62 PURPLE SANDPIPER. 



is very common in winter on the Dunbar shore, Scotland, as 

 I am informed by Robert Gray, Esq. Mr. Thomas Edward, 

 of Banff, has obligingly forwarded to me another shot by him 

 near that town in May, 1852. This one was in summer 

 plumage, as was also, I believe, the other previously alluded 

 to. 



In Ireland it occurs, but is said to be very local. Likewise 

 in Orkney. 



About the middle of April, or from that period to the 

 beginning of May, they migrate to the north, and after 

 rearing their young return again about September. 



Unlike the other Sandpipers, whose natural history we have 

 hitherto been considering, this one attaches itself to rocky 

 and stony shores, such affording the kind or kinds of food 

 more peculiarly sought by it. 



These birds assemble in flocks of about thirty or more, 

 being sociable among themselves, but their difference of habits 

 naturally prevents any but an unfrequent commingling with 

 other species. They are not at all shy in their ways, and 

 may be approached very nearly. 



The Purple Sandpiper has frequently been seen to alight 

 on tne water, and to swim with apparent ease. It runs with 

 readiness and dexterity over and between the rocks and stones, 

 nimbly avoiding each encroaching wave, and following it 

 again as it falls back and leaves behind it an uncovered place 

 whereon to seek and to find food. 'When in flocks, these 

 birds fly in a compact body, but seldom to any great distance; 

 and when disturbed, after taking a small circuit seaward, often 

 return to the same exposed rock by the water's edge, from 

 which they started.' They sometimes are met with in company 

 with Turnstones, owing to the similarity of the places fre- 

 quented by the two species. 



'The flight of this bird,' says Meyer, 'is very quick and 

 undulating, frequently performed close to the water, even when 

 the waves of the sea run high; at other times it flies in a 

 straight line at a great elevation, particularly when in company 

 of many of its species.' 



Minute shell-fish, mollusks, shrimps, sandhoppers, small 

 crabs, and other Crustacea, compose their food, and these they 

 seek and find by turning over the marine plants that grow 

 on the rocks. 



The note is often repeated, and sounds like the word 'weet.' 



The nest is fitted in some hollow in the ground with a 



