52 The Ornithology of the Dunbar Coast, by Robt. Gray. 



I have met with the Greenshank in autumn but not at 

 other seasons; it is by no means numerous. The Black- 

 tailed Goclwit has oftener than once been obtained in the 

 Tyne estuary, and the Bar-tailed Godwit is met with in 

 considerable numbers, but only in the estuary. With regard 

 to this bird, it is worth noticing that a very large proportion 

 of these flocks may be said to be birds of the year, with a 

 blush of brick red over their plumage, and distinguishable 

 by their much shorter bill. The Buff is found on the 

 muddy parts of the estuary of the Tyne, chiefly in Septem- 

 ber. Like the Sanderling, its stay is short and its move- 

 ments uncertain. I have, on several occasions, put up 

 Woodcocks from the marshy parts of the coast line ; also 

 Common and Jack Snipes in similar situations. In the 

 autumn months Snipes are seen regularly frequenting the 

 rocks below water mark, where they are much sought after 

 by the Merlin. 



The Curlew Sandpiper sometimes appears in very large 

 flocks during April and May, on its passage northwards, and 

 again, though apparently in much smaller numbers, in the 

 first or second week of August, on its way southwards. 

 The same remarks apply to the Knot, but its movements 

 appear to be subject to greater irregularity. The Little 

 Stint may now be regarded as a regular winter visitant to 

 the Tyne estuary. In some seasons it is less common than 

 in others. The Dunlin is abundant, and the Purple Sand- 

 piper may be called a characteristic bird of some parts of 

 the coast ; where it is sure to be found in rough weather flit- 

 ting among the wet rocks, and cleverly eluding the salt spray, 

 which often dashes into the midst of a flock while busy 

 feeding. 



The Grey Phalarope and Bed-necked Phalarope have 

 both occurred, but at rare and uncertain intervals during 

 winter. The Spotted Crake and Water Bail have also been 

 shot near to the coast. I have repeatedly met with the 

 Water Rail on the sea shore near Broxmouth. In each in- 

 stance the birds were frozen out. The Coot, I have actually 

 seen out at sea in severe winters. Among the Natatorial 

 birds, the Greylag, Bean, and Pink-footed Geese are fre- 

 quently met with, and the White-fronted Goose has also 

 been killed on the coast in several instances. The Bemicle 

 and Brent Geese are much less common than the three first 



