IQI2. Delap. — Auiuuin Mig^-atio^i of Swallows* 67 



rather dense flocks of a hundred or so, often in a very 

 exhausted condition. They get inland as soon as possible, 

 and do not keep along the coast as the autumn arrivals do. 



The notes given below were taken from day to day, and 

 go to show that except for one lot on July 12th, and one 1-ot 

 on November 3rd, the migration was from August 4th to 

 October 20th, when the writer left Rosslare Harbour. 

 The flight on October 20th was quite unlike the usual flight 

 when travelling, being at a much greater height, and at a 

 much slower speed. 



It would be extremely interesting to trace the course of 

 these birds in both directions, and to find out at what point 

 they leave the English or Welsh coast, and also to find out 

 how far they hold their northerly course, which is so unex- 

 pected at this time of year. This should not be very 

 difficult, as these birds are travelling by day and low down. 



A sketch map of part of Co. Wexford is attached, showing 

 the directions observed and the places alluded to in the 

 following notes. (Plate 2). 



Swallow Notes, Autu:mx, 191 i. 



July 12th. — A small scattered flock of about 30 Swallows 

 passed, going due N. about 10.30 a.m., \ mile N.E, of the 

 end of Rosslare Pier. Some of these looked like young 

 birds. 



July 13th to August 3rd. — No Swallows seen. 



August 4th. — A fairly steady drift of Swallows in parties 

 of from 4 to 6 birds, passed in a N. W. direction, from about 

 8.30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. 



August 3th. — Exactly the same as on previous day. 



August 6th. — None seen. 



August 7th. ^ — Absent from Rosslare Harbour. 



x\ugust 8th. — None seen. 



August 9th. — A number of House-martins, a few Swallows, 

 and a few Sand-martins, passing very irregularly, all in a 

 NW. direction, the House-martins stopping to feed. 



August loth to i6th. — None seen. 



August 17th. — At 3 p.m. a small flock of about 30 passed 

 Rosslare Harbour, going to the north-east. 



A 2 



