BIRDS OF LOCH AND MOUNTAIN 85 



to the sea coast. By the early part of September 

 the last of the Curlews have reached the coast, 

 and until spring comes again the wild ringing 

 cry of the soaring Curlew will no more be heard 

 at its beloved nesting-grounds. 



THE SANDPIPER 



THE Sandpiper is one of the most endearing of our 

 summer visitors and adds an immense charm to 

 the rivers and streams where it has its summer 

 home and rears its young. When spring has re- 

 turned once more and the rivers are swollen by 

 the melting of the upland snows, the Sandpiper 

 makes its appearance on its beloved river sides, 

 and it is always with a feeling of gladness that one 

 hears its clear, sweet whistle for the first time. 



The usual date of its arrival is about the middle 

 of April. Last spring I heard its whistle for the 

 first time on April I7th. I was wandering along 

 the banks of a rushing mountain stream amongst 

 the glens of the Highlands, when suddenly this 

 little summer visitor flew whistling by, adding 

 a new joy to all the burn side. 



Soon after their arrival the Sandpipers pair, 

 but usually are comparatively late in nesting. 

 The eggs are laid towards the end of May or 

 the beginning of June. They invariably number 

 four and are pyriform in shape, being always 

 placed with their small ends at the centre. Should 

 the experiment be made of turning the eggs so as 

 to lie with their small ends pointing outwards, the 

 mother bird on her return always restores them 

 to their former position, as she would scarcely be 



