1 6 Wild Birds. 



from my hand, the Kingfisher carrying live fish to its brood whose muffled rattles issued 

 from their subterranean gallery a few feet away. When near enough to count her respi- 

 rations accurately, I have seen the Redwing Blackbird leave her nest on a hot day, hop 

 down to the cool water of the swamp, and after taking a sip, bathe in full view, within 

 reach of the hand ; then, shaking the water from her plumage, she would return refreshed 

 to the nest. I have seen the male Kingbird come to his nesting bough with feathers 

 drenched from his midday bath in the river, the Orioles flash their brilliant colors all day 

 long before the eye, and Chestnut-sided Warblers become so tame after several days that 

 the female would allow you to approach and stroke her back with the hand. 



It is difficult to describe the fascination which this method of study affords the 

 student of animal life. New discoveries, or unexpected sights wait on the minutes, for 

 while there is a well-ordered routine in the actions of many birds the most charming 

 pictures occur at odd moments, and there is an endless variety of detail. It is like a suc- 

 cession of scenes in a drama, only this is real life, not an imitation, and there is no need 

 of introducing tragedy. 



He who runs may sometimes read and observe a few things, and so may he who per- 

 forms gymnastic feats in the branches of tall trees or does penance in a hundred other 

 ways, but from the tent one may read the life of the nesting bird as out of an open book. 



