158 WADING BIRDS. 



species proceed, however, to the boreal regions as far as the 

 extremity of the continent. According to Richardson, it 

 makes no nest, but merely deposits its eggs on the bare beach 

 or the gravelly banks of rivers ; in such situations or near 

 mountain springs, brooks, or pools, these birds are seen solitary 

 or by pairs, running swiftly when alarmed or in pursuit of their 

 prey, and seldom taking wing until hard pressed, on which 

 occasion they make a short circular flight, and soon alight near 

 the same place to renew their search for subsistence. Occa- 

 sionally the Tatler stops and watches the observer, often nod- 

 ding or balancing its head and tail almost in the manner of 

 the European Wagtail (Motacilla). It is extremely unsuspi- 

 cious of danger, proceeding in its usual occupation almost 

 unconcerned when nearly approached ; in fact, the safety of 

 these birds is in no small measure due to their solitary and 

 retiring habits, as they are never seen on the strand of the sea, 

 nor collected into flocks, so as either to fall in the principal 

 path of the fowler, or to present themselves in sufficient 

 numbers for a successful shot. Their flesh, however, is well 

 flavored, and they are usually fat. 



In Massachusetts Solitary Tatlers are only seen at the 

 commencement of cool weather. About the beginning of 

 September they arrive in single pairs apparently from the 

 North, at which time also they are supposed to descend from 

 their breeding-resorts in the mountains, and now frequent the 

 miry borders of tide-water streams and estuaries, as well as 

 small ponds, and, in short, any situation which affords the 

 means of subsistence with little labor. They feed principally 

 upon insects such as small coleoptera and caterpillars. 



A pair, but oftener a single individual, have usually fre- 

 quented very familiarly the small fish-pond in the Botanic 

 Garden in Cambridge. Attracted by the numerous Donatias 

 and their larvae, which feed upon the water-lily {^Nymphaa 

 odorata), I observed one of them tripping along upon the 

 sinking leaves with great agility, expanding its wings and gently 

 flitting over the treacherous element in the manner of the Rail. 

 At another time probably the same individual (who at first 



