Page:The Zoologist, 3rd series, vol 1 (1877).djvu/315

Rh June, 1852, I noticed two red-breasted birds amongst a flock of fifty pale-coloured ones. On June 2nd, 1866, amongst a flock of Knots and light-coloured Godwits, I observed another pair of the latter with red breasts; and some time in May, 1876, I saw one red-breasted bird amongst a very large flock of pale-coloured ones. It appears to me very doubtful whether the birds seen in the paler coloured plumage so late in the season would assume the red breasts at all that summer.

Curlew Sandpiper, Tringa subarquata.—Occasionally seen on the sands between Bartragh and Killala in September and October, but I have not met with it later in the season. This species probably moves farther south after the latter date. When associating with Dunlins it may be easily distinguished by its peculiar note and white rump.

Dunlin, Tringa alpina.—Although common, is not seen in such large numbers as in Cork Harbour or other estuaries having extensive mud-banks instead of sandy flats, the soft mud affording richer feeding grounds. I have observed Dunlins on the moory shores of Lough Conn in June, where I am certain numbers have nests every season. Of those seen, all exhibited the black breast peculiar to the summer plumage, and from their manner of flight indicated the fact of nests being somewhere near.

Purple Sandpiper, Tringa maritima.—A regular winter visitant, sometimes remaining till early summer. I have seen them on the rocks of Kilcummin Head as late as May 24th; and many years ago I remember meeting with a flock on the coast between Cork Harbour and Robert's Cove on May 17th.

Knot, Tringa canutus.—Abundant on the sandy flats of the estuary between Bartragh and Killala. I once heard the calls of a flock passing overhead on August 25th, and I have seen a flock on the sands here on June 2nd.

Woodcock, Scolopax rusticola.—Common in winter. During the severe frost of January, 1867, when snow covered the ground for twelve days, and most of the springs were frozen, numbers of Woodcocks were driven down to the coast. They used to lie along the shore amongst the sea-weed when the tide was out, and great numbers were killed on the coast between Eastkey and Enniscroon by the country people, who stalked them from behind rocks and large stones, and when they rose knocked them down with sticks. Some of the people became so expert at this mode Rh