THE BIRDS OF RAINHAM. 83 



In the month of August, at which time of year I 

 have generally met with them, they visit our creeks 

 in small numbers. 



BLACK TERN. 



Hydrochelidon nigra (Linn.), 



Like the Lesser Tern, the Black Tern visits us in 

 the month of August ; I have met with them sitting 

 upon the buoys on the Medway, and never in any 

 other place, always immature. 



LITTLE GULL. 

 Larus minutus^ Pall. 



February 7th, 1870, I had the pleasure of meeting 

 with and shooting the Little Gull flying over a 

 plough field bordering a marsh, when it was blowing 

 a strong wind from the east, it was in the second 

 year's plumage ; in March I saw another Little 

 Gull with a black head accompanying a flock of the 

 Common Black-headed Gulls up a creek, it separated 

 and flew towards and over a flock of sheep that were 

 grazing on a marsh bank. 



February I4th, 1874, an adult Little Gull was shot 

 at the mouth of Milton Creek. 



September I7th, 1884, a young immature Little 

 Gull was shot in mottled plumage on our river. 



G 2 



