The Avifauna. iii 



The Black-headed Gull is common here, as in 

 all parts of the country. This bird is partly nocturnal 

 in its habits, and we have frequently seen it flying 

 about all night feeding on moths. Though adhering 

 to the coast during winter, it retires inland to breed, 

 generally on an island in some marshy lake. At 

 Pallinsburn, near Coldstream, large numbers breed on 

 the islands in the lake there, and form an attraction 

 for naturalists from all parts of the country. Thanks 

 to the proprietor, Mr Askew Robertson, they are 

 preserved with scrupulous care. 



The Common Gull is to be seen in large numbers 

 following the plough at Craigmillar, eagerly snatching 

 up worms and grubs as they are exposed to view. 



The Great Black-backed Gull is also to be 

 seen around Craigmillar. In summer this bird is 

 most destructive to eggs and young game on hillsides 

 which they frequent. During the lambing season 

 they also do serious mischief. We are assured 

 by shepherds that they attack and kill sickly lambs ; 

 and we have frequently seen them gorging themselves 

 on the carcase of a dead sheep. It seems somewhat 



