236 THE GULL. 



selves in the same abundance, or with the same ap- 

 parent confidence, which may, in some degree, be 

 accounted for, by the parts of the rock most suited 

 to their habits having been more or less used as 

 landing-places. But although these poor birds have, 

 contrary to the general rule, found a protector in 

 man, they are not entirely without their troubles and 

 annoyances. Certain Crows (the light-keepers say, 

 a pair only of one particular species, probably the 

 red-legged, Corvus graculus^) come at the same time, 

 and build their nest just opposite the Stack, as if 

 for the express purpose of harassing and stealing 

 their eggs. For no sooner do the Gulls begin to 

 lay, than these t\vo Crows are perpetually on the 

 look-out, frequently hovering over, and watching 

 for an opportunity to carry off a prize. 



The moment the thieves appear, the whole Gull 

 colony is in a state of commotion and consternation: 

 those on the nests cowering over their new-laid 

 treasures, while the others, by their screams and 

 menacing attitudes, do their best to frighten and 

 drive the marauders away. But the cunning Crows 

 usually gain their point: watching an opportunity, 

 down they pounce, pierce an egg with their sharp 

 beak, and fly off with it in a trice. 



A curious circumstance fell under the observation 

 of the light -keeper. A pair of these Crows had, for 

 some years, frequented the same spot, when, in one 

 season, the female was shot, and the male almost 

 immediately disappeared, remaining absent for the 

 space of three or four days, when he returned with 

 another partner, and the business of nidifi cation was 

 carried on as before. 



