Field Notes 45 



There were several of these birds on the grounds, and their singing was 

 so much in evidence that boys took it up and could often be heard whis- 

 tling an imitation. L. B. Cushman. 



North East, Pa., Dec. 30, 1913. 



Sandpiper Notes. 



The fall migration of 1913 proved to be rather unusual in regard to 

 the sandpiper movements. Many species lingered later than usual in this 

 locality and several new species were noted. Immense mixed flocks of 

 shore birds fed on the mud flats around the bayous from Aug. 20 to 

 Sept. 12. In these flocks the usual Pectoral, Semipalmated, Least, and 

 Solitary Sandpipers and Lesser Yellowlegs were abundant. In addition 

 Baird's Sandpijjers (Pisoiia hairdi) were present in considerable num- 

 bers from Aug. 22-27, and several specimens were taken. One Greater 

 Yellowlegs (Totanvs melanolcucus) was noted Oct. 6. From the 12tli of 

 September the numbers decreased rapidly, although a few individuals 

 remained much later. The last records for the more common species are 

 as follows: Pectoral Sandpiper (Pisobia maculata), Nov. 12; White- 

 rumped Sandpiper {Pisohia fuscicollis), Nov. 7; Least Sandpiper (Pisobia 

 minutilla), Oct. 12; Semipalmated Sandpiper (Ereunetes pusillus), Oct. 

 12; Yellow-legs (Totanus flavipes), Nov. 1; Solitary Sandpiper (Helo- 

 dromus soUtarius solifarius), Oct. 5; and Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis 

 macularia), Oct. 8. 



On the 6th of October, after the bulk of the shore birds had departed, 

 a flock of four Eed-backed Sandpipers {Pelidna alpina saJchalina) were 

 noted feeding on the deserted mud flats and one was taken. The birds 

 were tame and unsuspicious and allowed a close approach. On the 10th 

 the ponds were visited again and a flock of about sixty found in the same 

 place. Four were taken at this time. All authorities to which I have 

 access state that this species is uncommon in the interior in the fall and 

 it was a surprise to me to find them so numerous at this time. This is 

 the first time that I have noted this form in the fall. A few lingered until 

 the 25th of October, when the last one was seen. 



Ira N. Gabrielson, Marshalltown, Iowa. 



"The Guide to Nature." 



Many magazines, hundreds of schools and thousands of teachers and 

 parents have tried to instruct children in a knowledge of nature. Yet the 

 really natural child takes to nature for enjoyment like a duck to water. 



Why urge the duck, why compel it to go into the water? When we de- 

 stroy spontaneity and liberty, we prevent enjoyment and all consequent 

 benefit. "We love the things that love us." 



It is, however, not nature nor even natural science as a matter of in- 

 struction, as the adult understands it, that the child wants, but the fun 

 of seeing things. Where is the boy or girl that is not pleased by the 



