12 BIRDS OF IVIGTDT. 



IVORY GULL. 

 GAVIA ALBA. 



On the 1st of June, during a southeast rainstorm, I ob- 

 served one on the fjord among the Kittiwakes. Formerly 

 quite a number were 'shot about Ivigtut. I obtained two 

 skins of old birds and one of a young bird, all taken near 

 Ivigtut some few years ago. 



KITTIWAKE. ^ 

 BISSA TBIDACTTIA. 



I saw examples of .this species about the vessel every day 

 during my voyage from the Shetland Islands to Greenland. 



The arrival of these birds at Ivigtut and their departure 

 was noticed as follows : In 1886, last seen October 23, a 

 few. In 1887, first seen, March 26, a large flock ; last 

 seen, October 25, a few. In 1888, first seen, April 9, a large 

 flock ; at my departure, October 17, still common. 



From their arrival till the middle of May they keep to- 

 gether in one or more large flocks, and are then very timid 

 and noisy. This is, perhaps, because the fjord is to a great 

 extent covered with ice, so that their nesting-ground lies 

 eight to ten miles from open water. On clear days in April 

 a flock of some two thousand may be seen rising to a great 

 height, say three thousand to four thousand feet, sometimes 

 going out of sight, so that one can only hear their screech- 

 ing as they rapidly wheel about. They are then wont to 

 make an excursion inland, above the ice, toward their 

 breeding-place. On returning, they descend somewhat more 

 scattered ; but at once on reaching the water, they gather 

 close together. These exercises they often go through many 

 times a day 



