GREY PLOYER. 
41 
season, and in winter, arriving rather later than the Grolden 
Plover, some tarrying till the latter end of May. In Cornwall, 
near Falmouth, they are rare. 
In Scotland it is also met with. The neighbourhood of 
Perth is one locality; and Sir William Jardine shot a pair 
on the banks of one of the lochs at Lochmaben, and has 
seen others frequently on the Solway—a very likely place for 
such, species, as those who remember the achievements of 
Herries, as chronicled in ‘Red-gauntlet,’ will he aware. 
In Orkney a pair were seen at Ellsness, in September, 
1822. One was killed by Mr. Strang, in January 1834, and 
another on the 27th. of February, 1844. A few pairs are 
observed almost every winter. 
It is found likewise in Ireland in the winter months. 
, It frequents the low flats of the sea-shore, and is but 
seldom seen inland, except during migration: the former they 
leave when the tide comes up, for the adjoining marshy lands. 
Some of these birds remain with us throughout the year, 
but the chief part move southwards for the winter, towards, 
and at which season, they are seen most usually with us, 
and northwards for the summer; the former in the months 
of August, September, October, and November. They migrate 
during the night, when, Meyer says, they travel ‘at a great 
height in companies, forming two lines, headed by one bird; 
the lines extending to the right and left.’ 
They seem to do well in confinement, soon becoming tame 
and living a long time. They assemble in some places in 
flocks of several hundreds, but usually in small parties, and 
are sociable both among themselves and with other species, 
unanimously keeping together in flight. They are generally 
very shy, and except when ‘caught napping,’ or when young, 
are very difficult to approach; on their first arrival, however, 
whether it may be that they are fatigued after their long 
journey, or have not as yet had cause for alarm, they appear 
not to be so. They are sold in the markets for the table. 
‘The general appearance of this species is peculiar to itself; 
it walks about on the ground slowly and with grace, and 
stops every now and then to pick up its food; it carries its 
body in a horizontal position, on straight legs, and its heed 
very close to its body, consequently increasing the thick 
appearance of the head.” 
They are said to he very good eating, and are sold 
accordingly in the London and other markets. 
