154 WADING BIRDS. 



returning again towards the marshes of the sea coast to roost. 

 Sometimes, and perhaps more commonly at the approach of 

 stormy weather, they are seen in small restless bands, roving 

 over the salt marshes, and tacking and turning along the 

 meanders of the river, now crossing then returning, a mo- 

 ment alighting, the next on the wing ; they then spread out 

 and reconnoitre, again closing in a loose phalanx, the glit- 

 terinor of their winofs and snow white tails, are seen con- 

 spicuous as they mount into the higher regions of the air ; 

 and now intent on some more distant excursion, they rise, 

 whistling on their way, high over the village spire, and be- 

 yond the reach of danger, pursue their way to some other 

 clime, or to explore new marshes and visit other coasts more 

 productive of their favorite fare. While skimming along 

 the surface of the neighboring river, I have been amused by 

 the sociability of these wandering waders. As they course 

 steadily along, the party, never very numerous, would be 

 joined by some straggling Peeps, who all in unison pursue 

 their route together like common wanderers, or travellers, 

 pleased and defended by the access of any company. 



Being a plentiful species, particularly in the latter end of 

 summer, when the young begin to flock, it is frequent in the 

 markets of Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore, 

 with us more particularly abundant about the middle of 

 August, and being then fat, and well flavored, are esteemed 

 for the table. From the sympathy of the species for each 

 other, they may be shot with facility, if the sportsman, on 

 the first discharge, permits the wounded birds to flutter 

 about, as in that case, the flock will usually make a circuit, 

 and alighting repeatedly at the cries of their wounded com- 

 panions, the greater part of them may be shot down before 

 they perceive the real nature of their danger. Like Plo- 

 vers, they can also be called around the sportsman by an 

 imitation of their whistle. 



