72

72
1898
May 18
(No. 12)
some Solitary Sandpipers and Spotted
Sandpipers feeding together on the
muddy edge. Will pointed out all the
differences as we sat in the boat
close by them, and he told me to
notice first how they would fly when
they rose, and how they would utter
their notes. The Solitary is a much
darker bird and flies higher over the
water, uttering a shriller note. The
Spotted Sandpiper flies skimming
close over the water seeming to
touch the surface at each wing
beat. Graceful creatures they are.

Presently we heard the call of
the Yellowlegs again, and rowing to
the bank of the Great Meadow
and remaining seated on the boat
we could see over the top of the
grass, and make out a good sized
flock of these beautiful creatures
scattered here & there very near us.
I shall never forget the sight.
One bird was standing erect on a
small mound, apparently tired of
feeding. His long slender legs were a