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THE ICELAND GULL, OR LESSER WHITE-WINGED GULL (Larus 
Icelandicus). 
Has been repeatedly observed on Ailsa Craig. The late Mr 
Thompson procured two specimens from Ballantrae, and the 
species has been observed by Mr Gray in other parts of Ayrshire. 
It appears to be an indolent bird during the day time, admitting 
of a near approach, and consequently, where it does occur, it is 
not difficult to obtain. 
THE LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus fuscus). 
Extremely common throughout our district, breeding upon 
Ailsa Craig in great numbers, and also on the borders of the 
Castle Loch, and other similar patches of water im Wigtownshire. 
In the harvest months great numbers betake themselves to grass 
fields at some distance inland about nightfall, and remain there 
until daybreak, when they again get on wing, and repair to the 
sea shore. In wild weather, however, they linger in the field 
until the day is well advanced, and come back in the afternoon 
much earlier, taking up their old position, as if reluctant to 
expose themselves to the storm. This bird, like the black-headed 
gull, is often seen at Girvan beating over the potato fields daily 
in the middle of summer, and alighting every minute or so 
to pick up the snails, worms, and caterpillars for which it so 
diligently searches. 
THE HERRING GULL (Larus argentatus). 
The herring gull is a very common species throughout the 
year, but appears to be strictly confined to the sea coast. In the 
breeding season it haunts the cliffs at the Mull of Galloway, the 
Scaur Rocks, and Ailsa Craig. This bird is a notorious egg-lifter, 
and will even devour young grouse, and other game, when it gets 
an opportunity. On Ailsa Craig it rivals in this respect, if it 
does not exceed in rapacity, its congener, the lesser black-back, 
and pounces upon the unprotected eggs of the guillemot or razor- 
bill with unfailing success. The curlew, and its kindred, are 
equally molested during the breeding time. In the winter season 
they subsist entirely on what the sea shore affords them. 
THE GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus marinus). 
This bird has even a worse reputation than the preceding 
