BAY SNIPE. 
2J 
lently repeated when defending its eggs or young, as to be au¬ 
dible half a mile distant. I have heard the gunners assert that 
on such occasions they have distinctly heard its vehement vocif¬ 
erations at a still greater distance. 
“ During the breeding season, if not disturbed, it passes that 
anxious interval in silence; but at all other times is noted for 
its noisy outcry. 
“ The flight of the Willet is swift, and performed with ease and 
grace. In general it inhabits the salt marshes—though when 
making excursions about the bays and inlets, it at low water 
alights on the naked shoals ; and is at times seen wading breast 
deep in the water, pluming and dressing its feathers. It is ex¬ 
ceedingly watchful, and when in exposed situations, however 
cautiously the gunner may approach, it seldom allows him to 
arrive within shooting distance. 
“ The address of the most experienced is seldom equal to its 
vigilance. The decoys offer a more favorable opportunity to 
procure it; but even in this manner it is by no means easily al¬ 
lured—notwithstanding the gunner is well hidden, and his inge¬ 
niously executed counterfeits rendered more deceptive by the 
perfect imitation he gives of its peculiar cry, which is promptly 
answered by the advancing Willet, whose keen eye timely de¬ 
tecting the deception, it provokes the fowler by quickly chang¬ 
ing its course, and darting off like an arrow, usually ascending 
as it passes on. 
“ The Willet seldom associates with others of its tribe, though 
occasionally stragglers are seen on the muddy shores, feeding 
in company with the Gulls and Sanderlings. 
“ I am not aware that its nest has been observed on Long 
Island, though it is said to breed in several of the Middle States, 
and according to Mr. Nuttall, it has been found in the vicinity 
of New Bedford. When flying, it is rendered very conspicuous 
by the prominent markings on the wings. It feeds chiefly on 
worms, aquatic insects, small crabs, and minute shell-fish. 
When in good condition its flesh is quite palatable, but not 
esteemed so great a delicacy as its eggs. 
