Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 5 (1901).djvu/323

Rh easterly gale blew a whole flock to the east coast. Over sixty were killed in Norfolk, the majority adults (Norf. and Nor. Nat. Soc. vol. iv. p. 410). A beautiful black-headed adult was shot at Hickling, April 2nd, 1888 (Connop Catalogue).

L. ridibundus. Black-headed Gull.—C. This species breeds plentifully in the Broad district, and is common at Yarmouth at all times of the year, becoming numerous on the mud-flats and at the harbour mouth in autumn. During severe weather flocks are seen hunting for floating edibles on the river in the heart of the town. Protracted frosts make them remarkably tame, when they swarm on the town refuse-heaps, and are easily decoyed into a net. A birdcatcher, in December, 1890, caught one hundred and thirty-seven in three days with a clap-net on the North Denes. Fifty-six were taken at one pull. The same bird-catcher captured fifty-three out of a flock on Feb. 11th, 1895. On Nov. 27th, 1895, hundreds were attracted to a field at Browston, near Yarmouth, manured with herring refuse, most of which they devoured. Local, "Kitty."

L. melanocephalus. Mediterranean Black-headed Gull.—A. An adult male was shot on Breydon, Dec. 26th, 1886; the first example recorded as met with in the British Isles. The wind was south-west on the day it was shot, and north-west the day before. It was identified by Mr. G. Smith, in whose possession it still remains.

L. canus. Common Gull.—C. Frequent on Breydon in all stages of plumage. More commonly seen off shore during rough weather, generally flying shoulder to wind. Local, "Sea Cob."

L. argentatus. Herring-Gull.—C. Common in late autumn, when fine adult birds may be observed leading the beach, north or south, according to the winds. Numbers on Breydon, Nov. 1900.

L. cachinnans. Mediterranean Herring Gull.—A. A male of this species shot on Breydon, Nov. 4th, 1886. The first recorded British example (Norf. and Nor. Nat. Soc. vol.vi. p. 417).

L.fuscus. Lesser Black-backed Gull.—C. Common, more especially in immature plumage.

L. marinus. Greater Black-backed Gull.—C. Common on Breydon all the year round. A considerable number there all