SANDERLING rally 
majority of birds do not reach us until a few weeks later. 
The Sanderling is fairly plentiful in suitable localities in 
September and October, the flocks consisting chiefly of 
immature birds. In midwinter a general decrease in 
numbers on our shores is apparent, but even then this 
species is far from being uncommon. During spring! the 
numbers are again increased by the influx of migrants from 
more southern countries, many of which appear in full 
nuptial plumage on the Irish, as well as on the English 
coast. 
Firm, clean stretches of sand,’ uncovered by seaweed, 
are the chief resorts of this species (Plate XXX.). In this 
respect it differs markedly from the Dunhn, Knot, Redshank, 
and other wading-birds, which are equally partial to the 
soft, slimy, ooze-covered tracts in proximity to our tidal 
estuaries. Only in exceptional cases are the shores of 
inland lakes and rivers frequented. 
Flocks of Sanderlings in full winter plumage’, feeding on 
the strand, afford an interesting and attractive sight. ‘They 
run nimbly to and fro, moving like little white dots over 
the sombre, grey sands. In storm or calm they are alike in 
activity. Away they go, pattering over the sands, until the 
early ‘ non-breeders,’ which always preceded the advent of the immature 
birds, quitted the strand after resting a few days. Mr. A. Williams 
writes me that on several different occasions during the month of July 
of the present year, he observed Sanderlings on the Dublin coast, some 
of the flocks numbering up to fifty birds. On August 11th, 1906, at 
12.30 p.m., I observed a Sanderling fly round and finally alight on the 
s.s. Southwark ” on which I was a passenger. I was able to approach 
within two yards of the bird, though I was unsuccessful in capturing it. 
It was an adult in nuptial plumage, and judging from its flight it was 
fairly exhausted. It left the vessel and I did not see it again. When 
it first appeared we were 490 miles from Liverpool, outward bound for 
Montreal; lat. 56° 20” N., long. 18° W., North Atlantic. 
' Though less plentiful in some districts in spring than in autumn, 
yet on many parts of the Irish coast I have seen larger numbers in May 
than in September. 
* On the western shores of Iveland, where there are immense 
stretches of sand, this species is more plentiful than on the eastern 
(Ussher). 
* In this species the winter plumage is often assumed as early as 
September, and retained until June. I have examined Sanderlings shot 
on the east coast of Ireland on September 15th and 24th, in full winter 
plumage. On the coast of Yorkshire I have seen Sanderlings still in 
winter plumage, as late as June Ist, while in the same flocks were birds 
in summer and transition dress. 
