SANDERLING. 165 



locality it frequents during the daytime is flat, sandy, and 

 shingly ground, in preference to muddy or boggy spots. 



The predominant "white feathering of the Sanderling 

 distinguishes this bird, as well on the wing as on the ground, 

 from most others of its tribe ; and the plumpness of its 

 figure, shortness of its neck, as well as the puffed up feather- 

 ing of the rump, enable a person who is acquainted with 

 it to single it out at a glance. 



In its movements on the ground, the Sanderling shews 

 much ease and swiftness, although it rarely runs to any 

 great distance, but flies up if hurried ; while in the pursuit 

 of food it carries its back quite horizontal, and its head and 

 neck lowered towards the ground. Although this species 

 does not run great distances unprovoked, still it is always 

 in motion, and remains longer in one and the same spot 

 than most of the shore birds; it seldom becomes stationary 

 except for the purpose of roosting, at which time it fre- 

 quently rests in a sitting position. 



In its flight the Sanderling is very strong and graceful, ex- 

 tending its wings at greater length than most others of its 

 family. When the bird changes its ground, it flies invariably 

 in the direction of the shore, very little above the surface 

 of the water, avoiding every obstacle on the land, by 

 skirting it. When it alights, it sails a short distance and 

 then flutters a little before touching the ground, in order 

 to break its descent. 



The Sanderling is not shy in any degree ; it is harmless 

 and pleasing, and allows a person quietly to approach 

 within a few paces, and affords him thus sufficient leisure 

 to •watch its manners and motions. If fired at, the bird 

 only gets up and flies to a short distance, it can therefore 

 most generally be obtained even by an inexperienced sports- 

 man. 



