82 Bird Life Stories 



The young, as soon as hatched, run about the grass and 

 utter from the first a weak, plaintive peep, at length more 

 frequent and audible, and an imitation of the whistle of peet- 

 weet is almost sure to be met with an answer from the sympa- 

 thizing broods, which now throng our marshes. When the 

 notes appear to be answered the parents hurry and repeat 

 their call with great quickness. Young and old previous to 

 their departure frequent the seashores, but never associate 

 with other kinds, nor become gregarious, living always in 

 families till the time of their departure, which usually occurs 

 about the middle of October. 



Geographical Distribution 



This little bird has an extraordinary geographical range, being 

 found from Alaska in North America to Brazil in South America, and 

 from the Atlantic to the Pacific Coasts. It is as common on the 

 inland ponds and streams as on the seashore, although Nuttall speaks 

 of it as a "marine wanderer." 



