126 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. 



Tuskar, Tearagbt, Rathlin, Innishtrahull, Rockabill, and Coning- 

 beg Light- ship. 



Since the volumes have been distributed in the summer of 

 1884, some records have appeared in the schedules which are 

 highly improbable. They appear due to the fact that the bird 

 seen had some slight resemblance to a rare species figured in 

 Morris. On the other hand, the coloured figures have been the 

 means of correcting many errors. 



The schedules for 1884 exhibit or emphasize tbe following 

 points : — 



In 1884 the number of birds has been equal to, and in a few 

 instances above, the average. 



The bulk of the migrants arrive on the southern balf of the 

 east coast of Ireland, and on the easternmost of our southern 

 counties, — in other words, along the shore extending from Dublin 

 to "Waterford, and having its limits at Rockabill Lighthouse and 

 Dungarvan Lighthouse. 



A marked migratory movement might be expected in our north- 

 eastern counties between Scotland and Ireland, where the Channel 

 is narrowest ; but we have no evidence that such is the case. 



The usual course taken by birds seems to be either N.W. or 

 S.E. The number of birds which only occur singly and do not 

 seem to migrate in flocks is large. In such instances it is 

 difficult to trace the line of migration. 



The occurrences now noted of the Greenland Falcon, properly 

 belong to the same flight that has already been noticed in last 

 year's Report. 



As might be expected, the Snow Bunting is of more frequent 

 occurrence on our western and northern coasts. A few remained 

 as late as the first week in May, and it was again seen early in 

 September, dates which have not hitherto been recorded in 

 Ireland. Geese were also more numerous on the. northern and 

 western coasts than elsewhere. 



A remarkable migration of the Rook was observed at the 

 Tearagbt and Skelligs, both stations being several miles off the 

 coast of Kerry. It lasted for three weeks, from Nov. 2nd to 20th, 

 the direction of flight being from west to east. The light- 

 keepers were puzzled to know where the birds came from, the 

 nearest land to the west being America. [See general remarks of 

 light-keepers, and also under Rook]. 



