1 68 SCOLOPACID^:. 



in the same numbers with the knot, it is yet common in its 

 occurrence along the shore. 



Separated from the true Tringae into a distinct genus, from 

 the peculiarity of its habits, it is remarkable on the coast for 

 turning over the shingle and pebbles in search of whatever 

 mollusca or Crustacea may have been left in their vicinity by 

 the receding tide. 



At times we meet with the turnstone examining the heaps 

 of dried sea-weed and fuci left beyond high watermark, and, 

 when so engaged, it admits of a very near approach, and 

 when disturbed or alarmed we can at all times distinguish it 

 from the knot by the snowy whiteness of the under- wings 

 and body, and by the loud mellow whistle uttered whilst 

 flying off. 



Occasionally we may also see the turnstone, in company 

 with the redshank, frequenting rocky islets, and flying back- 

 wards and forwards between them and the mainland. 



A specimen which once fell to our gun had only the rudi- 

 ment of the leg remaining, the foot in all probability had been 

 shot off by some previous discharge; the stump of the leg had 

 healed, however, and, although worn by the attrition of the 

 shore, still performed all the offices of the wanting member. 



Habitat Northern Europe. 



GENUS LXXX. OSTRALEGUS (OYSTER PLOVER). 



SPECIES 161 THE OYSTER PLOVER. 



Ostralegus hcematopus. Macgillivray. 

 Huiterier pie. Temm. 



Sea Pie. Oyster Catcher. 



THIS is a bird obtained at all seasons in suitable localities 

 around our coasts. Seldom found in the neighbourhood of 

 precipitous cliffs, it gives the preference to low-lying, flat, 

 sandy beaches, which have inequalities in their surface, or are 

 interspersed with oyster or muscle beds. 



Although not possessing the graceful proportions of many 

 of our shore -birds, the oyster plover is, when occuring in large 

 flocks, an ornament to many of our wild bleak tracts of sandy 

 shore. The rich orange-colour of the bill, and chastely dis- 

 posed plumage of black and white, which has obtained it the 

 appellation of " Sea Pie," compensate for any supposed defect 

 of form. It is a shy and watchful bird, and is very difficult 

 to approach within shot without alarming the entire flock. 

 If disturbed when feeding, they run along the strand or shingle 



