104 



FAMILIAR WILL BIRDS. 



some instances this mark is retained over a great portion of 

 the spring. 



The Oyster-catcher is a rather shy bird, not easy to 

 be approached closely except during the breeding season, 

 when it becomes bolder and apparently less cautious. When 

 alarmed it utters a peculiar shrill whistling cry, which 

 also may be often heard at night as the birds are going to 

 or returning from their feeding grounds. 



Occasional instances have been noted of this bird 

 having been met with almost entirely white, and others 

 of a pale-fawn colour. 



