28 Mackay on the Knot. [ Jan- 



very much harassed they are not nearly so vigilant as their com- 

 panions, the Black-bellied Plover, but when they have become 

 shy they are exceedingly wary and always on the alert for danger. 



When the incoming tide drives the Knots from the flats they seek 

 the marshes, or some shoal which is sufficiently elevated to remain 

 uncovered during high water; they also frequent the crest of the 

 beaches. Here they generally remain quiet until the tide has fallen 

 sufficiently to permit them to return again to the flats to feed. 

 When on the marshes during high water they occupy some of 

 the time in feeding, showing they are by no means dependent on 

 the flats for all their food. They associate and mingle as freely 

 with the Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) , Black-bellied Plover 

 ( Charadrius squatarola) , and Red-backed Sandpiper ( Tringa 

 alpina pacifica) as with their own kind, and apparently evince the 

 same friendship toward the two former birds as prevails between 

 the American Golden Plover ( Charadrius dominions) and the 

 Eskimo Curlew {Nutnenius borealis). I have heard of but one 

 instance (at Revere, Mass., during a storm) of the Knot being 

 noted in the same flock with adult American Golden Plover. 

 At this time there were three, one of which was shot. I have 

 heard, however, of both adult and young Knots mingling with 

 young American Golden Plover, or 'Pale-bellies,' as they are 

 locally called. 



For twelve years past the number of Knots in the spring in the 

 vicinity of Tuckernuck Island has not averaged more than fifty 

 birds, so I am informed on good authority. At this season they 

 sometimes frequent the upland on the island in company with the 

 Turnstone, never doing so, however, in August or September. 

 From the time they are first noted at this latter season they seem 

 to come along quite continuously a few at a time until migration 

 ceases. Knots as a rule are not in the habit of frequenting 

 uplands as they do the marshes. I account for their doing so in 

 this instance in the spring by the fact of there being no marshes 

 in the vicinity, and by their being mingled with the Turnstones 

 which are in the habit of frequenting such places. They are 

 induced in consequence to follow the Turnstones where they 

 lead, this bird showing more determination of purpose than the 

 Knots which frequently yield and follow them. This is not the 

 case with the Turnstones ; they often leave the combined flock 

 rather than be led where they do not care to go. 



