254 The his h Naturalist. [December, 



Turnstones appeared on the Dollymount strand. After a 

 long and careful examination of a large flock I was able to 

 distinguish many adult birds among them. 



This interested me to a large extent, as it suggested that 

 Turnstones, old and young, migrate together, differing in that 

 respect from most other L,iniicolae, the young of which migrate 

 separately and often before the old birds. 1 



All through September until the beginning of October this 

 species was plentiful. However on the 7th October the 

 numbers had diminished to about eight ; indeed on the day 

 previous to this Mr. Williams only noticed a few examples. 



The Oyster-catcher (H<zmatoptis ostralagus) is never a 

 scarce bird in Dublin Bay, but during the heavy gales of 

 September it appeared in huge flocks, many of which allowed 

 the observer to approach them closer than usual. 



The Snipe {Gallinago ccelestis) is by no means common on 

 the North Bull, Dollymount. During many seasons it failed 

 to appear, but this year I rose three from the rushes, each on 

 a different occasion. The dates were August 26th, September 

 14th, September 20th. 



Since 1897 the Little Stint {Tringa minuta) has not been 

 observed in Dublin Bay until October the 6th this year. Mr. 

 Williams noted one on that date, and the next day I noted a 

 single example also. This was likely the same bird. It is 

 very curious how irregular this little " wader " is as an 

 autumnal visitor. 2 



The Curlew Sandpiper {Tringa subarquata) is another 

 species which occurs irregularly in autumn. It more than 

 likely appears every year, but in varying numbers. I only 

 noted one this year, and that on September 14th. It was in 

 the midst of an enormous flock of very tame Dunlins, in the 

 company of which species I have often noted it previously. 



The Knot {Tinga ca?iuta) is also somewhat irregular in 

 its numbers as an autumn visitor to the Dublin coast. This 

 year it seems rather scarce. As far as my observations go, I 



J On September 4th of this year, at Rossbeg, beyond Glenties, on the 

 Donegal coast, a large flock of Turnstones appeared, and rested on the 

 rocks. Many were old birds, still retaining part of their rich summer 

 plumage. The flock only remained a few days, during which time the 

 weather was calm and warm. 



2 See Irish Naturalist, vol. vii., p. 234. 



