by J.P. Bentley

The Oystercatcher

A large bird (17”) — black above, white beneath. Its long, stout and straight, orange-red bill and somewhat dumpy form separate it at once from the gulls. The huge flocks of Oystercatchers occurring on the wide stretches of sand and mud flats are viewed with serious concern by the cockle-gatherers. Despite its name, however, it is the cockle and not the oyster which forms its staple food. Its usual call note is a short loud “keep”, but its long trill is also a quite attractive addition to the sea-shore bird voices. It nests on our northern shores, in a shallow scrape around which a circlet of little coloured shells is frequently arranged.

The Ringed Plover

Small (8”). A very active little bird of the shore line, darting quickly down the beach as the wave recedes, then back again. Little parties of this brown and white bird, with white forehead, can usually be seen during the winter months, and their mellow fluty “too-li” call seems to match their dainty movements. The northern tundra is their breeding place.

The Turnstone

Larger than the Ringed Plover, the Turnstone (9”) is also of stouter build. Its general tortoiseshell pattern of plumage, black, chestnut and white, forms an excellent camouflage as it forages among the rocks, seaweed and pebbles, shifting the latter about to get at the small creatures which abound in this habitat. It usually works in small groups. Breeds in the Arctic, but non-breeders may be seen on our shores in the summer.

The Dunlin

Small (7”). One expects to see numbers of Dunlin whenever the coast is visited, summer and winter. In summer the large black patch on the breast is noticeable. Upper parts are brown (grey in winter), lower parts white. It breeds on our northern moors.

The Sanderling

A little larger and much whiter in appearance. It can usually be seen feeding with Dunlin, but in smaller numbers.

The Knot

Immense clouds of Knot, darkening the sky on the horizon, come whirling up our estuaries as the tide recedes. Much larger than the Dunlin (10”), pale grey above, white below. Throughout the winter the otherwise dreary scene is enlivened by the precision movements of the densely packed flocks. Breeds in the Arctic.