1898.] Notes, 51 



Hawfinch In Co. Antrim. 



When passing a beech-wood in the townland of Knockboy, near 

 Broughshane to-day, I saw one of these birds (female). I was unable to 

 see any others, nor have I heard of a specimen being seen in Co. Antrim 

 before. 



Antrim. H. D. M. Barton. 



Supposed Great Spotted Cuckoo in Ireland. 



Mr. R. M. Barrington writes to the Zoologist for December, quoting the 

 description of a bird supposed to be a Great Spotted Cuckoo, seen by the 

 light-keeper of the Great Skellig off the Kerry coast, on April 30th of 

 last year. 



Crane In Co. Tipperary. 



It will doubtless be of interest to place on record that a very fine 

 specimen of the Crane {Griis conummis) was shot at Seskin, about three 

 miles from this town, by a farmer named J. Delahunt, in September, 

 1896, and presented to Mr. Carrigan, solicitor, Thurles, who had it 

 mounted by Messrs. Williams and Son of Dublin. These birds are, I 

 understand, rare visitors to Ireland. 



W. Johnston. 



Thurles. 



Bittern in Co. Calway. 



A very fine specimen of the Common Bittern {Botaiirns stellaris), was 

 shot here in the last week in November. The place where it was found 

 is an ideal habitat for this bird, and I shoidd not be surprised if it breeds 

 there. If so, it is to be hoped that such a rare and interesting bird will 

 not be further molested, and that its " boom " or love-song ma}- again be 

 heard in the land. This specimen is now in my possession. 



R. M. GlI^MOREJ. 



Galway. 



Little Bittern in Co. Cork. 



Mr. M. Sweetman, Lemcon House, Scliull, sent me on November 9th, 

 a Ivittle Bittern {Ardetta mimitd) which he had shot the previous day. It 

 seems strange that such a rare visitor from warmer climes should appear 

 when our regular winter migrants are arriving. Its comparatively short 

 legs and very long toes seem to me better adapted for running on the 

 surface of the mosses and other water-plants than wading through them, 

 the strong legs and laterally compressed body, as in the Water Rail 

 also I think imply a much more active life than that of the Heron Its 

 colour is well suited for concealment among reeds. 



Skibbereen, Co. Cork, John J. Woi,F^. 



