SHORE BIRDS 149 



The eggs rested in a bare hollow of the white sand, with 

 their four points together, dainty little clay-colored shells, 

 minutely dotted with purple and dark brown. 



THE SNOWY PLOVER* 



The Snowy Plover is found chiefly west of the Rocky 

 Mountains, and is a constant resident along the Califor- 

 nia coast. It nests along the sandy beaches of the ocean. 

 Mr. N. S. Goss found it nesting on the salt plains along 

 the Cimarron River in the Indian Territory, the north- 

 ern limits of wliich extend into southwestern Kansas. These 

 birds are described as being very much lighter in color 

 than those of California. Four eggs are usually laid, in 

 ground color, pale buff or clay color, -with blackish-brown 

 markings. ]Mr. Cory says the nest is a mere depression in 

 the sand. He saj'S also that the snowy^ plover is found in 

 winter in many of the Gulf States, and is not uncommon 

 in northwestern Florida. 



"^AHien the female snowj' plover is disturbed on the nest, 

 she will run over the sand with outstretched wings and 

 distressing gait, and endeavor to lead the trespasser away 

 from it. It sometimes utters a peculiar cry, but is usually 

 silent. The food of these birds consists of various minute 

 forms of life. Thej^ are similar in actions to the semi- 

 palmated and fully as silent. Indeed, thej' are rarely 

 heard to utter a note except as the young are approached 

 — w^hen they are very demonsti-ative — or when suddenly 

 flushed, which, in the nesting seasons, is a very rare thing, 

 as they prefer to escape by running, dodging, and squat- 



