THE OYSTER-CATCHER. 269 



the Moray Firth to the confines of Inverness-shire, where they 

 would almost meet those coming from the Firth of Tay. In like 

 manner these birds ascend the Findhorn as far as its source in the 

 Monadhliadh mountains, and also penetrate to Lochness and Loch 

 Oich, where they are met by others which have entered by the 

 south at Loch Linnhe. The same remark applies to the whole of 

 the Western Coasts, where the many streams and sea-lochs that 

 characterize that side of Scotland attract the Oyster-Catcher and 

 other birds of like habits, and lead them gradually inland, so that 

 during the breeding season they turn up before the tourist almost 

 everywhere. 



Towards the end of August the families congregate into large 

 flocks, numbering sometimes a hundred birds or more, when seen 

 feeding together; but when these are disturbed it seems natural to 

 the birds to break up into two or three companies, each having a 

 leader, who appears to guide them when on wing. I have often, 

 indeed, admired the regularity of their flight, and been led to 

 compare their movements with those of a flight of wild geese 

 steering steadily in a straight line, and uttering at times a whistling 

 note of assurance. These flocks are very attractive to the orni- 

 thologist, forming a fine variegated line of black and white glancing 

 in the light as it relieves the dark brown of some rocky cliffs, deep 

 blue of the sea, or heavy cloud of neutral tint hanging over the 

 distant horizon. 



Mr Graham mentions in his notes that more than once he has 

 seen a whole flock of Oyster-Catchers alight upon the surface of the 

 sea a long way from land. "On these occasions," says Mr Graham, 

 " the water was perfectly smooth and calm, and I supposed them 

 to be attracted by the large shoals of herring-fry which were 

 swimming near the surface. Small fish as well as molluscs form a 

 part of their diet, and the birds that we have occasionally kept in 

 confinement would devour fish greedily." Mr Graham has also 

 seen them frequenting ploughed fields in lona. 



I have many times studied the habits of this shy bird when 

 lying concealed on the shore waiting a shot at passing wild ducks, 

 or other birds I was in quest of. I recollect seeing about thirty 

 in a flock pitch upon a shelving rock from which the waves had 

 just receded and commence an attack upon the limpets, which were 

 very numerous. Being within three or four yards of them, I could 

 distinctly perceive their movements, and could not help being 



