THE NORTHUMBERLAND COAST IN SEPTEMBER 1 77 



We carefully examined the rocks on which we now stood, 

 and there, down by the water's edge not fifty yards from us, 

 we discovered quite a number of small waders. Some of them 

 so much resemble the colour of the seaweed, that at first it 

 was not easy to pick them out. The most attractive group 

 was a small flock of Oyster Catchers — very gay in their pied 

 plumage, with bright red legs and orange-red beaks. By the 

 aid of the glass we were able to notice that the white ring 

 which is assumed in winter was not yet visible under their 

 chins. One or two of the birds were not quite so jet black as 

 the others, and had legs of a dull pink colour : their beaks 

 also were duller in hue — the orange colour only extending 

 about half way towards the tip, the remaining part being dull 

 brown. These birds we thought must be the young of this 

 season. But the flock did not remain long for us to examine 

 it ; the birds soon rose and flew off in an irregular line, 

 uttering their shrill whistling note. On seeing a flock of 

 Oyster Catchers flying directly away from one, it is surprising 

 to notice how much white plumage becomes visible. The 

 white underparts,, white tail-coverts, and white great wing- 

 coverts are all shown, while the black heads, necks, and 

 shoulders are all hidden. At first sight it is almost impossible 

 to believe that the birds are really Oyster Catchers, until the 

 flock swerves and the birds are seen at a different angle, when 

 the black parts come into view again. 



Further out on these rocks two Curlews were striding about, 

 and with them another bird, smaller than they, and yet very 

 like them in general appearance. It was darker in the colour- 

 ing of its upper parts ; had a much shorter, though curved 

 beak, and wore a narrow line of light feathers on the top of 

 its otherwise dark head. We had no doubt but that it was a 

 Whimbrel, and when it flew away uttering an oft-repeated 

 short whistle we knew that we were not mistaken. 



Among the other waders was a flock of Turnstones, actively 

 running over the seaweed with their short red legs. The 

 tortoise-shell colouring of their backs, and the pretty black, 



L 



