168 
CIIAIIADRIID^. 
1844, p. 552), adding that “it was associated with Turnstones, 
Einged Plovers, and various Tringas.” 
It was not again observed until 1870, when, in the month of 
July, I met with about a dozen, in company with Golden Plover, 
on Vallafiel, a hill in Unst. Early in September, a smaller 
number, probably part of the same flock, appeared in the 
meadows, which they left for the shore at every fall of the tide. 
The few that were shot varied considerably in plumage. In 
one specimen many of the light spots were so strongly tinged 
with yellow that at first sight it resembled a faded Golden 
Plover. The stomachs contained small periwinkles and fine 
gravel. There is no doubt that it is sometimes mistaken for 
the Golden Plover, but there can be no excuse for this after a 
glance at Mr Hastings’ remarks upon the subject (“ Birds of 
Middlesex,” p. 145). He says — “The Golden Plover is the 
smaller bird, has shorter and more slender legs and bill, and has 
no hind-toe like the Grey Plover ; while the long feathers under 
the wings in the Golden Plover are white, and in the Grey 
Plover blackr 
THE LAPWING. 
Vanellus cristatus. 
TIEVES’ NICKET. 
Not more than forty years ago, the Lapwing was by no 
means a common species, a few arriving in spring, and remain- 
ing to breed here and there, but in such small numbers that 
the egg was very seldom found. Now, however, the case is 
nearly reversed. I well remember shooting two in Unst, in 
the summer of 1854, and being blamed for killing so scarce a 
bird. Between that time and 1858 a colony of rather large 
size was founded upon the south side of the voe at Balta 
Sound, the birds returning regularly about the middle of March. 
A small numl)er then commenced breeding at Swina Ness, on 
tlie north side of the voe, but only remained there for two 
