94 



MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 



The wet sand retains well the record of the Gull's methods of locomotion 

 on the ground. In alighting, both feet come down together or one a little in 

 advance, with considerable force and thrust slightly forward, as is shown by the 

 deep impression at the back of the track. In walking, they occasionally drag 

 the middle toe. In rising from the beach, they rise against the wind, and even 

 in windy weather they run a short way into the wind, but on calm days their 

 launching into the air is labored. The Gull runs forward vigorously with wings 

 spread and as it is gradually borne aloft, the feet still push at the sand until the 

 tips only of the nails make imprints. The distance of the run is inversely pro- 

 portionate to the velocity of the wind. On uneven ground, as in the sand dunes, 

 the Gulls have merely to launch themselves into the air from a slight elevation, 

 as is also the case when they fly from trees near the shore. 



While resting in large flocks on the beach, Herring Gulls are generally 

 quiet, rarely appearing to quarrel. They often sleep squatting with breasts on 

 the sand and bills thrust into the feathers of the back. Much time is devoted 

 to preening themselves, and judging from the feathers remaining, their moulting 

 is more or less continuous, but most marked in April and August. I once saw, 

 on July 3d, 1904, two Gulls facing each other on Ipswich Beach, and bowing 

 with wings extended, suggestive of the nuptial dance. Again, I have seen 

 them chase each other, and run for considerable distances on the beach with 

 wings widely spread. 



The flight of the Herring Gull varies greatly. Frequently, in going short 

 distances from one feeding ground to another, they flap along slowly close to the 

 water like Herons or Shags. I have seen individuals in a line of about a hun- 

 dred turn up as if to avoid an obstacle, and then down again, each in succession 

 flying up at the same point, and following exactly the one in front. Sometimes 

 they advance in broad lines abreast, but as a rule they fly in loose flocks. 



When a gale is blowing, the Herring Gull is a different bird. It is then 

 light and graceful in the extreme, now sailing before the wind, now rapidly 

 beating up into it. Oliver Wendell Holmes, watching the Herring Gulls on the 

 Charles River from his window, expressed very well these different moods in 

 My Aviary. 



"Through my north window, in the wintry weather, — 

 My airy oriel on the river shore, ■ — 

 I watch the sea-fowl as they flock together 

 Where late the boatman flashed his dripping oar. 



The gull, high floating like a sloop unladen, 

 Lets the loose water waft him as it will ; 



