THE FLANNAN ISLES 283 



from ist May to 5th June, returns, on its way south, 

 during September, and has been seen as late as 4th 

 October. 



Arctic Tern, Sterna tnacrura. — A few are recorded 

 as being off the islands in June. 



Black - headed Gull, Larus ridibundus. — This 

 species is of rare occurrence so far to the west, and at such 

 pelagic haunts. There is only one record of its visit — 

 namely, for 8th May 1906, when two were observed. 



Great Black-backed Gull, Larus marinus. — Two 

 pairs remain all the year on Eilean Mor. There are 

 records of others appearing early in February, and it 

 doubtless breeds on all the islands of the group affording 

 suitable haunts. For other observations, see p. 262. 



Lesser Black-backed Gull, Larus fuscus. — Some 

 nest on Eilean Tigh. The date of their arrival in spring 

 has not been noted, and they had departed previous to 

 6th September in 1904. For other observations, see 

 p. 262. 



Herring Gull, Larus argentatus. — Nests abun- 

 dantly on the uninhabited islands of the group. On 

 Eilean Mor a few only nest, but a score remain all 

 winter, attracted by the refuse thrown out from the 

 lighthouse. 



KiTTiwAKE, Rissa tridactyla. — The commonest of 

 the gulls during the- nesting season. It arrives late in 

 February, and departs before September. On 3rd 

 November 1907, hundreds appeared, simultaneously with 

 a rush of Redwings, Fieldfares, Blackbirds, Skylarks, 

 and Snow Buntings ; also with a few Woodcock, and 

 a Short-eared Owl. 



Arctic Skua, Stercorarius crepidatus. — Two seen on 

 28th August 1903, the only record. 



