Little Gull (Larus minutus)

Abstract

IN the proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, as reported in NATURE, July 17, Dr. Smith notices the capture of a specimen of the Little Gull (Larus minutus) in Scotland, and remarks that it is a rare straggler to Scotland, only Some two or three specimens having been previously recorded. Although rare in Scotland, it is by no means uncommon on the Yorkshire coast during the autumn and winter, and specimens are frequently shot during these seasons near Flamborough Head and along the Bridlington coast. This winter they have been more than usually plentiful. Mr. Richardson, of Beverley, in a letter dated February 18, informs me “I have received thirteen Little Gulls, shot on the Bridlington coast during the last fortnight, seven adults and six immature.” And, in a recent communication, “There have been twenty-nine Little Gulls shot in all, nineteen old and ten young birds.”