728 EEPORT OF STATE GEOLOGIST. 



In southeastern Indiana it is exceedingly rare. The only record of 

 its occurrence is that given by Dr. Raymond (Rep. Ind. Geol. Surv., 

 1869, p. 231). 



Generally they arrive about the middle of April, but Mr. A. H. 

 Kendrick reports a flock of twenty, from Vigo County, March 19, 

 1896. Usually they become common at once. During the migrations 

 they are very shy. After a time they become more approachable and 

 during the breeding season seem to have no fear, exposing themselves 

 freely to lead the intruder from the vicinity of their nesting grounds. 

 The nests are often made in meadows and fields bordering a marsh. 

 When in close proximity to the nest the bird has many tricks with 

 which to attract the attention of the unwelcome guest. She is crip- 

 pled so badly that she cannot walk; she cannot fly; she flops along the 

 ground, and sometimes rolls over. One can easily catch her. If it is 

 his first experience, he will try. Each time, as he attempts to seize her, 

 she seems to have a sudden gift of strength by reason of which she 

 eludes his grasp. After a few ineffectual efforts, one is surprised how 

 recovered the bird is, how her strength is restored, and with it sound- 

 ness of limb, for she leaves the wondering pursuer and files away. He 

 is now quite a distance from where the bird was first seen. That is 

 what was wanted. She has accomplished her purpose. She has led 

 him away from her nest. 



In the fall, the prairie farmer, as he goes to breaking for wheat, and 

 the chicken shooter is familiar with these birds along the dead 

 furrows and smaller drains, but they always arise beyond gun range. 



They leave late in August or early in September. August 27 to 

 September 15. 



56. GENUS TRYNGITES CABANIS. 



108, (262). Tryngites subruficollis (VIBILL.). 



Buff-breasted Sandpiper. 



Quills, largely white on the inner web, and with beautiful black 

 marbling or mottling, best seen from below; tail, unbarred, gray, the 

 central feathers darker, all with subtermmal black edging and white 

 tips; crown and upper parts blackish, the feathers; with whitish or 

 tawny edging, especially on the wings; sides of the head, neck all 

 around, and under parts, pale rufous or fawn color, speckled on the 

 neck and breast with dusky; bill, black; feet, greenish-yellow. (Mc- 

 Ilwraith). 



Length, 7.00-8.90; wing, 5.10-5.50; bill, .75-.80; tarsus, 1.15-1.30. 



