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Birds of Massachusetts. "^ 9294 
The Sorrranv '"larrLER, T'otanus chloropygius, 
is seen in Massachusetts in the autumn, on its way 
from the north, where it breeds. Dr. Richardson 
says that it makes no nest, but lays its eggs on the 
naked beach, or the gravel. Itis very unsuspicious ; 
and when it takes wing, returns to the same place 
after a wheeling flight, and contents itself with oc- 
easional glances at the observer. The solitary habits, 
however, from which these birds derive their name, 
protect them ; since their numbers are too small to 
tempt the sportsman. When so wounded as to be 
unable to fly, they take to the water to save them- - 
selves by swimming and diving. Nuttall says that 
two of these little birds frequented the fish pond 
in the Botanic Garden at Cambridge, in search of 
the insects which feed on the water lily ; these they 
secured by stepping lightly and with expanded wings 
over the leaves which rested on the water. 
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The ase Tattier, Totanus macularius, is 
one of our most common birds from May to October. 
From its note, it is called the Peet-weet, which is 
its familiar name. It is seen about creeks and rivers, 
flying in winding sweeps and sounding its clear 
whistle. When the young are added to the com- 
pany, they keep up a constant call to each other, so 
that the whole region is eloquent with the sound. 
They usually breed in meadows, in nests made of 
the grass, slightly arranged for the purpose, with a 
lining of hay. Sometimes they lay directly on the 
ground. ‘The eggs are four, cream-colored, with 
spots of brown. The female practises the same arts 
