134 CUELEW. 



I 



in Northumberland on the hills. In like manner in Scotland, 

 in Sutherlandshire and the Isle of Mull. 



In Ireland, I have noticed them near Foaty, the fine place 

 of James Smith Barry, Esq.; and they also frequent the shores 

 of the Kiver Lee, on the other side of the island, near Marino, 

 the beautiful seat of Thomas George French, Esq., a distant 

 connection of my family. They breed in some of the large 

 bogs. 



In Orkney it is common, and remains throughout the 

 year. 



Early in April they begin to leave their haunts by the 

 sea, and to seek the far distant interior, in which for the 

 summer months they will abide. Small flocks, of from five 

 to ten, are generally seen thus passing through the interior, 

 and larger numbers along the coast, the union of different 

 flights which have come one after another. 



The Curlew breeds in the most retired situations, and for 

 the most part in hilly districts; on the lone wild heath, the 

 solitary moor, the open down, and the barren sheep-walk, 

 especially near places that are wet and marshy. It also 

 frequents the sea-shores, the mud-banks and sand-flats of rivers, 

 and the edges of lochs, both maritime and in the mainland. 

 At times it perches on high trees. It walks well, and wades 

 deep, and is able to swim with ease. It is a very difficult 

 bird to approach, but may be enticed by a, skilful imitation 

 of its whistle. It is exceedingly good eating. It soon becomes 

 tame in confinement, whether captured young or old, and will 

 follow the person about that is accustomed to feed it. In 

 the wild state they are very timid and shy, except when 

 engaged with their nest, and are only to be circumvented by 

 stratagem. In winter they are gregarious. 



During migration, or in any more extended flight, either 

 high over head, or close over the land or water, or even on 

 their return from the mainland to the shore to feed, they 

 advance in the shape of a wedge, and in the latter case if 

 one such party be alarmed, a 'signal whistle' is given, which 

 those that come after are guided by, and uttering it in repetition 

 for those that follow, to be taken up again by them in turn, 

 deviate to a safer track. If frequently thus disturbed they 

 soon profit by experience, and resort to a different route. 



Their flight, which is not very rapid, is executed with 

 regular strokes of the wing, quickened if necessary according 

 to circumstances. They alight somewhat suddenly, closing 



