throughout the three kingdoms, all that it seems to 

 require in those seasons being open, uncultivated, and 

 comparatively moist ground. The nest is usually placed 

 upon or under a tussock of sedge or rushes, sometimes 

 amongst heather, and is almost invariably well concealed 

 from observation ; the eggs are four, and so well known 

 that I gladly shirk the task of description, for which, in 

 such matters, I frankly plead a singular incompetence. 

 During the pairing-season the male Redshank goes 

 through much the same performances as other birds of 

 his genus, soaring into the air with quivering wings and 

 note, and on the ground his antics have reminded me 

 often of a tame Pigeon in similar circumstance of season 

 and passion ; at other times of year the Redshank is 

 very wideawake and wary, and, on the slightest alarm, 

 darts shrieking into the air, and flies at a safe height to 

 a safe distance. On the autumnal migration and during 

 open winters vast numbers of Redshanks frequent our 

 flat coasts and salt-marshes, and many stragglers are to 

 be met with on both passages in districts far away from 

 their accustomed haunts. This species thrives well in 

 captivity, and from its lively actions and graceful shape 

 is a very desirable inmate of the aviary. 



