THE AMERICAN AVOSET. 33

and spawn which they often seize by
beating the water as well as by probing
the mud. Their nests are usually small
holes in the earth, lined with a few weeds,
or merely the bosom of the bare sand.
The Avosets, near their breeding-places,
are very noisy; flying around in circles
near their invaders, and in a sharp tone,
uttering “click, click |?