BAY SNIPE. 
27 
trull unfolds its wings, and passes still farther on from danger— 
quickly followed by the shy Willet. The less timid Yellow- 
shanks begins to feel insecure—it moves about with hurried 
steps—stoops to take one more morsel from the various delica¬ 
cies that are profusely scattered round it—casts a glance at the 
approaching gunner, feeling that it has lingered too long for its 
safety, raises its wings, utters a suppressed and tremulous note, 
and leaves to finish its repast in some distant place of greater 
security. The host of small Sandpipers that are busily engaged 
in gleaning their fare, become apprehensive, neglect their occu¬ 
pation, take wing, and wheel off, leaving the Red-breasted 
Snipe alone with the gunner. The friendly ‘ Tern,’ from its 
elevated and secure retreat, observes what is passing below, 
flies around in circles, uttering loud screams, urging the loiter¬ 
ers to depart, which kindly warning is unheeded, until the 
sportsman has arrived too near for the game to escape. As he 
levels his gun, the terrified Snipe becomes aroused, springs up, 
and the next instant lies like a clod upon the muddy shore. 
“ The Red-breasted Snipe is capable of rapid and protracted 
flight, at times performed to a great elevation. During dry 
seasons, when in search of its favorite pools, it flies high, and at 
such times is not so readily decoyed. At Egg Harbor, where 
it is abundant, it is called by the gunners ‘ Brown-back.’ ” 
No. 10. Semipalmated Sandpiper —Tringa Semipalmata; 
Wilson, 
Semipalmated Sandpiper, Tringa Semipalmata, Wils. Amer. Orn. Tringa 
Semipalmata, Bonap. Syn. Semipalmated Sandpiper, Nutt. Mann. Tringa 
Semipalmata, Aud. Om. Biog. 
“ Specific Character .—Bill rather stout, broad toward the 
point; along the gap about one inch; length of tarsi seven-eighths 
of an inch ; bill and legs black ; toes half webbed. Adult with 
the bill slender, about the length of the head—dark green, 
nearly approaching to black; head, sides, and hind part of 
neck ash-gray, streaked with dusky ; upper parts blackish. 
