The Story of a Black-headed Gull. 63 



not by any means pugnacious but Barred-head was a law unto 

 himself. He allowed no other bird in his run or on the lawn. 



I tried to introduce a mate, but he chivvied them all 

 unmercifully, and a smaller bird '.vas disposed of instantly. It 

 was amusing to watch him sparring with a pet Curlew, who 

 kept him at a respectful distance with the aid of his long bill, 

 in quite a scientific style. Barred-head would make frequent 

 charges at the Curlew, but the latter parried him with his 

 long curved bill, much to Barred-head's disgust and chagrin. 

 He then trier" a venture in the fighting line with some orna- 

 mental Ducks, but there was " nothing doing. " Xe.vt he 

 experimented with an Oyster Catcher, and this time he came 

 off victor, leaving the poor Oyster Catcher dead. I found the 

 conqueror strutting beside his victim hysterically singing his 

 "ihymn of hate." After this exhibition of Munnishncss I took 

 p;rompi and ilecisiNe action to prevent similar actions, and the 

 p.ujgnacious little fellow was compelled to exist in splendid 

 isolation. This was a severe punishment for the belliger- 

 ent, who, after being " cock of the walk," had nothing left 

 to fight. And this must have afforded him food for refiect- 

 tion. As there was no more " strafing " it was better to 

 discuss terms of peace, and secure a friend if possible. This 

 required deep cogitation as to what bird should be allowed to 

 share his solitude. No bird of his own size could win his 

 favour, and no smaller bird would survive the ordeal. We 

 ■finally decided to experiment with a Heron, and Barred Head 

 at once accepted his friendship. It was really cjuitc extra- 

 ordinary to watch these two chums. If the Heron came out 

 of the run first, he would stand still on the lawn, and utter 

 a call in his. deep voice, and keep on ailing until Barred 

 Head joined him. They were inseparable, and were always 

 to be seen together. 



In the spring the bars on the head disappeared and then 

 the dark brown mask formed over the face and front of the 

 head. This plumage was retained until August, when the 

 bar.s reappeared. The photographs show botii wmter jud 

 summer plumage. It was when the breeding plumage was 

 assumed dial he exhibited his greatest pugnacity. At this 

 season the sight of any bird in his vicinity would rouse all 



