numbers feeding about rock. May 1st, seven. November 10th, "several puffins (?), razorbills, and guillemots" all day about rock; wind light S.E.
Old Head, Kinsale.—May 20th, flocks of "loots" [loons?] flying W.
Mine Head.—February 14th, young Razorbills (about one hundred) fishing. I believe they are always about here. June 15th, "Razorbill heard on water." October 13th, great many.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—October, Razorbills passing daily.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—March 10th, flock going E., 4P.M.June 28th, small flocks of "Murs" going N.W. all day; clear. July 3d and 9th, several with young ones drifting past all day. From 20th to August 1st, number of "Murs" with young passing.
Tuskar.—March 23d, five Razorbills.
Innishtrahull.—May 12th to 22d, numbers of Razorbills.
Arranmore.—April 11th and 14th, some Razorbills and Guillemots.
Eagle Island, W.—February 7th, small flock of "Puffins." [Probably Razorbills.]
Tearaght.—January 28th, several Guillemots seen about island. February 6th, on rocks for the first time. March 3d, Razorbills arrived. August 5th, Guillemots and Razorbills have all left.
Skelligs.—January 1st to 9th, some young Razorbills and Guillemots fishing. February 11th, Guillemot first landed for the year; left at 8A.M.; 15th to 26th, the Guillemots come in the early morning and leave after a few hours. March 10th, Razorbill first landed on rock.
Puffin(Fratercula arctica, Linn.).
Fastnet.—January 20th to 28th, large numbers feeding about rock.—[? R. M. B.] (See under Razorbill, November 10th.)
Old Head, Kinsale.—March 25th, great numbers of Puffins on water. April 7th, large number.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—June 9th to 12th, great flocks of "Puffins" during day about ship; clear, wind light. "The Puffins seen passing appeared to be four kinds of birds"!
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—March 29th, a few "Sea Parrots" drifting by all day. April 8th, some "Parrots" seen; 21st, several "Parrots" drifting past slowly. June 27th, small flocks all day. July 20th to August 1st, some drifting past.
Tuskar.—March 9th, four "Puffins" going S.W.; 12th, three.
Innishtrahull.—April 17th, "Puffins heard in the distance," 6.30P.M.; calm. May 12th to 22d, numbers through the day.
Dunree Head.—July 18th, flocks of Puffins seen.
Tory Island.—May 2d, "Puffins and Sea Parrots" remain to breed.
Arranmore.—October 17th, a "Sea Parrot" (? Puffin) off the head, fishing.
Rathlin O'Birne.—May 5th, twenty. These birds more plentiful on island this year than formerly.
Blackrock, Mayo.—April 4th, one Puffin, the first seen; wind strong W.N.W.
Slyne Head, S.—March 29th, flocks all day going N. October 21st, flocks of Puffins passing S.; 28th, numbers do. November 1st and 2d, do.
Arran Island, N.—April 6th, flocks going N. all day; wind light N.E. In June large number in vicinity. December, "Puffins" every day.
Tearaght.—March 26th, Puffins arrived in great numbers. August 16th, all have left.
Skelligs.—March 24th, Puffins first landed on rock. November 15th, one "Puffin" at 2P.M.close to rock; wind light S.E.
"Great Northern Diver."
Arranmore.—April 10th, one at 8P.M.; wind light N.E.
Broadhaven.—November 20th, three noted. [It is entered among the residents; no doubt an error.]
Cormorant and Shag(Phalacrocorax carbo, Linn.; andP. graculus, Linn.).
Fastnet.—January 24th, two Brown and four Green "Cormorants" all day fishing. February 19th, two Brown Cormorants on Little Fastnet. It is only occasionally these birds come to this rock to feed. April 12th, two Green-Crested Cormorants fishing; 14th and 29th, one; 30th, three. May 2d, eleven fishing. November 10th, three "large Cormorants" about rock; 13th, "one large White-breasted Cormorant" fishing; wind light S.E.; 20th, four Cormorants fishing. December 4th to 11th, two to four. On 10th a "White-breasted Cormorant—very large bird"—on top of rock; wind very light, clear.
Mine Head.—February 14th, Cormorants always plentiful. Breed half-mile E. of lighthouse.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—One or two at intervals in June about ship. November 2d, three seen.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—July 29th, three going W. November 3d, 4th, and 5th, three to six going E.
