58 SANDERLIXO. 



but only in limited numbers; most are seen in the spring 

 and autumn. It has been noticed as late as the last week 

 in May. 



In Scotland it is also known. Charles St. John, Esq. 

 records it as occurring in Sutherlandshire; Sir William Jardine 

 on the banks of the Sol way Firth; and the late William 

 Thompson, Esq., of Belfast, in Ireland. 



This species occasionally visits Orkney during winter, or 

 early in spring. It has been observed at Scapa, at Orphir, 

 and in Hoy. 



It breeds in the north, but some have been met with here 

 in the summer season, as, for instance, in the Mull of Cantyre 

 on the 2nd. of June. It migrates in April, and in August 

 or September, and is related to do so in the night, and 

 principally along the sea-shores, or across the sea itself. 

 Possibly those which are met with here in the former of the 

 two latter months, as well as others, may have been with us, 

 in some part of the island, all the year. 



They go in small flocks, and also consort, not unusually, 

 with the Dunlin, as also occasionally with the smaller of the 

 Plovers, but this seemingly when their own numbers are few, 

 keeping with them on the ground, and accompanying them 

 in their nights. They sometimes however assemble in flocks 

 of several hundred individuals, and then their own company 

 suffices them. If forced by any sudden alarm to separate, 

 they re-unite again as speedily as they can. They are very 

 sociable and friendly birds, gentle and pleasing, and are easily 

 kept in confinement; neither in their wild state are they at 

 all shy, but quietly permit a near approach. They are very 

 active and busy in their motions, running about much, with 

 ease and swiftness, over the same ground, in search of food. 

 They roost frequently in a sitting position. 



The flight of the Sanderling is both graceful and strong, 

 and when the bird moves from place to place it follows the 

 course of the shore, a little above the surface of the water. 

 'When it alights it sails a short distance, and then flutters 

 a little before touching the ground in order to break its 

 descent.' 



They move about, when feeding, in a horizontal position, 

 the head and neck lowered, and the former drawn very close 

 in upon the shoulders: they run very swiftly. 



They feed on small marine worms, insects, and larvae, to 

 be found on. the beach, which they procure by probing . with 



