84 THE BIRDS OF DORSET. 



OYSTER-CATCHER. Ilwmatopus ostralcgus, L. 



YarreU, iii. p. 294; Harting, p. 45; Dresser, vii. p. 567; Seeholim, 

 iii. p. 4; Ibis List, p. 162 ; PuUeney''s List, p. 15. 



The Oyster-Catcher is frequently seen in the 

 autumn, and at that season is generally distributed 

 along the coast. A few pairs breed on the sandy 

 portions of the Poole estuary, Weymouth, Worbar- 

 row, and Studland. Should any approach be made 

 towards the nest or newly hatched young, the parents 

 with plaintive cries fly round and round overhead 

 and endeavour to distract attention, very much as 

 the Peewit does under similar circumstances. 



Fam. Scolopacid^. 



AVOCET. Recurvirostra avocetta, L. 



YarreU, iii. p. 299; Harting, p. 46; Dresser, vii. p. 577; Ibis 

 List, p. 162; Himantopus avocetta, Seebohm, iii. p. 74. 



Although seventy years ago the Avocet used to 

 breed in Lincolnshire and Norfolk, drainage of the 

 marshes and persecution by gunners and egg- 

 gatherers have driven it away, and it can now be 

 only regarded as a rare visitor in spring and autumn. 

 Pulteney includes it in his list " as sometimes seen 

 on the shores of the county in the winter." Pro- 

 bably late autumn was intended. As stated by 

 YarreU, the Avocet has been noticed several times in 

 Dorsetshire. One was killed by Captain Pretor near 



