1 48 The Irish Naturalist. September, 



ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM SOUTH MAYO. 



BY ROBERT F. RUTTLEDGE. 



The following notes cover the time between August, 

 1916, and the first week in May, 1917. 



Missel Thrush. — Less numerous, owing probably to the severe winter. 

 Song Thrush. — Although formerly very numerous I only noticed about 

 half a dozen during last April, although hundreds must have died 

 I never found any remains. During the winter many were seen in a 

 dying condition, and this species suffered much more than the 

 Blackbird. 

 Redwing. — More numerous than usual this winter, and remained later. 

 Fieldfare.-^More remains of this bird were found during the spring than 

 of any other species. 



They were very numerous here this winter, large flocks were seen 

 up until the last week in April. 

 Blackbird. — Very nearly as plentiful as in former springs ; I found the 



remains of a large number. 

 Stonechat. — One singing on April 6th, with snow still on the ground. 

 Golden-crested Wren. — Of this species, usually so very plentiful at all 



times of the year, I observed very few this spring. 

 Chiff-Chaff. — Very late in its arrival ; it did not appear until April 20th. 

 Willow Wren. — Did not appear until April 23rd this year. I found this 

 bird very plentiful on Derrinrush peninsula, Lough Carra, on April 

 26th. 

 Long-Tailed Titmouse. — Although apparently exterminated in some 

 districts this Tit was still to be found here quite plentifully after 

 the winter. 

 Tree-Creeper. — Although always pretty abundant throughout the woods, 

 especially in the month of April, I have never noticed so many as 

 in this spring. 

 Pied Wagtail. — No so prominent as usual. As a rule they arc present 



all tlirough April, but only occasionally this season. 

 Grey Wagtail. — The same remark as above applies to this wagtail, though 



I have noticed many by streams and lakes about the country. 

 Swallow. — For the third successive year the Swallow was first observed 

 on April 22nd, in the evening. I have always noticed the first to 

 be a male. 

 Martin. — Rather later than usual in arriving. The first Martins were 



noted on JMay ist. 

 Sand Martin. — First seen on April 21st. 



