30 The Irish Naturalist. January, 



Urla troile (Guillemot) — The same remarks apply to this species 

 generally, but it is much more numerous, and is occasionally seen 

 in winter. 



Uria grylle (Black Guillemot). --A few pairs breed. On 16th April, 

 1906, we saw a flock of about ten coming in to the island, and in 

 June several were seen. In Waiters' time he estimated that from 

 100 to 150 of these birds bred annually on Lanibay. 



Fratercula arctica (Puffin).— This bird forms another of the sights 

 of Lambay, as immerse numbers breed in rabbit holes on the north 

 and east sides. On sailing round the island or 25th June, 1905, 

 immediately after rounding Scotch Point, we came into numerous 

 flocks on the water, estimated total between 300 and 400. From 

 this on to Lambay Head large bodies of these birds were seen at 

 inteivals, but the greatest sight of all was from Tayleur Bay to the 

 post. Here there were at least 1,000 Puffins in the sea alone, while 

 almost as many were sitting beside their burrows on the steep sides 

 of the earthen tops of the cliffs, or skimming with fast-beating 

 wings to and from the water. We wondered where such an 

 immense multitude could obtain food sufficient for themselves and 

 their young. On Lambay they are known to vary their fish diet by 

 an occasional young rabbit. Some of the nests are on high 

 ground, among heather and bracken. In April, 1906, we noticed 

 large numbers coming in to the island. 



Puffinus anglorum (Manx Shearwater). — Locally well-known by 

 the name of " Mackerel Cock," this bird is more often heard than 

 seen. We heard their weird crowing all round the island on the 

 night of the 13th April, while one was caught in a rabbit trap on 

 the 22nd March. It is impossible to state how many breed in 

 burrows on the east side now ; but in 1840, according to Watters 

 about 50 bred there. Its nocturnal habits make observations 

 difficult, but on June 27, 1905, R. LI. Praeger met with a flock of 

 about 40 on the water five miles south of Lambay at 10 p.m. 



[Mr. Baring contributes the following particulars of birds 

 introduced on Lambay. 



Anas boscas (Mallard).— Twenty-nine eggs hatched in May, 1906. 

 Lagopus scoticus (Red Grouse).— Four cocks and five hens, October, 



1906. 

 Phaslanus colchicus (Pheasant) — Thirteen eggs hatched, May, 



1906 ; nine hens and two cocks turned out, October, 1906. 

 Perdrix clnerca (Partridge).— Twenty-eight eggs were hatched in 



May, 1906, but nearly all the young are known to have been killed 



by hawks. Five pairs of adults were turned out in December, 1906. 

 Coturnlx communis (Quail).— Fifteen adults were turned out in 



August, 1906. 

 Turtur communis (Turtle-dove).— A pair of adults turned out, 



October, 1906.] 



