Page:The Zoologist, 3rd series, vol 1 (1877).djvu/501

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THE BIRDS OF THE BERMUDAS.
475

23rd November in complete winter dress. The arrival of the Golden Plover in August or September is the beginning of the shooting season in Bermuda, and is eagerly looked for by the British officer, who forgets all the heat and discomfort of the summer in the pleasure of once again handling his gun and cartridges. And a nicely-cooked Golden Plover for breakfast is by no means to be despised, as those who have been trifling with tough fowls and doubtful eggs for months can well testify. The note of this species differs from that of C. pluvialis; it sounds like "wee-o-wee," sharply but clearly pronounced.

Ægialitis vociferus, Kildeer Plover.—The latest of the southward migrants, but regular in its visits. First seen about the middle of November, in small flocks, which remain till February, attaching themselves principally to the grassy bottoms and moist places on the south side. Persons living on this side hear their sweet wild note all night. A few remain till March, or even later.

Ægialitis semipalmatus, American Ringed Plover.—Arrives in small numbers early in August with the annual invading army of Stints and Sandpipers, remaining till October, and frequenting the sandy bays on the south shore, also the muddy edges of Peniston's Pond.

Ægialitis melodus, Piping Plover.—Rare. Major Wedderburn shot one at Mangrove Bay in September, 1848, and two were seen on a rocky island in Hamilton Harbour in September, 1850. Mr. Bartram has one specimen. Not observed in 1874.

Strepsilas interpres, Turnstone.—This cosmopolitan species is a frequent visitor. It has been shot as early as the 3rd August. I obtained two on the 23rd December, J 874, but it probably remains all the winter.

Himantopus nigricollis, Black-necked Stilt.—The American representative of our H. melanopterus. Only one has occurred, shot at Warwick Pond on the 3rd June, 1853, by Mr. Hinson, and sent to Mr. Hurdis.

Lobipes hyperboreus, Northern Phalarope.—One found dead, floating in Riddle's Bay, March 2 1st, 1848, sent to Rev. H. B. Tristram. A female, partly in ruddy plumage, killed with a stick in Hamilton Harbour on the following day, and a third example captured on the edge of Devonshire Swamp by Mr. Hurdis on the 8th March, 1852. "It is remarkable that all the specimens were obtained without the aid of a gun" (Hurdis).