216 BIEDS OF LANCASHIRE. 



the shores of Morecambe Bay, regularly during the 

 month of May, a few individuals almost always remain- 

 ing till towards the end of June. On the Eibble it used 

 to be common, and is still taken there in small numbers, 

 but altogether it occurs much less frequently than it 

 once did. It is rare inland, and is only now and then 

 seen there in stormy weather. 



GENUS H.EMATOPUS. 

 OYSTER-CATCHEE. 



H^MATOPUS OSTRALEGIIS, LinUfBUS. 



Local Name — Sea-pie. 



The Oyster-Catcher is resident, and whilst most 

 abundant on Walney Island, and round the shores of 

 Morecambe Bay, is still found on the Eibble, and breeds 

 in decreasing quantities on the sand-hills of Southport 

 and Formby. It is very common in winter on the sand 

 and mud-banks, and large additions accrue through the 

 arrival of migrants, considerable flocks remaining until 

 late in spring. The eggs are laid from early in May 

 to mid-June, and although the nest is generally only 

 a slight hollow scooped in the sand, it is sometimes 

 beautifully lined with fragments of shell, and often with 

 pieces of wood and sea-weed, and bits of straws. From 

 being placed among the large stones and drift just above 

 high-water mark, the eggs, which so resemble their 

 surroundings in appearance, are not easy to find, and 

 until the young are hatched, the birds are very wary. 

 When this happens, however, they fly round the 

 intruder with piercing shrieks, feigning lameness, and 



