^yOOD-SANDPIPEIl. 
TOT AN us GL AREOLA. 
y HY the name of y ood-Sandpiper was bestowed on this marsh-frequenting species appears a mystery ; 
to the Green Sandpiper this appellation would have been far more appropriate, that wary bird, it is w^ell 
knoun, being the only Sandpiper that ever lays its eggs in clefts in the branches, squirrels’ dredges, or 
deserted nests of Pigeons, Thrushes, Crows, or any other birds that are suitable in the greenwood trees. ° 
The earliest arrival of the AYood- Sandpiper in tliis country in the spring is recorded in my notes 
under the date May 10th, 1882, when a remarkably fine adult male in full summer plumage was shot 
in a marsh-dyke near Slioreham Harbour, in West Sussex. While shooting, fishing, and collecting in 
the flat country in the east of Norfolk, I repeatedly remarked during the summer months that a sudden 
change of weather, or an unaccustomed rise or fall of the water, would immediately bring these birds 
m larger or smaller numbers to tbe hills round the broads. On the 18th of May, 1883, the Avind blowing 
strong from the north, with frequent squalls, a flock of about thirty Wood-Sandpipers were in company 
with as many Reeves on the hills round llickling Rroad ; after getting on Aving the tAvm species separated 
at once, but joined again on alighting, after flying over the Avater for a time. I Avas unable to obtain a 
sufiiciently close vieAv to ascertain the state of plumage exhibited by these birds ; iu all probability, 
hoAvever, they were immature, as adults at this season are usually to be seen singly, in pairs, or in 
small parties. 
The water ^on Hickling Broad, which had been gradually falling for a week or so, was lower on the 
9th of June, 1870, than any of the natives had previously Avitnessed, and the tide did not commence to floAV 
lip the river for several days. During the interval, two or three flocks of Little Stints and several pairs of 
B ood-Sandpipers in perfect plumage Avere seen, some of both species being obtained as specimens. All these 
Waders were busily engaged in searching for food among the weeds exposed by the fall of the water, and 
proved exceedingly fearless when approached by tbe punt, allowfing a very close inspection to be made. 
Early in August 1859 I ascertained that a pool of Avater, collected in an excavation where the 
shingle had been carried away from the wide-spreading banks for tbe formation of a line of railway near 
Eye, m East Sussex, was a very favourite resort for these birds. A flock, varying from twenty to 
twice that number, usually frequented this spot every season for several weeks during the years I visited 
the district. The birds proved be all immature, and Avere generally found feeding iu the long grass and 
mong the rank vegetation round the pool ; now and then I noticed one or two perched on a line of 
posts and rails that crossed this large piece of shalloAv water. 
This species is to be seen all through the summer in the broad country in the east of Norfolk; I 
nd the following in my notes for 1873 under the date of June 30th Heavy rain had fallen during 
le night, Avith squalls of Avind from the north-east ; soon after daybreak there Avere many flocks of 
a ers on the marshes round the broad. At least a score of immature Ruffs and Reeves and as many 