Tuskar.—November 8th, 10th, and 13th, six to twelve noted.
Arklow South Light-ship.—August 24th, one Cormorant about ship.
Howth Baily.—October 22d, six going E.
Dunree Head.—January 6th, numbers of Cormorants. Noted frequently (about twenty each time) from July to December in all cases, but one going in northerly direction. August 21st, great numbers.
Tory Island.—December 20th, about island.
Broadhaven.—November 11th, Cormorants numerous. They are resident.
Slyne Head, S.—November, about island.
Arran Island, N.—January 31st, three; some every day.
Skelligs.—September 26th, two.
Gannet(Sula bassana, Linn.).
Fastnet.—March 9th, four going N.W. at 10A.M.The first seen for some time; wind light S.E.; 16th, two; 20th, four. April 10th, four. May 2d, two; one of them last year's bird. November 10th, four fishing; 17th, eight going N.W.; 20th, several going N.W., flying high; wind light N.W.
Old Head, Kinsale.—January 3d, two flocks flying E. February 14th, flock flying E. March 7th, several flocks flying W.; 20th, flocks flying W. May 14th and June 25th, do.
Mine Head.—September 15th, one, and occasionally afterwards.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—A few passing E. and W. in June. Several about ship in October, November, and December.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—A few noted March 30th, April 13th and 17th; June 19th, one going E., the first young Gannet seen; 21st and July 50th, Gannets seen going W. October 25th, five going E.; 30th, three going E. November 5th, four about ship.
Tuskar.—March 11th and 22d, two to three. November 10th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 17th, 18th, and 30th, numbers about rock. See under Gull at this station.
Lucifer Shoals Light-ship.—Noted at intervals, October 6th to 19th; general direction of flight N.E.
Arklow South Light-ship.—March 30th, April 2d, 10th, and 22d, Gannets noted flying N.E. Gannets noted July 29th, August 25th, and in September, at intervals. Flocks on September 8th, 22d, and October 4th; generally going N.E.
Arklow North Light-ship.—February 11th, 15th, March 28th, 31st, April 4th, 6th, and 8th, noted flying N.E. and N.W. September 23d, October 2d, 13th, and 14th, going N.E. and S.W.
Innishtrahull.—March 24th and 30th, one to five noted. July 14th, a number.
Dunree Head.—July 22d, six seen going N.W.
Tory Island.—April 3d and June 5th, a few noted.
Arranmore.—October 5th, Gannets passing and repassing.
Rathlin O'Birne.—June 10th, thirty to forty, and large numbers until end of month; more plentiful than usual this year.
Killybegs.—Noted two to four, May 20th, 26th, and June 6th.
Eagle Island, W.—February 1st and 6th, several seen.
Blackrock, Mayo.—From the beginning of February numbers of Gannets passed N., and ceased on or about March 15th. November 13th, two; "very few since October 20th." January 6th, 1888, four.
Slyne Head, S.—February, Gannets seen daily. October 11th, 14th, 15th, 17th, and 28th, numbers passing, all going N. November 1st and 2d, numbers going S.W.
Arran Island, N.—Gannets seen every day.
Tearaght.—February 12th, Gannets about island. March 21st, Gannets going N. for the past fortnight.
Skelligs.—February 2d, ten fishing, first seen this year; 10th, Gannets increasing; 12th to 14th, increasing in great numbers; 26th, first seen on the Little Skellig. November 7th, last Gannet seen on the Little Skellig.
Heron(Ardea cinerea, Linn.).
Fastnet.—December 11th, one flying high to N.W.; wind light N.E., clear.
Mine Head.—August 20th, one seen. October 5th and 21st, one passing along coast pursued by Gulls. December 14th, one in marsh.
Tuskar.—October 18th, one seen on rock; calm, clear.
Innishtrahull.—October 11th and 12th, one on rocks; a rare visitor; wind N., stormy; 31st, one.
Tory Island.—August 26th, one; wind strong S.W. December 20th, Herons seen.
Arranmore.—June 9th, two Herons seen.
Rathlin O'Birne.—July 1st, two "Cranes;" first time I saw any on island; wind light S.E.
Broadhaven.—Herons resident; noted October 7th and December 2d.
Arran Island, S.—October 7th, one stayed two days; seldom seen. November 15th, one.
Tearaght.—August 24th, one on island; wind light S.E. September 13th, two; 20th, three.
