IRISH COAST. 115 



all cases but one at a considerable distance from shore. Eecords 

 authenticated by specimens killed striking. 



A Bald Coot was killed striking the Arklow S. light-ship 

 September 22d, and for the first time this species has appeared 

 in our reports. Leg and wing received. 



Considering the numbers of Woodcock which annually visit 

 Ireland, the scanty information received from the light-stations 

 as to its movements is surprising. It is insufficient to enable 

 any one to form an opinion as to whether it arrives first on the 

 W. coast or not, but the statement that it does so is contrary 

 to what might be expected, and until supported by satisfac- 

 tory evidence would be prudently omitted from our text 

 books. 



The observations on Gulls are of questionable value. Con- 

 fusion between the species is inevitable, but they are continued 

 in the hope that when the schedules for several years are com- 

 pared some tangible fragment may be forthcoming. " Cream- 

 coloured Gulls " were noted at Slyne Head, S., and at the 

 Tearaght. They are probably Iceland Gulls, and from previous 

 migration reports it may be gathered that a few straggle to the 

 W. coast of Ireland almost every year. A Glaucous Gull is 

 noted at Blackrock, Mayo, the first time this species has been 

 definitely mentioned in the schedules. The Fork-tailed Petrel 

 was found breeding on the Tearaght Bock in very limited 

 numbers by Mr By an, who kindly forwarded a specimen and its 

 egg. Particulars are given under this species. 



The only stations at which the migratory movements of Wild 

 Geese are returned in any number, are on the coast of Donegal. 

 This has always been the case. 



The autumn rushes of most species were on a larger scale 

 than usual, and between the 10th and 13th of November the 

 greatest migratory movement yet recorded on the Irish coast 

 took place. As usual the S.E. stations experienced the rush 

 most, but it was felt on the W. coast also. At the Tuskar 

 countless numbers of Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Starlings passed. 

 Chaffinches and Larks and other birds in smaller numbers 

 accompanied them. The spring movements in February and 

 March were also better defined than usual, but only a careful 

 mapping out of the various entries all round the coast would 

 enable one to make an accurate comparison with previous years. 



