MISCELLANEA. 361 



the Black-headed Gull (Lanes ridihundiis) near Drigg, in Cum- 

 berland, on the 16th May. 



There were many hundreds of nests with three eggs, and 

 dozens of young birds were visible ; four nests only, contained 

 four eggs, but one nest had five eggs, all of which I think were 

 laid by the same parent, at least judging by colour and all being 

 in the same stage of incubation. A few dead old birds were also 

 found ; one seemed to have had a painful death, not having had' 

 strength to get its egg clear through the oviduct. A fine speci- 

 men of the Greater-Black-backed Gull {Larus marinus) was also 

 lying dead, probably caught red-handed. I have frequently seen 

 four eggs on previous occasions in one nest, both at Walney 

 Island, Lancashire, and other breeding places in l^orthumberland 

 — never but on this occasion five eggs. — Thomas Thompson^ 

 Winlaton, 26th May, 1894. 



Black-headed Gulls haioking for Moths. — Several weeks ago, 

 at the end of June, I spent some time every day watching the 

 movements of numerous Black-headed Gulls which came every 

 fine evening to the meadows and moorlands on the banks of the 

 Eede hawking for Moths and other insects. They generally 

 made their appearance about six o'clock, sometimes alone but 

 generally a few together, about the time that the Moths com- 

 mence their nocturnal flights. Every low-lying pasture, meadow, 

 and steep hill side was carefully searched and scanned, some- 

 times by one Gull but often by several working together over 

 the same field. All the ditches, hollows, and sides of the stone 

 walls were thoroughly searched, then a sweep was taken round, 

 under and over the oak or other trees standing isolated, not a 

 single likely nook was left unexplored, in fact a more complete 

 examination of the country side was made than could be thought 

 of or done by the nimblest member of the London or any other 

 Entomological Society. Some nights the labour expended and 

 the miles travelled over must have been very unprofitable, for 

 after watching long and far I did not see a single stoop or cap- 

 ture. Other evenings labour was better paid, and I saw frequent 

 captures, and in one instance I saw six large moths captured in 



