The Black-bellied Plover 
The scientist knows that Sqnatarola squatarola is nearly cosmopolitan 
in its range, although it breeds only in the Arctic zone; that it is closely 
related to plovers of the Charadrius group, from which it is separated only 
by the trifling circumstance of having a tiny hind toe; but he does not 
know, apparently, any good reason why it should ever have been called 
the Helvetian or Swiss Plover, since it neither breeds nor winters in that 
tiny republic of glaciers. Many other things the scientist is ready to offer, 
but we are anxious to reach the accepted domain of the bird-lover, and 
Taken at Sandyland Photo by the A uthor 
THE PLOVER AS BIG BROTHER 
to declare that the bird belongs to us and to us alone, by right of sympathy. 
Only by the give and take of friendly pursuit, or by quiet observation, 
may one come to feel really acquainted with any bird. The Black-bellies 
are very wary with us upon arrival from the north, during the last week 
of August or early in September. A hat-brim thrust over the edge of the 
sea-cliff will send the flock scurrying seaward. They are somewhat more 
tolerant of an unconcealed approach along the beach, merely taking the 
precaution to quit the upper beach and to draw together. At times they 
will gather at the water’s edge and endure some buffeting by the waves 
before taking flight. On wave-swept ledges I have seen them rise before 
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