BIRD NOTES FROM NORTH RONALDSHAY 79 



Great Black-backed Gull {Larus marinus). — A few of these birds 

 are always to be seen here, although less common in spring. 

 No appreciable difference in numbers is noticed during winter. 



Glaucous Gull {Larus glaucus). — On the 10th November 1892 I 

 saw a single bird in mature plumage at the north end of 

 island, and later in the same month I came on another 

 sitting on the shore of the Mill Loch. On the 22nd December 

 I again saw a single bird at the north end, close to Lighthouse. 

 When waiting for duck on the Seal Skerry on 9th January of 

 the present year, I counted fifteen on the wing at the same 

 time. All that I have mentioned were in mature plumage. 

 I cannot say that I identified a single bird in the first or second 

 year's plumage, and I think I should have recognised them, 

 even at a distance, as I saw numbers of them, and shot several 

 some years ago, near St. Andrews, Fife. 



Iceland Gull {Larus leucopterus). — I shot one, a female, on 3rd 

 January of this year. This bird, which is the only one I have 

 seen, was shot flying along the east rocks in company with 

 some Herring and Common Gulls. 



Common Skua {Stercorarius catarrhactes). — A specimen of this bird 

 was shot here in 1891 — if I am correctly informed, some time 

 during September. It is now in the collection of Mr. Denni- 

 son of West Brough, Sanday. 



Pomatorhine Skua {Stercorarius pomator/iiuus). — On 5th Nov- 

 ember 1892, while on a point of rocks (Sromness Point) at the 

 south corner of the island, waiting for Curlews flighting over, 

 I saw a large black-and-white Skua. He was engaged chasing 

 the Gulls, which were fishing a few hundred yards off in the 

 firth. Again, on 29th December, I saw a similar bird not 

 far from the same point. From the shorter tail feathers and 

 greater apparent bulk, thus differing from Richardson's Skua, 

 I have little doubt these were of the above-named species. 

 I may mention that I have shot the Pomatorhine Skua at 

 St. Andrews. 



Richardson's Skua {Stercorarius cnpidatus). — Commonly seen here 

 during August and September. In 1892 they were oftener 

 noticed than usual. Saw three on 3rd August beating up 

 against a strong wind from the west, flying over the island, 

 just in front of the house. On 10th August I shot a single 

 bird in black-and-white plumage at a small loch. After this 

 many were seen, for the most part of the dark variety. 



Little GREB] | /' diceps fluviatilis), — I shot one (a bird of the year) 

 on Garso Loch on 5th December [892. Tins is the only one 

 I have ever seen here. 



