THLE BIRDS OF THE MOY ESTUARY. 289 
June, 1852, I noticed two red-breasted birds amongst a flock of 
fifty pale-coloured ones. On June 2nd, 1866, amongst a flock of 
Knots and light-coloured Godwits, I observed another pair of the 
latter with red breasts; and some time in May, 1876, I saw one 
red-breasted bird amongst a very large flock of pale-coloured ones. 
It appears to me very doubtful whether the birds seen in the paler 
coloured plumage so late in the season would assume the red 
breasts at all that summer. 
Curlew Sandpiper, Tringa subarquata.—Occasionally seen on 
the sands between Bartragh and Killalain September and October, 
but I have not met with it later in the season. This species 
probably moves farther south after the latter date. When asso- 
ciating with Dunlins it may be easily distinguished by its peculiar 
note and white rump. 
Dunlin, Tringa alpina.—Although common, is not seen in 
such large numbers as in Cork Harbour or other estuaries having 
extensive mud-banks instead of sandy flats, the soft mud affording 
richer feeding grounds. Ihave observed Dunlins on the moory 
shores of Lough Conn in June, where I am certain numbers have 
nests every season. Of those seen, all exhibited the black breast 
peculiar to the summer plumage, and from their manner of flight 
indicated the fact of nests being somewhere near. 
Purple Sandpiper, Tringa maritima.—A regular winter visitant, 
sometimes remaining till early summer. I have-seen them on the 
rocks of Kilcummin Head as late as’ May 24th; and many years 
ago I remember meeting with a flock on the coast between Cork 
Harbour and Robert’s Cove on May 17th. 
Knot, Tringa canutus——Abundant on the sandy flats of the 
estuary between Bartragh and Killala. I once heard the calls of 
a flock passing overhead on August 25th, and I have seen a flock 
on the sands here on June 2nd. 
Woodcock, Scolopaa rusticola——Common in winter. During 
the severe frost of January, 1867, when snow covered the ground 
for twelve days, and most of the springs were frozen, numbers of 
Woodcocks were driven down to the coast. They used to lie 
along the shore amongst the sea-weed when the tide was out, 
and great numbers were killed on the coast between Eastkey and 
Enniscroon by the country people, who stalked them from behind 
rocks and large stones, and when they rose knocked them down 
with sticks. Some of the people became so expert at this mode 
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