130 THE BIRDS OF HELIGOLAND 



where it had set out. Notwithstanding, after a short rest on the 

 sea, it was alile, safely and unerringly, to follow the regular track 

 of its autumn migration. The cases just related are the only ones 

 of the kind which have ever come under my observation, whence 

 it would seem that they are of but rare and exceptional occurrence. 



Keturning now to the subject of rare occurrences in Heligoland, 

 we must in conclusion make mention of species from high northern 

 latitudes which have been observed on this island. Though the 

 number of such northern species is a very limited one, even within 

 the area of their breeding-homes, Heligoland is nevertheless able 

 to produce one or two examples of this kind which would be 

 considered ornaments in the finest museums. 



A good many years ago, a large young blue-footed Falcon was 

 killed here, which, inasmuch as its measui'ements exceed those 

 of all autumn birds of the Gyrfalcon (Falco gyrfalco) hitherto 

 observed in this place, must be reckoned among the white northern 

 species. As is well known, no difference exists in the coloration 

 of the early plumage of these two allied species. Old AVhite 

 Falcons, with unspotted heads and tails, and with heart-shaped or 

 uniform dark-coloured spots on the shoulders and backs, have 

 been observed here on two occasions. Unfortunately, however, 

 these birds were not shot. 



My collection further contains a young autumn bird of 

 Fringilla (Linaria) holhoUi; and, curiously, coming last in the 

 order of sequence in this list, but decidedly the most valuable of 

 all, a fine old male of the Wedge-tailed Gull (Larus rossii), in the 

 most perfect winter plumage, which was shot here on the 5th of 

 February 1858. 



For the present, this last-named bird maj^ probably be put 

 down as the most inaccessible of all ornithological desiderata. We 

 must hoAvever not omit to mention the three skins of this species 

 brought home by Mr. Newcomb, one of the surviving members of 

 the unfortunate ' Jeanette ' Expedition, who, with heroic obstinacy, 

 and while struggling for very life against hunger, and the cold and 

 ice of a Siberian winter, had made up his mind that these priceless 

 treasures should not bo lost to science. Further, one or two of 

 these birds have been killed on various occasions at Barrow Point 

 and in Franz Joseph Land. Still, in spite of these facts, I think 

 we shall have to wait a good long time before, as is prophesied in 

 the Ibis of January 188-i,' we shall be able to fetch home any 

 desirable number of the eggs and skins of this Gull from the 

 aforesaid stations of the Arctic Sea. 



' Op. cil. p. lUo. 



