THE REDSHANK 
If any stranger should go near the nest during 
the breeding season, the Mother Redshank will be 
much excited, and will fly in circles, round and round 
the intruder’s head, often swooping down suddenly, 
as if wishing to frighten him away. Should there 
be young ones in the nest, or on the point of being 
hatched, the mother will play a trick, quite common 
among birds of this order. She will drop to the 
ground, and flutter along, as if she were wounded. By 
doing this she thinks to draw to herself the attention 
of the stranger, and to lead him away from the nest. 
The Redshank is a friendly bird and loves to 
build in the same spot as her fellows. Numbers of 
their nests may be found together in one small plot 
of ground. At the time when these birds are 
pairing, Mr. Redshank behaves in a comical manner, 
and goes through many queer antics to please and 
amuse his mate. He may be seen on the tops of 
fence-posts or on stone walls, bowing and strutting 
and spreading his tail. Then again, in the evening, 
when his mate is sitting, he will fly round her, trilling 
a loving song. 
The Redshank seems to prefer damp spots, and 
her nest is generally to be found near water. 
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