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136.

30th March 1939. 

A cold dull day but no rain after heavy rain for two days & snow in hills on 29th. Mr. Moore reported four inches of snow at his doorstep on afternoon of 29th, but turning to rain all gone below about 1700-1800 feet on 30th. 

Took afternoon bus to Bohernabreena & walked up Glenasmole to upper reservoir & back. Did not collect & saw no insects of note.  Just above Mrs Doyles heard a single Chiff-chaff sing twice, but not again. No Sand Martins by the Dodder. From a brown cocoon found by Daisy (M.D.S.) on trunk of large birth near disused filter-beds, emerged (between 29 June & 14 July 1939) a ♂ Lophyrus pini. Several conifers grown near the birch.  A.W.S.

Following walk on 30th I developed a septic foot (from a patch of eczema) & had to stay at home on 1st April & until 11th, during which time weather turned summer like (on 7th) & remained so till 13th.

During this period temperature rose to 65°F from 45° or less & there was much hot sun yet A.M. Gwynne & R.C. Faris reported 


137.

(April 1939)

few insects out, though there was a rush of incoming migrant birds on 9th to 11th, especially Willow Wrens, which came en masse. I, tied to house, missed all this fine weather, & was only able to see a few things in garden or listen to reports by George & Daisy: thus,

Bombus agrorum  A dark, richly coloured ♀ seen in garden on 9th & again on 10th.
B. lucorum ♀♀ reported nearly every day.
Vespa germanica ♀ on motor house window on 8th.
Small White Butterflies reported on 12th.
Peacock in back garden on 13th.
Frog re-appeared in garden, at least first seen on __, sunning itself at motor house (now in its 3rd or 4th year?)
Starlings started nesting in roof of N.53 Wesfield Road in last week of March, after not being seen near site since last nesting season, though in previous years they haunted the place all autumn & winter.  Therefore probably a different pair.  Not known whether 1938 nesting was successful, as holidays spoiled observation!

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For insects taken by E. O'M. in St Anne's, Clontarf, on 16th & 20th April 1939 see p.128 ante.
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