throughout the three kingdoms, all that it seems to
require in those seasons being open, uncultivated, and
comparatively moist ground. The nest is usually placed
upon or under a tussock of sedge or rushes, sometimes
amongst heather, and is almost invariably well concealed
from observation; the eggs are four, and so well known
that I gladly shirk the task of description, for which, in
such matters, I frankly plead a singular incompetence.
During the pairing-season the male Redshank goes
through much the same performances as other birds of
his genus, soaring into the air with quivering wings and
note, and on the ground his antics have reminded me
often of a tame Pigeon in similar circumstance of season
and passion; at other times of year the Redshank is
very wideawake and wary, and, on the slightest alarm,
darts shrieking into the air, and flies at a safe height to
a safe distance. On the autumnal migration and during
open winters vast numbers of Redshanks frequent our
flat coasts and salt-marshes, and many stragglers are to
be met with on both passages in districts far away from
their accustomed haunts. This species thrives well in
captivity, and from its lively actions and graceful shape
is a very desirable inmate of the aviary.