148 WITH THE SEA-LOVERS 



head for a moment before carefully folding 

 them down in proper position. Sometimes 

 when singing he keeps them vibrating rapidly, 

 adding wonderfully to the effect upon the 

 listener. Again, he will glide down through 

 the air, holding them almost straight up, 

 forming a sharp-pointed V. To drive away 

 intruders or to meet an enemy he spreads the 

 wings while ruffling up the plumage and 

 making himself as formidable as possible ; 

 and in courtship he drags them on the ground. 

 I have once or twice seen one of these birds 

 express some emotion alas, I could only 

 guess what by holding one wing up while 

 looking with clear, calm eyes full in my face, 

 44 scanning me with a fearless eye." 



The " tipping," which everywhere gives a 

 sandpiper his local name of " tip-up," is not 

 ungraceful. It reminds one of the rocking 

 of a light canoe near the shore as the waves 

 rush by. 



There was never a prettier sight than 

 a little flock of sandpipers flying over the 

 edge of the water in zigzag fashion, moving 

 as one bird, as if animated by one will. 



Compare with this beautiful movement the 



