C'OM]\ION GULL. 
3 
spawned, though tor the most part tliey were to be observed flitting hither and tliither where the eurrent swept 
rapidly over the shallows. On the Avesternmost of the two lochs is a small island (said by local tradition to have 
been the residence of a far-famed freebooter), and here were some two hundred nests at the time of my first visit 
in 1806. Dead strands of grass with a feiv fine fibres of root had been employed by the birds in the construction 
of their cradles, which were inserted in every available hollow on the rough ground, as well as in the cracks and 
crevices in the slabs of the moss-grown rocks. Here and there nests were to he seen built among the roots and 
fallen trunks of rotten timber, partially concealed by the fronds of the large and spreading ferns that flourished 
luxuriantly in the moist and peaty soil. In a few instances a situation had been chosen in the old and 
weather-beaten birches where the limbs branched out from the main stem ; none, however, were placed 
at a greater altitude than about four feet from the ground. Though the lower portion of the tiees still 
exhibited foliage of the brightest green, the topmost twigs and branches had been killed through the 
Gulls constantly perching. The snoAV-Avhite birds resting motionless on the dead and Avithered limbs, oi 
steadying themselves Avith flapping Avings Avhile taking up a position*, gave a someAvhat ludicrous appeaiance 
to the busy scene. At the same time hundreds might be observed sweeping round the clump of trees or dotted 
here and there OA'er the rocks and stones, Avhile, if carefully looked for, others, half hidden by the luxuiiant 
vegetation, could be detected sitting quietly on their nests. 
During the years I spent in the Avest of Perthshire this breeding-station was carefully protected by the 
proprietor, eAery care being taken to prevent intrusion on the haunts of the birds. After a feAV eggs had been 
procured at the commencement of the season, the only boat on the loch Avas removed, and communication Avith 
the island cut off till after the young Avere on Aving, Shortly after the boat had been carted aA\ay in 1805 a 
pair of Grey Crows built their nest in the branches of one of the stunted birch trees and fared sumptuously on 
Gulls’ eggs till the craft Avas brought back and an effectual stop put to their depredations. 
In all of the northern counties of the Uighlands Avith Avhich I am acquainted there are several breeding- 
stations of these Gulls, for the most part situated out on the barren and open moors. About Loch Doula, near- 
Lairg, in Sutherland, numbers of this species take up their summer-quarters ; the Avhole of the avarlable space 
beneath the shelter of the stunted bushes on the Avooded islands being, however, appropriated by the swarms of 
Elack-headed Gulls that resort to this locality, the Cornrrroir Gulls are banished to the rough ground round 
the edges of the Avater and a swamp orr the south side ; here I have irever Avitnessed tlrerrr attempting to settle 
on the trees, arrd it is hut seldom that the Black-headed Avill make more than a clumsy effort to balance 
themselves for a few moments on the Avaving branches. 
On the Avestern coast of the Highlands I repeatedly observed nests of this species placed among the ledges 
of rock a short distance above high-Avater mark ; in soirre instances a single pair Avill be met Avith, at others a 
small colony rear their families in company ; these birds, hoAvever, do not croAvd their offspring together after 
the fashion of KittEvakes. Common Gulls are stated in various works to nest in rrrarry parts of the country in 
the high cliffs overhanging the sea-coast; unfortunately I do not happen to have explored any such spots to 
which they resorted, and consequently am unable to give even the slightest information on my own authority 
concerning their breeding-habits in localities of this description. AVith regard to the nesting-station of the 
Common Gull reported to be situated on the Bass Bock, I have no hesitation in asserting my belief that some 
error must have occurred. I am well acquainted with all parts of the rock, and having closely examined the 
grassy slopes near the summit, as well as the ledges in the face of the cliffs, repeatedly during several seasons, it 
is extremely unlikely that the species could have escaped notice. Tlie fishermen of Canty Bay, Avho have had 
charge of the fowling-operations on the Bass for many years, possess no little knowleuge concerning tlie sea- 
birds and their habits, and from them I could never learn that this Gull had bred upon the rock. 
Though Common Gulls are hy no moans so ready as many other species to attack any feathered stiangei 
* Occasionally the Gulls experienced considerable difficulty in gaiuiug a footing, but when once settled were perfectly at ease. 
