BIRDS AND LIGHTHOUSES. 275 



them who were not killed by the native Irish, 

 intermarried, and their descendants may still be 

 traced in the dark features of the people. In some 

 districts to this day a perfectly Spanish face may 

 be seen under the hood of a peasant woman. 



But to return to the lighthouses and bird stations. 

 Achill, above all others, presents many features of 

 great interest its stupendous cliffs, its wild, remote 

 situation, its legendary lore, and little colony. To 

 the naturalist it has unrivalled attractions. 



The climate of Achill is very mild, being so 

 influenced by the Gulf Stream, yet, standing well 

 into the ocean, it is pleasant and bracing. This 

 warmth tempts all manner of birds to its vicinity, 

 which, especially in severe winters, leave the inmost 

 districts for its milder climate. On the mainland, 

 near Achill, the Mediterranean heath grows luxuri- 

 antly to a height of five feet. Consumption is 

 there practically unknown. A large proportion of 

 the British birds frequent its shores, including the 

 Golden and Sea Eagle, the Peregrine Falcon, 

 Osprey, Sparrow Hawk, Kestrel, Merlin, and 

 Harriers. Swans arrive in large numbers annually. 

 Large gaggles of Bernicle ; Brent and Bean in 

 smaller numbers ; and now and then the rarer Grey- 

 lag ; Wild Duck, Wigeon, Teal, and other species 

 in profusion. Duck and Teal nest regularly there. 

 The Great Northern Diver, Red-throated Diver, 

 Grebes, Cormorants (two species), and Red-breasted 

 Mergansers, more or less abundant (the latter nest- 

 ing there yearly). Guillemots, Razor-bills, Puffins, 

 and various Gulls, from the Great Black-backed 

 Gull to the smallest of the genus. Terns, Oyster- 



T 2 



