REDSHANK. 209 



countries, between the highest northern latitudes and the most 

 southern parts, where the reproduction of the species takes place. 

 Thus, also, by the adult birds travelling later in the spring 

 towards the north, time is allowed for the breaking up of the 

 severe frosts before their arrival. 



Again, in autumn, the migration of the Redshank begins 

 in July and lasts till the end of September : by the middle 

 of the latter month the latest parties arrive, which must ne- 

 cessarily be the young birds, which have remained behind in 

 order to mature for their long journey, and doubtless rest at 

 different stages to recruit, and thereby naturally are longer 

 on their route. These birds journey in the evening or during 

 the night, but hardly ever during the day. The adult birds 

 generally migrate singly or in pairs ; the young either in 

 families or flocks. It has been observed, that, where Red- 

 shanks cross the Continent of Europe in autumn, their num- 

 bers are greater than in the spring, which is supposed to be 

 because those that breed on the northern coasts of Europe 

 return bringing their young families with them, or the young- 

 birds joining, form larger groups ; although their numbers 

 bear no comparison to those that pass along the coast. The 

 Redshanks, when they arrive at their breeding-places, appear 

 already in pairs. 



The favourite locality of the Redshank is the sea-coast, 

 and also extensive marshy swamps, and open flats intersected 

 by rich meadows and boggy ground, where neither trees nor 

 buildings are to be found, since this species avoids all cover, 

 and the vicinity of human habitations. During the breeding 

 season, the Redshank is very frequently found on the borders 

 of inland seas or lakes, as well as near the coast : it requires 

 at all times sweet water ; nevertheless, they are regular visitors 

 of the marine mud and bog during low water. 



The Redshank is a very beautiful bird, and easily distin- 

 guished from others of its family by the predominant white 



