CHANGES OF PLUMAGE. 179 



stands on the coast. They may be seen thus for 

 perhaps ten days, when they disperse inland, and 

 are only brought back to the tide by severe frost ; 

 they breed freely throughout Ireland in suitable 

 localities. Though a handsome and gentle-looking 

 bird at all times, a Golden Plover appears in its full 

 pride and beauty when in summer plumage, with the 

 black breast. This Plover has a pretty habit of 

 trotting nimbly along a few steps, and then stopping 

 motionless for some seconds ere resuming its run. 

 They may be seen collecting in the centre of the 

 fields about nightfall, and a good shot at that time 

 is often counted on by a fowler who has followed 

 them unsuccessfully throughout the day. 



If a number of Golden or Green Plover are 

 passing overhead out of shot, and powder is to 

 spare, it is a common custom to fire in their 

 direction. The sudden alarm will often cause them 

 to drop quickly downwards and sweep within range, 

 thus affording a good chance of a shot. Why they 

 should do this, and so run into danger, I cannot say. 

 Perhaps, when alarmed, they are not conscious of 

 more than an effort to change their direction, 

 ignorant from whence the startling noise proceeds ; 

 and it is naturally easier for them to suddenly lower 

 their flight than to ascend. All I know is that, by 

 this simple ruse, I have obtained many plover that 

 would otherwise have escaped. On firing in the 

 manner described, they will now and then drop so 

 quickly, that for the moment it is hard to tell if 

 there be stricken birds among the living. Both 

 Grey and Golden Plover during the breeding season 

 change their breasts from white to black. I have 



N 2 



