f}’ I'V^ \ 
1890. 
Mar 
7-15 
Florida, 
Canaverel, B anana Greek. 
After the wind had blown from the north for two or three 
days in succession, the water in the creeks and bays became low, 
exposing broad mud flats in every direction. Then large numbers 
of Stiltt*#- Sandpipers would appear, coming from I know not where, 
but probably from Mosquito Lagoon to the northward, where the wat- 
er always rises when it begins to lower in Indian river and its 
tributaries. These Sandpipers sometimes associated with Yellow 
Legs or Red-breasted Snipe, but oftener appeared in flocks of from 
25 or 30 to 50 or 75, composed wholly of birds of their own spe- 
cies. They flew in compact clusters or bunches, like the l eoA&F 
Sand-piper, and very swiftly, doubling and turning at frequent in- 
tervals and usually sweeping over and around a spot several times 
before alighting, uttering, at frequent intervals while flying / a 
short whistle, usually monosyllabic, but sometimes double^, resem- 
bling that of the yellow Leg, but softer and more musical. Their 
motions when feeding are very unlike those of the members of the 
more like 
the bill 
jto* 
those of the Sandling or some of 
held down at an angle of 45, the 
mud. ^auuWy -obie entire flock s 
area, wotild move in one direct- 
down at the same time, present- 
genus Totanus, and much 
the smaller Sandpiper?, 
tip or slightly iaa. 
spread about over a considerable 
ion, all with the head and bill 
ing a curious appearance. They were very unsuspicious , and could 
be easily approached to within 20 yards. $ut the report of a gun 
seemed to alarm them exceedingly, and, aftep being shot at once, 
the flock would usually rise high in air and fly quite out of 
sight. When feeding they moved at a slow walk, the body carried 
in a crouching attitude. Wing-broken birds stalked directly off 
over the flats, making for the shores on +Jje further side, upon 
reaching which, however, they merely stood^t^ the grass, a Without 
attempting to conceal themselves by crouching . 
nz 
