LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. 303 
mg stations ; thus, Mr. Yarrell states, the Great 
Black-backed Gull is on our south-eastern coast 
a much more rare species than the Lesser Black- 
backed Gull, and in those districts decidedly a 
marsh breeder; while the Lesser Black-backed 
Gull here as constantly resorts to the rocks and 
cliffs. Generally we have found the nests of the 
Lesser Black-backed Gull somewhat inland on low 
lying extensive marshy moors, or on the islands 
of fresh-water lochs. On Loch Awe we found 
several pairs breeding on the small islands there, 
and we were repeatedly told by the boatmen that 
they sometimes built their nests on the trees ; which, 
however, we did not see, and at the time scarcely 
credited, though Mr. Audubon’s account of the Her- 
ring Gull on the Labrador coast, leads us to think 
that this may sometimes be the case. Colonies were 
also met with on Lochs Shin and Laigbal, in 
Suthcrlandshire. We are aware of several stations 
where precipitous sea-cliffs are selected ; one on the 
Solway, which we have often visited, nestles a colony 
of both Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gulls, a 
few only of the nests of the latter being accessible. 
This gull also follows the course of rivers for many 
miles inland. During winter, spring, and autumn a 
few pairs may be constantly seen upon the Annan, 
fifteen miles from its mouth, passing and repassing 
daily from the sea ; at this time it is not very shy, 
and before being disturbed, will sail along the river 
within shot, only in passing gives utterance to its 
alarm note. It extends northward to Orkney and 
