BIRD-LIFE ALONG THE SHORE. 185 



never have exterminated the Great Bustard from 

 the open wolds and plains, and its absence must 

 be ascribed to far more direct causes. In some 

 parts of continental Europe these birds view a 

 passing train with as much indifference as a 

 Pheasant does in England. 



All changes notwithstanding, these shores in 

 Devonshire, especially the more secluded parts 

 of the coast, are still the resort of many in- 

 teresting species. Each recurring autumn brings 

 them ; not perhaps in the quantities we may 

 notice in more favoured districts, yet in numbers 

 that are sufficient to make them prominent 

 features of the shore. Let us deal with the one 

 or possibly two resident species first. It is a 

 somewhat remarkable fact that along the entire 

 mainland coast-line of Devon there is not a single 

 wading shore-bird that breeds, with the sole 

 exception of the Ringed Plover and possibly the 

 Oystercatcher. The Ringed Plover breeds here 

 and there along the coast, especially about the 

 mouth of the Exe, and on the remarkably fine 

 stretch of sands at Slapton ; but there are many 

 localities, apparently suited to the breeding 

 requirements of this species, in which it never 



