Redback Sandpiper

One of the first birds I shot on the wing was a REDBACK which rose almost under my feet. Later, I stalked a flock and "collected" eleven from a single discharge of my 30 guage muzzle loader. . . . Deeds of which we are proud when performed may become phantoms of regret in retrospect.

Redbacks have the same attractive courting actions as other Sandpipers. Brandt says the thrilling song of this dainty bird is given in midair, on quivering wings, and sounds like the cheery tinkle of ice in a glass. A female will jump aloft and several males start in pursuit. After the fastest has captured his elusive sweetheart they retire to the flats and take up their more serious duties. At times they are so tame that they merely circle one and resume feeding: on other occasions I could not approach within one hundred feet before they were awing.