The Killdeer 



powerful glasses, is often a baffling matter. Just for the game's sake I 

 once visited a certain damp stretch of gravel where I knew the Killdeers 

 were at home. A male bird gave early alarm, but was not joined by his 

 mate until after the lapse of several moments. Both hurried forward and 

 the male devoted himself assiduously to "playing" me, but the female soon 

 retired and took to sneaking in the distance, in what appeared to be a 

 somewhat aimless fashion. After fifteen minutes I caught the flash of 

 another white head near that of the female (150 yards away from me), 

 a youngster being coached away by its mother. I marked it down as well 

 as I could and made for the spot; but it was to laugh. I hadn't it at that 

 range within 20 feet; so I retired, under grave suspicion, to spy some more. 

 Again the coaching tactics at 100 yards. The birdling froze as soon as I 

 began to move, but I thought I had a pretty close line on it this time. 

 Arrived at the spot I threw my handkerchief down and searched foot by 

 foot — with increasing mystification. Again I retired. This time I got a 

 "bead" on baby at fifty yards. It was well I did so, for he had found a 

 hidey hole in the shape of a calf's track, and he was a frozen dainty when 

 I reached the spot. Not an eyelid would he bat while I stroked his fore- 

 head, but when I lifted him in my hand the spell was broken and he 

 became all animation. 



Opinions of the Killdeer will differ endlessly, according to one's own 

 mental reaction. But whatever one's opinion, it is certain that Oxyechus 

 vocif vocif, etc., is not a negligible bird. He bulks large in the American 

 consciousness, whether of tyro or scientist. The opinion of the economist 

 is altogether favorable, for the Killdeer is voted a very valuable coadjutor 

 in the endless war against "bugs." The sportsman, too, although he has 

 preferred charges against him, as recited, has no claim upon the bird as 

 food. It is reputed, I believe, to be too tough, or dry, or stringy, or some- 

 thing of that sort; but I suppose the real reason is that the bird is too 

 individual. So far as I know, other birds do not resist the impertinence of 

 the Killdeer. Yet I do recall one exception, of doubtful significance. In 

 this a Barn Swallow figured as the pursuer, and a Killdeer, of all virtuous 

 creatures, as the pursued. It was no casual affair either, a playful dive or 

 a perfunctory resenting of intrusion. The Swallow chased that Killdeer 

 from cellar to garret and back again thirteen times while I gazed in 

 astonishment. What the Swallow wanted I do not know; but the Kill- 

 deer wanted to get away and he wanted it badly. He succeeded at last in 

 brandishing a clean pair of heels before that wing master, Hirundo rustica 

 erythrogaster, and I had seen one of the prettiest and longest exhibitions of 

 aerial fencing ever witnessed, or ever the Swallow gave over the chase. 

 But I haven't the least idea what sort of mischief he could have been up to. 



Our own recollection of the bird is softened by tender memories of 



I309 



