BIRD LIFE, ETC. 167 



ing attitude, with the neck drawn in. Thus, as I 

 have elsewhere observed, these birds repose during the 

 period of high water in unfrequented places along the 

 shore, and generally, especially if there be a strong 

 wind, in a decumbent posture. On my approaching 

 them, they dispersed, and began to search for food. 

 Presently straggling bands flew in from a distance and 

 alighted on the shore. The dunlins on such occasions 

 come gliding on outspread wings, which in alighting 

 they extend and elevate a little. They then run a 

 few steps, and stand a short time, or at once commence 

 their search. These bands were remarkably intent on 

 seeking for food, so that I was allowed to walk up to 

 about fifteen paces from one of them. In this flock 

 of about fifteen, two limped, apparently having had 

 one of their legs damaged by shot, yet they seemed 

 scarcely less active than the rest. Being in a muddy 

 place, which probably afforded a good supply of food, 

 they did not run much, but yet moved quickly about, 

 with their legs a little bent, the body horizontal, the 

 head a little declined, and the bill directed forwards 

 toward the ground at an angle of about forty-five 

 degrees. I observed that they seemed in general 

 merely to touch the surface, but also sometimes to 

 introduce their bill into the mud for about a fourth of 

 its length ; but this always with a rapid tapping and 

 somewhat wriggling movement, and not by thrusting 

 it in sedately. This flock having flown away, I 

 observed another of about twelve individuals alight at 

 a little distance on the other side of the mill-stream. 



