OF VIRGINIA 8] 
size I have ever heard of. They arrive about April 18th 
and depart early in September. The nest is only a slight 
hollow in the sandy beach or sand dune, around which is 
generally gathered a few bits of beach shell. The birds 
make large footprints, and many well-trodden paths lead 
to their nests, making them rather easily located, especi- 
ally after incubation has commenced. The eggs are a 
beautiful shade of creamy buff, blotched and spotted with 
dark brown and faint lines of lavender. Size, 2.20x1.50. 
Only one setting a season. Its food consists of mussels, 
manoes, snails, worms, shrimps and small crabs, while 
many insects are also eaten by them. 
