SAND DUNES AND SALT MARSHES 



and discovered the Ipswich sparrow breeding 

 there in numbers. Indeed the bird has never 

 been found breeding anywhere else, although 

 diligent search has been made. 



The first descriptions of the Ipswich spar- 

 row stated that it was very wild, that it rose 

 at a considerable distance, flew wildly and far 

 and at once concealed itself on alighting, so 

 that collectors were obliged to shoot the bird 

 on the wing. This method of pursuit was not 

 very favorable for observation. I must con- 

 fess that my first Ipswich sparrow was found 

 and shot in this manner, but I very soon 

 learned that if treated properly the bird could 

 be studied at close range. In fact I have often 

 watched them within a few yards for long 

 periods of time, and have therefore been able 

 to note every peculiarity. The beach, where 

 the view is unobstructed by grass, is the best 

 place for the study of Ipswich sparrows. It 

 is moreover one of their favorite resorts, as 

 they are fond of the small flies that abound on 

 the seaweed and thatch thrown up there. 



Ipswich sparrows very rarely hop; they 

 almost invariably walk or run. In walking 

 the head and shoulders move back and forth 

 in a charmingly dove-like manner, while in 



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