254 LARID.E. 



SPECIES 244 THE GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. 



Larus marinus. Linn. 

 Mouette a manteau noir. Temm. 



Goose Gull. Gray Gull. Parson Gull. 



THIS bold, handsome species, the largest and most powerful 

 of our Irish gulls, is found in suitable localities in the neigh- 

 bourhood of the coast, and generally attracts attention by its 

 loud, hoarse cackle, and great expanse of wing when flying. 



The most common of the larger gulls about the bay and 

 coasts of Dublin, it is observable during all seasons, but from 

 its watchful habits rarely admits of approach within gun-shot. 



Frequenting some localities in considerable numbers, the 

 grand station upon the Dublin coast is on a small sandbank 

 situated at the entrance of the estuary of Baldoyle, seldom 

 an hour passing without receiving some addition to its num- 

 bers. Standing motionless, it never condescends the slightest 

 notice to whatever flock may alight beside it, or even shows 

 the least familiarity to its own species. Usually silent, it 

 occasionally droops the wings, and, similar to the eagle, 

 stretches out the neck, uttering a note not unlike the " kleek- 

 ing" of that bird. When alarmed by any approach from the 

 shore, it apparently pushes itself from the ground, and sails 

 off in the most sedate manner. 



Similar in its habits upon the western coast, Mr. W. H. 

 Patten describes it as being most difficult of approach, so 

 much so that during many years he could not succeed in ob- 

 taining even a chance shot. To the people in the vicinity it 

 is known from the contrast of the black back with the snow 

 white of the under plumage, as the " great parson gull." 



To every frequenter of the coast the stately form of this 

 handsome bird is well known, and, whether observed in sum- 

 mer, when quietly sunning itself on the strand, or in winter 

 amid the conflicting roar of elements, steadying itself in the 

 eddying blast, it cannot fail to win our admiration. At no 

 time more attractive than when observed during hazy, foggy 

 weather, a black-backed gull, looming through a cloud with 

 its immense sweep of wing (often exceeding five feet), in- 

 creased by the state of the atmosphere to a giant size, almost 

 reminds us of the albatross. 



Of nearly equal interest in its appearance upon the shore, 

 it attracts similar attention. There ! look at that big fellow ! 

 how stately he stands, rich in the perfection of marine ma- 

 jesty. Now moving forward to inspect that stranded gur- 



