CHAPTER XXII 



THE GUILLEMOT, LITTLE AUK, RAZOR - BILL, AND 



PUFFIN 



FOOLISH Guillemot, Sea-Mew, Tinkershere, Bad 

 Willy, Willock, Scuttock, and Scout, are some of 

 the local names for the Common Guillemot. This 

 small diver, like its larger allies, for it is formed on 

 the same lines, follows the shoals of surface fishes 

 all round our shores. Surface-swimming fishes are 

 mackerel, herrings, pilchards, sprats, and whitebait. 

 As small members of the different species are about, 

 as well as larger ones, there are plenty of them and 

 to spare. Other marine creatures help to fill the 

 stomachs of the birds beside fish, strictly speaking. 

 About their breeding haunts or habits we have 

 nothing to say, at least we do not feel inclined to say 

 anything, for that subject is worn out. They are 

 most amusing birds to watch, and, as one of their 

 titles indicates, are of a confiding nature. Though 

 called foolish, this is not the case ; when diving the 

 Guillemots, like the Loons or Sprat Divers, use their 

 wings as well as their feet. It is a case of flying 

 under the water, and that is the reason the fish are 



not able to get away. 



284 



