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species. It is hardly so common with us, but is still sufficiently 
numerous to form an important item in the bird life of our 
district. At Girvan we have observed several pairs coming 
apparently from Ailsa Craig, and proceeding with strong-winged 
beats, high in the air, in the direction of some of the largest sheep 
farms on the hills, and have watched their raven-like flight until 
they disappeared beyond the top of the Saugli Hill. Their prey, 
we doubt not, was variously suggestive. 
The Pomerine Skua (Lestris pomarinus ). 
This species, easily recognised by its superior bulk from 
Richardson’s skua, has been observed in various parts of Ayrshire. 
It has, according to the late Mr Thompson, occurred at Ballantrae, 
and Mr Gray has observed it off the coast on more than one 
occasion. It has likewise been obtained in Wigtownshire. 
Richardson’s Skua (Lestris Bichardsonii). 
Occasionally observed along shore chasing the sea gulls. It 
visits Ailsa Craig early in the season—probably before retiring to 
its breeding quarters—and delights in molesting the kittiwakes, 
among whom he is a most unwelcome intruder. About this time 
also it scours the coast line as far as the Mull of Galloway in the 
same pursuit, but is seldom or never observed in June, July, or 
August, when the birds are hatching. 
Buffon’s Skua (Lestris Buffonii). 
Can only be ranked with us as a rare straggler. The last 
and most recent specimen coming under our observation was 
one shot on the Cree, near Newton-Stewart, in the spring 
of 1863. 
The Manx Shearwater (Puffinns anglorum). 
As this bird seldom approaches tlie coast nearer than a mile’s 
distance, it is not often observed, except by those who go in quest 
of birds, or are interested in their movements. It may, however, 
be seen regularly passing and repassing even as late as the end of 
June. There are probably no breeding stations of this species 
nearer us than the islands of Mull, Staffa, or Iona; yet it is 
possible that they may extend their daily excursions to the Ayr¬ 
shire coast, as their flight is extremely easy and buoyant. 
