156 WADING BIRDS. 



the river, now crossing, then returning ; a moment alighting, the 

 next on the wing. They then spread out and reconnoitre ; again 

 closing in a loose phalanx, the glittering of their wings and 

 snow-white tails are seen conspicuous as they mount into the 

 higher regions of the air; and now intent on some more dis- 

 tant excursion, they rise, whistling on their way, high over the 

 village spire and beyond the reach of danger, pursue their way 

 to some other clime or to explore new marshes and visit other 

 coasts more productive of their favorite fare. While skimming 

 along the surface of the neighboring river, I have been amused 

 by the sociability of these wandering waders. As they course 

 steadily along, the party, never very numerous, would be joined 

 by some straggling Peeps, who all in unison pursue their route 

 together like common wanderers or travellers, pleased and 

 defended by the access of any company. 



Being a plentiful species, particularly in the latter end of 

 summer, when the young begin to flock, it is frequent in the 

 markets of Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, — 

 with us more particularly abundant about the middle of August ; 

 and being then fat and well flavored, is esteemed for the 

 table. From the sympathy of these birds for each other, they 

 may be shot with facility if the sportsman, on the first dis- 

 charge, permits the wounded birds to flutter about, as in that 

 case the flock will usually make a circuit, and alighting repeat- 

 edly at the cries of their wounded companions, the greater 

 part of them may be shot down before they perceive the real 

 nature of their danger. Like Plovers, they can also be called 

 around the sportsman by an imitation of their whistle. 



This species is more abundant in the Mississippi VaUey than the 

 Greater Yellow-Legs ; but on the Atlantic shores the smaller bird 

 is seldom seen in the spring, and is not always common during the 

 autumn. It breeds from Minnesota, Northern Illinois, Ohio, and 

 Northern New York northward to the Arctic, and winters in South 

 America. 



