298 GAME BIRDS, WILD-FOWL AND SHORE BIRDS. 



History. 



This bird undoubtedly was common here formerly in mi- 

 gration, particularly on Cape Cod, where it once appeared in 

 large flocks. It seems more common in eastern than in western 

 North America, although it occurs in practically all of North 

 and South America at different seasons of the year. 



The following abridged extracts will give some idea of the 

 history of this bird: Less abundant than Marbled Godwit, 

 seldom see more than half a dozen on our coast in one season; 

 uncommon in eastern States (Nuttall, 1834). Not common 

 here (Peabody, Massachusetts, 1839). Not as common as 

 Marbled Godwit; often found associated with it (De Kay, 

 New York, 1844). Rather scarce (Turnbull, eastern Penn- 

 sylvania and New Jersey, 1869). Very rare migrant (May- 

 nard, Massachusetts, 1870). Rare in migration (J. A. Allen, 

 Massachusetts, 1879), In some seasons fairly common in 

 New England (Stearns and Coues, 1883). I know of no 

 other part of the United States where this bird can more surely 

 be found during migrations than upon some portions of the 

 Massachusetts coast, though in no part of the country is it a 

 common species, so far as I can ascertain (Gurdon Trumbull, 

 1888). Less common every year, one time abundant (Cory, 

 1896). Rare spring and irregularly common autumn migrant 

 on coast (Howe and Allen, Massachusetts, 1901). Rare spring 

 and fall migrant (G. M. Allen, Massachusetts, 1909). Twenty- 

 five Massachusetts observers report a decrease of this species 

 and only one an increase. Messrs. George M. Bubier and 

 Lawton W. Lane report a flock of about fifty birds at Ipswich 

 on August 26, 1908, of which several were killed. This is the 

 largest flock seen there in recent years. 



During my boyhood I frequently heard old gunners about 

 Boston tell their tales of the Goose-bird which was well and 

 favorably known all along our coast. But it is impossible now 

 to tell with certainty whether these tales referred to one or 

 both of the God wits. The Hudsonian Godwit is now less rare 

 than the larger species, but few are seen or taken regularly 

 on the Massachusetts coast. It is shy, like its larger relative. 



