REMAKES : 



Fig. 5, Plate LXIII, represents three eggs of the Bartram's Sandpiper, found near Circleville in 1880 

 and 1882. They have been selected from three sets as representative in size, shape, ground-color, and 

 markings. 



About Circleville the Bartram's Sandpiper nests in certain localities every year. It is by no means 

 difficult to find a field containing a pair or two of these birds, but to find their nest is an entirely 

 different matter. I have spent hours and days looking for it, and have resorted to all manner of devices 

 to discover it, but have invariably failed, until accident came to my relief. As soon as a pair of these 

 birds have reason to suspect that you are about their premises for no good purpose, they begin to mislead 

 you from their nest. If you are in the opposite side of the field from their treasure they wheel and 

 circle about your head as if you were about to tramp on it. Now the male perches upon some adjoining 

 fence post and you almost forget about his nest in watching his performance. He will balance himself 

 upon his toes, and, with extended wings, utter a mellow thrilling note that is incomparable. Now he bows 

 and gesticulates with his wings. Now he straightens up and draws his feathers close till he appears 

 but half his former size, and observes you as if frightened. About the time you think he is really 

 scared he comes at you in a fury, and then perhaps alights closer by, as if to assure you the whole thing 

 is a hoax. When on the ground the female stealthily steps through the grass, peering on every side 

 with her black eyes; and with young ones following after, she always reminds me of a poor old Turkey 

 hen with her brood. This Plover, during the mating and nesting season, is very fond of perching upon 

 a fence post or tree top, and uttering a loud pleasing whistle, interspersed now and then with the tremulous 

 scream referred to above. Both notes are very pleasing and weird, and on a still day in May or June 

 form a fitting accompaniment to the dreamy thoughts of the ornithologist, as stretched upon the sod 

 under the shade of some friendly tree, he rests his weary limbs. When disturbed near her nest or with 

 young the female feigns lameness, and resorts to the many other tricks so often related of birds to draw 

 attention to themselves instead of having it bestowed upon their eggs or little ones. 



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