82 ORNITHOLOGICAL RAMBLES. 



south, their well-known call -note being distinctly 

 audible, under such favourable circumstances, 

 from a considerable distance at sea, even long be- 

 fore the birds themselves could be perceived. 



The fields in the immediate neighbourhood, 

 where but a short time before scarcely an indivi- 

 dual was to be found, are soon tenanted by num- 

 bers of this species, and for several days they 

 continue dropping on the beach in small parties. 

 The old males arrive first, presenting the beautiful 

 jet black and pure white plumage of the breeding 

 season, while the females, and the males of the 

 preceding year which still partially resemble their 

 partners the feathers on the back being of an 

 iron grey colour do not make their appearance 

 until a few days afterwards. It may be observed 

 that the white on the forehead and cheeks of these 

 newly arrived birds is much more pure at this time 

 than in those which winter in England, and alto- 

 gether they have a fresher and a cleaner appear- 

 ance than even they themselves present a short 

 time after their arrival in this country. 



Some of the old males seem to have made their 

 nuptial contract before their departure from the 

 continent; for after alighting on the shore they 

 exhibit many signs of restlessness and anxiety, 

 performing short flights and incessantly calling for 

 their mates. 



