156 



composed entirely of egg-shells on the mounds 

 where these birds are in the habit of resting. 



The specimens were obtained in Strathmore 

 in Caithness in June, 1869. 



See " Kough Notes/' Vol. III., Plate 45. 



KITTIWAKE. (SUMMER). 

 Case 222. 



The Kittiwake is common all round the 

 British Islands, breeding in the rocks that overhang 

 the sea on numerous parts of our coasts. 



We have few Gulls so thoroughly marine in 

 their habits, the present species being seldom if 

 ever met with inland. 



Though but a comparatively small bird, the 

 quantity of fish it is able to consume is perfectly 

 astonishing. One of the specimens in the case on 

 being lifted into the boat disgorged three large 

 herrings ; these could only have been swallowed a 

 few minutes previously, being all as bright as silver. 



To this poor persecuted wretch the " Sea-Bird 

 Preservation Act " has certainly been a blessing, 

 the senseless slaughter that took place round their 

 breeding-stations every summer having been allowed 

 to continue too long without interference. 



The specimens in the case were obtained at 

 the Bass Kock in June, 1867. 



See " Kough Notes," Vol. III., Plate 39. 



KITTIWAKE. (WINTER). 

 Case 223. 



The mature bird in winter plumage and the 

 immature in their first feathers are here shown. 



During autumn and winter they are occasion- 

 ally seen in immense flocks, following the shoals of 

 sprats and other fish in the English Channel. 



The specimens in the case were shot a few 

 miles off Brighton in the winter of 1870. 



