82 ORNITHOLOGICAL RAMBLES. 



their well-known call-note being distinctly audible 

 under such fiwourable circumstances, from a con- 

 siderable distance at sea, even long before the 

 birds themselves could be perceived. 



The fields in the immediate neighbourhood, 

 where but a short time before scarcely an indi- 

 vidual was to be found, are soon tenanted by 

 numbers of this species, and for several days they 

 continue dropping on the beach in small parties. 

 The old males arrive first, presenting the beautiful 

 jet black and clear white plumage of the breeding 

 season, while the females, and the males of the 

 preceding year which still partially resemble their 

 partners — the feathers on the back being of an 

 iron-grey colour — do not make their appearance 

 until a few days afterwards. It may be observed 

 that the white on the forehead and cheeks of 

 these newly-arrived birds is much more pure at 

 this time than in those which winter in England, 

 and altogether they have a fresher and cleaner 

 look than even they themselves present a short 

 time after their arrival in this country. 



Some of the old males seem to have made their 

 nuptial contract before their departure from the 

 continent; for after alighting on the shore they 

 exhibit many signs of restlessness and anxiety, 

 performing short flights, and incessantly calling 

 for their mates. 



