Comes in spring from North Africa and Malta, then common everywhere in sand–banks, in which it excavates horizontal galleries. It never alights on the ground, but gathers the blades of green grass used for the nest while on the wing, and in the same way collects the feathers for lining it.
The Dotterel (Charadrius morinellus), iv., 187.
This bird visits us in the beginning of May, arriving in large flocks. It is very tame, silly, and easily approached. If a fowler once gets among them, he may shoot the whole before they take alarm. It remains only for three or four days or a week, and then moves on to its breeding stations among the mountains in the north.—(On the Lancashire localities, see Manchester Guardian, Feb. 25, 1882.)
The Spotted Fly–catcher (Muscicapa grisola), i., 44.
Common, making its appearance in the middle of May, building in gardens and woods, and generally choosing very odd situations for the nest. Remarkable for the constancy of its return to the same old dead tree or rail, or old and ivied wall. After its long aërial sail it seems well content also to stop there till the time for departure in autumn. “From morn till dewy eve” it keeps in its chosen place, though incessantly darting out to secure a fly.
The Pied Fly–catcher (Muscicapa luctuosa), i., 43.
This bird has been seen frequently between Middleton and Oldham, where also it builds its nest, choosing old trees.
The Common Sand–piper (Tringa hypoleucos), iv., 217.
Tolerably common on the banks of the Mersey at Northen, and thence down the river.
The Land–rail, or Corn–crake (Crex pratensis), v., 242.