1891.
July 12
(No 5)
England.
Tintagil. - change their ground they would fly, 
rising from the surface with but little difficulty
although there was practically no wind.
  There were several pairs of Razor-bills and
two or three Murres among these Puffins but
I did not see any of them dive. The majority
probably went further from shore to fish as
they were constantly passing out and in over
the sea as, indeed, were many puffins, also.
The Gulls also floated on the water near the
base of this cliff in considerable numbers but
they appeared to be merely resting there. At
one time there were fully 50 asleep on a flat
topped rock that rose just above the sea.
I made out a few L. canus and saw several
L. fiscus but by far the greater number
were certainly L. argentatus. A few birds were
followed by squealing broods of young.
  While I was on the top of the "Castle rock"
several fine old Herring Gulls were constantly
flying about over me coming within 20 yds.
or less. It was wonderful to see the ease
with which they moved on set wings and
by the slightest possible change in the "set"
of the wings turned and circled or rose
sharply. At one time when a dozen or more
were circling close over me I could distinctly
hear a light, silken rustle although not
a bird among them flapped over. This
rustling sound was continuous & was heard
by my companion as well. What caused it?