Patten : Migratory Movements of Certain Shore-Birds. 85 



that it is more than likely that the Sanderling, while assuming 

 what is practically similar to the nuptial plumage when only 

 one year old, at that age it does not breed. In this way its 

 migratory movements are brought into line with those of other 

 LiMicoLiXE birds, which, in a great body, push northward in 

 spring. The really mature birds pass us en route for more 

 northern climes ; those that are immature, whether they have 

 assumed a nuptial-like dress or not, tarry behind, and may be 

 seen collected into small wisps or flocks on various parts of our 

 coasts throughout the entire summer. 



For example we find, on the one hand, hundreds of Dun- 

 lins in apparent nuptial plumage, with their conspicuous 

 black breasts ; on the other hand, numbers of Bar-tailed 

 Godwits, in plumage apparently similar to that worn during 

 the winter, remaining throughout the summer along our 

 coasts. Such I believe are instances of species which do 

 not breed when one year old, and this appears to me to be the 

 general rule. 



In conclusion I may add a few words regarding what we 

 somewhat loosely term the ' tameness ' of shore-birds on certain 

 occasions when on migration. With few exceptions, notably 

 the Phalaropes, and in a much less degree the Dunlin, and per- 

 haps the Ringed Plover, shore-birds, as a race are wary, and do 

 not allow of near approach. It is true that the immature birds 

 are, on the whole, not so shy as the adults, but some, for instance, 

 the Redshank; Greenshank, and Curlew are always wary, except 

 on their breeding-grounds. 



Whether immature or adult, shore-birds on migration 

 usually arrive on our slob-lands very tired-out, and that this 

 fatigue is due almost entirely to the prolonged exertions of the 

 wing-muscles during vast flights over sea, is evident from the 

 way in which these birds will try every method of escape before 

 taking wing. Sometimes they will race along the strand for 

 a hundred yards or more when pursued, and will even take 

 to the water and swim a short distance, especially if a sand- 

 bank be close by. At other times they will remain crouched 

 until almost walked over, and on a breezy day will suffer them- 

 selves to be carried with the wind, the wings being hardly 

 brought into requisition. Any one who has made a special 

 point of watching shore-birds just after their arrival, cannot 

 fail to be struck with their tired, apathetic appearance, their 

 silence, and the dislike they evince to taking wing. 



iQog March i 



