THE LESSER BLACK -BACKED GULL 



{Larus fuscus) 



Two more species of Gull claim our notice before we bid these 

 OTaceful sea-birds adieu. The first of these is the Lesser Black- 



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backed Gull, a very common bird in many localities, and one 

 that is specially interesting to the naturalist. By far the 

 best time to observe the habits of this beautiful Gull is in 

 May and June, when it is busy at its nesting colonies. Most 

 famous of all its nurseries in the British Islands is the one on 

 the Eerne Islands — that Eldorado of the ornithologist. Here 

 the various species of sea-fowl have had their home for ages ; 

 from all parts of the wide waste of waters they come in 

 spring, and make these rocky isles their grand headquarters 

 for the summer. 



These celebrated islands lie about five miles from shore, 

 and long before you land upon them signs of their rich bird 

 treasures may be seen. The Terns in screaming crowds are 



