262 STUDIES IN BIRD-MIGRATION 



Whimbrel, Numenius phaopus. — It would seem 

 probable that before the lighthouse buildings were 

 commenced, this bird was a summer visitor to Eilean 

 Mor, for during the first summer the artisans were 

 engaged there, a nest was found near the ancient 

 building, known as the " Blessing House," and the eggs 

 taken for food. We saw only two birds of this species — 

 namely, on 15th September. 



Greater Black- backed Gull, Larus marinus. — 

 About two pairs are resident on Eilean Mor, and nest 

 there; and a few are also to be found on the other 

 islands during the summer months. During our stay 

 both old and young were seen daily in some numbers. 



Lesser Black-backed Gull, Larus fuscus. — Does 

 not nest on the main island, but is often seen during the 

 summer months, for there is a colony on the adjoining 

 Eilean Tigh. This species had practically left the 

 islands before our visit, for only one adult and a few 

 young birds came under notice. 



Herring-Gull, Larus argentatus. — About six pairs 

 only breed on Eilean Mor, but many resort to the other 

 and more secluded islands of the group. A party 

 consisting of about a score of birds was present during 

 our sojourn, and remained on Eilean Mor throughout the 

 winter, being attracted by the refuse thrown out from 

 the lighthouse. 



Kittiwake, Rissa iridactyla. — The commonest gull 

 during the nesting season. They evidently depart early 

 in the autumn, for we did not observe a single adult 

 example during our visit, but a few in first plumage were 

 present. 



Razorbill, Alca tarda. — Thousands of these birds 

 haunt the cliffs during the nesting season. They arrive 



