350 On the Oniithulogij of TFest Jidlund. 



from our very feet. The drakes were in attendance, tlieir 

 white-striped necks glistening in the sun as they sat on the 

 sands a hundred yards away. Some of the Pintails' nests 

 were placed on the barest ground, while others were concealed 

 in beds of grass and nettles. Common Gulls (Larus canus) 

 were breeding on these islands, and we found plenty of tiieir 

 eggs, as well as those of the Ring-Plover and Oyster-catcher; 

 but the Lesser Black-backed Gulls did not as yet appear to 

 have laid, though we noticed half a dozen pairs or more close 

 at hand. We observed Willow-Wrens resting on migration, 

 and shot one of a pair of Garden Warblers [Sylvia hortensis), 

 as well as a Corncrake, out on these desolate islands in the 

 fiord. 



On May 16th we explored some of the sandhills adjoining 

 the fiord. We found these places were infested with adders, 

 and it was necessary to be very cautious with regard to 

 these venomous snakes. These sandhills were largely over- 

 grown with heath, and in places miniature marshes, margined 

 with bog-myrtle, heather, and tall rushes, formed suitable 

 nesting- places for Pintail, Mallard, Teal, Reeve, Dunlin, 

 Snipe, Redshank, PecM'it, Common Ring-Dotterel, Golden 

 Plover, and Wood-Sandpiper. All these birds were breeding, 

 but the last defied our united efforts to find its nest. Oidy 

 one bird at a time showed itself, and from its actions 

 it was undoubtedly breeding; but, as is well known to those 

 who have tried to find this bird's eggs, the labour is far from 

 always crowned with success. Cuckoos, Merlins, Yellow 

 Wagtails (? sp.). Marsh Harriers, and Sand-Martins, the latter 

 nesting, were also observed amongst the sandhills, and we 

 noticed the i^ectilineal footprints in tlic sand of a large Plover, 

 in all probability the Stone-Curlew. By the river-side Little 

 Terns were incessantly diving, and we shot Little Gulls 

 [Larus minutas) on migration. We observed two pairs of the 

 latter; they were very tame and conHding, sailing close over 

 our heads. Strange to say, they were all immature, the 

 wings being pale brown, except the greater coverts, which 

 had already assumed the nuitnre plumage. The beak was 

 dull claret-colour, legs and feet pale red, breast a lovely pink. 



