1918.] Birds of the Isle of May . 285 



was carrying ; this fell into the sea about twenty to thirty 

 yards from where we were sitting. The Skua alighted on the 

 water near its booty, pecked at it once or twice in a half- 

 hearted manner, and then took no notice of it for a minute, 

 during which time it sank. The Skua looked here and there 

 for \i, then slightly opening its wings, dived right under the 

 water very neatly, stayed under for a moment, and then 

 reappeared, but without the fish. 



Stercorarius pomarinus. The Pomatorhine Skua. The 

 only record for the island is of one which appeared there on 

 18 September, 1911. 



Alca torda. The Razorbill. A good many breed on the 

 cliffs, to which they pay periodic visits from early February 

 until they finally settle down in the end of April. They leave 

 the c"liffs again about mid-August, but remain in the sur- 

 rounding seas throughout the winter. In October southward 

 movements of this species are much in evidence to the east 

 of the island. 



TJria troille troille. The Guillemot. Many breed on 

 the cliffs. The times of arrival and departure and their 

 movements correspond with those of the Razorbill. 



Uria grylle grylle. The Black Guillemot. Used to 

 breed on the May, but has now apparently ceased to do so. 

 We saw one, and once two, in the sea close to the island from 

 7-15 May, 1913, but could find no trace of their breeding. 

 We have several times seen the species in October, and 

 there are some isolated winter records. 



AUe alle. The Little Auk. Occurs occasionally in the 

 seas round the island, and is sometimes driven ashore, 

 between 22 October and 27 February. 



Fratercula arctica arctica. The Puffin. Some breed on 

 the island. They seem to arrive on the cliffs rather later 

 than the Guillemots and Razorbills, but leave about the 

 same period. 



SER. X. VOL. VI. X 



