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PLOVERS AND SANDPIPERS. 87 
and it has been said to nest on the Channel Islands, 
but no direct proof has yet been obtained. Under 
exceptional circumstances the Turnstone may be 
met with inland, especially during the season of 
its migrations, but otherwise it is strictly a coast- 
bird, as much so as the Oyster-catcher, and rears 
its young upon the shore. This somewhat singular 
bird is met with on the British coasts, most commonly 
during its passage north or south, comparatively few 
individuals remaining upon them for the winter. 
The Turnstone cannot readily be confused with 
any other coast bird, its mottled black and chestnut 
upper parts, black throat and breast, and white 
belly, being very distinctive. The wings and tail 
during flight exhibit a good deal of white upon 
them. Turnstones, chiefly young birds, begin to 
arrive on the British coasts at the end of July, 
and the migration of the species continues through 
August and September; the return passage in 
spring may be remarked towards the end of April, 
and lasts for about a month. Mud-flats, slob-lands, 
and salt-marshes are not frequented much by the 
Turnstone ; it always prefers the low rocky coasts, 
and seems specially fond of haunting rocks and 
islands. Social to a great extent in summer, in 
winter this bird is more or less gregarious; but 
many odd individuals attach themselves to parties 
of other shore-frequenting species. An example 
now lying before me was shot from the company of 
Common Sandpipers. The Turnstone is a restless 
