352 
SPOTTED SANDPIPER. 
most formidable appearance she was capable of, and rushed 
forwards on the squirrel, who, intimidated by her boldness 
and manner, instantly retreated ; but presently returning, was 
met, as before, in front and on flank by the daring and 
affectionate bird, who, with her wings and whole plumage 
bristling up, seemed swelled to twice her usual size. The 
young crowded together behind her, apparently sensible of 
their perilous situation, moving backwards and forwards as 
she advanced or retreated. This interesting scene lasted for 
at least ten minutes ; the strength of the poor parent began 
evidently to flag, and the attacks of the squirrel became more 
daring and frequent, when my good friend, like one of those 
celestial agents who, in Homer’s time, so often decided the 
palm of victory, stepped forward from his retreat, drove the 
assailant back to his hole, and rescued the innocent from 
destruction. 
The flight of this bird is usually low, skimming along the 
surface of the water, its long wings making a considerable 
angle downwards from the body, while it utters a rapid cry of 
weet , weet , weet , as it flutters along, seldom steering in a direct 
line up or down the river, but making a long circuitous sweep, 
stretching a great way out, and gradually bending in again to 
the shore. 
These birds are found occasionally along the sea marshes, 
as well as in the interior ; and also breed in the corn fields 
there, frequenting the shore in search of food ; but rarely 
associating with the other Tringce. About the middle of 
October, they leave us, on their way to the south, and do not, 
to my knowledge, winter in any of the Atlantic States. 
Mr Pennant is of opinion, that this same species is found 
in Britain ; but neither his description, nor that of Mr Bewick, 
will apply correctly to this. The following particulars, with 
the figure, will enable Europeans to determine this matter to 
their satisfaction : — 
Length of the Spotted Sandpiper, seven inches and a half, 
extent, thirteen inches ; bill, an inch long, straight, the tip 
