THE FARALLONES 279 



in less exposed situations, are not always discovered by the 

 keen-eyed robbers. Many, however, are taken and a light- 

 plumaged Gull with a large, brightly-colored Murre 's egg in 

 his bill, dodging hither and thither in the attempt to escape 

 a crowd of envious comrades, forms a stirring picture of 

 bird-life. One might observe it with more satisfaction, 

 however, if the pursuers were of the same species as the egg. 

 The victimized Murre, doubtless, takes small interest in 

 the results of the chase. A stolen egg is irreparably lost ; 

 prevention is the only cure; consequently when not dis- 



- I 



" A great band of cackling Gulls always hung over one " 



turbed by man, Murres are close sitters, one or the other of 

 the pair always covering the egg. 



Without man to play the spaniel, the Gulls are forced to 

 get their booty by patient watching for the moment when 

 an egg may be left unguarded or, in some instances, even by 



