86 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 



117 [251] Limosa hsemastica (Linn.). 



HUDSONIAN GODWIT ; " BlACK-TAIL." 



Rare autumn transient visitor. July 20 to November 12. 



" Large flocks " of this bird are recorded by Mr. Damsell on September 7, 

 1891 ; and on August 26, 1908, Mr. T. C. Wilson and others reported a flock of 

 seventy on the great marshes of Plum Island River. 



It is my great regret that I have never yet seen this bird alive. 



118 [254] Totanus melanoleucus (Gmel.). 



Greater Yellow-legs; Greater Tattler; "Winter 

 Yellow-legs " ; " Winter." 



Common transient visitor. (March 27) April 19 to June 14 (June 28, July 

 6) ; July 20 to November 10. 



On May 20, 1905, I counted 145 of these birds in a scattered flock on the 

 marsh at Ipswich. 



The courtship song of the Greater Yellow-legs comes up from the marshes 

 of Essex County throughout the month of May, but is heard in greater volume 

 during the two middle weeks. It has a sweet and pleading character and seems to 

 say wull yerf wull yerf Although it differs from the Flicker-like call described 

 in the original Memoir, which may be heard at the same time, it too has a decided 

 Flicker-like flavor. It is heard throughout the day, but in the evening until it is 

 nearly dark, the marshes often resound with the plaintive callings. 



In walking in the shallow water of a pond these long-legged birds kick out 

 their legs behind as if to rid them of weeds or grass. They dab at the mud or 

 water like a plover instead of deliberately probing it like a sandpiper with head 

 down. They often pick off insects from the grass or the surface of the water, 

 and I have found small fish in their stomachs. 



119 [255] Totanus flavipes (Gmel.). 



Yellow-legs; Lesser Yellow-legs; "Summer 

 Yellow-legs " ; " Summer." 



Common autumn transient visitor, accidental in spring. April 30, May 3; 

 July 3 to September 15 (October 11, 30). 



