10 
THE BIRDS OF WISCONSIN. 
Lams delawarensis Ord. Hl\(i-HILLED GULL. 
A common migrant, spring and fall, but does not occur in 
such numbers as the preceding. It is commonly met late in 
November, and during mild winters still later, but the majority 
seem to move further south on the approach of severe weather. 
Large numbers pass up and down the Mississippi River in the 
spring and fall. Formerly bred on Spider and Strawberry 
Islands, Green Bay, from which localities we have eggs (L. K., 
1879-81-82). In 1860 it bred as far south as Lake Kosh- 
konong, as at least one instance was recorded by T. Kumlien — 
a nest of three eggs in a marsh among the black terns. 
Immature birds are found all summer at the fishing stations 
and larger harbors, as well as on the inland lakes and larger 
streams. 
Larns atrieilla Linn. LAUGHING GULL. 
The only known Wisconsin record for this species is that of 
Thure Kumlien, who shot a single specimen on Lake Kosh- 
konong in July, 1800 (1). We find that Cook's "Birds of 
Michigan," 1893, says: "A ery abundant on the Great Lakes; 
probably breeds in the northern peninsula (Gibbs' Birds of 
Michigan).'' If this is correctly quoted it is surely a gross 
error. The same list, quoting Dr. A. K. Fisher, says: "Very 
rare north, if it occurs at all," and states that L. Kumlien says it 
is "fairly common" (2). Inasmuch as we seriously doubt that 
the bird ever visits Lake Michigan, except perhaps as an 
accidental straggler, the absurdity of the latter mis-quotation 
is apparent. 
Larus franklinii Sw. and Rich. FRANKLIN'S GI LL. 
Not common, but of regular occurrence in the eastern part 
of the state as a fall migrant, from September until the small 
lakes and rivers are closed by ice. There are but two records 
of its capture in Walworth County, but it is taken yearly on 
Lake Koshkonong in September and October. Near Rock- 
dale, Dane County, it was noted in considerable numbers 
following the teams that were plowing on the prairie in May, 
1870. This is the only appearance of the spring birds we have 
ever noted in eastern or central Wisconsin. Mr. J. N. Clark 
reports it in September, in Dunn County, and along the 
Mississippi it is not at all rare. On Lake Michigan it is less 
1. B., B. and R.. N. A. Birds. Vol. II. p. 257. 
2. Very few have had the opportunity for observing the gulls on Lake 
Michigan that we have had. and we have never seen a specimen of 
Larus atrici)lla here.— L. K. 
