WADING BIRDS. 
158 
species proceed, however, to the boreal regions as far as the 
extremity of the continent. According to Richardson, it 
makes no nest, but merely deposits its eggs on the bare beach 
or the gravelly banks of rivers ; in such situations or near 
mountain springs, brooks, or pools, these birds are seen solitary 
or by pairs, running swiftly when alarmed or in pursuit ol their 
prey, and seldom taking wing until hard pressed, on which 
occasion they make a short circular flight, and soon alight near 
the same place to renew their search for subsistence. Occa- 
sionally the Tatler stops and watches the observer, often nod- 
ding or balancing its head and tail almost in the manner of 
the European Wagtail {Motacilld\. It is extremely unsuspi- 
cious of danger, proceeding in its usual occupation almost 
unconcerned when nearly approached ; in fact, the safety of 
these birds is in no small measure due to their solitary and 
retiring habits, as they are never seen on the strand of the sea, 
nor collected into flocks, so as either to fall in the principal 
path of the fowler, or to present themselves in sufficient 
numbers for a successful shot. Their flesh, however, is well 
flavored, and they are usually fat. 
In Massachusetts Solitary Tatlers are only seen at the 
commencement of cool weather. About the beginning of 
September they arrive in single pairs apparently from . the 
North, at which time also they are supposed to descend from 
their breeding-resorts in the mountains, and now frequent the 
miry borders of tide-water streams and estuaries, as well as 
small ponds, and, in short, any situation which affords the 
means of subsistence with little labor. They feed principally 
upon insects such as small coleoptera and caterpillars. 
A pair, but oftener a single individual, have usually fre 
quented very familiarly the small fish-pond in the Botanic 
Garden in Cambridge. Attracted by the numerous Donatias 
and their larvae, which feed upon the water-lily {Nymphcea 
odorata), I observed one of them tripping along upon the 
sinking leaves with great agility, expanding its wings and gently 
flitting over the treacherous element in the manner ol the Rail. 
At another time probably the same individual (who at first 
