178 FEATHERED GAME 



edges of our inland lakes and rivers. He is a 

 shy, watchful and wary fellow, usually difficult 

 of approach, and gets his name, the "Tattler," 

 because he invariably arouses all the game 

 'within hearing of his piercing whistle as he 

 takes wing at the sight of the skulking gunner. 

 After Mr. Yellow-legs' kindly warning every 

 bird in the marsh is on the alert and watchful 

 if it does not go out with its long-legged friend. 

 If the "Winter" is with them, silent and con- 

 tent, the game birds in his vicinity feed on and 

 enjoy themselves with a sense of perfect se- 

 curity, but let his monitory note be heard and 

 the chances are that every duck, snipe or plover 

 within hearing will be up and away with their 

 watchful picket. How many good shots at un- 

 suspecting ducks has this bird spoiled with his 

 alarming whistle! And how much vain pro- 

 fanity has been bestowed upon his unmindful 

 head! 



He is a tall and graceful bird, elegantly pro- 

 portioned, with a long neck and bill, and a leg of 

 marvelous length and slenderness. A speedy 

 and easy runner, a graceful walker, and on the 

 wing one of the bravest birds that ever glad- 

 dened the sportsman's eyes. Being partially 



