about the same time, but the area was very extensive to search, and the birds extremely wary. I found this nest on 15th July. The breeding season is evidently early.
Squatarola helvetica. Grey Plover.—I saw a few Grey Plovers at various times on the shores of Dirk Hartog. After the heavy rain-storm of 5th August, which flooded the fiat at the West well, a small party was feeding near my camp. On Peron Peninsula I saw a pair or two near the Little Lagoon.
Ægialitis ruficapilla. Red-capped Dottrel.—Moderately common both on Peron and Dirk Hartog Island. Not infrequently I saw pairs feeding on the big limestone flat on the island, where I was for a time camped. I was told this species nested in some numbers at Cape Peron.
Limosa uropygialis. Barred rumped Godwit.—I watched small parties of this species feeding at low water, not far from the homestead on Dirk Hartog.
Numenius cyanopus. Curlew.—A few pairs were seen, and often heard calling both on Dirk Hartog and Peron Peninsula.
Numenius uropygialis. Whimbrel.—Seen occasionally, but not so common as the last-named species.
Actitis hypoleucus. Common Sandpiper.—One or two seen to the south of Denham. and again around the shores of the Little Lagoon.
Glottis nebularius. Greenshank.—A small party seen on Dirk Hartog Island.
Pisobia ruficollis. Little Stint.—The commonest wader on the shores of Shark Bay.
Pisobia acuminata. Sharp-tailed Stint.—A few seen in company with Little Stints at low water.
Ancylochilus subarquatus. Curlew Sandpiper.—Mr. T. Carter includes this species in his list. I think I saw it at the Little Lagoon on Peron Peninsula.
Burhinus grallaiius. Stone-Curlew.—I encountered this species on Dirk Hartog only, where pairs appeared to occupy all suitable haunts. Had I camped on Peron no doubt I should have heard it there too. At the West well camp a pair haunted a hillside about half a mile away during the day time. More than once I saw them quietly stealing away amongst the innumerable bushes. I think they originally intended to nest on a limestone ridge out of sight of my camp; but a pair of Crows built a nest in a clump of eucalypts growing there. This appeared to drive them to another limestone outcrop within sight of my camp. They were often very near, after sunset, when feeding on the flat. 4th August was persistently wet, and I had to remain at home. In the afternoon my attention was attracted by a fine Harrier beating the hillside opposite. When hovering over the limestone ridge it made a swoop at something on the ground. This was followed by angry cries, and presently a male and female Stone-Curlew rose up. The male soon settled again, and the Harrier cleared off; but the female flew in a wide circle for several minutes around my camp. The rain became heavier, and it was not till late next morning I was able to wade out. I immediately made for the scene of the disturbance. Both of the Curlews were there, and, on my coming near, quietly disappeared amongst large Acacia bushes.
