THE SHORE Birps. 215 
dusk, particularly in moonlight, their cries are frequently heard with 
equal violence, both in the spring and fall. From this circumstance, 
and their flying about both after dusk and before dawn, it appears 
probable that they see better at such times than most of their tribe. 
They are known to feed much on worms, and many of these rise to 
the surface during the night. The prowling of Owls may also alarm 
their fears for their young at those hours; but whatever may be the 
cause, the facts are so.” 
The Turnstone is a marine bird, a dweller on the 
sea-coast, and when found inland may be looked 
upon as a mere straggler; literally a storm-tossed 
bird; for it is well known that sea-birds have been 
driven many miles inland when the coastwise storm 
has been of unusual violence. In spring and autumn 
they are moderately common. They breed in the 
arctic regions. 
“ This bird is naturally of a wild and solitary disposition, coursing 
along the shore by pairs or in small families which have been bred 
together. The Turnstone, while flying, often utters a loud twittering 
note, and runs at times with its wings lowered, but is less swift in its 
movements than most of the Sand-pipers, and more patient and intent 
in obtaining its fare. Like the Woodpeckers, it is content to search 
over the same place for a considerable length of time; the mechanism 
of its bill seems well provided for this purpose, and it is often seen 
in this way turning over stones and pebbles from side to side in search 
of various worms and insects.””—NUTTALL. 
It is said that they make entertaining pets, and 
thrive very well under what must be very changed 
conditions for them. 
The Oyster-catcher, which Turnbull says, in his 
“Birds of East Pennsylvania,” is also called the 
“Flood-gull,” is recorded as “rather scarce.” It 
certainly varies in respect to numbers from year to 
year, and probably in the Middle States has perma- 
