318 rUOCEEDINGS OF THE 



The Common Tern {Sterna hirundo). 



A comparatively common species in tlic Firth of Clyde, but a 

 very few pairs only breed with us. 



The Arctic Tern (Sterna arctica). 



More common than the preceding sj)ecies. At low water 

 occasional specimens are seen along the shore near Girvan, picking 

 up the slender fishes on which they feed. Mr Anderson came upon 

 a small flock of these birds some years ago in very peculiar cir- 

 cumstances. He was driving his dog-cart within a mile of Girvan 

 one winter afternoon, during a thick fall of snow, when the terns 

 suddenly made their appearance, flapping around the horse's ears. 

 Using his whip vigorously, he struck down three of the birds, and 

 captured them. 



The Lesser Tern (Sterna minuta). 

 So far as we can ascertain, this beautiful species is of somewhat 

 rare and uncertain occurrence in either county. It is probably 

 found every year in limited flocks when travelling southwards 

 from their breeding stations, but these are nowhere numerous on 

 the west coast. Mr Eaton, of Kilmarnock, has in his collection a 

 specimen in the first month's plumage, which was shot on the 

 Water of Irvine a few years ago. 



The Black Tern (Sterna fissi^es). 

 Of very rare occurrence. It has been observed on one or two 

 occasions, and in one instance at least a specimen has been 

 obtained. The bird referred to was shot on 29th August, 1868, 

 at Broadstone, near Stranraer, and preserved by Mr M'Omish, 

 bird stuff'er there. 



The Little Gull (Larus minutus). 



In the Transactions of the Wernerian Society of Edinburgh it is 

 recorded by Mr Selby that a specimen of this bird was procured 

 in WigtOAvnshire. 



No other example of the species has come under our observation. 



The Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus). 

 A very abundant species throughout both counties. There are 

 many breeding stations in our district — such as Loch Doon in 



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