1 84 THE BIRD* OF BERKS AND BUCKS. 



ORDER IV. GRALLATORES. 



Genus CALIDRIS. 



SANDERLING (Calidris arenarid). A visitor in 

 spring and autumn to our coasts, but nowhere a 

 numerous species. It is a bird of pleasing", though 

 plain appearance, and may easily be distinguished 

 from all other Sandpipers by the absence of a hind 

 toe. In this respect, as well as in the shorter bill and 

 rounded head, it resembles the Plovers. It is rarely 

 found far inland, but Mr. George Lillywhite informed 

 me that he shot a Sanderling on the banks of the 

 Thames not far from Surley Hall in the depth of the 

 winter of 1 866. This was probably a straggler blown 

 from the coast by adverse winds. 



Family CHARADRIID^:. 



OYSTER-CATCHER (Hamatopus ostralegus). The 

 Oyster-catcher, or Sea-pie, although a common 

 species on many parts of the coast, is not often found 

 inland. Individuals have occasionally been killed on 

 the Thames, and one was seen in March, 1866, flying 



