IQM- 
Noles. 235 
White Wagtails on Migration observed at Inishtrahull. 
White Wagtails were numerous on Inishtrahull during the latter 
half of Mav, 19 13. I am indebted to Mr. Wright, Principal Keeper, for 
sending me specimens ; some adolescent, others fully adult. The birds 
continued to pass north until May 31st. On the 28th of that month 
I received an adolescent specimen which would not have bred this year. 
August 2ist last was the earliest date on which I noticed the birds on this 
island affecting the return move Seven appeared on that date, all 
immature. Two of these I collected. On August 25th, I procured 
an interesting specimen still retaining almost the entire nuptial plumage. 
On Friday, August 29th, many White Wagtails appeared round the 
lanterns, and 6 struck the glass ; one collided, this night, with the kitchen 
window. Since 1 first saw this species on August 21st, it has been of 
very frequent occurrence up t "» when I write, viz., September 12th. 
Universit}, Sheffield. C. J. Patten. 
Nightjars at Sea. 
During the cruises of the Department of Agriculture's steam cruiser 
Helga, I have observed Nightjars four times off the coasts of Ireland, 
and each time by daylight. The first was seen on 19th August, 1905, 
when we were fishing about half a mile off Howlh. It was blowing a 
moderate gale from the west, about 30 to 35 miles an hour. The bird 
had evidently been blown oft shore and alighted on the ship for shelter 
When frightened it took wing again and was gradually blown out to sea. 
It flew as close as possible to the water, about a foot or two above it. as 
if trying to get shelter behind the crests of the waves. On the 17th 
Alay, 1910, when we were 84 miles west of the Bull Rock, a Nightjar was 
seen and, as well as I remeniber, came on board ; at any rate, I have no 
doubt about the identification. On the nth May, 1912, when we 
were 75 miles W.S.W. of the Fastnet, a bird flew round the ship, but 
was too frightened to alight. It hovered close to the water showing the 
white markings on the tail-feathers. I did not identify it at the time, 
but I noted its appearance, and recognised it later as the same species 
of bird which came on board in 191 3. This occurred on the 5th May 
last, when we were 30 miles W.S.W. of the Fastnet. 
Dublin. G. P. Farran. 
The Little Auk in August. 
On August 30th a Little Auk was killed striking at the Aranmore light- 
station, Co. Donegal, being the first occasion on which this species has 
struck a lantern. On same date the Chief Inspector of Fisheries 
(Mr. W. S. Green) saw a Little Auk in the Kenmare River. It looked, 
he says, a " little out of sorts." Mr. l^ssher has tabulated the monthly 
occurrences of the Little Auk (" Birds of Ireland," p. 368) and there are 
no records for June, July, August, or September. 
RiCHD, M. Barrington 
Fassaroe, Bray. 
