BIRDS OF DURHAM AND VICINITY. 
35 
Calidris arenaria. SAx\derling. 248. 
The Sanderling is distinctively a "beach bird/' belonging by color, 
structure, and custom to the sandy shore. Its gray fall plumage is so 
harmonious with sand, that it easily escapes notice when at a little 
distance. Its feet, having only three toes like the Plover's, furnish 
instant evidence of its identity, as this is our only sandpiper lacking a 
hind toe. They are very common at Hampton and other beaches 
during the latter part of August and the first of September. 
Limosa fedoa. Marbled Godwit. 249. 
The Marbled Godwit, while common enough in the west and south, 
is rare in New England. Excepting the Sickle-billed Curlew, it is 
the largest of the shore birds. The only actual occurrence of this bird 
about here, that I know of, is related by Mr. William Brewster, who 
tells me that he saw one shot some years since at Rye. It has no 
white markings, being therefore readily distinguished from the 
Hudsonian, which has white upper tail coverts. 
Limosa hsemastica. Hudsonian Godwit. 251. 
The Hudsonian Godwit is a migrant of somewhat irregular occur- 
rence on our coast. I have known it to be taken in October at Hamp- 
ton, where it is locally called the Goose Bird, on account of its w^hite 
rump. The Godwits are distinguished from sandpipers by their large 
size and by their bills which are long and turned sliglitly upward 
towards the tip. 
Totanus melaiioleucus. Greater Yellows-legs. 254. 
The Winter Yellow-legs, as this species is commonly called by 
gunners, is to be found in considerable numbers, spring and fall, 
wherever there are marshes' or flats. They are here from the last of 
August till November, in autumn, and about the middle of May in 
spring. Actual dates and places on my record read : Hampton, 
September 5 and October 27; Great Bay, May 13; Barrington, 
Swain's pond, Sept. 19. It is a favorite with sportsmen on account 
of its large size, and the ease with which it is decoyed. The stomachs 
of two Yellow-legs taken at Barrington in September contained sniall 
predaceous diving beetles and dragon fly larvoe. 
