254 STUDIES IN BIRD-MIGRATION 



interesting and important fact is that in Ireland winter 

 visitors from Great Britain and the Continent far out- 

 number the Irish birds. 



Summer and Atthunn Movements of British Star- 

 lings. — These take the form of (i) local migrations within 

 the British area, and (2) of emigrations of native birds 

 to winter quarters beyond our shores. 



I. Local Migi'-ations. — These begin in the early- 

 summer ; indeed, as soon as the young, especially those 

 of the broods first cast off, are able to shift for them- 

 selves. Sometimes as early as the first week in June 

 parties composed mainly of youngsters commence their 

 wanderings ; but it is usually about the middle of the 

 month that such flocks are commonly observed. Even 

 thus early the maritime districts, the light-stations, and 

 islands lying off the coast are sometimes visited. Later 

 in the summer both old and young gather together and 

 form large flocks. Movements of a more definite 

 nature are then undertaken, at first probably in search 

 of fresh feeding-grounds, and finally directed towards 

 winter homes. 



The coast and its vicinity is largely visited, especially 

 the southern and western seaboards ; and when summer 

 is past the Hebrides and other islands (including Scilly) 

 and Ireland are also sought for the winter. These 

 movements commence in some seasons as early as the 

 end of July,^ and are in progress throughout the autumn. 

 Ireland receives considerable numbers of immigrants 

 from England, Scotland, and Wales, towards the end of 

 August and onwards. 



^ At the Tuskar Rock, off the south-east coast of Ireland, on 27th July 

 1894, several Starlings were observed proceeding in a north-westerly direction 

 — />., making for the Wexford coast. 