Skelligs.—November 8th, one going N.W.; wind light N.E.
"Geese."
Fastnet.—November 12th, one "Barnacle" flying S.W.
Mine Head.—March 10th, twenty passing N.E.; calm. August 14th, about fifty "Wild Geese" passing N.E.; calm, fine.
Tuskar.—September 21st, one Goose seen. November 13th, eleven going N.
Arklow North light-ship.—October 8th, flock going E., noon.
Howth Baily.—October 15th, flock of "Wild Ducks or Barnacle" going E. November 20th, do., large flock.
Innishtrahull.—March 18th, seven "Wild Geese" on island. December 25th, seven going N.E.
Tory Island.—November 15th, nine going S.
Arranmore.—March 24th, sixty Barnacle going W. Barnacle left on May 1st. October 15th, in flocks all day on island; 20th and 21st, flocks going S.; 23d, large flocks going N. November 5th, passing and repassing. December 13th, flock going S. January 5th, 1888, two "Wild Geese" feeding. "Barnacle remain in flocks here all winter feeding on the green banks of grass and moss in the valleys and on the brows of the cliffs."
Rathlin O'Birne.—May 3d, one "Barnacle or Wild Goose" shot, feeding on island. [Leg and wing of White-fronted Goose received.] July 10th, bird I am not certain of shot. This and the bird shot May 3d differ from the Barnacle whichpass here in winter. [Leg and wing of Brent Goose received.] November 3d, eighty going S.—first this winter; wind strong S.W.; 9th, three on island, two shot.
Killybegs.—October 24th and November 13th, two to three Barnacle.
Broadhaven.—October 26th, White-fronted Geese in flocks; remain until April. November 16th, twenty Barnacle; 26th, flock of Brent Geese going S.W.
Eagle Island, W.—February 4th and 7th, five to ten Wild Geese.
Slyne Head, S.—March 6th, ten Barnacle. December 26th to 29th, a number on island.
Arran Island, N.—November 30th and December 18th, a flock of Barnacle.
Arran Island, S.—October 10th, eight Wild Geese going S.
"Swans."
Broadhaven.—December 18th, six "White Swans" going S.W.; wind strong N.; "numerous on Corclough Lake."
"Ducks."
Fastnet.—December 7th, six ducks going S.E.—first seen passing for some time.
Coningbeg Light-ship.—November 26th, two Widgeon going W.
Barrels Rock Light-ship.—March 15th, flock of Duck going S.E. May 5th, eleven Wild Ducks going N.
Tuskar.—October 20th, small flock going E. November 25th, fifteen going S.E. December 15th, ten seen.
Arklow South Light-ship.—December 16th, one caught on deck, 4A.M.; gale S.W., clear.
Arklow North Light-ship.—July 2d, flocks of "Wild Duck," 5A.M.and 7A.M.; wind light N, clear. December 3d, flock going N.W.; 24th, six do.
Rockabill.—February 8th, ten "Velvet Scoter" going E.; wind fresh S.
South Maidens.—November 27th, two "Wild Ducks;" gale from S.W.
North Maidens.—November 6th, one Duck killed striking, 9.30P.M.; wind fresh E., misty. [Leg and wing of Common Scoter received.]
Dunree Head.—February 11th, large flock Widgeon going S.E.; seldom seen here.
Tory Island.—October 1st, about forty Widgeon about island. November 15th, seven Teal do.
Arranmore.—May 12th, two. June 10th, one. January 7th, 1888, two shot.
Killybegs.—October 14th, one.
Broadhaven.—November 18th, seven. December 26th, flocks going S.
Birds not Identified.
Fastnet.—April 12th, "one bird, name unknown, on rock; wind light N.W., clear. About the size of a Goldcrest—legs and bill black; back, bluish-grey; breast and under part of body, light yellow." November 12th, a strange bird larger than a Thrush, 11.30A.M., on rock; wind light S.E., gloomy. "This bird was formed like a Thrush; dark mottled brown on back; cream colour on breast; light brown wings; dark bill and legs. Never saw one like it before."
Transcriber NoteMinor typos corrected. Due to width restrictions in the text version, some tables were rearranged and some abbreviations employed.
Transcriber Note
Minor typos corrected. Due to width restrictions in the text version, some tables were rearranged and some abbreviations employed.