The Mountain Plover 



, 



MOUNTAIN PLOVER 



I reached Southern California, in November of the following year. In the 

 vicinity of Los Angeles I found them in large flocks on the dry plain which 

 stretches down to the ocean. They were not difficult of approach, and I 

 had no difficulty in securing as many as I desired. On being disturbed by 

 too near approach, they lower the head, run rapidly a few steps in a light, 

 easy way, and then stop abruptly, drawing themselves up to their full 

 height and looking around with timid yet unsuspicious glances. Their 

 notes are rather peculiar, as compared with those of our other Plovers, and 

 vary a good deal, according to circumstances. When the birds are feeding 

 at their leisure, and in no way apprehensive of danger, they utter a low 

 and rather pleasing whistle, though in a somewhat drawling or rather 

 lisping tone; but the note changes to a louder and higher one, sometimes 

 sounding harshly. When forced to fly by persistent annoyance, they rise 

 rapidly with quick wing-beats, and then proceed with alternate sailing and 

 flapping, during the former action holding the wings decurved. They 

 generally fly low over the ground, and soon re-alight, taking a few mincing 

 steps as they touch the ground; they then either squat low, in hopes of 

 hiding, or stand on tiptoe, as it were, for a better view of what alarmed 

 them. 



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