A R C T I C SKUA.
STERCORARIUS PARASITICUS.
Tins species, also known as Richard sou's Skua, and Tllui'k-tood Gull, is a summer visitor to many parts of
the north of Scotland and the adjacent islands. During spring and autumn these birds have come under
my observation on several occasions a few miles at sea in tin- laigli-b Channel, as well as at times iu great
numbers off the south-east coast of Scotland and also in the North Sea.
Of bite years there has been a considerable falling off in the numbers of these Skuas resorting to many of
the localities formerly frequented in the Highlands. In some parts the birds, if not totally exterminated
by keepers, have been greatly thinned down; while in others so constantly have their nests and young
been pillaged by collector* and dealers, that it is a wonder any sun Ivors remain.
This species passes north towards its breeding-quarters probably iu April. In 1*7.") I was out
frequently iu the Channel from (1 to 12 miles off the Sussex coast, and on several occasions between the l l ih and
23rd fell in with single birds as well as small parties; they were especially numerous un April 21 si and 22nd,
wind on both days light from the east. A few obtained as sjiedmeus were iu full breeding-plumage with long
tails; others, apparently in the same stage, were minus the long tail-feathers; not a single bird was seen iu the
immature stage.
Jty the end of the first or second week iu May I have met with these birds on the moors in Caithness. In
many instances in this locality I remarked that their favourite resorts appeared to be either on or in the neighbourhood
of the " floes " •. Ou one of these spots, which extended nearly two miles in length by almost the
same in breadth, hundreds of Lessor Blaek-liacked Gulls were nesting. Though a few Skuas had I Ml hill
this part by the middle of May, and evidently taken up their quarters, I could find no signs that nesting had
as yet commenced. The birds were usually at no great distance, and, after wandering fur a time among the
pools on the tine, they were sure to be detected making straight for the intruders on their domain. After
sweeping round lor a few minutes, and giving vent to their auger in harsh screams and snaps, they would, as a
rule, gradually draw off; their attack was by no means so decided and vindictive as when they had thoroughly
entered upon their breeding-operations. The earliest date on which eggs were noticed in this localitywas
on May ;ilst, the ne-t being placed on the open moor a short distance from the Hoe. The pair of birds
in this instance were remarkably shy, the female being especially careful, and seldom venturing within eighly
or one hundred yards; as they, however, resolutely refused to quit that part of the moor, it was evident their
treasures were concealed near at hand. The nest, which was merely a slight depression iu the moss,
with a few strands of dried grass by way of a lining, was not discovered till we retired some distance; and
having posted a couple of keepers lour or live hundred yards apart, I took another station myself which
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