XXI 



GANNET 



HAVE seen most of the breeding haunts of the 

 Gannet in these islands, but the one which fas- 

 cinated me most was that wild rock known as 

 Stac Lii off St. Kilda. On the shelves and ledges 

 the birds are here nesting in countless thousands, 

 and every available inch of rock seems occupied by a talkative 

 Gannet. To look at Stac Lii from the sea, one would think it 

 impossible to climb, and when we land it really is difficult, but 

 with care we are able to reach the top, and get right amongst the 

 birds. Ailsa Craig another favourite haunt of this bird is 

 tenanted by a good many thousands, but one does not obtain 

 such a good view of them as on that famous little island in the 

 Firth of Forth, known as the Bass Rock. This for many years 

 past has been a favourite hunting-ground of mine, and many a 

 shot with my camera have I made at the thousands of sea-birds 

 nesting on the steep black cliffs, and some of the happiest days 

 and nights of my Birdland travels have been spent on the 

 old Bass. 



But even the fascination of that fairy-like scene, where 

 thousands upon thousands of white wings are constantly passing 

 and re-passing, sinks into insignificance when one first stands on 

 the summit of Stac Lii. Above, below, around, everywhere, 

 Gannets are flying, looking like a giant snowstorm as they go 



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