BIRD-LIFE AS OBSERVED AT SKERRYVORE LIGHTHOUSE 29 



accustomed to seeing us about that they are quite tame, and 

 seem to have no great fear of mankind. Along with them 

 from a dozen to twenty Purple Sandpipers (Tringa striata) are 

 constantly on the rock. I have never yet been able to decide 

 what they do, or where they go during a gale. Very often 

 the whole rock is constantly under water for days, but no 

 matter how quickly the sea may fall, as soon as there is a part 

 left uncovered, we can rely on seeing a few Turnstones and 

 Purple Sandpipers. Both leave in April about the same time ; 

 the Turnstone is the first to return. 



SNIPE, Gallinago calestis. Has been got dead on the lantern on 

 frequent occasions in autumn. 



JACK SNIPE, Gallinago gallinula. -TvfO were got dead on the 

 lantern on 2oth Sept. 1906. 



SANDERLING, Calidris arenaria. Seen pretty regularly in September. 



COMMON SANDPIPER, Totanus hypolencus. Two seen in August this 

 year flying about the rock. 



REDSHANK, Totanus calidris. More often heard than seen on 

 migration. I have never yet known one to strike the 

 lantern. In summer a straggler calls and spends an hour or 

 two on the rocks. 



CURLEW, Numenius arquata. Is a regular spring and autumn 

 migrant, seen in flocks of from three to twenty. Never seen 

 resting. 



WHIMBREL, Numenius ph&opus. Often seen in May and August, 

 two or three calling and resting for a short time. 



ARCTIC TERN, Sterna macrura. Seen in June and July in quest 

 of food. I have often seen them with a small fish in their bills 

 passing at full speed for Tiree, having got this fish a long way 

 to the westward of the rock. We also daily see them fishing 

 close to the tower, and when successful they at once start for 

 home with their catch. Towards the end of July they are 

 accompanied by their young, who rest on the rock whilst the 

 parents fish for them. 



LITTLE GULL, Larus minutus. Once seen here, 24th Sept. 1903, 

 at 6 P.M. ; wind S.E., strong breeze, It was flying about the 

 rock, but did not alight. It came sometimes within six feet of 

 where I was standing, and I am perfectly satisfied of its identity. 



SABINE'S GULL, Xena sabinii. Seen flying about the tower for a 

 short time, January 1905. 



BLACK-HEADED GULL, Larus ridibundus. A rare visitor in summer. 



HERRING GULL, Larus argentatus. Seen all the year round, some- 

 times in great flocks. From six to a dozen are rarely ever 

 absent, summer or winter. 



