Boece! 
somewhat peculiar flight they proceed by a series of easy jerks, but with a rapid movement of 
the wings. ‘The wings may be seen to be always outstretched on each side when the bird 
settles. 
The Lapwings feed chiefly in the twilight or clear night, and restrict themselves wholly to 
animal food. Competent naturalists assert, by striking a foot they make the ground vibrate in 
a way to cause worms to come to the surface of the ground; the vibrations so caused are said 
to be similar to those made by a mole, the worm’s natural enemy, and thus the worm is induced 
to come up to the surface to meeta no less deadly enemy. Of all birds the Lapwing is, perhaps, 
the farmer’s best friend, it kills a variety of insects injurious to agricultural produce, such as 
slugs, wire-worms, caterpillars, turnip fly, and larve of various kinds. The number of eggs 
deposited is usually four, and these are placed in the nest with the small ends towards the 
centre, thus occupying the least possible space. 
The Lapwing at one time was decreasing, but the Acts of 1872, and of 1880 and 1894 have 
done something to preserve this valuable bird. Care, however, should be taken that their 
numbers should not diminish by their eggs, which are esteemed as a delicacy, being too closely 
sought after for the table. ‘To give some indication of the popularity of Plover’s eggs, it may be 
stated that 800,000 eggs are annually imported into London from Friesland in Holland. 
The Norfolk Plover, Stone Plover, Stone Curlew, or Thick-knee, is most often found 
near the East Coast in Norfolk and Yorkshire, but is known in many other places, and in 
certain localities appears to be a regular summer visitant. They arrive about April and leave 
towards the end of September in flocks from four to seven, and migrate by night. They 
repair to water in the evening. ‘They are naturally shy, but can be easily tamed. Their wild 
wail at night is rendered by the word “kroeeet.” 
_ The Golden Plover is frequently found on high ground throughout the British Isles, but 
it is especially numerous in Sutherland, Durham, Yorkshire, and the fen districts of Cambridge. 
Golden Plovers are both indigenous and migratory. Many arrive in this country in November, 
and disperse generally in February to breed on bogs and undrained hills, but in frost and snow 
many leave for the Mediterranean basin, and others resort to the sea coast. A skilful imitation 
of their cry will bring them to you ; the note may be produced by a whistling sound most nearly 
rendered by the word ‘“ tluwee-tluwee.” 
The Grey Plover is not a common bird in Britain. When they migrate they do it in two 
long lines headed by one bird ; the Grey Plover walks slowly, and with grace. 
The Ringed Plover (also known as Stonehatch, Plover’s Page, and Sealark) is found on 
nearly all our coasts, especially by estuaries and creeks, and sometimes by inland lakes and 
ponds. It avoids the waves neatly by deviating just as much, and no more than is necessary, 
from its course, and thus, without allowing the waves to touch it, runs along the edge of the 
water. Flocks vary from a dozen to hundreds. The Little Ringed Plover is a very rare 
visitor to our land. 
The Kentish Plover associates with Ringed Plovers, but keeps distinct in flight. Their 
nests contain, like those of all the other Plovers excepting the Dotterel, four eggs. 
The Dotterel is to be found in certain lake districts, also on the Yorkshire wolds, and 
occasionally elsewhere. There are generally ten or twelve together. It migrates about April to 
breeding grounds in the north—to the Grampian hills and mountains in the north of Scotland. 
It returns again about the end of August, and stays till October or November. It is easily 
trapped, hence the origin of its name, from the word “ dote” or a “ fool.” 
Educational Series, 3 copies, 1d.; 1 dozen, 3d.; 100, 1s. 6d., post free. 
Pamphlets on the general question of Protection of Birds may also be obtained from the Society’s 
Publishing Department, Knowledge Office, 326, High Holborn, W.C., or of Mrs. F. E. Lemon, Hon. Sec., 
Hillcrest, Redhill, Surrey. 
Special terms for County Councils and Educational Authorities. 
