38 Wild Birds and their Haunts 



young, aud also to conduct from island to island the 

 naturalist visitor in search of information. That the 

 objects of the Association are well and faithfully 

 carried out there is evident proof in the large increase 

 of the young birds reared, and of the more rare species, 

 and the thanks of all bird-lovers are due to the Association 

 for its benevolent work. 



The chief bird of the islands is, without doubt, the 

 'Lesser Black-backed Gull," for he is everywhere. 

 He is a fine, handsome fellow, but at the same time 

 he is a sad rascal, for he regularly and persistently 

 robs the other birds, both of their eggs and young 

 ones. When the young Terns are hatching it is 

 impossible for the keepers to drive the gulls away until 

 they have had their enormous appetites satisfied, and 

 other young birds are made to pay toll in the same 

 way, though the gulls are said not to interfere with 

 the eggs of their own species. 



One of the most interesting sights on these islands 

 is that of the famous Pinnacle Rocks, rising like columns 

 out of the sea to a great height. Their tops are perfectly 

 flat, and are the homes of countless Guillemots. 



From the main island the visitor looks down right 

 on to the heaving mass, and cannot help wondering 

 what would happen if a mother Guillemot left her 

 egg for a short visit to the sea, for surely she would 

 never find it again among so many. 



This bird lays a single egg only, and, in what appears 

 to be a perfectly upright position, she proceeds to bring 

 about incubation. 



By taking up a position about half a dozen yards 

 from these Pinnacles one has a most entrancing time, 

 surveying the going and coming of these winged 

 creatures. 



A very pleasing result of the protection afforded is 

 the great increase in the numbers of the charming 

 ' Kittiwake," the handsomest and gentlest of all the 

 Gull tribe. 



On the Fames these birds are delightfully tame and 

 confiding, and the visitor is well repaid by being 



