252 SKETCHES OF BIRD LIFE. 



young as soon as the latter are able to fly. The 

 majority of our shore birds annually perform this 

 double migration ; but there are many species which 

 remain in limited numbers to nest in this country. 

 Amongst these are the Golden Plover, the Ringed 

 Plover, the Oyster-catcher, the common Sandpiper, 

 the Dunlin, and the Curlew. 



The Ringed Plover and the Oyster-catcher 

 remain near the shore, and lay their eggs upon the 

 sand or shingle, as the case may be. The common 

 Sandpiper betakes itself to the north country 

 burnsides, and generally makes its nest at no great 

 distance from the water ; while the Golden Plover, 

 Dunlin, and Curlew go on to the moors and peat- 

 bogs, and bring up their young in the wildest and 

 most unfrequented spots. 



When walking over the moors in May we have 

 repeatedly startled a Curlew from amongst the tall 

 heather, and have satisfied ourselves on these, as on 

 other occasions, that this wary bird depends more 

 upon the sense of sight than hearing to save itself 

 from its enemies. Ever suspicious, ever on the 

 alert, it is a most difficult bird to stalk unless some 

 good cover intervenes to screen your approach. 



