Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 4 (1900).djvu/87

Rh (Vanellus vulgaris).—Very common; they are never shot at, and are consequently very tame.

(Ægialitis hiaticula).—These delightful little birds were extremely numerous, and very tame. They were always to be seen feeding along the ebb in lots of a few individuals up to quite large flocks, very often associating with the Turnstones and Golden Plover. Had the weather been more propitious some very good photographs might have been obtained, as they never thought of flying away till one approached to within about four or five yards of them.

(Strepsilas interpres).—Also very common, and almost as tame as the preceding. In the first week of October only ones and twos were seen, generally with a few Ringed Plover; but as the month drew on they increased in numbers, and flocks of twenty or more individuals were quite common. They seem to be very active little birds, and there is no prettier sight than to have four or five of them within a few yards of you, busily turning over the seaweed, and literally throwing the pebbles about in their search for food. Several birds were seen with a few chestnut feathers on the shoulders, but most of them seemed to be immature.

(Hæmatopus ostralegus).—Common, in single pairs and small flocks, associating only with the Curlew, and almost as wild and wary as they; whereas all the smaller shore birds were to be found close in shore, the Oystercatchers always kept well out on the rocks, where the sea was breaking, the spray often flying right over them. I noticed that they always stood head to wind.

(Gallinago cœlestis).—Very common on the moors, and, up till Oct. 10th, round the loch also, where large bags are sometimes made. After that date there were continuous gales from the north-west, with rain, and the birds all left the loch-side, probably passing on south, the numbers on the moors perhaps decreasing slightly about the same time; but this is difficult to say.

(Gallinago gallinula).—A solitary specimen was seen by the Grœmeshall loch on Oct. 9th, and two others on the moors on Oct. 16th. It is probable that on this latter date there had been a small migration of these birds, for the dog picked up