LIMICOL^E. ( 256 ) SCOLOPACIDJE. 



THE GREENSHANK. 



GREEN-LEGGED HORSEMAN, GREATER PLOVER, 

 GREENSHANK SNIPE. 



Totanus canescens. 



The wandering flocks , expelled from northern shores, 



In varied forms pursue their trackless way, 

 Courting the genial aspect of the south, 



Whilst iron winter holds his despot sway. 



T. HUGHES. 



As there are no suitable haunts for the Greenshank on the 

 coast of Berwickshire, such as mud-flats, slakes, or marshes, 

 it is very seldom seen, only two instances of its occurrence 

 in the county being recorded. In March 1871 a specimen 

 was shot by Mr. James Trotter, gamekeeper, Paxton House, 

 as it rose from a large ditch which runs through Paxton 

 North Mains Farm and joins the Whitadder at Clairvale 

 Wood. Mr. Andrew Brotherston, bird-stuffer, Kelso, informed 

 me that a female of this species was killed at Lochton, in 

 the parish of Eccles, in August 1884. 



This bird is generally found on the coasts of the British 

 Islands when it is passing to or from its principal breeding 

 grounds in the northern parts of Europe, although a few nest 

 in the north of Scotland. It is frequently seen on the shore 

 about Holy Island from August to October, where it is shy 

 and wary. It is larger than the Eedshank, and its legs are 

 olive-green. The food consists of worms, insects, crustaceans, 

 and other small marine animals. It is an excellent bird for 

 the table. 



