372 THE SANDERLING AND THE OYSTER-CATCHER. 



marked with dark chestnut-brown spots and blotches, and 

 this more especially at the larger end, where they are nearly 

 blended together. 



The Sanderling (Fordnderlig Sand-Lopare, literally, 

 Changeable Sand-Runner, Sw. ; Calidris arenaria, Illig.) 

 was only seen with us when on its way to or from its 

 breeding-grounds. Swedish naturalists appear to know little 

 about this bird, but imagine it to nest in the northern 

 portion of Scandinavia. It may be so ; but as no mention 

 is made of it by travellers and others, in northern Lapland, 

 it seems to me not improbable that it may breed in countries 

 to the eastward of the peninsula. In Denmark it is only 

 met with during migration, and then but seldom. 



The Pied Oyster-Catcher (Strand- Skat a, or Strand- 

 Magpie, Sw. ; H&matopus ostralegus, Linn.) was very 

 common with us in the summer time, as well on the shores 

 of the Wenern, as in the neighbouring Skargard. Indeed, 

 almost every islet was usually occupied by a pair or two 

 of these birds. It is also common throughout Scandi- 

 navia, to within the polar circle at least ; and though found 

 principally on the coast, is met with in the interior. It is 

 common in Denmark. Migrates. 



The specific name of this bird as well as its English 

 designation is derived from its expertness in extracting .the 

 oyster, which, however, can be done only when the shell is 

 open, and not even then without great caution ; for instances 

 have been known of the unfortunate bird being made prisoner 

 by the oyster closing upon its beak. 



Parson J. Odman the historiographer of the province of 

 Bonus, who flourished upwards of one hundred years ago 

 tells us, when speaking of the oyster-catcher, what may be 



