BY SANDY SHORES. 235 



slow and measured beats, more like a Heron. 

 The Sheldrake breeds either on the mainland, 

 among the sand dunes or links, or on a low 

 sandy islet not far from the coast. Owing to 

 its skulking habits during the season of repro- 

 duction it is often overlooked, and the method 

 of its nesting also lessens the chance of discovery. 

 The breeding season begins in May, and there 

 can be little doubt that the bird pairs for life. 

 The most interesting fact connected with the 

 nidification of this species is that it makes its 

 nest in a hole a rabbit burrow being the usual 

 receptacle for its eggs, although occasionally it 

 makes a burrow for itself. At the end of this 

 often winding tunnel, even as much as six or 

 eight feet from the entrance, a slight nest of 

 dry grass is formed, which, as egg after egg is 

 laid, is warmly lined with the beautiful gray 

 down from the parent's body. From six to 

 twelve eggs are laid, creamy white in colour. 

 Both birds are rarely seen near the nest together, 

 except when one relieves the other in the task of 

 incubation an interesting circumstance, by the 

 way, for the rule amongst this family of birds is 

 for the drake to take no share in domestic duties. 

 The Sheldrakes show their affinity with the 

 Geese in this respect. During the breeding 

 season, Sheldrakes often utter a tremulous or 

 chirping note quickly repeated. The ducklings 

 are taken to the sea by their parents soon after 

 they are hatched ; and here they are very active, 

 especially on the wet sands, where they search 

 for sand-hoppers, catching them every bit as 

 adroitly as the old birds. Insects, crustaceans, 

 worms, small fish, and the stems and leaves of 



