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Ayrshire—which are frequented by thousands of birds; and as the 
egos are not farmed out as in England, these nurseries are seldom 
invaded, except by mischievous boys in quest of adventure, or 
some prowling fox desirous of giving her cubs a change of diet. 
In the heat of the summer months we have often observed a 
pair or two of this gull hunting over the potato fields near Girvan 
with great regularity, and picking up worms and snails, thus 
proving themselves useful friends of the farmer. One of these 
birds is at present living as a familiar pet in a house at Girvan, 
where it has been confined for the last thirteen years. It assumes 
the black cap regularly, like a wild bird, in spring, and becomes 
white in winter. 
THE KITTIWAKE GULL (Larus tridactylus). 
This beautiful gull is very common along the shores of Ayrshire 
during the spring months. In May the flocks assemble on Ailsa 
Craig, their chief breeding place, and become dispersed after the 
duties of incubation are past. The greater number migrate to 
other countries in the month of October, but many remain 
throughout the entire winter. Perhaps it would be more correct 
to say that these winter birds are visitants from more northern 
latitudes. In the Firth of Clyde they are seen in flocks near the 
beach and in harbours, where they appear to subsist principally 
upon the remains of fish, and other substances thrown out by the 
fishermen. 
THE Ivory Gui (Larus eburneus). 
Although the ivory gull has never, to our knowledge, been 
actually obtained in our district, there can be little doubt of its 
having occurred off the coasts. Various examples have been met 
with in surrounding localities, namely, Islay, Argyleshire, Arran, 
and Renfrewshire. In June, 1854, Mr William Sinclair saw an 
ivory gull on Ailsa Craig, and was near enough to recognise it. 
THE COMMON GULL (Larus canus). 
Also a very common species, breeding on Ailsa Craig, the 
Scaur Rocks, and the Mull of Galloway. They also nest by the 
side of some of the inland lochs in Wigtownshire. It is a well 
known frequenter of the beach near Girvan from September 
to April. 
