SPOTTED SANDPIPER 435 



Several observers record the ability of this bird to swim when 

 forced to do so, as is the case with many other shore birds. Indi- 

 viduals of this species have also been seen diving under water. For- 

 bush (1912, p. 323) gives the following account of such a performance: 

 "In September, 1876, I saw a wounded bird of this species when pur- 

 sued, dive into deep water from the shore of the Charles River [Massa- 

 chusetts] and fly off under water, using its wings somewhat as a bird 

 would use them in the air. All its plumage was covered with bubbles 

 of air, Avhich caught the light until the bird appeared as if studded 

 with sparkling gems as it si)ed away into the depth of the dark river." 



Three Spotted Sandpipers were closely observed by Grinnell (MS) 

 along the Merced River in Yosemite Valley earty in June, 1915. They 

 moved about in the shallow water at the edge of the river or on the 

 gravel never farther than a foot or two from the water, walking 

 rapidly a few steps, and then stopping suddenly to secui-e some bits of 

 food sighted among the pebbles. While a bird was thus occupied the 

 hinder portion of the body was continually bobbed up and down at 

 regular intervals of a second or two, and while it was walking the 

 head underwent a rapid fore-and-aft movement in unison with the 

 tread of the feet. Two of the birds seemed by their actions to be 

 males, and as this was just at the beginning of the mating season 

 there was considerable rivalry between them. After much maneuver- 

 ing, one of these birds pitched in and drove the other away. Mean- 

 while the third individual, presumably a female, fed about uncon- 

 cernedly in the vicinity. After routing his rival the successful suitor 

 approached the female and strutted about her, holding his body in a 

 peculiarly erect posture and partially spreading his wings and tail. 

 The object of his attentions held shyly aloof, with the feathers of her 

 body closely appressed giving her a smart, trim appearance. She 

 gave no other indication that his presence or actions were in any way 

 noticed, except that now and then the barred outer feathers of her 

 tail were slightly spread apart. 



On their nesting grounds Spotted Sandpipers not infrequently 

 perch on objects well above the ground, such as clods of earth, 

 boulders, and fence posts. Such stations, however, are not long held, 

 as the birds are of a nervous temperament, and must keep moving, 

 especially at this critical period of the year. 



Nesting records of the Spotted Sandpiper in California are fairly 

 numerous. The breeding range extends southward at least to Santa 

 Paula, A'entura County, where sets of eggs have been taken in May, 

 1892 and 1900 (Willett, 1912a, p. 39). Although this species usually 

 nests at considerable altitudes in California there are, in addition 

 to the Santa Paula records, at least two records for altitudes of 2,000 

 feet or less. Belding (MS) records nesting at Murray Creek, near 



