meadows are swampy from floods ; in these cases a few 

 Dunlins are generally to be seen consorting with flocks 

 of Peewits or Starlings. In the spring I look upon it 

 as a pretty constant though irregular migrant in our 

 district, and on one occasion I found it in some 

 numbers frequenting the banks of the Isis above Oxford 

 in May. 



Much has been written by more able and practised 

 pens than mine upon the curious efl"ect produced by 

 the wheelings and twistings of a flock of DunHns on 

 wing, as they present the upper or underside to a 

 spectator. It often happens that in the winter months, 

 against a grey sea and sky-line, the eye loses hold (if 

 I may be allowed the expression) of the flock, and is 

 suddenly startled by a broad flash of snowy white as 

 the birds turn their underparts to the observer on 

 changing their course. In the summer these evolutions 

 have not to me quite the same efifect, as the dark upper 

 plumage at that season allows the eye to follow the 

 flock more readily than when the birds are more or less 

 grey and white. To see the " shifts " of the Dunlins 

 to perfection, however, the assistance of a Falcon or 

 Merlin is invaluable ; even the Sparrow-Hawk will 

 keep the flocks pretty lively at times. When in small 

 parties Dunlins are usually easy of approach, but the 

 larger the flock the more wary they become. In my 

 opinion the flesh of this little bird in the autumn is by 

 no means to be despised, though I would not compare 

 it with that of the Jack-Snipe, under whose name it is 

 frequently offered and sold. I behevc also that tlie 



