20 34 Proceedings of the Rot/al Irish Academy. 



Aran Islands, and struck the lantern of Eathliu O'Birne, 28th Oetoher, 

 1886, " with tremendous force." Such occurrences are exceptional, and 

 do not betoken a regular migration like that of the Water-Bail, but 

 show that these birds wander forth in autumn, and are well able to 

 sustain flight at sea. 



Fulica atra, Linn. Coot. — In Aehill J. B. Sheridan said in 1891 that it was 

 fairly plentiful in winter; B. B. Sheridan now states that it is resident 

 and breeds there. On the Mullet vast flocks often arrive in autumn 

 (Wallace). Coots are known to betake themselves to salt water when 

 lakes are frozen. They are fairly common on the mainland lakes, such 

 as those south of Louisburgh. A Coot has struck the South Aran light, 

 and others have been reported from Killybegs and Aranniore, all in 

 autumn. 



Aegialitis hiaticola (Linn.). Blvged Blover. — Breeds in small numbers on 

 Clare Island, and flocks are seen there in September. A common resident 

 on Aehill, Clew Bay, and generally on the sandy or graveUy coasts and 

 islands, breeding also on the inland lakes of Mayo. The eggs have been 

 found on top of a rock on Deer Island, off Boundstone, and on Inishkea 

 in shelter under a stone. 



Charadrius pluvialis (Linn.). Goldex Blover. — Flocks visit Clare Island in 

 March and April, and again from August to December, most numerously 

 in October and Xovember, as appears by Hammond's schedules ; and this 

 agrees with Barrington's summarized observations for the west coast- 

 The Golden Blover breeds in Aehill and through the vast flat bogs of 

 Mayo and Connemara, as well as on the lower mountain slopes, some- 

 times near the sea. This species is specially numerous in western 

 Connaught, where assemblages of hundreds or thousands are seen some 

 winters on bays and estuaries (Warren). 



Squatarola helvetica Linn.). GitEY Blover. — Scarce winter visitor to Clare 

 Island, Aehill, the Mullet, and Killala Bay. On the sands inside 

 Bartragh Island, Warren has seen this bird up to June. It is usually 

 unrecognized, the last species being called " Grey Blover " in Ireland. 



Vanellus vulgaris, Bechst. Lapwing. — A few observed on Clare Island in 

 March and June, which probably breed; more numerous October to 

 December. Nests on Aehill, the Mullet, and in Mayo generally, as it 

 does on many coastal tracts and maiine islands round Ireland, as well 

 as on islands in inland lakes. Lighthouse observations show a marked 

 increase iri March ; but the great influx is from September to the end 

 of the year. 



