Lake Maxinkuckee, Physical and Biological Survey 535 



up in small flocks. They frequent low ground, old pastures and 

 sandy beaches. Among favorite places where these birds were 

 quite sure to be found may be mentioned the sandy shore at the 

 northwest end of Lost Lake and the tip of Long Point. 



53. PIPING PLOVER 



I (.1 \ I.I I IS MELODA (Ord) 



Only one example of this species has been noted by us at this 

 lake. On September 23, 1913, one was observed on Long Point, 

 feeding at the water's edge. It was quite tame and permitted 

 near approach. It remained four days, on each of which it was 

 closely observed. It was last seen on the evening of the 26th, and 

 probably left that night. 



54. BOB-WHITE 



COLINUS VIRGINIANUS (Linmeus) 



Formerly the Quail was an abundant permanent resident about 

 Lake Maxinkuckee. The environment was favorable; the many 

 copsy tangles about the lake afforded good protection at all times 

 and the weedy fields supplied abundant food. Even as late as 

 1899 Quail were fairly numerous. During the late summer and 

 early fall several fine flocks were seen, one good-sized covey making 

 Long Point its feeding ground. In the fall very good shooting was 

 had and many good bags were made. In 1900, they were some- 

 what less abundant but a number of good flocks were seen. They 

 did not last long, however. Before the open season began (Oct. 

 10) more than a score of quail had been killed in the vicinity of 

 the lake by local lawbreakers, among whom were several more or 

 less prominent residents of Culver, who ought to have been prose- 

 cuted to the full extent of the law. 



The next year, Quail were much less common. A few were seen 

 or heard throughout the season. In 1902, they were still more 

 scarce. By 1904, they had become very rare, indeed. In 1906, 

 none was seen or heard; the pot-hunters had succeeded in practi- 

 cally exterminating them. In 1908, they had increased somewhat 

 in numbers. One fine flock of 20 or more was seen August 24. In 

 1909, a covey of 11 was seen March 1 south of the old Manitou 

 lake bed. In 1913, a good-sized flock of third-grown young was 

 seen at the north end of the Gravelpit on October 5; one was 

 heard near the Outlet on the 8th and llth, and on the 28th a flock 

 was seen. 



