Page:The Zoologist, 3rd series, vol 1 (1877).djvu/266

240 towards the mainland in a south-westerly direction, I was at first at a loss to account for such a gathering, as the number of resident Titlarks on the island could scarcely amount to a score, but the fact of such a number being collected together, and all taking flight in the same direction from the island, lead me to conclude that this was a migratory flock which had been driven out of its course by winds or fogs, and had rested on the island as the first land made on coming from the open sea up the bay.

Rock Pipit, Anthus petrosus.—Frequents the coast throughout the year.

Sky Lark, Alauda arvensis.—Very common throughout the year, but appears to me to be more numerous in the south during winter.

Snow Bunting, Emberiza nivalis.—A winter visitant, some years appearing in very large flocks on the island of Bartragh in March, probably collecting together before leaving for their northern summer quarters.

Common Bunting, Emberiza miliaria.—Resident in very limited numbers throughout the district.

Yellow Bunting, Emberiza citrinella.—Very common, and the most numerous of the resident species.

Reed Bunting, Emberiza schœniclus.—Very common in the district, owing to the extent of wet land, so suitable to its habits.

Chaflinch, Fringilla cœlebs.—Very common.

House Sparrow, Passer domesticus.—Scattered throughout the district in little communities, although it cannot be called numerous anywhere.

Green Linnet, Coccothraustes chloris.—Resident and common in suitable localities, though not seen here in such numbers as in the South of Ireland.

Hawfinch, Coccothraustes vulgaris.—I have only once met with this bird here. In November, 1857, I saw a very fine one feeding on the red berries of a creeping shrub close to the sitting-room window at Moyview. It came close enough to the window to afford us a good view of it.

Goldfinch, Carduelis elegans.—Resident, breeding in the gardens and trees near the house. A few summers ago a pair had a nest in an elder tree in the garden and reared their young, but for several days after I saw some of the young had left the nest I heard the plaintive call of a young one within it. I did not mind it at first,