50 C. AND H. CANDLER ON BIRD-LIFE OF SKELLIG ROCKS. 
Messrs. Barrington and Ussher attempted afterwards to reach the 
Skelligs, but were driven back by bad weather. Old Trant, the 
boatman, informed them, however, that he bad never seen so many 
Gannets breeding on the Little Slcellig as in that year. As the work 
upon the Bull Bock progressed the birds were gradually driven from 
the island, and settled in increasing numbers on the Little Skellig. 
The new lighthouse is now completed, and the Gannets have all 
deserted the rock and repaired to the Little Skellig, where, in the 
present year, at least two thousand pairs are breeding. A few birds 
showed a disposition at one time to settle on the Cow Bock, which is 
a mile distant from the Bull, and being over two hundred feet high, 
might have afforded them protection ; but we are assured that none 
nest there now. The Little Skellig is therefore the only breeding 
station of the Gannet on the Irish coast ; the bird not now nesting 
on the Stags of Broadhaven in county Mayo, if, indeed, it ever 
did so. 
TABLE OE THE BIRDS OBSERVED BY THE LIGHT-KEEPERS 
ON THE GREAT SKELLIG IN THE A'EARS 1882—1887. 
( From the Reports of the Migration Committee of the British Association.) 
Thrush. Appears regularly on the rock from October to January. 
November 7tli, 1887, fifty seen. 
Redwing. Occasionally seen in November and December. 
Blackbird. Occurs commonly. October to January. 
Ring Ouzel. Seen in March and April, and again in September. 
Wheatear. Resident from March to September. Migrants also observed 
in spring and autumn. 
Redstart. Four birds spent some weeks on the rock in October, 18S3. 
Black Redstart. A visitor in October and November. A flight of 
twenty observed October 19th, 1885 ; wind, north-east. 
Robin. Only twice noted— in November, 1885, and October, 1887. 
Golden-crested Wren. Two birds seen, October 10th, 1880. 
Hedge Sparrow. One seen, October 13th, 18S7. 
Wren. A resident, whose numbers are recruited in winter. 
Wagtail (sp.). Several times noted in autumn; more rarely in March. 
Meadow Pipit. Resident. 
Lark. October and November. 
Swallow. A visitor from April to June; more frequent in autumn. 
October 7th, 1887, a large flock flying about the rock all day; wind, 
north-east. 
