THE OYSTER-CATCHER 
To class us as “ Oyster-catching ” birds 
Reveals a practice that proclaims 
How carelessly the folk of words 
Give plumed and pennoned folk their names. 
It’s true we go hunting beside the sea. 
And like some shell-fish fairly well ; 
But none of my kindred known to me 
Has ever pecked at an oyster-shell. 
And even if one of us were to state 
That such a peck he could recall. 
It would not be quite accurate 
To found thereon a name for all. 
This bird is one that must love the salt sea-spray, 
and the strong winds that blow inland, for he may 
often be seen with his companions, flying low over 
the water on stormy days, or sitting on a bleak rock, 
facing the wind, waiting for the tide to fall, when he 
will be able to search for food in the wet, uncovered 
sand. 
The Oyster-Catcher is one of the handsomest 
birds to be found on our sea-coasts. His plumage 
is velvety-black and pure white, his beak bright 
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