146 BIRDS OF GUERNSEY. 



however are immensely increased in the autumn 

 by migratory arrivals, most of which remain 

 throughout the winter, departing in the spring 

 for their breeding stations. Though resident 

 throughout the year, and assuming full breeding 

 plumage, I am very doubtful as to the Purre 

 breeding in the Islands ; I have never been able to 

 find eggs, nor, as a rule, have I found the bird 

 anywhere but on its ordinary winter feeding-ground, 

 amongst the mud and sea-weed between high and 

 low water mark. The most likely parts to find 

 them breeding seem to be some of the high land 

 and heather in Guernsey and the sandy common on 

 the northern part of Herm, near which place I saw a 

 few this summer (1878) in perfect breeding plumage, 

 and showing more signs of being paired than they 

 generally do, and in parts of Alderney. 



Professor Ansted has not mentioned it in his list. 

 There are two specimens in the Museum, both in 

 breeding plumage. 



125. LITTLE STINT. Tringa minuta, Leishler. 

 French, " Becasseau echasses, " " Becasseau 

 minute." The Little Stint is only an occasional 

 and never numerous autumnal visitant. I have 

 seen one or two in the flesh at Mr. Couch's, killed 

 towards the end of October, but I have never seen 

 one alive or shot one myself. 



It is included in Professor Ansted's list, and 



