222 BRITISH BIRDS. 



ally ; but in the changes of its plumage, which probably point out its true 

 affinities, it bears a close resemblance to the Broad-billed Sandpiper and the 

 Little Stint. 



The Sanderling begins to leave its winter-quarters in the extreme south 

 early in April, but a few linger near Gibraltar and other parts of South 

 Europe until the beginning of May. It makes its appearance on the 

 British coasts in April, as it also does on the coasts of Northern France 

 and Holland, where it lingers until the end of May. A few non-breeding 

 birds sometimes remain all the summer in their winter- quarters. The 

 Sanderling is one of the first birds to reach its breeding-grounds in the 

 Arctic regions. Captain Feilden first observed it in Grinnell Land on the 

 5th of June, flying in company with Knots and Turnstones; whilst Mid- 

 dendorff states that it arrived on the Taimur peninsula (in lat. 74) on the 

 4th of June. The return migration begins very early, as soon as the 

 young are able to fly sufficiently well to bear the fatigues of their long 

 journey south to their winter- quarters. They begin to arrive on the 

 British coasts early in August, a few stray birds often appearing during 

 the end of July, and from that date to September they continue to come. 

 By the middle of September most of the birds have hurried away further 

 south, but a few always remain on our coasts during the entire winter. 

 On the coasts of Holland and Northern France they appear in August and 

 September, many lingering until October and early in November before 

 passing south. Sanderlings are said to migrate by night in small flocks, 

 and sometimes in company with other wading birds that breed in the high 

 Arctic regions. It is often caught in the flight-nets at night on the 

 Lincolnshire coast, and is especially common on Heligoland. Its migra- 

 tions in the New World are very similar and at the same dates. 



The Sanderling is a thorough shore-bird, and the instances of its occur- 

 rence far from the coast are very exceptional. It loves the low sandy 

 beach, which at low water provides it a suitable feeding-ground, the 

 extensive tracts on the east coasts of England being eminently suited 

 to it. On the mud-flats it does not appear to be as numerous as on 

 the sand, showing in this respect a closer affinity to the small Plovers 

 than to the Sandpipers. During its sojourn in this country it is more or 

 less gregarious, often congregating in large flocks, and very often a few 

 odd birds consorting with a flock of Dunlins or Knots. It is by no 

 means shy, especially just after its appearance here in autumn, but inces- 

 sant persecution soon teaches it wariness. As soon as the tide recedes the 

 Sanderling is as active as any bird on the coast, running lightly to and fro, 

 pattering across the shining sands, wading through the little pools, or 

 tripping along just out of reach of the waves. Its brilliant white breast 

 makes it a very conspicuous object, and as a flock of these birds stand 

 dotted here and there on the sand they often bear a close resemblance to 



