242 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST 



Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) and Lesser Black- 

 backed Gull (Larus fuscus). Both species are resident, but breed 

 only sparingly. Their eggs are large, and are taken by the natives 

 for food. The habits of both species are identical while on 

 this island. They feed principally on fish, but they will eat carrion 

 of any kind, however putrid. 



[We much doubt the Lesser Black-backed Gull being a resident. 

 It is certainly a summer visitor and doubtless also occurs on 

 passage. Eds.] 



Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus). Common 

 enough throughout the year, but I have never noticed a nest of 

 this species on the island. However, on the small islet of Gunna, 

 in the Sound of Coll, half a mile from Tiree, I once found a nest. 

 These Gulls are very destructive to young Wild Ducks, and also to 

 eggs, young, and any weak birds they can get. They also 

 eat carrion, fish or flesh. They have very strong bills. I remember 

 catching a wounded one by the wing, when it seized my thumb and 

 cut through my thumb-nail, and it would not let go its hold until I 

 broke its neck. I was once greatly amused watching a pair of this 

 species tackling a large Eel about 3 feet long. They found the 

 Eel in a shallow pool which was fast drying up, owing to a spell of 

 very dry weather. They pulled it up on the grass, well away from 

 the water, but whenever they let it go, the Eel "warpled" back 

 towards the pool, and they stood stupidly looking on until the fish 

 had nearly regained its native element, when they rushed and pulled 

 it up again. This occurred several times, and they had not 

 succeeded in killing it when I left. This species does a great deal 

 of damage to sheep farmers. They immediately attack sheep that 

 have tumbled on their back and tear out their eyes, although 

 the sheep are still alive. They begin this when young immature 

 birds in grey plumage being among the worst offenders. Herring 

 Gulls and Lesser Black-backed Gulls are not innocent of this 

 practice, but are not so deadly as the larger species. During 

 the lambing season they attack weak ewes and newly born lambs 

 in the same way. This Gull is difficult to approach within shot, but 

 they are easily trapped with a putrid bait, either of fish or flesh. I 

 think they should be destroyed entirely, as they do an incalculable 

 amount of damage, and do no good to anyone. 



Glaucous Gull (Larus glaucus). This is only a straggling 

 visitor to the island, and only a few single birds occur every winter 

 generally after severe north-westerly gales. I once found one that 



