IRISH COAST.
The Report for 1887 on the Irish coast is satisfactory. The schedules number seventy-five, from thirty-one stations. As a rule they never were better or more carefully filled, and the number of legs and wings and specimens is almost 150. In addition to the schedules, many letters have been received, either inquiring the names of species or remarking on the special movements of birds. This shows that the Irish light-keepers display an intelligent and increasing interest in birds, and are quite as anxious and as willing as their English and Scottish brethren to further the objects of this inquiry. It is a difficult task to select from so many observers any special names; but the schedules from the Fastnet, Tuskar, and Coningbeg Light-ship, and the number of specimens accompanying them, deserve to be gratefully recorded. Messrs George Dunleavy, Patrick Cullen, W. Clydesdale, Peter Page, Edward M'Kenna, J. M. Leary, and P. Corish were the contributors. Some light-keepers are more fortunately situated than others, and the excellence of a schedule is to some extent dependent on locality. At the same time at a bad station a watchful observer can often supply notes which enable us to comprehend more clearly the range over which the movements of certain species extend.
At all times it has been a matter for regret that the identification of birds by the light-keepers was not more accurate. Even trained ornithologists might readily err in distinguishing species flying past or around the lanterns, and it cannot be too strongly impressed on the light-keepers thatit is of vital importance to send a leg and wing of at least one specimen of every species killed striking. Uncommon birds should be forwarded in the flesh.
As to rarities, 1887 stands ahead of any other year on the Irish 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). Bothwere 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. ProbablyFalco candicansloses 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 sinceThompson's Natural Historywas published, in which it is described as a "residentbut 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 inall 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.
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.
[11]Killed st. = Killed striking lantern.
[11]Killed st. = Killed striking lantern.