THE rULMAE PETEEL 



{Fulmarus glacialis) 

 The Fulmar Petrel is one of the most interestino- birds found 



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in British Seas, but is exceedingly local during the season 

 of reproduction. Only one locality in all the wide extent of 

 coast and rocky isle round Britain is favoured with the 

 Fulmar's presence, and that is the remote St. Kilda — the 

 grand home of so many sea-fowl. Here the Fulmar is a 

 resident, but the natives will tell you that it deserts the 

 islands to a bird from the middle of October to the middle 

 of November, probably when it is moulting. Like its 

 relation, the Albatross, it spends much of its time at sea, 

 wandering far and wide over the trackless waters, even 

 penetrating to the uttermost polar regions, where it is the 

 hardy whaler's constant companion. The Fulmar therefore 

 is only familiar to those whose business or pleasure takes 

 them to the mighty ocean. Violent gales sometimes drive 

 this bird to land, where I have repeatedly known it fall a 

 victim to the treacherous flight-nets. It much resembles a 

 Gull when at sea, and beats about in the same lazy manner, 

 searching for any food that may chance to float upon the 

 surface. The Fulmar is especially fond of whale-blubber, 

 its powerful hooked beak readily tearing it to pieces. Cuttle- 

 fish are its principal food, which it varies and regulates with 

 sorrel, as do most birds of this order. The Fulmar also picks 

 up many scraps of refuse thrown from ships, which it follows 



