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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 cry in the night 

 is a melancholy note, repeated at intervals of a 

 minute or two. 





OYSTER-CATCHER, OR SEA-PIE. 



HJEMATOPUS 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 



