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much dazzled by the light of the sun when it 
accidentally wanders abroad in the day, that it 
becomes stupid, in which condition it may be 
easily caught by the hand. Its ery in the night 
is a melancholy note, repeated at intervals of a 
minute or two. 
OYSTER-CATCHER, OR SEA-PIE. 
H2®MATOPUS OSTRALEGUS, Lin. 
The Oyster-catcher occurs on all our coasts, on 
many parts of which it is abundant. After the 
breeding season it collects in flocks, which are 
frequently very numerous. At this period they are 
met with chiefly on low rocky shores, or at the 
mouths of rivers. Its peculiar shaped bill is con- 
structed in such a manner as to enable it easily to 
disengage the limpets from the rocks, and to pluck 
out from their half-opened shells the oysters, on 
which, as well as on other kinds of shell-fish, sea- 
worms, and insects, it feeds. They are often seen 
frequenting not only rocky headlands, but also the 
extensive sands on the sea-shore. They occa- 
sionally wade in the water, but in general seek 
their food in exposed parts. They run with great 
celerity, have a strong and rapid flight, and emit a 
very loud shrill cry. In April the flocks break 
up, and the individuals disperse in pairs, some 
