The Common Tern (Sterna hirundo). 
A comparatively common species in the Firth of Clyde, hut a 
very few pairs only breed with us. 
The Arctic Tern ( Sterna arctica). 
More common than the preceding species. At low water 
occasional specimens are seen along the shore near Girvan, picking 
up the slender fishes on which they feed. Mr Anderson came upon 
a small flock of these birds some years ago in very peculiar cir¬ 
cumstances. He was driving his dog-cart within a mile of Girvan 
one winter afternoon, during a thick fall of snow, when the terns 
suddenly made their appearance, flapping around the horse’s ears. 
Using his whip vigorously, he struck down three of the birds, and 
captured them. 
The Lesser Tern (Sterna minuta). 
So far as we can ascertain, this beautiful species is of somewhat 
rare and uncertain occurrence in either county. It is probably 
found every year in limited flocks when travelling southwards 
from their breeding stations, but these are nowhere numerous on 
the west coast. Mr Eaton, of Kilmarnock, has in his collection a 
specimen in the first month’s plumage, which was shot on the 
Water of Irvine a few years ago. 
The Black Tern (Sterna fissipes). 
Of very rare occurrence. It has been observed on one or two 
occasions, and in one instance at least a specimen has been 
obtained. The bird referred to was shot on 29th August, 1868, 
at Broadstone, near Stranraer, and preserved by Mr M‘Omish, 
bird-stuffer there. 
The Little Gull (Lams minutus). 
In the Transactions of the Wernerian Society of Edinburgh it is 
recorded by Mr Selby that a specimen of this bird was procured 
in Wigtownshire. 
No other example of the species has come under our observation. 
The Black-headed Gull (Lams ridibundus). 
A very abundant species throughout both counties. There are 
many breeding stations in our district—such as Loch Doon in 
