O86 THE AMERICAN AVOCET 
hem ever before the eye, the observed of all observers. If I were to make for 
them a claim of uniform gracefulness, some might dispute me on the ground 
of photographs herewith submitted; but it must be remarked that the eye 
catches only the restful nodes of motion, while the unfeeling camera some- 
times surprises the subject when he is only getting ready to be graceful 
These birds are not only waders, but swimmers and flyers as well, and 
hey show little preference among these modes of activity. If you approach a 
little too closely a wading Avocet, he mav walk off with dignified carelessness : 
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AVOCETS TAKING TO WIN¢ 
and if the retreating bottom takes him beyond his depth, he is instantly at 
£ | 
ease upon the water and swims off, duck-fashion, with keel held low in front, 
now glancing at you over one shoulder and now over the other Or else, 
either from land or water, he takes quickly to wing, letting the long legs first 
dangle and then straighten out behind him as he progresses Rising is thus 
vkward, and in settling, also, the legs must first be brought forward to 
he surface of reef or pool before the wing motion ceases. In flight 
the motion may be either fairly rapid or quite leisurely, according to whether 
he bird is frightened or merely curious; while at sailing he is a passed master, 
