THE GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL. 



721 



covered liillsides are fa\'orite places, and the seclusion of underbrush is not 

 despised; but the sculptured chambers of sandstone hollowed by the high-flung 

 chisels of the winter's storms, constitute the ideal setting for a gull's nest. The 

 eggs, barring mishap always three in number, are in color and markings skillful 

 epitomes of their a\-erage surroundings. The chicks, likewise, are marked for 

 obliteration. They have, moreover, a faculty of absolute movelessness on occa- 



From a Ph^togra/^li, Copyright , 190S, by IV. L. Daivson. 

 PEtJCHW AH, ONE OF THE OLVMPI/\DES. 



GULLS STARTLED BY REPORT OF GU.N". 



sion, which tlnjse cDf us who are parents ardently covet for our si.x-year 

 olds. 



Gull discii>line can be very stern while danger lasts: but once let the 

 parents suppose themseh'es unobser\-ed. and the_\- will la\'ish e\er}- attention 

 upon their oifspring. The fish-laden l)ird returning from the chase, first dis- 

 gorges his catch of smelt or the like upon a convenient spot; then in a wheed- 

 ling voice summons tlie chicks fmm hiding. They come skipping up like kids 

 and fall to, while the doting parents dance attendance and utter incessant 

 blandishments. And after the youngsters have stuffed themselves to repletion, 



