OYSTERCATCHER OR SEAPIE 405 



a line adjacent and parallel to the preceding, and so on until the 

 adherent flesh has been removed from both valves." 



In searching for limpets, an oystercatcher has been observed 

 to examine shell after shell, presumably looking for one slightly 

 raised from the rock ; when it found one suitable for its purpose, 

 it thrust the end of its bill between the limpet and the rock and 

 neatly turned it over. 1 Saxby states that, after being detached, 

 the limpets are carried to a convenient place to be emptied and 

 eaten, and that vast accumulations of empty shells may be found 

 on favourite spots. 2 



Oystercatchers frequently resort to fields to feed, and have been 

 seen following the plough as do rooks and gulls and profit- 

 ing by the animal food disturbed. 3 Gray relates seeing two or 

 three pairs near a farmstead, feeding within twenty yards of pigeons 

 and poultry. 4 



The oystercatcher is an expert swimmer. Wounded birds take 

 readily to the water in their endeavour to escape, but unhurt birds 

 have been observed on many occasions to enter the water voluntarily. 

 A flock was seen to alight on the sea a long way from land. The sea 

 was calm, and it was supposed that the birds were attracted by shoals 

 of herring-fry. 5 Saxby relates having seen one of a small party on 

 a rock jump into the water, and swim about looking for food in parts 

 of the rocks only to be reached from the water. 6 Young in down have 

 been seen paddling themselves across a river, while their parents 

 hovered overhead calling piteously. 7 



1 Gray, Birds of Vie West of Scotland, p. 270. 



2 Saxby, Birds of Shetland, p. 172. 



3 British Birds (magazine), iv. p. 317. 



4 Gray, op. cit., p. 268. 



5 Ibid., p. 269. 



6 Saxby, op. cit, p. 172. 



7 Field, 1890, vol. Ixxvi. p. 214. 



