132 BIRDS 



oceans. It is also a common visitor to the beaches of 

 larger inland waters. On these shores its beautiful form 

 and habits are very noticeable. It walks and runs in a 

 dignified and graceful manner as it chases the receding 

 water searching for its food. 



The pure white plumage of the under parts of the bird 

 is a striking characteristic as they reflect the sunlight dur- 

 ing flight. 



The feet of the Sanderling are unlike the other mem- 

 bers of its family, being without a fourth toe, entirely 

 divided, and without a membrane. This indicates that it 

 frequents firm surfaces and that it is fitted for running and 

 walking upon the long, shelving beaches over which the 

 tides and surf roll, leaving an abundance of its particular 

 food. 



The nest of the sanderhng, rudely constructed of dried 

 grass and decayed leaves, is placed in a depression in the 

 ground, so situated as to be protected by the natural vege- 

 tation of the region. The eggs, usually three or four in 

 number, have an ashy or greenish-brown ground color, and 

 are finely spotted with different shades of brown. 



The food of the sanderling consists mainly of sea 

 worms, small bivalve shells, and crustaceans, though it will 

 also eat buds and insects. It would seem as if its hunger 

 was never satiated — always busy, always moving. These 

 expressions describe its habits, as, with its fellows and 

 other snipe with which it associates, it seeks its food in the 

 wake of the retreating wave, and turning, runs before the 

 incoming water, which seldom engulfs it. To watch their 

 peculiar antics is a most interesting recreation. 



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