Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 4 (1900).djvu/64

40 Golden Plover and Lapwings in the Moy Estuary.—The Golden Plover (Charadrius pluvialis) did not visit the sands of the estuary in any numbers until the middle and towards the end of October, after which time they began to increase up to the 24th, when I saw fully two thousand birds in one large stand resting on the Scurmore sands: and since then they have continued to haunt the banks in probably large numbers, for they now have separated into two large flocks, one haunting the Moyne, and the other the Scurmore sands. The Lapwings (Vanellus vulgaris) appeared about the banks in their average numbers up to Nov. 20th, when they visited the sands in immense flocks, more numerous than in any year since 1878 (the "great Lapwing year"). On the morning of the 20th Mr. A.C. Kirkwood, of Bartragh, at daybreak, saw an immense flock at a great height coming from a northerly direction over the bay. On reaching the island they did not alight, but kept flying about for nearly an hour, when they lowered their flight, and pitched on the Bartragh sands opposite Moyne Abbey. To give some idea of the immense numbers of the birds about, I may mention that at the time they settled down near Moyne, equally large flocks were farther up the estuary, on the Scurmore and Castleconnor sands, and a fourth large flock was resting on the banks outside the island next the bay. Most of the birds were evidently strangers, distrusting their new quarters, and so restless and easily alarmed that it was impossible to get within shot of any of the large stands. Mr. Kirkwood was out all day with his punt and gun, and was unable to come within range of any, except a few scattered birds. I was out all day on the 21st, and was equally unsuccessful. I never met Lapwings so wild, so utterly unlike their usual unsuspicious habits on the approach of a punt. I was out again on the 22nd, and, although the birds actually swarmed on the Moyne, Bartragh, Scurmore, and Castleconnor sands, yet I was unable to get near the large flocks, only a few scattered birds allowing my punt within range. It is impossible to account for this extreme wildness of the Lapwings; the fine weather could not be the cause, for some of my best days' Plover shooting on the estuary were on mild calm days, when, owing to the mildness of the weather, the birds used to assemble on the sands at the edge of the channels to wash and bathe, and remain until driven off by the rising tide. It will be interesting to know whether a similar large influx of the birds has taken place in other parts of the country, and I trust that some of your correspondents will mention if such has come under their notice.— (Moyview, Ballina).

Blue Sharks in Killala Bay, Co. Mayo.—One day towards the end of last October, as Capt. Kirkwood, of Bartragh, was walking along the sands