THE COMMON SANDPIPER. 79 



extremely small space for their size. They are of various shades 

 of light brown, blotched, and spotted with darker brown and 

 lilac, and they are very handsome. 



When the nest is approached the bird usually flies off silently 

 towards the water, and if the direction of flight is carefully noted 

 the nest can be located with tolerable ease. If one comes on the 

 nest suddenly, however, the bird tumbles off, and runs along with 

 wings outspread and fan-shaped tail trailing along the ground, at 

 the same time uttering a squealing note. Should the disturber 

 remain in the vicinity of the nest or young the two old birds 

 fly around making a great deal of noise. They will then alight on 

 trees, shrubs, or fences, and give vent to their feelings against the 

 intruder by uttering notes of alarm as frequently and as loudly as 

 they are able. The young in down are delightful little creatures, 

 and run soon after they are hatched. 



Before they are able to fly they squat to escape observation as 

 a rule, but if close to water they will take to it readily and dive, 

 coming up some yards away, and remaining motionless by the 

 water's edge or hiding under herbage. 



By the end of July the Common Sandpiper begins to collect in 

 small flocks of ten to twenty birds. The greatest number I have 

 ever seen in a flock was twenty-four at Balgray Reservoir. 



This habit of collecting in small flocks is one that is 

 not mentioned in books on birds, but in this locality it is 

 quite characteristic of the bird. They are then very restless, 

 flying to and fro over the water, calling all the time. From the 

 beginning of August this species grows less in numbers, till by 

 October they have all departed. I have never seen it later than 

 the end or September. 



