202 BIRDS OF CHESHIRE. 
to Warrington, but it seldom occurs inland. We have, 
however, seen an example which was shot at Poynton 
Pool; and on August 7th, 1899, Oldham saw one at 
Redes Mere. 
GOLDEN PLOVER. 
CHARADRIUS PLUVIALIS, Linnzeus. 
Sheep’s Guide. 
A few pairs of Golden Plover breed annually on the 
higher moors of Longdendale and of the country east 
of Macclesfield, where they arrive early in April. In 
the latter part of summer the families unite in flocks, 
and leave the breeding-grounds about the end of 
August. In autumn many migrants arrive from the 
north, and from then until spring, flocks, sometimes 
numbering as many as two hundred individuals, may 
be met with on the fallows and pastures of Wirral and 
the Plain. 
The birds generally feed in company with Lapwings, 
but if disturbed the species quickly separate and wheel 
overhead in distinct flocks; the poimted wings and 
rapid flight of the Golden Plovers being in marked 
contrast to the deliberate movements of the round- 
winged Lapwings. When changing their feeding- 
grounds, Golden Plovers, especially when in small 
numbers, generally fly in an irregular V formation, 
which Lapwings seldom do. 
Certain districts are specially attractive to this 
species. Every winter we see flocks in the fields at 
Baguley and Wythenshawe; and another favourite 
haunt is the reclaimed marshes of Sealand, where we 
have seen birds as early as September 15th. In frosty 
