90 THE COMPLETE WILDFOWLER 



practice, by knowing when and how the birds will act, is 

 indeed a great one. 



As has been hinted, we here see that in noting carefully by 

 observation the conditions under which shore-birds are likely 

 to be attracted, we gain half the battle in the art of calling. 

 The expert caller never fails in uttering exactly the tones 

 which will attract his birds, but often his calculations of prob- 

 ably suitable conditions are frustrated. It is absolutely impos- 

 sible to teach anyone all the fine details regarding circumstances 

 which affect shore-bird calling, unless long experience is 

 coupled with the lessons. The rough outlines may be briefly 

 touched upon, but to enter into every item (which in various 

 quarters are usually slightly different) would be an impossible 

 task. Shore-birds do not take the call well, as a rule, on their 

 feeding grounds. These latter are too extensive, and sight 

 here (except in pitch darkness) is the prevailing faculty. High 

 tide, when all the shore-birds are floated off their legs and 

 compelled either to fly at sea or seek out resting grounds near 

 high-water mark, is always a good time, but best of all is 

 towards night. Spring tides which flow high and leave but 

 little suitable ground for the birds to rest on are the best tides ; 

 in fact, at many places where the foreshores are extensive such 

 tides are alone suitable. Seek the spots where the birds come 

 to rest. If the birds are too wary to alight by day (as they 

 become at some places), try them when the tide flows an hour 

 before dark. Then, of all times, may the good caller enjoy 

 some sport. It must be understood, however, that the shooting 

 is only got by calling, and then only when the right time 

 occurs. Failure, it may also be added, might seem apparent 

 with even the expert caller, when the birds, flock after flock, 

 pass him just out of range. He, however, persistently calls, 

 well knowing that when the light of day a little further departs, 

 his quarry will increase in boldness and give him the much- 

 longed-for brisk half-hour, in which time he can easily secure 



