1S92.] Mack AY on the Hudsonian Curlew. 347 



sepaiatiiif^ out so that there are scarcely any two birds together, 

 and then hanging, as it were, in the air. During this time they 

 are most carefully listening and scanning the decoys and surround- 

 ings. A movement causes them to spring up in the air several 

 feet, and as this is generally when aim is being taken they are 

 apt to be missed by being undershot. In order to get them as 

 near as possil:>le I have frequently set my decoys only a few feet to 

 windward of my stand, as it is customary for them when heading 

 for the decoys to keep falling oft" to leeward of them. They are 

 not an easy bird to kill, being strong and powerful, and as the 

 distance is usually great at which they are shot at, owing to their 

 vigilance, many go off wounded and are not recovered. Should 

 one or more be wing bi-oken, they frequently commence calling, 

 which causes the i-emainder of the flock to hover around for a 

 short time, apparently to give encouragement to the wounded 

 ones, and while their attention is thus absorbed they will often 

 iiftbrd the sportsman a second shot, if he keeps concealed. Were 

 it not for the satisfoction of getting so shy a bird, for as a rule 

 they are but indifferent eating, there would be little inducement 

 to waste the time necessary to obtain an occasional one. I take 

 a few every year bv getting out of my wagon into some place of 

 concealment, when I observe a flock in the distance on the 

 ground, and letting my companion drive around the other side 

 and start them towards me. Long familiarity with the ground 

 enables me to form some idea as to what course they are likely 

 to pursue, and I have obtained more or loss in this man- 

 ner. 



They make two notes, one a very clear, penetrating, staccato 

 v/histle, repeated four or five times in quick succession, and which 

 is very far-reaching. It is given when flying, also wlien alarmed, 

 and on taking flight. The other consists of two, low, straight 

 whistles or notes, when a flock is alighting. Flocks also make a 

 rolling note, lasting as long us it would take to count six or seven. 

 The sound is similar to that produced by a boy's lead bird 

 whistle filled with water. It is uttered when the birds approach, 

 and are over a marsh or feeding ground, at an altitude of sixty or 

 seventy yards. I have never heard of its being made by single 

 birds. 



The Hudsonian Curlew is a tide bird, frequenting the saml 

 flats near the edge of the water, when they become uncovered. 



