82 



IRISH COAST. 



In the spring of 1883 schedules were forwarded to forty-two 

 stations, Arklow North Lightship having been added to those of 

 the previous year. Twenty-five replied. 



In the autumn only thirty-five schedules were sent out, seven 

 having been omitted, i.e., Mine Head, Wicklow Head, Lough 

 Swilly, Eagle Island East, Slyne Head South, Loop Head, and 

 Samphire Island. Thirty-four were returned, one station 

 sending no answer. 



A decided improvement in filling the schedules occurred in 

 the autumn, the observations of some light-keepers extending 

 over three or even four schedules. The labour of arranging the 

 materials for this report and placing the entries under the head 

 of each species has consequently been much increased. 



In addition to the schedules the light-keepers at Coningbeg 

 light-ship, Tuskar Rock, Rathlin Island, Killybegs, Tearaght, 

 and Skelligs have forwarded lists of all the birds they have 

 observed, whether migrating or otherwise. There is an evident 

 disposition on the part of all to help us as far as possible in this 

 enquiry. The light stations are arranged geographically — 

 beginning at the Fastnet, in Cork, and going' round by the east 

 to the west coast. 



The number of migrants passing in the autumn seems to 

 have been greater than usual. A great rush of Thrushes (including 

 probably Redwings), Blackbirds, and Starlings, took place at our 

 south eastern and southern stations between Oct. 25th and Nov. 

 2nd — notably at the Tuskar, on the Wexford coast, which is the 

 best Irish station. Smaller rushes of these and other birds are 

 also recorded, but it is premature at present to analyse the move- 

 ments of each species or the dates on which they occurred. 

 After a few years conclusions will be far more satisfactory. 



The great majority of birds are killed striking on foggy, misty, 

 or dark nights, and it is perhaps not impossible for a great 

 migration to take place, and pass almost unrecorded if the night 



