THE SANDPIPER. 



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habitual swimmer or diver, it can perform both these 

 operations when alarmed, or occasion seems to re- 

 quire it. The wings are longer than those of other 

 species of this genus, and the tail being fan-shaped 

 gives it a peculiar motion when flying, or when on the 



COMMON SANDPIPER. 



ground. The Sandpiper (T. stagnatilis) migrates to 

 various parts of Britain, and to some of the western 

 isles of Scotland, but does not go very far north. They 

 are extremely active, and have a shrill and somewhat 

 plaintive cry. The nest is not elaborately formed, but 

 is generally made of dry leaves, moss, or roots, and 

 is placed in a sheltered situation near the ground. 

 Sometimes the eggs are simply laid in a cavity among 



