5io 
PRESIDENT S ADDRESS. 
July the birds begin to leave, and by the commencement of 
the shooting season (August 12) all the ledges on Handa are 
practically deserted. 
Alca torda (Razor-bill). Although numerically not so 
strong as the Common Guillemot, yet there are vast numbers 
of these birds that resort to the Handa Cliffs for breeding 
purposes. As in the case of the Guillemot, the single egg is 
laid on the bare ledge, and although there would seem to be 
some attempt on the part of the two species to keep separate, 
yet they are frequently found side by side on the same shelf. 
Fratercula arctic a (Puffin). The Puffins on Handa 
are far less numerous than are the Guillemots and Razor-bills 
because the accommodation for their burrows is limited. 
They are found principally on the highest parts of the cliffs, 
and also at one place on the north side of the island, where 
there has been a cleft in the rock, at which part a certain 
amount of soil and debris has accumulated. The most 
formidable natural enemy that this bird has to contend with 
during the breeding season is the common Rat, and at one 
time these vermin became so numerous on the island, that 
an appreciable decrease in the number of Puffins was noticed. 
However, about twelve years ago the Rabbits on the island, 
of which there were many at that time, were ferreted, and 
since then the Rats have considerably diminished in numbers. 
Recently, I hear, Weasels have been introduced, so that before 
very long the Rats will probably disappear altogether. 
Phalacrocorax carbo (Common Cormorant). There are 
a few ledges where this bird breeds, but the species is not nearly 
so numerous as it is on the adjacent (Badcall) islands. 
Phalacrocorax graculus (Shag or Green Cormorant). 
Wherever there are suitable ledges and caves these birds are 
to be found nesting all round the Handa Cliffs. 
Larus argentatus (Herring Gull). A considerable number 
of this species of Gull nest on Handa. The nests are mostly 
found on the top of the island and on the slopes leading down 
