THE DUNLIN AND PHALAKOPE 



(Tringa alpina and Phalaropus hyperboreus) 



THE Dunlin is another common little bird of the shore, 

 frequenting the sands and mudflats through the winter, 

 retiring to the moorlands in summer for the purpose of rearing 

 its young. It is certainly the most gregarious Sandpiper on 

 the coast, and not only lives in vast flocks during winter, but 

 in the breeding season may frequently be observed in parties 

 of considerable size. The active little Dunlin is a special 

 favourite of mine, and his actions on the beach or the moor- 

 lands never fail to interest me. As you wander along the 

 muddy shore in autumn, you are certain to meet with this 

 charming little species there is not a bit of mudflat or sandy 

 marsh round our coasts that does not contain Dunlins in 

 more or less abundance from September till the following 

 spring. They are by no means shy, and often search for their 

 food and run about the sand and mud a few yards from where 

 you are standing. The larger the flock, however, the more 

 wary they seem to become, and at the least alarm the entire 

 mass of birds rise simultaneously, just like Starlings, and hurry 

 away across the sea, or along the marshes to a place of greater 

 safety. The Dunlin's aerial movements at this time of year 

 are very beautiful and interesting. Moved as with a common 

 impulse, the immense flock of birds rise from the black mud, 

 and rise and fall and manoeuvre with wonderful precision. 

 As they turn, their wings gleam like a dull silver cloud in the 



