SYMPH. SEMIPALMATA : SEMIPALMATED TATTLER. 235 



changed, or, at any rate, held in abeyance, during and 

 for a short time after incubation. They cease their 

 cries, grow less uneasy, become gentle, if still suspic- 

 ious, and may generally be seen stalking quietly about 

 the nest. When Willets are found in that humor 

 absent-minded, as it were, absorbed in reflection upon 

 their engrossing duties, and unlikely to observe any- 

 thing not directly in front of their bill it is pretty 

 good evidence that they have a nest hard by. It is the 

 same with Avocets, and probably many other waders. 

 During incubation the bird that is " off duty " (both 

 parents are said to take turns at this) almost always 

 indulges in revery, doubtless rose- 

 tinted, and becomes in a correspond- 

 ing degree oblivious to outward 

 things. If then they are not set 

 upon in a manner entirely too rude 

 and boisterous, the inquiring orni- 



FIG. 53. SEMIPALMATED 



thologist could desire no better TOES OF WILLET. Nat- 



ural size. 



opportunity than he will have to 

 observe their every motion and attitude. But once let 

 them become thoroughly alarmed by too open approach, 

 particularly if the setting bird be driven from her nest, 

 and the scene quickly shifts ; there is a great outcry, 

 violent protest and tumult, where was quietude. Other 

 pairs, nesting near by, join their cries till the confusion 

 becomes general. But now, again, their actions are not 

 those they would show at other times ; for, instead of 

 flying off with the instinct of self-preservation, to put 

 distance between them and danger, they are held by 

 some fascination to the spot, and hover around, wheel- 

 ing about, flying in circles a little way to return again, 

 with unremitting clamor. They may be only too easily 



