COMMON SANDPIPEK 329 



it is generally to be met with, singly or in pairs. It 

 occasionally consorts with the lively Dipper ; indeed, I have 

 startled the two birds from the same rock, and have watched 

 them fly together for a short distance down mid-stream. 



The shores of inland lakes, both large and small, are also 

 much frequented. In places where there is more or less 

 constant traffic, this bird undoubtedly appears to tolerate 

 man's presence in a marked degree. I have noted its 

 comparative tameness along several of the larger inland 

 lakes of Ireland, where fishermen are constantly moving 

 about on the shores, spreading their nets. 



In woody districts the Common Sandpiper often alights 

 on the branches of trees ; I have frequently seen it resting 

 on the tops of palings, and on stone walls. 



Flight. The flight is strong and swift, but the bird also 

 flits leisurely from rock to rock, or skims along the river 

 with down-bent and quivering pinions. 



Voice. The well-known piping cry of whee-whee-wheet, 

 whee-wliee-wheet, is generally heard just as the startled bird 

 takes wing ; in the nesting-season a pleasing song-like trill 

 is poured forth during the ascending flight. 



Food. The food consists mainly of worms and insects, 

 in pursuit of which the Common Sandpiper, like many of its 

 allies, can dive and swim admirably. 



Nest. The nest is generally hidden in grass, soft moss, 

 and other vegetation. A favourite site is a bank of a river, 

 or an island in a lake not far from the water. Where 

 vegetation is scanty the Common Sandpiper may be found 

 building on the gravelly or pebble-strewn shore, or in nooks 

 between loose boulders. Less frequently trees are resorted 

 to ; a hollow in the decayed trunk or the shelter of branches 

 sweeping the ground being utilised. In some districts this 

 species breeds on marine as well as on inland islands. The 

 nest is chiefly composed of grasses, and is lined with dead 

 leaves. The eggs, four in number, are usually of a warm 

 buff ground-colour, well spotted and blotched in some 

 instances also streaked with faded grey and rich brown 

 markings. I have found eggs light cream in ground-colour 

 and with only a 'few large dark blotches, while white 

 examples have occurred. 



Incubation commences about the middle of May. 



The powers of feigning lameness and performing other 

 antics in order to distract the attention of an intruder from 

 her brood, are well developed in the mother-bird. 



