117 



THE TURNSTONE. 



Strepsilas interpret, Limi. (sp.) 

 Tringa „ „ 



Is met with annually around the coast, always in au- 

 tumn, and occasionally at other seasons of the year ; 



But retires — with possibly a few exceptions — to more northern 

 latitudes, to breed. In Belfast bay, this bird, so interesting from 

 its peculiar manner of seeking food, is chiefly known as an 

 autumnal visitant, appearing regularly, early at that season, in 

 very small flocks, or singly. On the 25th of July I once knew a 

 couple to be killed (in company with dunlins) ; but about the 

 middle of August is the usual time of their return from breeding 

 quarters. Erom this period they commonly remain until the begin- 

 ning of October, — not more, perhaps, than a dozen altogether 

 during the season having fallen a sacrifice to shooters. They then 

 generally remove to more retired localities.* 



About the estuary, within a few miles of the town, they are 

 only of occasional appearance ; and rarely above half a dozen have 

 been seen in company. At a sweep of the coast called Ballyholme 

 bay, towards the entrance of the harbour, consisting chiefly of 

 sand, but with some little banks of gravel and stones ex- 

 posed at low water — hence a favourite haunt, — I once reckoned 

 twelve, and again twenty, together. I have observed them there, 

 in several years, from the middle of September till the beginning 

 of October ; and during one season, when they were frequently 

 seen, remarked that the same number of birds never appeared 

 together twice, although they had not been thinned by the fowling- 

 piece. It was pleasing to observe them, when sprung from the 

 rocks at the side of the bay, always fly over the large tracts of 



* Mr. St. John has remarked, respecting Moray-shire, that " The turnstone * * 

 arrives in this couutry at the first commencement of September ; but appears only to 

 make it a temporary resting-place on its wav to the south." (Tour in Sutherland, 

 &c. vol. i. p. 287). 



