The Birds of Hillsborough. 37 



borough Park during the Winter of 1847-48. Usually arriving in March, 

 it has been known to nest on Hillsborough Park Lake, Lough Aghery and 

 McKee's Dam. It appears probable that in some years it does not visit 

 the district. Average size of eggs oT.S^ x 84 o mm. ; average weight of 

 full eggs 32"14 gr., of empty shells .S'.S?-") gr. 



Podlceps fluviatiiis Tumtall. Little Grebj:. 



A common resident, only leaving the district when severe frosts cover 

 its haunts with ice. It is locally known as the " Diver.'' Average size of 

 eggs 38'58 x 25 78 mm. ; average weight of full eggs 13"063 gr., of empty 

 shells ri917gr. 



Order RALLIFORMES. 



Family RALLID.E. 



Rallu5 aquaticus LiiinJ. Watkr-Rail. 



A resident in considerable numbers, though seldom observed owing to 

 its skulking habits. The nest of this species is well concealed and is 

 almost invariably placed among Avet surroundings. In December, 190S, 

 and again in February and No\ember, 1909, the unusual sight was 

 witnessed of one of these birds perching in a Willow tree growing at the 

 margin of the lake in Hillsborough Park. Average size of eggs 3o"28 x 

 25 '93 mm. ; average weight of full eggs 12 "403 gr., of empty shells 

 •9122 gr. 



Crex Crex {Liimc). Corn'-Crakk or Land-Rail. 



A common Spring migrant arriving about the middle of April (earliest 

 14th April, in 1918). A specimen of this species was shot near Hills- 

 borough on 20th February, 1905, and is in the writer's possession. Average 

 size of eggs 36'86 x 26'47 mm. ; average weight of full eggs 13'539 gr. , of 

 empty shells 834 gr. 



Qallinula chioropus (Lin/n). Moor-Hen. 



Resident and very common. Locally known bj' the UKjre appropriate 

 name of " Water-Hen." Although its usual nesting place is on the ground, 

 or in vegetation growing in or extending over and close to the water, its 

 nest has more than once been seen here in a high hedge or in an Alder tree 

 at an elevation of about 15 feet. Average size of eggs 44 '04 x 31 '22 mm. ; 

 average weight of full eggs 23*085 gr., of empty shells r9447 gr. 



Fulica atra LimiL Coot. 



Usually called "Bald Coot" this bird is resident and common. 

 Average size of eggs 51*94 x 36*04 nnn. ; average weight of full eggs 

 35*875 gr., of empty shells 3*4 gr. 



