SUMMER BIRDS OF SHAW'S GARDEN. 51 



eminence, it utters its loud peculiar whittichee, a note unlike 

 any other bird's song and therefore easily remembered when 

 once known. As this note serves as its song, it is only given 

 during the breeding season and ceases about the middle of 

 July, after which time only a short whitt is heard and the 

 bird seldom seen, removing with its young ones to the most 

 retired places. 



BLUE JAY. Cyanocitta cristata. 



Rather strangely, Blue Jays are seldom seen in the Gar- 

 den except during their migrations in spring and fall, and one 

 pair only chooses it for a summer home. Blue Jays are quite 

 an ornament to any park, but their presence during nesting 

 time docs not seem to be good for the smaller birds. The 

 scarcity of these in our large cemeteries in the northern part 

 of the city may be accounted for by the large number of Blue 

 Jays and Squirrels in those places. Fortunately there are no 

 Squirrels in Shaw's Garden, and it is hoped none will be 

 allowed in it, but the number of Blue Jays and Bronzed 

 Crackles should always be kept limited to a very few pairs 

 during breeding time. There are very few people who have 

 actually witnessed an attack of a Blue Jay upon eggs or nest- 

 lings of small birds, but the fury with which such birds are 

 often seen to chase Blue Jays from the vicinity of their nests 

 and the bitter complaints we hear after such visits permit the 

 surmise that the perpetration of such crimes is not rare. At 

 all other times save the breeding season, and particularly so in 

 winter, the vivacious fellow in his fine livery is welcome every- 

 where, especially in the Garden, which is almost entirely de- 

 serted by birds from November till March. He has a variety 

 of notes, which are used to best advantage when he detects a 

 hawk or owl. On sunny days in cold winter owls hke to come 

 out of their holes to enjoy the warm rays of the sun, but there 

 is not much enjoyment left after a Blue Jay has discovered 

 his owlship. The news is spread in a minute and the Jays of 

 the neighborhood respond promptly; soon the tree is full of 

 Jays and the air full of their vociferations ; the best thing the 

 poor owl can do is to go back into its hole. 



