195 
NOTES ON THE FARNE ISLANDS FOR 1Io1z2. 
R. FORTUNE, F-.Z.S. 
Tue following notes, based upon Mr. Paynter’s Annual Report, 
and my own experiences, show that, despite the inclement 
weather of last year, the birds on the whole had a very success- 
ful nesting season. 
The Sandwich Terns were more numerous than usual, and 
very few young ones died. The same remarks apply to the 
Arctic Terns. On the Brownsman the latter species has 
increased considerably over a thousand nests being seen there. 
The Roseates have apparently increased, and four or five 
pairs are supposed to have nested. Two pairs were observed 
constantly, feeding their young on the Knoxes. 
Puffins continue to increase, and are blamed for destroying the 
vegetation on the islands where they breed. Many young ones, as 
is always the case in wet seasons, were drowned in their holes. 
The Cormorants did not nest on their ancient home, The Meg- 
stone, but a considerable number nested on the North Wamses, 
where the Gulls, as usual, gave them a lot of trouble, which caused 
many of them to move to the Harkus, where for some years 
there has beena colony. The colony on the Outer Wide-opens 
did very well, as they are but little molested by the Gulls. 
Eider Ducks did well on all of the islands. These birds are 
now very numerous. We, however, saw several clutches of 
deserted eggs, partly buried in the sand or vegetation. 
Guillemots were as abundant as ever, and there seemed to 
be more of the ringed variety than usual. The few pairs of 
Razorbills frequenting the Farnes hatched out on the Outer 
Wide-opens. These birds do not increase owing to the absence 
of suitable nesting sites, the eggs having to be deposited upon 
an open ledge, contrary to the usual habit of this species, 
which prefers a crevice or cranny in which to deposit the eggs. 
Kittiwakes occupied practically every place available for 
them on the cliffs of the Staple Island and on the precipitous 
sides of the Pinnacles. They are delightful birds, and it is a 
treat to be able to observe them at such close quarters as one 
can do on the Farnes. 
The Lesser Black-back Gulls, needless to say, showed no de- 
crease in numbers. They are too numerous, and constantly 
bully some of the other species, Terns and Cormorants especially. 
They are very destructive to the young. Terns and Puffins. 
A pair of Common Gulls again nested and hatched three 
young ones, but they were unfortunately destroyed by the 
Lesser Black-backs. This is extremely unfortunate, as if a 
colony of Common Gulls could bé established it would be a 
great attraction to the islands. 
Oystercatchers and Ring Plovers were present in about 
their usual numbers. 
1913 May I. 
