[Footnote 18: The remarks do not apply to migrants among the _Limicolæ_ and _Anseres_, which, as a rule, religiously follow coast lines, and which are abundantly represented on the Solway and coasts of Cumberland and Lancashire.]
[Footnote 19: The scarcity or entire absence of migratory birds at St Bees is remarked upon ill the Reports for 1880 and 1881.]
The migratory movements of such partially resident species as the Redbreast, Hedge Sparrow, Wren, Greenfinch, Sparrow, Bullfinch, Yellow Hammer, and others are recorded.
Of the rarer and more interesting species included in the Report, the Black Redstart, White Wagtail, Gadwall, Red-Necked and Grey Phalaropes, Ruff, Black Tern, Glaucus Gull, and Leach's Petrel may be mentioned.
As an unusual species to observe at the lantern, we may allude to the occurrence of the Moorhen (_Gallinula chloropus_) at the South Bishop, a locality indicating that the bird must have been migrating.
The scarcity of the Woodcock, Goldcrest, and Short-Eared Owl is worthy of note. This is the more remarkable in the case of the Woodcock, since it occurred in almost unprecedented numbers on the east coast of England.
The number of light stations returning schedules was only one less than in 1885, although four schedules less were sent out.
There was no light shown at the Tuskar Rock--the best Irish station--between from June 1st to November 20th, but since that date a more powerful light has been exhibited.
The great importance of forwarding a leg and wing of at least one specimen of each species killed, cannot be too strongly impressed upon on the light-keepers. Unless the birds are correctly identified, the value of this inquiry is materially diminished, and ornithologists may refuse to accept the statements of the observers.
In the schedules sent out in the spring of 1886, the request to forward the legs and wings of birds was conspicuously printed on the top of each schedule. Mr Edward M'Carron, who had already proved himself a most intelligent observer at the Tearaght Rock (removed to Mine Head in the autumn), has been the largest contributor of specimens, and his careful notes prove the interest taken in this inquiry.
Anticipatory of the report for the spring of 1886, it may be mentioned that several rare species have occurred, which would probably have passed under another name, were it not for the distribution of six copies of "Morris's British Birds," with coloured plates, and the production of specimens. We trust the Commissioners of Irish Lights will distribute six additional copies of Morris in the present year. We believe these volumes are greatly appreciated, and that in placing them in their annual list of books to be purchased for the light-keepers, a wise selection has been made.