178 FEATHERED GAME 
edges of our inland lakes and rivers. He is a 
shy, watchful and wary fellow, usually difficult 
of approach, and gets his name, the ‘‘Tattler,”’ 
because he invariably arouses all the game 
‘within hearing of his piercing whistle as he 
takes wing at the sight of the skulking gunner. 
After Mr. Yellow-legs’ kindly warning every 
bird in the marsh is on the alert and watchful 
if it does not go out with its long-legged friend. 
If the ‘‘Winter’’ is with them, silent and con- 
tent, the game birds in his vicinity feed on and 
enjoy themselves with a sense of perfect se- 
curity, but let his monitory note be heard and 
the chances are that every duck, snipe or plover 
within hearing will be up and away with their 
watchful picket. How many good shots at un- 
suspecting ducks has this bird spoiled with his 
alarming whistle! And how much vain pro- 
fanity has been bestowed upon his unmindful 
head! 
He is a tall and graceful bird, elegantly pro- 
portioned, with a long neck and bill, and a leg of 
marvelous length and slenderness. A speedy 
and easy runner, a graceful walker, and on the 
wing one of the bravest birds that ever glad- 
dened the sportsman’s eyes. Being partially 
