1898.] Patten. — The Birds of Dubliv Bay. 231 



In concluding these remarks let me offer a few suggestions 

 which may prove of service to the ornithologist on the sea- 

 shore : — 



Firstly : — Let the colour of 3^our dress correspond as much 

 as possible to that of the sea-sand. Secondly : — Learn to 

 assume an innocent gait when approaching "waders" (the 

 attitude of a cockle-picker, or of a marine botanist, often 

 proves useful). At any rate do not sneak along the shore in 

 a suspicious manner as if on murderous intent. Thirdly: — 

 If the birds are approaching 3'ou, crouch low and remain 

 perfectly still. P'ourthly : — Never bring a dog w^ith yau. 

 Fifthly : — Tr}^ and have a good sound practical knowledge of 

 the various species before you commence to collect, and 

 avoid using a gun unless you actually want to preserve a 

 specimen. 



Order ACCIPITRKS. 



Pandion haliaetus, Linn. OsprEy. — Extremely rare and accidental 

 visitor. Has been once obtained by Mr. W. Williams. This 

 specimen is in the National Museum, Dublin {Life and Letters of 

 A. G. More, p. 579, and List of Irish Birds, by A. G. More, p. 5.) A large 

 powerfully-built bird which preys upon fish snatched from the 

 surface of the water. 



Faico pcrcgrinus, J. F. Gmel. Peregrine Fai^con. — Occurs every 

 autumn in small numbers ; probably birds of the first year from the 

 cliffs of Lamba)- Island. Kasily distinguished from the other com- 

 mon Irish hawks by its superior size, very dark back, and short tail. 



F. aesalon, Gmel. MerIvIN. — Regular autumnal visitor, appearing 

 during the month of September. Feeds on the Dunlin (" Sand 

 Lark "j, which it chases wdth marvellous rapidity. The Merlin is the 

 smallest Irish hawk, and differs from the Sparrow-hawk by its 

 longer wings and shorter tail, and from the Kestrel by its darker 

 back, smaller size, and more rapid flight. 



Asio acclpitrinus, Pallas. Short-eared Owi,.— Autumnal visitor, 

 appearing towards the end of October (Williams). Frequents the 

 dry sand-dunes of the North Bull. Often hunts by day, differing in 

 that respect from the Long-eared Owl, which is strictly nocturnal in 

 its habits. 



Order PASSERES. 



Rutlcilla tltys, Scopoli. Bi.ack Redstart.— Has been noticed on 

 several occasions at the " North Lots" in winter by Mr. E- Williams. 

 Resembles the Wheatear in habits, but the latter is a summer 

 ■migrant, and much lighter in colour. 



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