NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 319 



Ayrshire — which are frequented by thousands of 1)irds; and as the 

 eggs are not farmed out as in England, these nurseries are seldom 

 invaded, except by mischievous boys in quest of adventure, or 

 some prowling fox desirous of giving her cubs a change of diet. 



In the heat of the summer months we have often observed a 

 pair or two of this gull hunting over the potato fields near Girvan 

 with great regularity, and picking up worms and snails, thus 

 proving themselves useful friends of the farmer. One of these 

 birds is at present living as a familiar pet in a house at Girvan, 

 where it has been confined for the last thirteen years. It assumes 

 the black cap regularly, like a wild bird, in spring, and becomes 

 white in winter. 



The Kittiwake Gull (Lams tridadylus). 

 This beautiful gull is very common along the shores of Ayrshire 

 during the spring months. In May the flocks assemble on Ailsa 

 Craig, their chief breeding j)lace, and become dispersed after the 

 duties of incubation are past. The greater number migrate to 

 other countries in the mouth of October, but many remain 

 throughout the entire winter. Perhaps it would be more correct 

 to say that these winter birds are visitants from more northern 

 latitudes. In the Firth of Clyde they are seen in flocks near the 

 beach and in harbours, where they appear to subsist principally 

 upon the remains of fish, and other substances thrown out by the 

 fishermen. 



The Ivory Gull (Larus eburneus). 

 Although the ivory gull has never, to our knowledge, been 

 actually obtained in our district, there can be little doubt of its . 

 having occurred ofi" the coasts. Various examples have been met 

 with in surrounding localities, namely, Islay, Argyleshire, Arran, 

 and Renfrewshire. In June, 1854, Mr William Sinclair saw an 

 ivory gull on Ailsa Craig, and was near enough to recognise it. 



The Common Gull (Larus canus). 

 Also a very common species, breeding on Ailsa Craig, the 

 Scaur Rocks, and the Mull of Galloway. They also nest by the 

 side of some of the inland lochs in Wigtownshire. It is a well 

 known frequenter of the beach near Girvan from September 

 to April. 



