83 



THE MIGRATORY MOVEIVIENTS OF CERTAIN SHORE= 

 BIRDS AS OBSERVED ON THE DUBLIN COAST. 



C. J. PATTEN, M.A., M.D., Sc.D. 



{Continued from page ^2). 

 Sanderling (Calidris arenaria) 



I have recently obtained some information which tends to 

 modify one's views concerning certain migratory movements 

 of this species. Until the year 1906, I believed that it was 

 absent from the Dublin coast from about four to six weeks, 

 which, speaking generally, extended from the end of June to the 

 beginning of August. In the ' Aquatic Birds,' I mention that 

 the migratory move begins in August, or even towards the 

 latter end of July, but though I was under the impression that 

 the supposed adult birds, seen early in August, could hardly as 

 yet be returning from their breeding-quarters in the far north, I 

 had an idea, shared by the late Mr. E. Williams, that such birds 

 only partially migrated, and had flown down from Scotland, 

 or perhaps from the Orkneys or Shetlands, having reached this 

 latitude, but going no further north when on the vernal migra- 

 tion. However, the recent observations made by Mr. A. Wil- 

 liams go to show that this bird, like the Turnstone, frequents 

 the Dublin coast throughout the year. In accordance with my 

 own observations, Mr. Williams has noticed the Sanderling 

 remaining until well on in June, when on its vernal migration, 

 and returning at the end of July during the Autumn move. 

 He informs me that prior to 1906, he made no records in early 

 or mid-July. However, in that year, much to his surprise and 

 delight, he discovered this species on the Dublin coast on dif- 

 ferent occasions in July, and not only a few stragglers, but 

 flocks consisting of fifty birds, all, apparently, in nuptial 

 plumage. 



To Mr. Williams, then, is due the credit of discovering this 

 bird frequenting the Dublin coast, at a period of the year when 

 it was supposed to be away north, and I hope this investigation 

 will receive the publicity of ornithologists. I am much indebted 

 to him for his interesting information, and in a recent letter, 

 he further informs me that he has seen the birds on several 

 occasions during July 1907 and July 1908. But interesting 

 though this discovery may be, it hardly seem.s to point to the 

 fact that the birds might remain to breed within the confines of 

 the British Isles. Indeed, there is every reason to think that 



agog March i. 



