June, igir. The Irish Naiuralisf. 97 



THE GREAT RUSH OF BIRDS ON THE NIGHT OF 

 MARCH 29TH-30TH, AS OBSERVED IN IRELAND. 



BY R. M. BARRINGTON, M.A. 



On the night of March 29th, a great rush of birds was 

 observed in several towns of S. E. Ireland, and also at some 

 light-stations along the coast from Balbriggan to the Old 

 Head of Kinsale. 



Newspapers, for a week or more afterwards, contained 

 accounts of extraordinary flights, and, probably, the most 

 convenient method of illustrating what occurred, is to give 

 extracts from private letters lent chiefly by my friend, Mr. 

 R. J. Ussher, and reports from newspaper correspondents. 



I interviewed the light-keepers at Balbriggan and 

 Rockabill, and some of the seamen who were on board 

 the lightships at Blackwater Bank, Lucifer Shoals, and 

 Coningbeg. 



Information was also received from Howth Bailey, 

 the Tuskar, South Arklow light-ship. Barrels light-ship, 

 Hook Tower, and the Old Head of Kinsale. 



As regards the towns, most birds appear to have been 

 noticed at New Ross, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Carrick- 

 on-Suir, and Dungarvan. Smaller numbers were observed 

 at Clonmel, Bagenalstown, Lismore, Enniscorthy, Gorey, 

 Greystones, and Bray. 



Mr. C. B. Moffat states that it was a " tremendous 

 night of Curlew cries over Dublin." 



Many species were reported, but Starlings predominated 

 largely ; then Curlew, Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Redwings ; 

 and after these, a heterogeneous collection of other species. 



The relative numbers of each, as well as the variety, 

 must be inferred generally from the reports of correspon- 

 dents, few of whom were trained observers. 



The specimens sent by the light-keepers are, of course, the 

 best evidence. A list of these, received to May 20th, is 

 given hereafter. 



On the night in question, an exceptional number of birds 

 was seen at the following light -stations : — Balbriggan, 

 Rockabill, Howth Bailey, Arklow S. light-ship, Blackwater 



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