BLACK-HEADED GULLS IN DUMFRIESSHIRE 203 



BLACK-HEADED GULLS IN DUMFRIESSHIRE. 



By Hugh S. Gladstone, M.A., F.R.S.E., F.Z.S. 



When compiling The Birds of Dumfriesshire (1910) I took 

 considerable pains to ascertain the number of Black-headed 

 Gulls (Larus ridibimdus) nesting in the county, and also how 

 long the different " gulleries " had then been in existence. 

 This year, 1914, I took steps to find out whether the Gulls 

 were increasing or decreasing at their nesting places, and the 

 following shows the results of my inquiries. The page 

 references are to The Birds of Dumfriesshire ; where a succinct 

 account of the earlier history of these " gulleries " is given : 



Caerlaverock Parish (p. 432). 



Eastbank foreshore : about 400 nests in 1909. About half of 

 the gulls left here in 191 1, and the remainder left in 19 12, presum- 

 ably for the gulleries in Lochar Moss (vide infra, Dumfries and 

 Torthorwald Parishes). In 1913, 1 nest near Bowhouse Point; 

 in 1 9 14, 8 nests. 



Closeburn Parish (p. 432). 



Tow ?i foot Loch: 300 to 400 nests in 1909; 600 to 800 nests 

 in 1914. 



Dumfries Parish (p. 432). 



Racks Moss : about 800 nests in 1908; about 800 nests in 1914. 



Durisdeer Parish (p. 432). 



Cleughhead: 160 to 180 nests in 1908. The loch was partially 

 drained in 19 14, and all nests destroyed except three with one egg 

 and one with two eggs (19th May 19 14). 



Muiryhill Loch : 40 to 60 nests in 190S. The gulls ceased 

 nesting here in 191 1. 



Eskdalemuir Parish (p. 432). 



Langshawburn Loch: about 200 nests in 1908; about 100 

 nests in 19 14, annually decreasing. 



Tanlawhill: about 200 nests in 1908; 30 nests in 1914. 

 Foulbog : 20 nests in 1908; 6 or 8 nests in 1914. 



