The Mountain Plover 
MOUNTAIN PLOVER 
I reached Southern California, in November of the following year. In the 
vicinity of Los Angeles I found them in large flocks on the dry plain which 
stretches down to the ocean. They were not difficult of approach, and I 
had no difficulty in securing as many as I desired. On being disturbed by 
too near approach, they lower the head, run rapidly a few steps in a light, 
easy w~ay, and then stop abruptly, drawing themselves up to their full 
height and looking around with timid yet unsuspicious glances. Their 
notes are rather peculiar, as compared with those of our other Plovers, and 
vary a good deal, according to circumstances. When the birds are feeding 
at their leisure, and in no way apprehensive of danger, they utter a low 
and rather pleasing whistle, though in a somewhat drawling or rather 
lisping tone; but the note changes to a louder and higher one, sometimes 
sounding harshly. When forced to fly by persistent annoyance, they rise 
rapidly with quick wing-beats, and then proceed with alternate sailing and 
flapping, during the former action holding the wings decurved. They 
generally fly low over the ground, and soon re-alight, taking a few mincing 
steps as they touch the ground; they then either squat low, in hopes of 
hiding, or stand on tiptoe, as it were, for a better view of what alarmed 
them. 
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