WADING BIRDS. 
156 
the river, now crossing, then returning ; a moment alighting, the 
next on the wing. They then spread out and reconnoitre ; again 
closing in a loose phalanx, the glittering of their wings and 
snow-white tails are seen conspicuous as they mount into the 
higher regions of the air; and now intent on some more dis- 
tant excursion, they rise, whistling on their way, high over the 
village spire and beyond the reach of danger, pursue their way 
to some other clime or to explore new marshes and visit other 
coasts more productive of their favorite fare. While skimming 
along the surface of the neighboring river, I have been amused 
by the sociability of these wandering waders. As they course 
steadily along, the party, never very numerous, would be joined 
by some straggling Peeps, who all in unison pursue their route 
together like common wanderers or travellers, pleased and 
defended by the access of any company. 
Being a plentiful species, particularly in the latter end of 
summer, when the young begin to flock, it is frequent in the 
markets of Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, — 
with us more particularly abundant about the middle of August ; 
and being then fat and well flavored, is esteemed for the 
table. From the sympathy of these birds for each other, they 
may be shot with facility if the sportsman, on the first dis- 
charge, permits the wounded birds to flutter about, as in that 
case the flock will usually make a circuit, and alighting repeat- 
edly at the cries of their wounded companions, the greater 
part of them may be shot down before they perceive the real 
nature of their danger. Like Plovers, they can also be called 
around the sportsman by an imitation of their whistle. 
This species is more abundant in the West than the Greater 
Yellow-Legs ; but on the Atlantic shores the smaller bird is seldom 
seen in the spring, and is not very common during the autumn. 
