observed one winter and not a single bird make its 

 appearance the following season. They do not 

 generally arrive in such large bodies as the Hoopers, 

 but I once counted between fifty and sixty flying 

 in company over Hickling Broad in Norfolk. 



The specimen in the case was shot on Hickling 

 'Broad in March, 1871 ; it was a female and only 

 weighed 9 Ibs. 



ft GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. (SUMMER). 



Case 233. 



This fine bird is to be met with all round the 

 British Islands, breeding in the rocks that overhang 

 the sea, and also on the islands in several of the 

 Scotch lochs. 



During the summer months these Gulls are 

 most destructive to the young of any game or 

 waterfowl that fall in their way. I have more than 

 once seen them rise from the carcase of a dead 

 sheep, and have been assured by shepherds that they 

 not unfrequently kill the sickly lambs and at times 

 even the ewes if found in a weakly condition. 



As the autumn advances the old birds and 

 their broods betake themselves to the salt water 

 firths, where they feed on any stranded fish that 

 are cast up by the tide or the wounded fowl that 

 escape from the punt -gunners. 



After gaining a living for a time in this manner 

 they no sooner observe a punt setting up to a flock 

 of wild fowl, than, in expectation of a good dinner, 

 they commence flying round the birds with loud 

 screams and not unfrequently, if hungry, darting 

 down and spoiling the shot. 



If plentiful they generally become such constant 

 attendants that it is impossible for the gunners to 

 obtain a chance by day. On several occasions I 

 have seen wounded fowl (both Mallard and Wigeon) 

 fly from the attacks of the Gulls and attempt to 



