epithet; for although the latter is certainly " common "
enough, its breeding-haunts are confined to Scotland
and Ireland, whereas the present species breeds locally
in great numbers throughout the United Kingdom.
This Gull is resident with us, though its inland nesting-places
are deserted for the sea-coast in the winter
months; rough weather, however, or a flood on any of
our larger rivers will generally bring these birds in
considerable flocks to considerable distances from the
salt-water at any time of the year.
In many parts of England these Gulls may be seen
following the plough, and in Norfolk are commonly
known as " Scoulton Crows," from one of their best
known breeding-places in the west of that county. My
acquaintance with this species during its breeding-season
is confined to another locality in Norfolk, where
the birds have increased greatly since my first visit,
owing to the strict protection afforded them by the
owner.
Such circumstantial details have appeared in ' Yarrell'
regarding the many colonies of this bird that it would
be superfluous for me to repeat them ; I will therefore
only say that the islands and margins of freshwater
meres, as well as swampy mosses, are generally selected
for nesting purposes; the birds repair to these localities
early in March, and the eggs are found in the greatest
abundance in May ; their usual complement is three.
The nests that I have seen were simple masses of
flags and sedge ; at the time of my first visit to the
locality that I have previously referred to, the young
were just hatching, and took boldly to the water with,