360 The Water-fowl Family 



in the gray and white feathers of the back and 

 breast. 



The robin-snipe frequent the larger lagoons 

 and feed on the outer sand-bars, seldom coming 

 on to the marsh. The birds are usually seen in 

 small flocks and keep to themselves, or occasionally 

 feed with the blackbreast. The flight is speedy 

 and graceful, and they often close up in a bunch 

 when suddenly startled. Quickly fattening on 

 their summer diet, the flesh is as delicate as that 

 of the golden plover. In most of the resorts for 

 shore-birds along our eastern shores this bird is 

 a short sojourner, and, undoubtedly, many of the 

 flocks in calm weather keep out to sea, trusting 

 no longer the favorite haunts of the past. The 

 flight of the young birds occurs late in August 

 and lasts into September. These are tame and 

 gentle, and are readily shot as they huddle together 

 over the decoys, often returning to hover over 

 their wounded. 



The robin-snipe is generally a silent bird, but 

 sometimes its call is heard, — a mellow, low-pitched 

 whistle, readily responded to if well imitated. 

 One of my pleasant recollections of shore-bird 

 shooting is associated with this bird. I give the 

 date with some hesitation, for it was May 10, near 

 Cobb's Island. During several days previous red- 

 breast had been flying, but the tides were not 

 suitable, arid it was useless to try for them. Here 



