SALT-WATER BIRDS. 1 97 



to fly ; and fly they would not until ebbing 

 of the tide. 



The decoys well set, ensconced in a good 

 blind along some point, we have not long to 

 wait. At the turning of the tide " bay birds " 

 begin to move. First come the curlew in large 

 flocks, with buff vests and brown coats shining 

 alternately in the sun as they pitch and twist in 

 their flight. With long curved bills they come 

 almost directly toward us, their penetrating call 

 ringing clear and full along the shore. No pret- 

 tier chance to gather in a few ; and there is no 

 danger of disturbing any brant, for they have 

 not begun to fly. Here comes a mob of willet, 

 varying through all shades of gray as changing 

 light plays upon them. And here you may 

 have a cross-fire on a volley of plover from the 

 other direction. And with another barrel you 

 might send whirling into the water a stilt that 

 comes along unsuspicious of danger. 



But it is soon time to let all these go, for over 

 the low ridge of sand where the froth of the 

 breakers is tossed against the blue of the sky a 

 long dark line rises. Lengthening, sinking, and 

 shortening, then rising and lengthening again, 



