THE GUILLEMOT 275 



fish, the young of many species, especially the fry of the 

 pollock and the herring, and on sprats. In diving the bird 

 also secures many marine animals and insects, but it never 

 comes on land at all for the purpose of feeding. In all its 

 gatherings both on sea and shore, the Guillemot, like the 

 Eazorbill, is a singularly silent bird, and the only sound I 

 have ever heard it utter is a low grunting noise, as it sits 

 upon the rocks, or struggles with its companions for a place 

 on the crowded ledges. But let us leave the sea below the 

 Flamborough Cliffs and pay a passing visit to the Feme 

 Islands, far to the northward. Were we to go by sea, the 

 Guillemot might constantly be seen all the way in the water 

 feeding ; and as we approach these famous bird nurseries the 

 more numerous do the birds become. 



The Feme Islands are one vast habitation of sea-birds, 

 but the Guillemots are confined to a single colony. The 

 islands are low and offer few suitable breeding-places for 

 this bird. The only colony of Guillemots at this bird bazaar is 

 situated on the flat tops of a group of stack-like rocks close to 

 one of the islands. These cliffs are known as the " Pinnacles." 

 Standing on this island and looking across the narrow channel, 

 the scene that presents itself to our notice is a most interest- 

 ing one, and one that can never be forgotten. The flat tops 

 of these cliffs are one dense moving mass of Guillemots, so 

 closely wedged together that it seems impossible for another 

 bird to find room. Yet Guillemots are coming from the sea 

 and trying to find a standing place, pushing off their com- 

 panions as they alight, and the sea below is dotted every- 

 where with Guillemots. Scarcely a sound is heard from 

 them, though on the sides of these rock -stacks numerous 

 Kittiwakes have their nests and clamour incessantly at our 

 unwelcome intrusion. As we make preparations for getting 

 on the top of the rocks the Guillemots begin to leave. From 

 every side they pour off in streams to the water, knocking off 



