The Glaucous-winged Gull 



ing, grass-covered hillsides are favorite places, and the seclusion of the 

 underbrush is not despised ; but the sculptured chambers of sandstone, 

 hollowed by the high-flung chisels of the winter's storms, constitute the 

 ideal setting for a gull's nest. The eggs, barring mishap always three in 

 number, are in color and markings skillful epitomes of their average sur- 

 roundings. The chicks, likewise, are marked for obliteration. They have, 

 moreover, a faculty of absolute movelessness on occasion, which those of 

 us who are parents ardently covet for our six-year olds. 



Taken in Washington 



FIRST COME FIRST SERVED 



Photo by the Author 



Gull discipline can be very stern while danger lasts; but once let the 

 parents suppose themselves unobserved, and they will lavish every atten- 

 tion upon their offspring. The fish-laden bird, returning from the chase, 

 first disgorges his catch of smelt or the like upon a convenient spot; then 

 in a wheedling voice summons the chicks from hiding. They come skipping 

 up like kids, and fall to, while the doting parents dance attendance and 

 utter incessant blandishments. And after the youngsters have stuffed 

 themselves to repletion, the mother still urges, "Can't Mama's darlings 

 eat just one more fishy?" until the beholder, recalling the ways of his own 

 kind, is almost nauseated. 



Gulls are credited with "screams" or "cries", but it is not, perhaps, 

 generally understood that the notes of different species are distinctive ; or 

 that each species possesses a considerable vocabulary with which to voice 



1374 



