TEMMINCK’S STINT Tringa temmincki, Leisler Although nesting much nearer to our shores than the Little Stint, this species is a very rare and irregular visitor to this country. It breeds commonly in Norway as far south as Trondhjem and eastwards across Russia beyond the limit of tree growth. In winter it migrates eastwards as far as India. In appearance it is not unlike a very small Common Sandpiper, whereas the Little Stint resembles a small Dunlin. It may, however, be further recognised by the shaft of the outer primary being nearly white, and the two outer tail feathers being quite white. Length 5·75 in.; bill 0·6 in.; wing 3·8 in. THE CURLEW SANDPIPER Tringa subarquata (Güldenstädt) This bird arrives on our shores from the middle of August onwards, leaving us again in October, and a few are met with on the return journey in May. Although by no means as numerous as many other shore-frequenting migrants, it is not uncommon on certain parts of the coast, especially on the east and south, but is much rarer in the west. It may be recognised by its white rump and by the partially decurved bill, to which it owes its trivial name. There is nothing to specially distinguish it in habits from the other species of Waders, and it will generally be found associating with Dunlins. The breeding-grounds are in Arctic Siberia east of the Yenesei, and it winters in the tropical regions of the Old World. In autumn the adult is brownish grey on the upper parts, white on the rump and under parts. The young birds may be recognised by the light margins to the feathers of the back and a buffish tint on the chest. In the spring plumage the upper parts are chestnut, streaked with black and grey. The under parts are chestnut, sometimes barred or spotted with brown, the feathers having white margins. Length 8 in.; bill 1·4 in.; wing 5·1 in. THE PURPLE SANDPIPER Tringa striata, Linnæus The Purple Sandpiper is a winter resident on our rocky shores, and if somewhat local is nevertheless well distributed wherever suitable localities are found.