Solan Goose 191 



The protective instinct is similar to that of the Great 

 Skua in the isles of Shetland. A friend of the writers 

 approached one of these nests on the Isle of Mist during 

 the breeding season of last year, and walked unwearily 

 towards the nest, but he had to beat a hasty retreat. 

 " They come for you with all they are worth," was his 

 account of the affair. 



Several of the breeding Solans have black (or immature) 

 feathers on the scapulars and wings, and a few on the 

 back, with sometimes one and sometimes both the 

 centre tail-feathers. The flight and habits at sea are 

 also very interesting to witness ; when returning to the 

 rock, it pursues a straight forward course, at a con- 

 siderable elevation, without turning to the right or left ; 

 but, when fishing, it may be seen suddenly to turn, and 

 prepare itself for the plunge, and then follow its survey, 

 the sight having been mistaken, or the prey disappeared ; 

 but, when certain, the course is in a moment stopped , the 

 wings closed to the sides, and a perpendicular descent 

 is made, often to a considerable depth, if one may judge 

 from the period of immersion ; the spray dashes up, and 

 the bird is for some time lost until it again appears with 

 a fish in its beak, which is soon got into the proper 

 position, and swallowed head downwards, as mentioned 

 in the case of the bird found on Holy Island. 



It used to be a common custom to take successfully 

 this bird by alluring it to a fish fastened to a board, the 

 force of the stroke killing the bird instantly. It roams 

 upwards, opposite to Leith, and seawards to and beyond 

 the Fame Islands. 



