160 



I'AMiLiAR iriLj) mnns. 



some instances this mark is retained over a f;^reat portion of 

 the spring-. 



Tlie Oyster-catcher is a rather shy bird, not easy to 

 be approached chjsely except daring the breedino^ season, 

 when it becomes bokler and apparently less cautious, ^^'hen 

 alarmed it utters a peculiar shrill whistling cry, which 

 also may be often heard at nig-ht as the birds are going to 

 or returning from their feeding grounds. 



Occa^onal instances have been noted of this bird 

 having been met with almos^ entirely white, and others 

 of a i)ale-fa\vn colourj X 



■?/. 



83 





