THE LIMICOLZH OF THE CLYDE AREA. 45 
to the lower slopes of the mountains. In our lowland districts 
it begins to nest in the last week of March, a little later in the 
uplands, and nests may be found till the end of June. From 
personal observation I cannot say that I have noticed much 
difference in the numbers of this species during the last thirty 
years, but I believe it would be even more abundant if its 
eggs were entirely protected by law, instead of partially as at 
present. Previous to the passing of the Act, which protects 
their eggs after the 15th of April in each year. the public 
generally were under the impression that it was illegal to take 
lapwings’, or indeed any bird’s eggs. Now many persons 
make a practice of lifting every lapwing’s egg possible up 
till the 15th of April, and, unfortunately, long after that date, 
so that instead of benefiting by the Act of Parliament the 
lapwing has actually suffered. The late Charles Berry of 
Lendalfoot held this view, with which I still agree. 
Turnstone (Strepsilas interpres (L))—Wherever there are 
low-lying rocks or the shores are rough, round the Firth of 
Clyde, the turnstone is a common bird from August till June, 
mostly motley and nondescript in plumage in autumn, but 
exceedingly beautiful in May. It occurs in flocks, varying in 
size from a few birds up to about seventy. A stray bird or 
two occasionally occur inland, as at Balgray Dam in August, 
1911. The turnstone is not a shy bird, and may be watched 
from a near distance as it searches for food under a heap of 
seaweed or other tide-borne rubbish. It has a peculiar 
twittering or crackling note, especially in flight, and it has 
also a loud clear whistle. 
Though not known to nest nearer than Iceland, I have seen 
birds in June in Bute courting and behaving pretty much as if 
they intended to nest in the vicinity. 
*Oyster-Catcher (Hamatopus ostralegus, L.)—All round the 
Firth of Clyde the oyster-catcher is common. Inland it is 
often heard passing over by night as well as by day, and 
it is frequently seen by the edge of lochs and reservoirs. 
For nesting purposes the more secluded shores are preferred, 
and it nests regularly on Loch Lomond. In a recent yeara 
pair nested on the River Clyde, near Hamilton, as Mr H. J. 
Rhodes kindly informed me. Nesting commences by the 
beginning of May, but fresh eggs may be found till the middle 
of July. The site selected is most often among gravel or sand 
