246 Among the Birds in Northern Shires. 



has been computed that at least twelve thousand 

 adult birds frequent the Bass; probably this under- 

 estimates the actual number, although we must 

 remember that in 1831 Macgillivray gave twenty 

 thousand. In any case, judging from the most 

 reliable information obtainable, the Gannets seem to 

 be on the decrease. Throughout the summer the 

 Bass is literally vignetted in a throng of ever-moving 

 Gannets; but even at this season many of the birds 

 fly long distances out to sea to feed, coming home 

 stuffed with fish, lots of which are disgorged at the 

 nests. Numbers of the birds begin nest-building at 

 the beginning of May, but, as is the case with Rooks, 

 the operation is not commenced simultaneously by 

 all, and a fortnight later, when many of the nests 

 contain an egg, there are a good number of others in 

 an uncompleted state. At this time many of the 

 birds flying about will be remarked with pieces of 

 turf or other material in their bills, which they will 

 thus carry for a long period without attempting to 

 alight and work it into the unfinished nests. The 

 grand home of the Gannets here is situated upon 

 the north, north-east, and west cliffs. Here on the 

 grassy downs, near the edge of the cliffs, numbers of 

 Gannets may be seen standing quietly, some fast 

 asleep with their head buried in the dorsal plumage. 

 We have caught Gannets when thus asleep, but care 

 must be exercised to grip the bird firmly round the 



