254 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS 



did the screaming and fighting that was necessary to protect 

 the family from molestation. 



Never was there a more bonnie fighter than that male 

 bird. During that whole nesting-period, lasting from April 

 1 to May 15, he either bluffed or fought to a standstill 

 everything that came within ten feet of that nest. Before 

 his defiant and terrifying screams, and his threatening beak 

 and wings, no other Gull could stand for a moment. When 

 a Canada goose crossed his dead-line, the Gull would rush at 

 him, seize him by the nearest wing, wing-beat him, and hang 

 on like a bulldog, regardless of being dragged about by the 

 stronger bird, until the goose was glad to purchase peace by 

 retreating. During all these battles the female sat firmly on 

 her eggs, but pointed her bill at the sky and screamed encour- 

 agement with all the power of her vocal machinery. Eventu- 

 ally the three eggs were hatched, and the young were reared 

 successfully. 



On certain islands along the coast of Maine, where Gulls 

 nest in considerable numbers, Mr. William Dutcher has done 

 important and effective work in securing the protection of 

 the birds by the owners of the islands. As if to reward Mr. 

 Dutcher for his labors in their behalf, the Gulls permitted 

 him to photograph them on their nests at very short range. 

 In England the Zoological Society of London has awarded 

 its medal to several persons for noteworthy services in pro- 

 tecting Gulls from destruction. 



The Common Tern,^ but for the timely interference of 

 the Audubon law, would ere now have become the very Un- 



1 Ster'na hi-run'do. Average length, 14.50 inches. 



