THE BIRDS OF WI8G0NSIN. 
45 
rare and again in such numbers that a dozen might be killed at 
a single shot. We have never seen them along Lake Michigan 
and they were almost unknown to Hoy. No doubt the greater 
number pass up the Mississippi, a considerable number branch- 
ing off and passing up the Rock River Valley, and finding a 
place like Lake Koshkonong, just suited to their tastes, remain 
there longer than elsewhere. During the seventies they were 
rather common about Koshkonong, especially during the 
latter part of July, August and well into September. We have 
taken young barely able to fly, readily running them down; 
these had the head and uppef neck still in the natal down, and 
if they were not hatched at Lake Koshkonong. certainly they 
could have come but a short distance. But few 7 are taken 
in full breeding plumage, and at the present day they are 
decidedly rare in spring. Mr. J. N. Clark has taken the stilt 
sandpiper in Dunn County, three or four specimens in August 
and September, 1896; and Mr. W. E. Snyder reports a single 
capture at Beaver Dam. 
Tringa canutus Linn. KNOT. 
Thirty years ago a rather common migrant in May and 
June, and more sparingly in autumn. Of late years decidedly 
rare at any season. When common it was often taken in full 
breeding plumage. We have several times, especially in 1872 
and 1873, the famous snipe years at Lake Koshkonong, taken 
knots in June and July, but there was no evidence that they 
were nesting, and if we are not mistaken they have been taken 
in mid-summer in Louisiana. Rarer on Lake Michigan, where 
we have seen small flocks in May several times in 1881-83. 
Tringa maritima Briinn. PURPLE SANDPIPER. 
Rare migrant. Dr Hoy states in his list of 1852 that this 
species was "greatly abundant" at Racine, from April 15 to 
May 20. As far as our personal observation goes we are 
inclined to think that the bird occurs only as an exceedingly 
rare straggler, at least at the present day. We have never 
seen, much less procured, one in the state. In the collection 
of the Oshkosh Normal School is a specimen which was said 
to have been taken at Bay View (Door County) in May, 1881. 
Tringa macnlata YiciU. PECTORAL SANDPIPER. 
Twenty-five years ago an exceedingly abundant migrant 
during Mav, September and October. Of late, thanks to 
