117 
THE TURNSTONE. 
Strej)silas interjores, Linii. (sp.) 
Tringa „ „ 
Is met with annually around the coast, always in au- 
tumn, and occasionally at other seasons of the year ; 
But retires —with possibly a few exceptions — to more northern 
latitudes, to breed. In Belfast bay, this bird, so interesting from 
its peculiar manner of seeking food, is chiefly known as an 
autumnal visitant, appearing regularly, early at that season, in 
very small flocks, or singly. On the 25th of July I once knew a 
couple to be killed (in company with dunlins) ; but about the 
middle of August is the usual time of their return from breeding 
quarters. Erom this period they commonly remain until the begin- 
ning of October, — not more, perhaps, than a dozen altogether 
during the season having fallen a sacrifice to shooters. They then 
generally remove to more retired localities."^ 
About the estuary, within a few miles of the town, they are 
only of occasional appearance ; and rarely above half a dozen have 
been seen in company. At a sweep of the coast called Ballyholme 
bay, towards the entrance of the harbour, consisting chiefly of 
sand, but with some little banks of gravel and stones ex- 
posed at low water — hence a favourite haunt, — I once reckoned 
twelve, and again twenty, together. I have observed them there, 
in several years, from the middle of September till the beginning 
of October ; and during one season, when they were frequently 
seen, remarked that the same number of birds never appeared 
together twice, although they had not been thinned by the fowling- 
piece. It was pleasing to observe them, when sprung from the 
rocks at the side of the bay, always fly over the large tracts of 
* Mr, St. Jolin has remarked, respecting Moray-shire, that “ The turnstone * * 
arrives in this country at the first commencement of September ; but appears only to 
make it a temporary resting-place on its way to the south.” (Tour in Sutherland, 
&c, vol. i. p. 287). 
