THE GUILLEMOT 



(Alca troile) 



The G-uillemot is the commonest of all the various species of 

 sea-birds that nestle on our ocean cliffs. There is not a 

 headland or an ocean rock which does not contain this bird 

 in varying numbers between the months of May and August. 

 Eminently gregarious at all seasons, its habits can be readily 

 studied, both in the sea and at its lofty breeding-place. The 

 Guillemot is one of my favourite birds — I have seen so much 

 of him. He has been my companion in many strange scenes, 

 on the stupendous rocks and the lonely sea. I have met 

 with him under many circumstances, and watched his actions 

 in a great diversity of haunt, but never failed to gain un- 

 wonted pleasure from a contemplation of his curious ways, 

 and the wild grandeur and sublimity of his rocky home. 

 Amongst such a wonderful choice of scene it is difficult to 

 select any one place where the habits of this bird can best be 

 studied. Let us visit a few of them in turn — the variety 

 may serve to interest the reader. 



We are at Flamborough on a bright day in early June. 

 In spite of our repeated visits, these grand old weather- 

 beaten cliffs seem always new and attractive. The waves 

 still beat with terrific force against the white rugged walls of 

 rock, and leap forty feet or more in showers of spray and 

 foam up their hoary sides. You may see the Guillemots 

 in endless rows standing on the ledges and shelves of rock, 



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