BIRDS 59 



very lean, weighing only six ounces, but before the}'' leave 

 this island grow so fat as to weigh above eight {Brit. Zool.). 

 Dr. N. F. Ticehurst noted at least ten pairs nesting on Bardsey 

 in June, 1913. 



174. — WiVTER RAIL. Ralhis aqualicus aquaticus L. 



Common in winter on lowland marshes ; nest rarely found, but many 

 pairs breed. 



One of the most interesting facts brought to light by the 

 investigations of the B.O.C. Migration Committee is the great 

 extent to which the Water-Rail is migratory on the Welsh 

 coast. In 1909 several were noted at the Bardsey lighthouse 

 on the nights of 15th and 27th September ; six on 5th and 

 6th November, and large numbers going south the following 

 night, when fifty were killed. In 1913, too, three were noted 

 there, 24th and 25th March ; and fifty seen and fourteen killed 

 five nights later. The same night twelve were seen and eight 

 killed at the Skerries light. It appears from this that the 

 Water-Rail, usually rather a solitary bird, is gregarious at the 

 spring and autumn seasons of migration. 



175.— BAILLON'S CRAKE. Porzana pusilla intermedia 



(Herm.). 



Obtained once only near Conway estuary. 



176.— SPOTTED CRAKE. Porzana porzana (L.). 



Rather rare and irregular visitor, chiefly in autumn and winter. 



In Anglesey Mr. F. H. Mills records one on bog at Penmynydd, 

 while in Denbigh and Flint Mr. W. A. Rogers reports one caught 

 by a dog at Rhuddlan in December 1907 ; Mr. Ruddy noted one 

 at Llangollen, 10th April, 1907 ; and Dr. C. L Williams says 

 it has been obtained at Ysceiliog, near Holywell. 



177. — MOOR HEN. Gallinula chloropus chloropus (L).. 



Resident, common everywhere in suitable country. 



Dr. N. F. Ticehurst noted one or two in withy beds on Bardsey 

 Island in June, 1913. In the Migration Reports single birds 

 are recorded at the Bardsey light, 12-13th April, 1910 ; 9-lOth 

 April and 5-6th May, 1913 ; and at the Skerries light, 29-30th 

 March, 1913. 



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