London Birds— One of common phenomena of the date is
the return of the gulls to town after their three months' absence in the nurseries; and it becomes more notable. At one time they were confined almost entirely to the small, black-headed gulls, which begin to show the truth of this description a month or two before they leave London. The black, or rather brown, breeding plumage begins to adorn the head. These gulls nest inland and have as dose an affinity with the land and inland waters as with the sea. They are said, though not with complete truth, to have discovered London under pressure of exceptional frosts falling just sixty years ago. How- ever this may be, they have taught other species of gull the way to London. According to one of the Committee of the Bird Sanctuaries in the Royal Parks (whose annual report is just issued : 9d., H.M. Stationery Office), there are occasions when the common gull, a not very common breed, is more numerous. More than this, a small group of herring gull is even more faithful to St. James's Park than the Black-headed. The Black-back (presumably the lesser) is also a not unusual visitor. The herring gull, in my experience, is the tamest of all the gulls in spite of the wilderness of its birthplace. They can be fed by hand—to mention two experiences—on a Cor- nish golf links and on the pier at Llandudno; and I have seen a small boy catch one on the Embankment in London.
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