. The water birds of North America [microform]. Birds; Water-birds; Oiseaux; Oiseaux aquatiques. 232 LONli-WINGED SVVIMMKUS — LONGII' eggs hatched on the 28th of that luontli — probably a month hitor than they would have been if the birds had not been disturbed. He saw young Hedged Gulls at San Tedro as early as July 12 the itrevious year. This species builds its nest both on the soft ground and on the bare rocks; Imt in the latter position the nest is much thicker than if built on the grovuul. There an- certain localities on Santa IJarbara Island which this bird prefers, and these are
. The water birds of North America [microform]. Birds; Water-birds; Oiseaux; Oiseaux aquatiques. 232 LONli-WINGED SVVIMMKUS — LONGII' eggs hatched on the 28th of that luontli — probably a month hitor than they would have been if the birds had not been disturbed. He saw young Hedged Gulls at San Tedro as early as July 12 the itrevious year. This species builds its nest both on the soft ground and on the bare rocks; Imt in the latter position the nest is much thicker than if built on the grovuul. There an- certain localities on Santa IJarbara Island which this bird prefers, and these are chieHy such as afford a good opportunity to see the approacdi of danger. There these birds sit in great flocks, the males and females taking turns ou the nests ; and when an intrudi r comes near, they all rise with deafening screams, circling round his head and dartim; toward him, although never daring to strike him, but snapping their bills sharply, and cackling as if in defiance. Their t)rdinary cry is a loud scream, Avhich lias an enliv- ening sound, and is uttered on all occasions, but especially when they find food; tln-ir first impulse apparently being to call their companions before beginning to eat. They are said to swim around the whale and the seal fishing places, and become so impudent as to steal the scra])s almost from the try-pot; it is necessary, therefore, to shoot one occasionally as an example — a warning the nu^aning of which they are very qnick to understand, soon appreciating the danger of having a gun pointed at them. This bird is, in fact, very sagacious and amusing; and its habits often furnished Dr. Cooper with matter for interesting study on the most lifeless and dreary part nf the coast. It deserves, in his opinion, to be regarded as the Raven of the sea; and its reputation for stupidity is not merited; although, unlike the Raven, it is not always as cautious and as distrustful of mankind as its safety demands. It is the Raven's superior in gene
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1880, booksubjectbirds, bookyear1884
