106 



THE BIRDS OF NORTHAMPTONSHIRE 



any part of our Islands Avith the exception of the 

 Orkneys and Shetlands. In its autumn and winter 

 quarters the Whimbrel is generally to be met with 

 in small flocks, and although not so wary as the 

 Curlew, is not easy of approach, but on the vernal 

 migration, when it often travels singly, it is by no 

 means difficult to shoot, and may often be called 

 within gunshot by an imitation of its usual cry, 

 consisting, if I may be allowed the term, of seven 



fC.Ji 



"W h i mlir el . 



syllables, which have in many parts of England gained 

 the name of " Seven Whistlers " for the birds, although 

 perhaps they are more generally known on our 

 coasts as " May Birds," from their regular appearance 

 thereon in the early part of that month ; the name of 

 *' Titterel " is also mentioned by Yarrell as applied 

 to the Whimbrel in Sussex, but the only occasion 



