DUNLINS SEARCHING FOR FOOD 189 
high water in unfrequented places along the shore, 
and generally, especially if there be a strong wind, 
in a decumbent posture. On my approaching 
them, they dispersed, and began to search for food. 
Presently straggling bands flew in from a distance 
and alighted on the shore. The dunlins on such 
occasions come gliding on outspread wings, which 
in alighting they extend and elevate a little. They 
then run a few steps, and stand a short time, or at 
once commence their search. These bands were 
remarkably intent on seeking for food, so that I 
was allowed to walk up to about fifteen paces fi om 
one of them. In this flock of about fifteen, two 
limped, apparently having had one of their legs 
damaged by shot, yet they seemed scarcely less 
active than the rest. Being in a muddy place, 
which probably afforded a good supply of food, 
they did not run much, but yet moved quickly 
about, with their legs a little bent, the body 
horizontal, the head a little declined, and the bill 
directed forwards toward the ground at an angle of 
about forty-five degrees. I observed that they 
seemed in general merely to touch the surface, but 
also sometimes to introduce their bill into the mud 
for about a fourth of its length; but this always 
with a rapid tapping and somewhat wriggling 
movement, and not by thrusting it in sedately. 
This flock having flown away, I observed another 
of about twelve individuals alight at a little 
distance on the other side of the mill-stream. 
Being very intent on tapping the mud, they allowed 
