(_Symphemia semipalmata inornata._)
The Western Willet is one of the largest of the Limicolae or Shore
Birds. The body is about the size of a common pigeon, the long neck,
legs and extent of wings making it appear much larger. The feet
are only about one-half webbed and only when great danger makes it
necessary will it go into the water beyond its depth. The bill is
straight and in summer the color of the bird is gray above, with many
small but rather distinct black marks. On the sides and breast these
marks are arrow-shaped. In the plumage of winter and of the young these
markings are absent.
I am inclined to believe that this species has a more extended range
than any other of the order. It has become quite abundant of late
years in the Calumet Region in Northern Indiana, near Chicago. Mr.
E. W. Nelson, in the Natural History Survey of Illinois, says, that
in the seventies this species was a rare summer resident on the wet
prairies of Northwestern Illinois, although I can find no authentic
record of the taking of the nest and eggs. Captain Charles Bendire
found it abundant and resident in Southeastern Oregon when he procured
several sets of its eggs. It is said to breed from the coast of Texas
to Manitoba. Straggling flocks of from five to fifty may be found along
the shores of our larger fresh water lakes, particularly Lake Michigan,
during the fall migration, which takes place from about the fifteenth
of August to the last of September.
This bird might well be called the clown of the Limicolae. I have often
been amused by the antics of a flock of Willets on the shore of Lake
Michigan. They would droop their necks and wings in an absurd fashion,
taking short runs and jumps as the waves rolled in upon them. I have
never seen a bird which at times could be so wary and hard to approach,
and again, if a number are shot from a flock, the remaining birds will
seem to lose their senses, and I have frequently walked within a few
feet of the survivors before they would take flight. This trait is
noticeable among a large number of shore birds and the terns, but more
especially so with the Willet.
On the plains bordering the Brazos river, near the Gulf coast of
Texas, during the months of April and May, I have found the Willet
proper (Symphemia semipalmata), a smaller and darker form, breeding
in abundance. The Willets usually select for a nesting site a thick
tussock of salt marsh grass on the borders of a small pond, where
they can command a good view of the vicinity. In the center of this
they hollow out a space of about six or eight inches in diameter, and
simply line it with the grass they have matted down. In this nest are
laid four pyriform eggs of a greenish white, or a light olive brown
ground color, marked with large, irregular blotches or brownish black
and faint purple; the eggs are immense for the size of the bird, being
about two inches in length by one and one-half in width.
The illustration faithfully portrays three birds taken at Miller's,
Indiana, on the beach of Lake Michigan. The color of the legs, which
are obscured by the shadow of the body, is a pale, slaty blue.
[Illustration: THE WESTERN WILLET
(Symphemia semipalmata inornata.)
1/4 Life-size.
FROM COL. CHI. ACAD. SCIENCES.
COPYRIGHT 1900, BY
A. W. MUMFORD, CHICAGO.]
Though the Willets are restless and noisy birds, they are much less
so, and, indeed, quite unconscious of their surroundings when nesting.
Regarding their habits at this time, Dr. Coues has told us that if
they "become thoroughly alarmed by too open approach, particularly
if the setting bird be driven from her nest, there is a great
outcry, violent protest and tumult where there was quietude. Other
pairs, nesting near by, join their cries till the confusion becomes
general. But now, again, their actions are not those they would show
at other times; for, instead of flying off with the instinct of
self-preservation, to put distance between them and danger, they are
held by some fascination to the spot, and hover around, wheeling about,
flying in circles a little ways, to return again, with unremitting
clamor. They may be only too easily destroyed under such circumstances,
provided the ornithologist can lay aside his scruples and steel himself
against sympathy."
It is to be hoped that all the States, frequented by the Willets, will
enact proper legislation which will amply protect these interesting
waders.
Frank M. Woodruff.
* * * * *
Autumn once more begins to teach;
Sere leaves their annual sermon preach;
And with the southward-slipping sun
Another stage of life is done.
The day is of a paler hue,
The night is of a darker blue,
Just as it was a year ago;
For time runs fast, but grace is slow!
Thou comest, autumn, to unlade
Thy wealthy freight of summer shade,
Still sorrowful as in past years,
Yet mild and sunny in thy tears,
Ripening and hardening all thy growth
Of solid wood, yet nothing loth
To waste upon the frolic breeze
Thy leaves, like flights of golden bees.
--Frederick William Faber.