256 WiivD Birds and their Haunts 



in the case of several of the seaside waders, as Dunlins and 

 Sanderlings. 



In severe winter weather they desert the meadows, in 

 which the worms have descended into the ground, beyond 

 the reach of frost, and so of their bills, and resort to the 

 muddy or sandy sea-shore. In the Hebrides it is said 

 that they do not migrate at all, but simply content them- 

 selves with sliifting from the moors to the shore and 

 back again, according to the weather. 



In the northern parts of France, on the other hand, they 

 are only known as passengers on their way to the south. 

 From making their appearance in the rainy season they 

 are often called " pluviers," whence our name plover, 

 which, however, is supposed by some to have been given 

 to them for their indicating by their movements coming 

 changes in the weather, in which respect indeed their 

 skill is marvellous. 



The Golden Plover, sometimes called also Yellow 

 Plover, and Green Plover, is found at various seasons in 

 most countries of Europe ; but the golden plovers of Asia 

 and America are considered to be different species. 



An interesting duel between a plover and a magpie and 

 afterwards between the same plover and a terrier, was 

 witnessed recently at Ponthis, near Newport. The plover, 

 whose nest had been attacked by the magpie, defended it 

 pluckily, at times literally screaming with rage, and the 

 intruder being ultimately driven off. In the second contest 

 a terrier wandered in the vicinity of the nest, but the 

 plover swooped down and pecked viciously at its neck. The 

 startled animal, unaware of the source of attack, still 

 wandered about, and the plover got in a second peck. 

 This time the terrier saw the plover and jumped, but failed 

 to catch it. The duel continued until the terrier, almost 

 exhausted by the pluck and persistency of his opponent, 

 gave up the unequal contest, and retreated from the 

 field of battle. 



1 - It breeds commonly on the moors of Northumberland, 

 Durham, Yorkshire, etc., etc. 



