WILD WINGS 
178 
In this way the little black imps strike one as comical, quaint, 
almost pompous. Especially when they make love, it is worth 
a great deal to watch a couple facing each other, sidling 
about, the male — probably it is — going through a series of 
dignified bowings and attempted caresses, until one might 
well laugh aloud and frighten the performers. 
BLACK GUILLEMOTS. “ CURIOSITY SEEMS TO BE ONE OF THEIR MOST 
STRIKING characteristics” 
Curiosity seems to be one of their most striking character¬ 
istics. Naturally rather timid, they will usually fly before one 
can walk up boldly very near them. But what a great differ¬ 
ence it will make if one tries to sneak up behind the rocks ! 
An occasional glimpse, though it reveals the presence of the 
intruder, does not really alarm them. They do so wonder 
what he is up to, what sort of a body is beneath that bobbing 
head, perhaps what sort of shoes he wears, that they forget 
all about flight. When very near, he can gradually and 
