SEA-BIRDS. 55 



variabilis) is found all round our coasts, where it col- 

 lects, on sandy shores, in vast flocks, which, on the re- 

 cess of every tide, are busily occupied in searching along 

 the margin of the sea for the minute marine animals, 

 on which they feed. In summer, this active little bird 





deserts its marine haunts, and retires to moors and un- 

 frequented places, similar to those selected by the Plover, 

 where it makes its simple nest and rears its brood. In 

 August, both the young and the old birds return to the 

 coast, and it is then especially that the most numerous 

 and most active flocks are to be seen. Yarrell* well 

 describes them as " incessantly upon the move, shifting 

 their ground perpetually, running nimbly along, or 

 taking short flights from place to place, frequently 

 wading to follow the aquatic insects, worms, mollusca, 

 * Brit. Birds, iii. p. 82. 



