6 CATALOGUE OF BIRDS. 



immediately it arrives at its breeding-quarters ; soon 

 after commencing nesting, white feathers begin to 

 show among the black, and its handsome appearance 

 is consequently spoiled. 



Like the Green Plover or Peewit, several pairs are 

 commonly found nesting in company. When anyone 

 approaches the neighbourhood of their nests they show 

 the greatest concern, never ceasing calling and flying 

 round till the cause of their annoyance has disap- 

 peared. 



The specimens in the case were obtained in Glenlyon, 

 in Perthshire, in the beginning of June, 1867. 



GOLDEN PLOVEK.— (Autumn.) 



Case 7. 



This is the plumage in which the bird is best known 

 to those living south of the Tweed. 



By the time the young are strong enough to leave 

 the hills, the old birds have mostly assumed their 

 autumn dress, and joining together in small flocks, 

 they make their appearance on the shores of the 

 Scotch firths. I have, however, occasionally met with 

 specimens, as late as the middle of September, which 

 appeared, when on wing, to be almost in full summer 

 plumage ; but if closely examined, it would be found 

 that the black feathers in their breasts were thickly 

 interspersed with white. 



Some few young birds, singly or in small parties, 

 occasionally wander as far south as Norfolk, or even 

 Sussex, by September ; but being remarkably tame, 

 they generally fall victims to the first gunner they 



