GREY PLOVER. 41 



season, and in winter, arriving rather later than the Golden 

 Plover, some tarrying till the latter end of May. In Cornwall, 

 near Falmouth, they are rare. 



In Scotland it is also met with. The neighbourhood of 

 Perth is one locality; and Sir William Jardine shot a pair 

 on the banks of one of the lochs at Lochmaben, and has 

 seen others frequently on the Sol way a very likely place for 

 such species, as those who remember the achievements of 

 Herries, as chronicled in 'Red-gauntlet,' will be aware. 



In Orkney a pair were seen at Ellsness, in September, 

 1822. One was killed by Mr. Strang, in January 1834, and 

 another on the 27th. of February, 1844. A few pairs are 

 observed almost every winter. 



It is found likewise in Ireland in the winter months. 



It frequents the low flats of the sea-shore, and is but 

 seldom seen inland, except during migration: the former they 

 leave when the tide comes up, for the adjoining marshy lands. 



Some of these birds remain with us throughout the year, 

 but the chief part move southwards for the winter, towards, 

 and at which season, they are seen most usually with us, 

 and northwards for the summer; the former in the months 

 of August, September, October, and November. They migrate 

 during the night, when, Meyer says, they travel 'at a great 

 height in companies, forming two lines, headed by one bird; 

 the lines extending to the right and left.' 



They seem to do well in confinement, soon becoming tame 

 and living a long time. They assemble in some places in 

 flocks of several hundreds, but usually in small parties, and 

 are sociable both among themselves and with other species, 

 unanimously keeping together in flight. They are generally 

 very shy, and except when 'caught napping,' or when young, 

 are very difficult to approach; on their first arrival, however, 

 whether it may be that they are fatigued after their long 

 journey, or have not as yet had cause for alarm, they appear 

 not to be so. They are sold in the markets for the table. 

 'The general appearance of this species is peculiar to itself; 

 it walks about 011 the ground slowly and with grace, and 

 stops every now and then to pick up its food; it carries its 

 body in a horizontal position, on straight legs, and its head 

 very close to its body, consequently increasing the thick 

 appearance of the head." 



They are said to be very good eating, and are sold 

 accordingly in the London and other markets. 



