134 
CTJRLEW. 
in Northumberland on the hills. In like manner in Scotland, 
in Sutherlandshire and the Isle of Mull. 
In Ireland, I have noticed them near Foaty, the fine place 
of James Smith Barry, Esq.; and they also frequent the shores 
of the River Lee, on the other side of the island, near Marino, 
the beautiful seat of Thomas George French, Esq., a distant 
connection of my family. They breed in some of the large 
bogs. 
In Orkney it is common, and remains throughout the 
year. 
Early in April they begin to leave their haunts by the 
sea, and to seek the far distant interior, in which for the 
summer months they will abide. Small flocks, of from five 
to ten, are generally seen thus passing through the interior, 
and larger numbers along the coast, the union of different 
flights which have come one after another. 
The Curlew breeds in the most retired situations, and for 
the most part in hilly districts; on the lone wild heath, the 
solitary moor, the open down, and the barren sheep-walk, 
especially near places that are wet and marshy. It also 
frequents the sea-shores, the mud-banks and sand-flats of rivers, 
and the edges of lochs, both maritime and in the mainland. 
At times it perches on high trees. It walks well, and wades 
deep, and is able to swim with ease. It is a very difficult 
bird to approach, but may be enticed by a skilful imitation 
of its whistle. It is exceedingly good eating. It soon becomes 
tame in confinement, whether captured young or old, and will 
follow the person about that is accustomed to feed it. In 
the wild state they are very timid and shy, except when 
engaged with their nest, and are only to be circumvented by 
stratagem. In winter they are gregarious. 
During migratfbn, or in any more extended flight, either 
high over head, or close over the land or water, or even on 
their return from the mainland to the shore to feed, they 
advance in the shape of a wedge, and in the latter case if 
one such party be alarmed, a ‘signal whistle’ is given, which 
those that come after are guided by, and uttering it in repetition 
for those that follow, to be taken up again by them in turn, 
deviate to a safer track. If frequently thus disturbed they 
soon profit by experience, and resort to a different route. 
Their flight, which is not very rapid, is executed with 
regular strokes of the wing, quickened if necessary according 
to circumstances. They alight somewhat suddenly, closing 
