GULLS. 107 



BLACK-HEADED GULL. Larva ridibundus, L. 



Yarrell, iii. p. 594; Harting, p. 77; Dresser, viii. p. 357; 

 Seebohm, iii. p. 310; Ibis List, p. 191; Pultemy's List, 

 p. 1 8. 



Resident, and has become more numerous since 

 the passing of the Sea Birds Preservation Act, since 

 which date a few breeding colonies have been estab- 

 lished, as at Rempstone and Studland Heath. There 

 has been also a colony for some years on a pond 

 belonging to Mr. Calcraft, at Grove, near Poole. 

 The birds here have increased to such an extent that 

 a great many commenced nesting on some small 

 rushy islands at the head of South Bay, an out-of- 

 the-way part of the harbour towards Corfe Castle. 

 A colony on Littlesea was driven away by a dry 

 summer. This species occasionally resorts to the 

 downs, and wanders far inland in the winter and 

 spring during stormy weather ; but, unlike the Her- 

 ring Gull, soon leaves again. In the autumn, after 

 the breeding season, it is very abundant on the Poole 

 estuary and on Littlesea. 



COMMON GULL. Larus canus, L. 



Yarrell, iii. p. 613; Harting, p. 77; Dresser, viii. p. 381; 

 Seebohm, iii. p. 316; Ibis List, p. 189; Pulteney's List, 

 p. 1 8. 



An autumn and winter visitant in some numbers 

 from the north. Specimens have frequently been 

 shot in Poole harbour and in the neighbourhood 

 of Weymouth. 



