320 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



The Iceland Gull, or Lesser White-winged Gull {Larus 



Icelandicus). 



Has been repeatedly observed on Ailsa Craig. The late Mr 

 Thompson procured two specimens from Ballantrae, and the 

 sj)ecies has been observed by Mr Gray in other parts of Ayrshire. 

 It api:)ears to be an indolent bird during the day time, admitting 

 of a near approach, and consequently, where it does occur, it is 

 not difficult to obtain. 



The Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus). 

 Extremely common throughout our district, breeding upon 

 Ailsa Craig in great numbers, and also on the borders of the 

 Castle Loch, and other similar patches of water in Wigtownshire. 

 In the harvest months great numljers betake themselves to grass 

 fields at some distance inland about nightfall, and remain there 

 initil daybreak, when they again get on wing, and repair to the 

 sea shore. In wild weather, however, they linger in the field 

 until the day is well advanced, and come back in the afternoon 

 much earlier, taking up their old position, as if reluctant to 

 expose themselves to the storm. This bird, like the black-headed 

 gull, is often seen at Girvan beating over the jiotato fields daily 

 in the middle of summer, and alighting every minute or so 

 to pick up the snails, worms, and caterpillars for which it so 

 diligently searches. 



The Herring Gull (Larus argentahis). 



The herring guU is a very common species throughout the 

 year, but appears to be strictly confined to the sea coast. In the 

 breeding season it haunts the cliffs at tlie Mull of Galloway, the 

 Scaur Kocks, and Ailsa Craig. This bird is a notorious egg-lifter, 

 and will even devour young grouse, and other game, when it gets 

 an opportunity. On Ailsa Craig it rivals in this respect, if it 

 does not exceed in rapacity, its congener, the lesser black-back, 

 and pounces upon the unprotected eggs of the guillemot or razor- 

 bill Avith unfailing success. The curlew, and its kindred, are 

 equally molested during the breeding time. In the "winter season 

 they subsist entirely on what the sea shore affords them. 



The Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus). 

 This bird has even a worse reputation than the preceding 



