I9I4- BarrinGTON. — Sea-birds 07i the Skelligs. 133 
FULMARS, GANNETS, AND OTHER SEA-BIRDS 
ON THE SKELLIGS. 
BY R. M. BARRINGTON, M.A., F.L.S. 
Mr. p. J. McGiNLEY, lightkeeper on the Great Skellig, a 
well-known rocky island, about nine miles west of 
Valencia, Co. Kerry, writes on March i6th : — " It may 
interest you to know that the Fulmar is nesting here again 
this year. When I acquainted the late respected Mr. 
Ussher of their first visit last season, there was only a small 
colony of about 11 or 12 pairs. This year the number 
has increased to upwards of 70 birds. The colony has 
divided, one section consisting of about 18 birds going to 
nest at a different point from those of last year — they have 
chosen the same side of the rock with a northerly aspect ; 
the new position taken up is inaccessible, being directly 
under the ' Needle's Eye.' ^ 
''They first arrived on February 20th, and increased some 
days afterwards. Guillemots appeared on February 27th, 
Razorbills and Kittiwakes on March 14th, the Shearwater 
was first heard on March 8th, but there is no sign of the 
Pufiin yet. Two pairs of Oyster-catchers are going to nest 
again this year." 
In a second letter, dated the 19th of April, Mr. McGinley 
says : — 
" When I left the rock the other day the Fulmar was 
sitting. All the other birds that frequent the Skelligs are 
far more numerous this year than they have been for some 
years past. The Razorbills are in the majority, whereas 
last season and previous years the Guillemots were most 
numerous. 
"The Oyster-Catcher is becoming plentiful, seven pairs 
are here now. The "Parrot" (Pufiin) was first seen on 
April ist, and before April 19th they had taken up their 
burrows. Several Shearwaters were also in their burrows." 
^ The " Needle's Eye " is a narrow passage on the face of the rock 
near the summit (710 feet) of the Great Skellig, through which anyone 
ascending to the top must pass. 
A3 
