Birds of Massachusetts. 217 5 
are swallowed whole; but the birds grow fat upon 
them. While thus employed the birds are easily 
approached ; nor does the fate of those that are shot 
strike any fear into the survivors. 
The SEMIPA MATED SANDPIPER, Tringa semipal- 
mata, is sometimes confounded with the peep, with 
which it often associates; but is obviously distin- 
guished from it by its half-webbed feet. This habit 
of keeping company with other birds has prevented 
accurate observation of its periods. Wilson says that 
it arrives and departs with the sanderling, and asso- 
ciates with the red back, though in flocks apart 
from each other. They are found in the salt marshes. 
near Boston, and are considered better eating than 
any other of the small birds. | 
The SEMIPALMATED SxiPE, T'ofanus semipalmatus, 
is not common in Massachusetts, though it is found 
near Boston, and occasionally breeds near New Bed- 
ford. It is known by the name of Willet, a sound 
resembling its usual cry. It is a shy and artful 
bird, and not approached by the fowler without cun- 
ning equal to its own. It makes its nest on the 
ground in the marsh, constructing it with the coarse 
grass which grows on the spot; it contains four 
eggs, of a yellowish olive, blotched and speckled 
with dark umber. In the autumn, the young are 
known by their grey color, and are marked out by 
the fowler as excellent game. "They come to us 
before the end of April, and return before winter to 
the southern states. 
VOL. III.—NO. I—II. 28 
