Numenius arquata [Curlew].
Plentiful in certain localities along the shore in winter; they retire in spring to the alpine and sub-alpine districts Their note in winter is simply “Whaup,” with sometimes a loud scream when come upon suddenly. In summer, however, and whilst among the moors and hills, it is more varied, being then “Poo-l-ie, poo-l-ie,” then “Coor-lie, coor-lie,” with a long “Wha-a-up” at the end. They are not then so shy as when seen by the sea-shore.
Numenius phæopus [Whimbrel].
Seldom a summer passes but a whimbrel or two may be met with along the shore, and sometimes in some of our mosses. I think they breed with us. They are generally very shy, and not easily approached. Their call-note at once distinguishes them from the curlew.
Totanus caldris [Redshank].
We have this red and long-legged gentleman rather sparingly with us, but we have him all the year. There are certain spots coastwise not much frequented, where, for seven or eight months in the year, you will seldom if ever fail to meet with a few; and when disturbed their wild scream accords well with the solitary places which they frequent, especially where there is a low hollow murmuring from the ocean. This is another species, which, lapwing-like, will flap about you when in the way of their nest, and for noise they exceed them completely. They generally breed in marshy and boggy places and about the grassy margins of lochs, but I have also found them amongst bents and dry sandy places by the sea-shore.
Totanus hypoleucos [Common Sandpiper].
The common sandpiper (or, as we have it, “Kittie-needie,” from its cry) is one of our summer birds; there is scarcely one of our streams but has its “kittie-needies” in the season. They breed on the banks.
Totanus glottis [Greenshank].
This is a rarity with us. I have one in my possession, out of two which were shot in the moss of Banff.