The Birih of Hillsborough. 35 



Totanu5 totanus {Ltnne). Redshank. 



The Redshank nests in small niunbei's in meadows adjacent to Louj^Ii 

 Agherj', and occurs in the lower-lying northern portion of tlie district 

 occasionally in Winter. Average size of eggs 46"4I x 31 '75 mm. ; average 

 weight of full eggs 22'612 gr., of empty shells 1 "23 gr. 



Totanus hypoleucus (,Liiuie). Common Sandfipek. 



A regular Spring migrant, arriving about the 1st of May, aiid nesting 

 in small numbers. Average si/.e of eggs 37 '85 x 2()"H7 mm. ; average 

 weight of full eggs 13 '258 gr., of empty shells "oS gr. 



Numenius arquata (Lhnie). Curlew. 



The Curlew's whistle as it flies overhead has been liere noted in every 

 month of the year except January. It is also not unconnuonly seen feed- 

 ing in the fields. 



Charadrius apricarius IJniu'. Golden Plover. 



A regular Winter visitant in small numbers, usually consoi'ting with 

 flocks of Lapwings. 



Vanelius vanellus (Limn'). Lapwing. 



The Lapwing, Peewit or Green Plover, is a resident 'and iiumerous 

 species breeding both in the higher southern and lower-lying northern 

 parts of the district, but in Winter for the most part forsaking the former 

 regions. Average size of eggs 4-7'19 x 32'97 mm. ; average weight of full 

 eggs 25*819 gr., of empty shells r478 gr. 



Haematopus ostralegus Linne. Oyster-catcher. 



An unexpected incident was the sight of an Oyster-catcher at Munroe's 

 Dam on 26th June, 1919, where also a few days previously a Redshank 

 had been observed. This bii'd nests at Lough Neagh, and it may well be 

 that the one seen was on passage from thence to the sea coast. 



Order LARIFORMES. 



Family LARID^. 



Larus canu5 Linne. Common Gull. 



A regular Winter visitant (October till May), feeding in the flelds and 

 often following the plough, but has also been observed in July and August. 



Larus argentatus Pontoppidan. Herring-Gull. 



The Herring-Gull has been seen in every month of the year but is 

 much more numerous in Winter. The majority of the birds frequenting 

 the district are in immature plumage. 



Larus fuscus af finis Reinhardt. British Lesser Black-backed Gull. 



A single bird of this species seen in 1903 constitutes the only record 

 for the district. This is somewhat strange as this bird may constantly be 

 observed at Lough Neagh only some 10 miles distant. 



