The Zoologist— May, 18(56. 223 



Wheatear.—A summer visitor from the end of March till the middle 

 of October. Once seen in November. I was inclined lo think that 

 the wheatear might winter in some parts of Ireland, but I never found 

 it later than November, even in the west, where it is a most abundant 

 species. Its arrival is the first token of coming spring among the 

 summer migrants, it often appearing at the time the snow bunting 

 visits us on its vernal migration northwards. " Wheatear " is a most 

 absurd name for this bird in Ireland, as it frequents the wildest, most 

 barren and rocky districts it can find. Its Irish name of "stonechat" 

 is very appropriate. The real stonechat never frequents stones at all, 

 but always hedges and furze. 



Grasshopper Warbler. — A summer visitor. Local and little 

 known. 



Sedge Warbler. — Summer visitor, from the middle of April till the 

 middle of September. Local, but pretty well known. 



Blackcap. — Both a summer and winter visitor, in very small 

 numbers. Thompson, in his ' Natural History of Ireland,' mentions 

 the following instances of its occurrence in the County Dublin: — A 

 male shot early in October, 1833. May, 1844, a pair were seen in the 

 under-wood of the Zoological Gardens, PhcEuix Park, where, in a 

 previous year, one had been seen. It has also occurred other years in 

 the Plioenix Park. Two shot in December, 1843 (one on the 23rd) 

 at Raheny. October, 1846, at Donny brook. Last week of January, 

 1847, at Kalhfarnham. It has occurred in various parts of Ireland 

 during the winter. Has only once come under my own observation, 

 and that a female, shot in December, 1860. 



Whitethroat. — An abundant summer species from the end of April 

 to the end of September. 



Willoiv Wren. — Common summer visitant, from the first week of 

 April till the end of October. 



Chiffchaff. — A summer visitor. Not uncommon, though very 



secluded. From the beginning of April till .'' 



Golden Crested Regiilus. — Great additions swell the numbers of 

 this resident in December, For a iew weeks they are plentiful in the 

 hedges most winter^ but in the pine-copses their tinkling note is 

 always to be heard. 



Blue 7if7.— Resident. Numbers increase during the autumn and 

 spring. 



Cole Tit. — Resident. Great additions in autumn and spring to. the 

 fir-woods, which are its chief haunts. 



