3G BIRD-LIFE OF THE BORDERS 



the data respecting the arrival of the remaining spring- 

 migrants. The exigencies of systematic treatment de- 

 mand as much; but the details I will leave to a new 

 chapter of their own. 



First of the birds to appear in the April list is the 

 Dunlin [Tringa alpina). Towards the end of March, a 

 few stray individuals will be observed in the lower haughs 

 and river-valleys ; but none appear on the higher moors, 

 where they breed, until the month of April is well 

 established. 



Next comes the common Sandpiper [Totanus hyfio- 

 leucus) — one of the dearest little "angler's companions" 

 for the next four months. The middle of April is his 

 due date; and, curiously, he often appears on the west 

 coast (the Cumbrian Eden, Liddel, etc.) two days 

 before he rejoices eye and ear on the eastern rivers, 

 say the Tyne, Reed, Coquet, and Tweed. During 

 many years' observation, ever on the keenest look-out 

 for the first sight of this charming visitor, the earliest 

 actual date of arrival was, I see, April 8th, 1899 — at 

 Houxty, on North Tyne. About April 12th to 15th is, 

 however, the average date. On first arrival, the sand- 

 pipers are always inconspicuous, sitting silent and resting 

 (evidently tired), among the shingle and gravel-beds. 

 Next day there is a feeble half-song ; but, after that, 

 for four months, the river-sides ring with their merry 

 intonations. Their flight also, graceful and infinitely 

 varied- — now skimming the surface, anon poising on 

 tremulous pinions — is as full of beauty and as instinct 

 with the poetry of motion as are their notes with 

 merriment. 



The willow-wren invades the whole land by April 

 20th — my earliest note is the 15th. From that date 



