9324 Birds. 
three species, common, arctic and roseate, all run through precisely 
the same varieties, and when mingled are wholly undistinguishable. © 
Roseate Tern.—“ Several birds seen; nests presumed.” 
1864. Two eggs were brought me, which may possibly belong to 
this species. They are of a much lighter ground colour than those of 
the arctic or common tern, and more like the snipe’s in form. 
Oystercatcher.—< Eggs 3—4, placed (small ends together) in hollows 
of the sand. Birds never near their eggs.” 
1863. Eggs 3—4, all in nests, or circular scoopings in level tops of 
pebbly bank, and out of reach of spring tides; partially lined with bits 
of large shells and fragments of wood or sea-weed. Several birds, 
disturbed from their nests by our approach, continued very near. 
1864. Eggs chiefly placed as last season, but a few found in mere 
hollows of the sand, like those of ring dotterell. One pair disturbed 
from the nest. 
Ringed Plover or Ring Dotterell.—“ Eggs placed in sheltered 
position in hollows of the sand, for want of materials.” 
1863-4. Eggs placed in hollows scooped in the sand, upon small 
hillocks or banks within sheltered gullies running into the hills from 
the beach. In 1862, however, Mr. A. Cooke found a nest considerably 
outside the hills, and uncommonly exposed. Fragments of sea-weed 
and the fine roots of bent and other grasses abound here, as also 
abundance of broken shell and small pebbles, yet I have never found 
such used by this species either here or in other northern English 
breeding-places with which I am acquainted. 
Shieldrake.-—“ Many birds seen; reported to breed in old rabbit- 
holes.” 
1863. Several birds seen and suspected to breed. 
1864. At the north-west end of the island saw ten young birds (two 
miles from any house) running in single file from the hills to the 
beach. Upon seeing us they quickly diverged for the hills again. 
Several pairs of old birds were then feeding at low water. 
Wheatear.—This species abounds (as throughout Lancashire) on 
sandy commons near the sea, more especially affecting old rabbit- 
warrens, the forsaken burrows being generally selected for incubation. 
The nests are frequently placed several feet down, and are consequently 
difficult of extraction: the eggs I find to differ considerably from 
examples procured further inland, being smaller in size, much paler 
in colour and also of more delicate texture. 
Cuckoo.—Mr. Harting expresses surprise at meeting with this bird 
on Walney, but, like the wheatear, it is of very common occurrence 
