232 



LONli-WINGED SVVIMMKUS — LONGII'KNNES. 



eggs hatched on the 28th of that luontli — probably a month hitor than they would 

 have been if the birds had not been disturbed. He saw young Hedged Gulls at San 

 Tedro as early as July 12 the itrevious year. 



This species builds its nest both on the soft ground and on the bare rocks ; Imt in 

 the latter position the nest is much thicker than if built on the grovuul. There an- 

 certain localities on Santa IJarbara Island which this bird prefers, and these are chieHy 

 such as afford a good opportunity to see the approacdi of danger. There these birds sit 

 in great flocks, the males and females taking turns ou the nests ; and when an intrudi r 

 comes near, they all rise with deafening screams, circling round his head and dartim; 

 toward him, although never daring to strike him, but snapping their bills sharply, and 

 cackling as if in defiance. Their t)rdinary cry is a loud scream, Avhich lias an enliv- 

 ening sound, and is uttered on all occasions, but especially when they find food; tln-ir 

 first impulse apparently being to call their companions before beginning to eat. 

 They are said to swim around the whale and the seal fishing places, and become so 

 impudent as to steal the scra])s almost from the try-pot ; it is necessary, therefore, to 

 shoot one occasionally as an example — a warning the nu^aning of which they are very 

 qnick to understand, soon appreciating the danger of having a gun pointed at them. 



This bird is, in fact, very sagacious and amusing; and its habits often furnished 

 Dr. Cooper with matter for interesting study on the most lifeless and dreary part nf 

 the coast. It deserves, in his opinion, to be regarded as the Raven of the sea ; and its 

 reputation for stupidity is not merited ; although, unlike the Raven, it is not always 

 as cautious and as distrustful of mankind as its safety demands. It is the Raven's 

 superior in generosity and sociability, always sharing its food with its fellows, ami 

 congregating harmoniously in large flocks. It is very nearly omnivorous, althi)u;,'li 

 it probably never eats grain in an uncooked condition. Its flight is slow, being made 

 by laborious flappings ; althouj^h in windy weather it sometimes soars to a it 

 height, circling around, and sometimes wandering far inland. This behavior is 

 considered the sure forerunner of a storm. 



When this bird depends chiefly upon small marine animals for its food, it feeds 

 principally at low water, both by night and by day, its white eyes apparently enabling 

 it to see at night ; as is the case with many other nocturnal marine birds. No sooiht 

 does the tide begin to ebb, than hundreds of Gulls that have been dozing for hours tui 

 the beach, or, if the weather is calm, floating cpiietly on the water at a little distanci-, 

 join the long train of screaming Godwits, Sandpipers, and Curlews flying to the sand- 

 banks, river-shores, and mussel-beds, to feast until the returning tide drives them off. 

 If a Gull finds a hard-shelled clam which it cannot break, it flies to some well- 

 known hard sandbank or rock, and rising, by a circling flight, fifty feet or more, 

 drops the shell. If it is not broken at (he first fall, the operation is repeated until 

 successful, the bird each time rising higher, or flying to a harder place, and as 

 the shell falls, descending by short oblicpie turns to pick it up. Crabs, sea-worms, 

 small fish, and even dead rats, this bird swallows whole, if possible, and its throat can 

 be greatly distended. While resting, and digesting its food, it frequently remains 

 asleep on the sand until floated off by the rising tide. But it is not easily ajiproachcd 

 if aware that it is being pursued, although at times it flies close to 5, person or a 

 boat, screaming, and watching for some stray bits of food. It occasionally, but not 

 often, dives for fish, catching them close to the surface like other Gulls; but can 

 usually procure its food by easier modes, such as watching for fish at the edge of the 

 rising tide. It also follows vessels, easily keeping up with the fastest steamers, which 

 flocks of them always accompany, to pick up the scraps thrown overboard. It always 

 keeps itself remarkably clean, and though not a brilliant, is always a beautiful bird. 



