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sions they have distinctly heard its vehement vociferations at a still 

 greater distance. 



During the breeding season, if not disturbed, it passes that anxious 

 interval in silence ; but at all other times is noted for its noisy outcry. 



The flight of the Willet is swift, and performed with ease and 

 grace. In general it inhabits the salt marshes — though when 

 making excursions about the bays and inlets, it at low water alights 

 on the naked shoals ; and is at times seen wading breast deep in 

 the water, pluming and dressing its feathers. It is exceed- 

 ingly watchful, and when in exposed situations, however cautiously 

 the gunner may approach, it seldom allows him to arrive within 

 shooting distance. 



The address of the most experienced is seldom equal to its vig- 

 ilance. The decoys offer a more favorable opportunity to procure 

 it; but even in this manner it is by no means easily allured — not- 

 withstanding the gunner is well hidden, and his ingeniously exe- 

 cuted counterfeits rendered more deceptive by tiie perfect imitation 

 he gives of its peculiar cry, which is promptly answered by the 

 advancing Willet, whose keen eye timely detecting the deception, 

 it provokes the fowler by quickly changing its course, and darling 

 off like an arrow, usually ascending as it passes on. 



The Willet seldom associates with others of its tribe, though 

 occasionally stragglers are seen on the muddy shores, feeding in 

 company with the Gulls and Sanderlings. 



I am not aware that its nest has been observed on Long Island,. 

 though it is said to breed in several of the Middle States, and ac- 

 cording to Mr. Nutlall, it has been found in the vicinity of New 

 Bedford. When flying, it is rendered very conspicuous by the 

 prominent markings on the wings. It feeds chiefly on worms, 

 aquatic insects, small crabs, and minute shell-fish. When in good 

 condition its flesh is quite palatable, but not esteemed so great a 

 delicacy as its eggs. 



Many of those birds that frequent the marshes are annoyed by 

 insects which intrude themselves under the feathers — particularly 

 under the wings. The Willet seems to be a favorite bird for Hiose 

 tormentors to quarter upon — so much so, that I have frequently 

 supposed that I had performed an act of kindness by shooting it. 



