BAR-TAILED GODWIT. 185 



coasts, and small flocks are seen in Cornwall, Devonshire, 

 and Kent, in Eomney Marsh, and on the coast; also in 

 Suffolk and Norfolk. In Derbyshire one near Swarkeston. 



In Scotland it is known on the banks of the Sol way, and 

 by the Wampoole, and the Merse at Skinburness. It has 

 also been obtained near Perth. 



In Orkney, it is not a very rare winter visitant. 



In Ireland, Mr. Watters says that it is common as a 

 winter visitant. He gives Wicklow as a locality. 



In Yorkshire, it has been obtained near York and Don caster, 

 and at Haw Park, near Walton. One also at Hawksworth 

 Hall, near Otley, in May, 1839. It is not uncommon on the 

 sands in the winter. 



The Rev. E. P. Alington has shot this bird on the Lin- 

 colnshire side of the Humber. In Cambridgeshire it appears 

 to have been met with. In Norfolk it occurs about Breydon, 

 near Yarmouth, and also along the coast in considerable 

 numbers. 



They move northwards in April, to rear their young, 

 returning again in the autumn. 



They are valued for their edible qualities. They are usually 

 found in small societies, and frequent the muddy banks of 

 inlets of the sea, the mouths of rivers, 'flowing ever for the 

 benefit of man,' and not for his only, but also for that of 

 the infinity of the creatures of God's hand; the borders of 

 ponds, ditches, and lakes, and swampy marsh lands generally. 

 They often mingle with other birds of the same class. 'During 

 high water, the Bar-tailed G-odwits retire to the neighbouring 

 meadows and fens, where they appear ever restless, looking 

 out from time to time whether the sea water retires, and 

 as soon as they become satisfied that some land re-appears, 

 they fly up in a body, and continue to follow the receding 

 waters together, in search of their favourite food.' 



Their flight is powerful, though not very rapid; on alighting, 

 they generally elevate their wings over the back just before 

 touching the ground. They can run fast, but for the most 

 part move about in a steady and graceful manner, the body 

 being carried in a horizontal position. 



They feed on worms, aquatic insects, and minute shell-fish, 

 and in search of such wade deep, but do not swim or dive 

 unless on necessity. 



The note, uttered when alarmed to take flight, somewhat 

 resembles the bleat of a goat. 



