242 LONG-BILLED CURLEW.
examining the island, and depositing our provisions in a small summer
habitation then untenanted, we separated; some of the servants went off
to fish, others to gather oysters, and the gunners placed themselves in readiness
for the arrival of the Curlews. The sun at length sunk beneath
the water-line that here formed the horizon; and we saw the birds making
their first appearance. They were in small parties of two, three, or five,
and by no means shy. These seemed to be the birds which we had observed
near the salt-marshes, as we were on our way. As the twilight
became darker the number of Curlews increased, and the flocks approached
in quicker succession, until they appeared to form a continuous procession,
moving not in lines, one after another, but in an extended mass,
and with considerable regularity, at a height of not more than thirty
yards, the individuals being a few feet apart. Not a single note or cry
was heard as they advanced. They moved for ten or more yards with
regular flappings, and then sailed for a few seconds, as is invariably the
mode of flight of this species, their long bills and legs stretched out to
their full extent. They flew directly towards their place of rest, called
the " Bird Banks," and were seen to alight without performing any of the
evolutions which they exhibit when at their feeding-places, for they had
not been disturbed that season. But when we followed them to the Bird
Banks, which are sandy islands of small extent, the moment they saw us
land the congregated flocks, probably amounting to several thousand individuals
all standing close together, rose at once, performed a few evolutions
in perfect silence, and re-alighted as if with one accord on the extreme
margins of the sand-bank close to tremendous breakers. It was
now dark, and we left the place, although some flocks were still arriving.
The next morning we returned a little before day; but again as we
landed, they all rose a few yards in the air, separated into numerous parties,
and dispersing in various directions, flew off towards their feedinggrounds,
keeping low over the waters, until they reached the shores, when
they ascended to the height of about a hundred yards, and soon disappeared.
Now, Reader, allow me to say a few words respecting our lodgings.
Fish, fowl, and oysters had been procured in abundance; and besides
these delicacies, we had taken with us from Charleston some steaks of
beef, and a sufficiency of good beverage. But we had no cook, save your
humble servant. A blazing fire warmed and lighted our only apartment.
The oysters and fish were thrown on the hot embers ; the steaks we stuck
LONG-BILLED CURLEW. 24a
on sticks in front of them; and ere long every one felt perfectly contented.
It is true we had forgotten to bring salt with us ; but I soon proved to
my merry companions that hunters can find a good substitute in their
powder-flasks. Our salt on this occasion was gunpowder, as it has been
with me many a time; and to our keen appetites, the steaks thus salted
were quite as savoury as any of us ever found the best cooked at home.
Our fingers and mouths, no doubt, bore marks of the " villanous saltpetre,"
or rather of the charcoal with which it was mixed, for plates or
forks we had none ; but this only increased our mirth. Supper over, we
spread out our blankets on the log floor, extended ourselves on them with
our feet towards the fire, and our arms under our heads for pillows. I
need not tell you how soundly we slept.
The Long-billed Curlews are in general easily shot, but take a good
charge. So long as life remains in them, they skulk off among the thickest
plants, remaining perfectly silent. Should they fall on the water,
they swim towards the shore. The birds that may have "been in company
with a wounded one fly off uttering a few loud whistling notes. In
this respect, the species differs from all the others, which commonly remain
and fly about you. When on land, they are extremely wary ; and
unless the plants are high, and you can conceal yourself from them, it is
very difficult to get near enough. Some one of the flock, acting as sentinel,
raises his wings, as if about to fly, and sounds a note of alarm, on
which they all raise their wings, close them again, give over feeding, and
watch all your motions. At times a single step made by you beyond a
certain distance is quite enough to raise them, and the moment it takes
place, they all scream and fly off. You need not follow the flock. The
best mode of shooting them is to watch their course for several evenings
in succession; for after having chosen a resting place, they are sure to
return to it by the same route, until greatly annoyed.
The food of the Long-billed Curlews consists principally of the small
crabs called fiddlers, which they seize by running after them, or by pulling
them out of their burrows. They probe the wet sand to the full
length of their bill, in quest of sea-worms and other animals. They are
also fond of small salt-water shell-fish, insects, and worms of any kind ;
but I have never seen them searching for berries on elevated lands, as
the Esquimaux Curlews are wont to do. Their flesh is by no means so
delicate as that of the species just mentioned, for it has usually a fishy
taste, and is rarely tender, although many persons consider it good. They
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