206 
Two Sandpipers 
There is a peculiar charm connected with the migrations of these 
birds. They are so tiny and delicate, yet withal so strong and sure in 
their flight, so able to dash with amazing swiftness past coasts and over 
the trackless ocean, and to reach the extremes of continents. They come 
in April or May, according to latitude, with the aroma of the tropics, and 
return in late July to September with the tang of the arctic wild. In the 
southward flight, the Semipalmated goes as far as Patagonia, while the 
other is known to reach Chile. Some winter as far 
Extensive 
Migrations 
north asi the Carolinas, and I have found them com- 
mon on the coast of Louisiana in January. For 
breeding, they wing their way mostly far northward, even to the shores 
of the Arctic Ocean, but some remain further south. The Semipalmated 
probably breeds in the Saskatchewan^ Valley, and is said to do so com- 
monly along the southern and western shores of Hudson Bay. The Least 
breeds sparingly on Sable Island and elsewhere in Nova Scotia, on the 
Magdalen Islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and northward. In 
migration, it is found over the entire continent, while the Semipalmated 
species remains mostly east of the Rocky Mountains. 
While I have not been privileged to study the Semipalmated Sand- 
piper on its breeding-grounds, I have had good opportunities with the 
other species. As both are said to be much alike in their nesting habits, 
an account of those of the Least Sandpiper may suffice for both. 
It was on the Magdalen Islands that I first became intimate with 
this wee sandpiper. To appreciate the conditions, one must imagine a 
barren, open expanse, with a temperature cool, even in midsummer, and 
plenty of chilling fog. For miles it is moist ground, carpeted with sparse 
grass and spongy moss, and diversified with occasional patches of 
stunted spruce or low, sprawling juniper. Billowy elevations of sand- 
dune in the distance are overgrown with beach grass. In these lower 
parts are numerous shallow lakes, from a few yards across to a mile 
long, the larger ones with borders and areas of reeds or rushes. Small 
parties of Least Sandpipers, or single ones, probably 
males, feed beside these lakes or pools. The females 
are closely brooding their eggs, which here on the 
Magdalens are laid during the first half of June, when the temperature 
of the air is about 50° F. 
The experience of finding the first nest of this little arctic bird will 
always be memorable. As we tramp over the dark arctic moss, we 
notice a pretty little twittering, and discover a tiny Sandpiper flying 
around in wide circles on tremulous wings, pouring forth the music 
that presents the emotions of his little heart. It is the love-song to his 
mate, who is covering the eggs not far away. We long to find the bird- 
treasure, and tramp all about, hoping to flush the brooding bird. Our 
wish is gratified. Inadvertently we have almost trodden on the nest. 
Away flutters the tiny bird, almost from under our feet, not in rapid 
flight, but dragging herself over the grass as if she were almost expiring. 
The nest is a rather deep little hollow in the moss, lined with grass and 
An Island 
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