THe ZooLtoctst—ApriL, 1872. 3011 
and I observed the common skua passing along on some marauding 
expedition more than once. 
T. H. Grss. 
Alnwick, January, 1872. 
Ornithological Notes made in the neighbourhood of Plymouth 
during February, 1872. By Joun Gatcomse, Esq. 
Great Blackbacked Gull.—Feb. 1st. Wind S8.W., still blowing 
hard. Great blackbacked and other gulls very numerous in the 
harbour: observed several flocks flying round, hovering and dipping 
in the water full a quarter of a mile from the shore; one of them 
rested for some time on a buoy. 
Feb. 3rd. Great blackbacked gulls plentiful, and kittiwakes very 
tame, flying over the rocks within a few feet of me. There were eight 
great blackbacked gulls dipping in the water close together, three 
in full plumage and five immature. I may here mention that on 
visiting Leadenhall Market in December last I examined three 
great blackbacked gulls hanging at a stall, two of which had their 
heads and necks pure white, as in summer, the others having those 
parts streaked with grayish brown, which is supposed to be the 
case during the winter. A few days since I saw a great black- 
backed gull from the gullet of which was taken a gurnard ten 
inches long. A great assemblage of gulls hover round the men-of- 
war in our harbour daily, during the dinner hour, eagerly looking 
out for the scraps that may be thrown overboard, and they appear to 
know when twelve o’clock arrives perfectly well: they are generally 
joined by a few rooks and crows. At dusk this afternoon I saw 
twelve great blackbacked gulls resting close together on a mud- 
bank, and not far from them a very large flock of herring gulls; 
after a while they all rose together and flew off seawards, I suppose 
to find a resting-place for the night. 
Northern Diver—I have not seen any more of these birds 
during the past month, but a person called at a bird-stuffer’s shop 
not long since and boasted of having killed an unusual number, I 
am sorry to say. 
Iceland Gull—Feb. 4th. Watched an Iceland gull sailing up 
and down just above the low cliffs at the Devil’s Point, which was 
so tame and came so close that I could plainly see its pale flesh- 
coloured bill with a very dark tip, and also its pinkish legs: it was 
