A Visit to the Lake Erie Terns 129
Chick Island. the explorers informed us, had no nests upon it, but was entirely occupied by Herring Gulls. which were perching on it as close as they could stand ()ne gentleman carried a great handful of Gulls' leathers which he had picked up on the rocks.
On our return journey the launch passed near the other island. From Big Chicken a Rock of birds, like that from the island we had visited. rose and scattered, filling the air with their shrieksl The most amusing and novel spectacle was Chick Island. which was altnost covered by Herring Gulls, We did not approach near enough to alarm them, but watched through our glasses the sedate and pompous birds. standing almost erect upon the rocks. The Gull is much heavier and less graceful than the Tern. and the contrast is even stronger between the birds resting than on the wing, They are also much larger and darker in colort There they stood, ranged in rows one behind the other, soberly clad in drab and brown, apparently assembled [or educational or religious exetCiSest Possibly they use the islet as a roosting place at night and had come early to Secure choice accommodations. Or perhaps they are not absolutely tireless on the wing and spend part of their time resting and digesting their loud. I have often seen them in the even- ing flying over the lake when it was so dark that their forms were barely distinguishable from the water. It was about half-past four that afternoon when we passed the island, We watched the almost motionless birds till they were no longed visible against the gray background of the rocks. and we did not solve the riddle.
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