366 REPORT OF THE FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 



The day of such sport here is passed; though it is hoped that conditions may 

 improve to some extent, even though environments are less favorable to our 

 wild fowl. 



Plovers (Charadridae). 



There are five species of the plover family, two at least, and probably three, 

 of which breed here. 



The American golden plover {CJiaradrius dominions) is one of the most common, 

 following close after the snipe in the spring. In this region they may be looked 

 for early in May; and by the last of that month they have left us for their 

 breeding grounds in the far north. 



They return to us, as a rule, in September, 'often in quite large flocks, but are 

 rarely disturbed now by our local gunners, who usually have "something to do," 

 as one expressed it, "besides hunting jack snipe." Sportsmen who come here at 

 the- proper time in the fall usually meet with good success, unless they are 

 expecting to secure large numbers. In such cases they are likely to be disap- 

 pointed; while he whose desires are moderate is quite likely to enjoy a fair 

 modicum of sport. 



Markings. "Above, conspicuously spotted with yellow, below, black; sides of 

 breast white; no hind toe; axillars dusky." 



The bartramian sandpiper (Bartramia lougicaitda), also known locally as the 

 "upland plover," is a home breeder, and is found more especially on the higher 

 points and ridges at the foot of Lake Ontario, and around our inland lakes. 

 Though very difficult to capture, it is much sought after by sportsmen. ' This 

 bird is decidedly musical, its song being a long, sweet, melodious whistle. 



Though strictly a sandpiper, I have placed this bird among the plovers, .because 

 to the sportsman it is the upland plover, and is likely to remain so. ' While to the 

 local dweller it is sometimes known by some other name, the upland plover is its 

 prevailing designation. Then, too, its habits are not those of the sandpiper, 

 as it does not frequent either our inland lakes, ponds or rivers; nor does its flesh 

 have the fishy taste so often found in other sandpipers, because its food is chiefly 

 insects. As a table bird it is considered among the very best by those well 

 qualified to judge. I am sorry to say, however, that the sportsman who expects 

 to bag many of these birds in a clay's shooting in this region will be sadly 

 disappointed. First, they are very scarce, and, second, they are very shy and 

 hard to get. 



Markings. "Outer primary barred black and white; above black, ochraceous, 

 and brownish gray, breast and sides with dusky arrowheads, throat and belly 

 whitish." 



