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CALIFORNIA BIRD STUDIES 



force, when they actually attempt to take the egg from be- 

 neath the body of the sitting bird. 



All about the island, one may see these daintily-clad 

 creatures, wearing pinions fit for an angel 's wings, perched 

 near some incubating Murre, ready to take advantage of 

 half a chance to snatch the egg which, for widely different 

 reasons, they both value so highly. 



Western Gull on Nest 



Whether the Gulls were alwa.ws near starvation or 

 whether Murres' eggs are an especially delectable dainty, 

 one cannot say ; but, in view of the Gulls' insatiable appetite 

 for fare of this kind, it was surprising to observe that they 

 did not prey upon their own kind. I recall no better instance 

 in bird-life of "honor among thieves. ' ' 



During the days of "egging" on the Farallones, the men 

 engaged in this (juestionable industry recognized the Gulls 



