BIRD-LIFE ALONG THE SHORE. 195 



what erratic in its movements, and a year in which 

 it may be numerous is often followed by seasons 

 when the reverse is the case. The coasts of Tor 

 Bay are not suited to such a species, but it is not 

 unfrequent about the estuaries both to the east 

 and west of us. The Redshank is a somewhat 

 scarce and very local winter visitor to the south 

 coast of Devon. We have here another species 

 that has become comparatively rare of late years. 

 Formerly this bird was common about the estuaries 

 of the Exe and the Teign country admirably suited 

 to it, and very similar to the Wash district, but on 

 a smaller scale. We sometimes see a few of these 

 birds in spring and autumn, and more frequently 

 hear their characteristic whistle at night when 

 passing over the Tor Bay area. The Greenshank 

 is much rarer still, although we believe it passes 

 along the coasts every autumn and spring. As 

 might be expected, the Bar-tailed Godwit passes 

 the coasts of Devon on its annual migrations to 

 and from the north; while a few individuals winter 

 occasionally in the estuaries of the southern parts 

 of the county. In the Tor Bay district these birds 

 are far more often heard than seen, passing over 

 us on migration at night. Odd pairs, however, 



