THE ARTIC TERN 231 



Arctic Tern differs from the Common Tern in its nesting 

 economy, inasmuch that it never makes a nest. The eggs 

 are laid on the bare beach, sometimes where a little sand has 

 collected between the stones, or on drifted seaweed, or amongst 

 the shingle above high-water mark. They are two or three 

 in number, a little smaller than those of the preceding species, 

 and rather more green in general appearance. They are much 

 more elongated than those of the Common Tern. During 

 the hot days the birds do not sit much on their eggs, but 

 there are always plenty of birds at home ready to rise scream- 

 ing in the air if their colony is invaded. Many eggs are 

 laid close together ; in some cases they so thickly cover the 

 ground that it is impossible to walk without breaking them. 

 The eggs of both these Terns are most protectively coloured, 

 and harmonise very closely with surrounding objects. 



The Arctic Tern is a bird of summer, and wanders south- 

 wards with the sun. Flock after flock slowly wend their way 

 to warmer seas at autumn's approach. They migrate slowly, 

 and often stay a day or two in places where food is abundant, 

 attending the fishing fleets, or entering bays and creeks in 

 their southern progress. 



