158 WOOD SANDPIPER. 



one at Whitemare Pool; in Kent, one near Woolwich, the end 

 of May, 1850. In Cornwall, seven were procured in one day, 

 in August, 1840, near the Land's End, one also there about 

 the 15th. of April, 1852; one was shot by T. Passingham, 

 Esq., at Swanpool, near Falmouth, August 28th., 1847. In 

 Sussex, one at Newhaven, the 9th. of September, 1851, by 

 J. B. Ellman, Esq. 



In Ireland a pair were noticed for several successive seasons 

 at Glenbower, near Youghal, in the county of Cork. In 

 Scotland, the eggs are said to have been procured in 

 Elginshire. 



It is described as a migratory species, making its appearance 

 early in April and May; and retiring in August and Sep- 

 tember. It has been seen to perch on the upper twigs of 

 a bush. 



Mr. Hoy says, in a communication to Mr. Hewitson, 'If 

 you approach the spot where they have young, and especially 

 if a dog is with you, the old birds will fly round in the 

 most anxious manner, and will hover over the dog within a 

 few feet; then suddenly darting off, mount high in the air, 

 pouncing down again with great rapidity on the intruder.' 

 'While the hen bird is sitting, the male flies round in wide 

 circles, and at a considerable elevation.' 



The name of this species is a misnomer, for, a case literally 

 of 'lucus a non lucendo,' it never frequents woods, unless, 

 indeed, the small copses of birch and alder trees, that skirt 

 large tracts of heath or marshy flats, or willows, and other 

 brushwood, can be so called. Its proper dwelling-places are 

 extensive wastes, interspersed with shallow pools, open grounds, 

 and swamps, and also the shores of large and small lakes 

 and ponds, where grass or reeds grow in patches. It is 

 however not unfrequently seen in company with other kinds 

 of kindred species. Its general appearance is very elegant. 

 It admits of being kept in confinement. It lies close if 

 suddenly approached by danger, but when compelled to be 

 away, rises high in the air, and removes to a distance. It is 

 a bird of solitary habits, a pair only living together at the 

 breeding-time. 



In flight it is exceedingly rapid. 



They feed on small worms, minute snails, the larvaB of 

 gnats and flies, beetles, and other insects. 



'During the time of migration, the peculiar gathering note, 

 'giff, giff,' may be heard often repeated, forming a concert or 



