GLOSSY IBIS. 69 



as it endeavors to lead away the intruder from 

 its young, and its four great mottled eggs placed 

 in a most carelessly built nest make this bird 

 a curiosity to every amateur in ornithology ; and 

 its soft, piping voice, all summer long in the 

 romantic walks by the sea border, make it dear 

 to every lover of nature. 



But a much greater favorite with the sports- 

 man is the Bartramian Sandpiper, or the " Upland 

 Plover," as it is usually called. This is a dark- 

 colored bird, a foot in length, that keeps in close, 

 swift - flying flocks, shifting often from one pasture- 

 ground to another. It is with us in September 

 and October, and in great numbers falls before 

 the sportsman's murderous piece. 



The Sickle -bill Curlew is an uncommon bird 

 with us, but a few specimens are preserved in 

 private collections. Its long, curved bill makes 

 it a curiosity. 



GLOSSY IBIS. 

 (Plegadis falcmellus) 



This beautiful bird is an occasional visitant, 

 being known among sportsmen as " black curlew." 



10 



