62 PURPLE SANDPIPER. 
is very common in winter on the Dunbar shore, Scotland, as 
I am informed by Robert Gray, Esq. Mr. Thomas Edward, 
of Banff, has obligingly forwarded to me another shot by him 
near that town in May, 1852. This one was in summer 
plumage, as was also, I believe, the other previously alluded 
to. 
In Ireland it occurs, but is said to be very local. Likewise 
in Orkney. 
About the middle of April, or from that period to the 
beginning of May, they migrate to the north, and after 
rearing their young return again about September. 
Unlike the other Sandpipers, whose natural history we have 
hitherto been considering, this one attaches itself to rocky 
and stony shores, such affording the kind or kinds of food 
more peculiarly sought by it. 
These birds assemble in flocks of about thirty or more, 
being sociable among themselves, but their difference of habits 
naturally prevents any but an unfrequent commingling with 
other species. They are not at all shy in their ways, and 
may be approached very nearly. 
The Purple Sandpiper has frequently been seen to alight 
on the water, and to swim with apparent ease. It runs with 
readiness and dexterity over and between the rocks and stones, 
nimbly avoiding each encroaching wave, and following it 
again as it falls back and leaves behind it an uncovered place 
whereon to seek and to find food. ‘When in flocks, these 
birds fly in a compact body, but seldom to any great distance; 
and when disturbed, after taking a small circuit seaward, often 
return to the same exposed rock by the water’s edge, from 
which they started.’ They sometimes are met with in company 
with Turnstones, owing to the similarity of the places fre- 
quented by the two species. 
‘The flight of this bird,’ says Meyer, ‘is very quick and 
undulating, frequently performed close to the water, even when 
the waves of the sea run high; at other times it flies in a 
straight line at a great elevation, particularly when in company 
of many of its species.’ 
Minute shell-fish, mollusks, shrimps, sandhoppers, small 
crabs, and other crustacea, compose their food, and these they 
seek and find by turning over the marine plants that grow 
on the rocks. 
The note is often repeated, and sounds like the word ‘weet.’ 
‘The nest is fitted in some hollow in the ground with a 
