206 Two Sandpipers 



There is a peculiar charm connected with the migrations of these 



birds. They are so tiny and delicate, yet withal so strong and sure in 



their flight, so able to dash with amazing swiftness past coasts and over 



the trackless ocean, and to reach the extremes of continents. They come 



in April or May, according to latitude, with the aroma of the tropics, and 



return in late July to September with the tang of the arctic wild. In the 



southward flight, the Semipalmated goes as far as Patagonia, while the 



other is known to reach Chile. Some winter as far 



north aa the Carolinas, and I have found them com- 



Aligrations ' _. . . 



mon on the coast of Louisiana in. January, tor 

 breeding, they wing their way mostly far northward, even to the shores 

 of the Arctic' Ocean, but some remain further south. The Semipalmated 

 probably breeds in the Saskatchewan, Valley, and is said to do so com- 

 monly along the southern and western shores of Hudson Bay. The Least 

 breeds sparingly on Sable Island and elsewhere in Xova Scotia, on the 

 Magdalen Islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and northward. In 

 migration, it is found over the entire continent, while the Semipalmated 

 species remains mostly east of the Rocky Mountains. 



While I have not been privileged to study the Semipalmated Sand- 

 piper on its breeding-grounds, I have had good opportunities with the 

 other species. As both are said to be much alike in their nesting habits, 

 an account of those of the Least Sandpiper may suffice for both. 



It was on the Magdalen Islands that I first became intimate with 

 this wee sandpiper. To appreciate the conditions, one must imagine a 

 barren, open expanse, with a temperature cool, even in midsummer, and 

 plenty of chilling fog. For miles it is moist ground, carpeted with sparse 

 grass and spongy moss, and diversified with occasional patches of 

 stunted spruce or low, sprawling juniper. Billowy elevations of sand- 

 dune in the distance are overgrown with beach grass. In these lower 

 parts are numerous shallow lakes, from a few yards across to a mile 

 long, the larger ones with borders and areas of reeds or rushes. Small 



parties of Least Sandpipers, or single ones, probably 

 Home" males, feed beside these lakes or pools. The females 



are closely brooding their eggs, which here on the 

 Magdalens are laid during the first half of June, when the temperature 

 of the air is about 50 F. 



The experience of finding the first nest of this little arctic bird will 

 always be memorable. As we tramp over the dark arctic moss, we 

 notice a pretty little twittering, and discover a tiny Sandpiper flying 

 around in wide circles on tremulous wings, pouring forth the music 

 that presents the emotions of his little heart. It is the love-song to his 

 mate, who is covering the eggs not far away. We long to find the bird- 

 treasure, and tramp all about, hoping to flush the brooding bird. Our 

 wish is gratified. Inadvertently we have almost trodden on the nest. 

 Away flutters the tiny bird, almost from under our feet, not in rapid 

 flight, but dragging herself over the grass as if she were almost expiring. 

 The nest is a rather deep little hollow in the moss, lined with grass and 



