SPOTTED REDSHANK 

 Case 156. 



The Spotted Redshank, in the black dress of 

 summer, is a rare bird in the British Islands. 

 When shooting on the Norfolk mudbanks, I have 

 occasionally seen a bird or two in May, but at too 

 great a distance to distinguish them, had my 

 attention not been first attracted by their well- 

 known note. 



During autumn the immature birds are by no 

 means scarce in some of the eastern and southern 

 counties. Though several make their appearance 

 on Breydon mudflats, I have always noticed them 

 to be remarkably unsociable with their own species, 

 generally being observed singly or in company with 

 Greenshanks or Common Redshanks. 



The call of this bird is most difficult to imitate 

 correctly, and I have met with but one or two 

 gunners who could successfully accomplish it. The 

 attainment, however, appears to be of little service, 

 as the bird is attracted quite as easily by the note 

 of the Common Redshank or the call of the Grey 

 Plover. 



Though the Spotted Redshank is occasionally 

 met with in winter, I have never fallen in with the 

 bird at that season. 



The specimens in the case were shot on 

 Breydon mudflats, one in August, 1871, and the 

 other in August, 1872. 



REDSHANK (SUMMER). 

 Case 157. 



This bird is common from Sussex to Caithness, 

 being a permanent resident in the British Islands, 

 though perhaps less numerous in the winter than 

 at other seasons. 



It breeds in marshes in various parts of the 

 country, being particularly abundant, as might be 



