BIRDS OF NEW YORK 541 



lined with finer grasses, placed in a hollow limb, a woodpecker's hole 

 or a " Bluebird box." The eggs are usually 4 to 6 in number, sometimes 

 7, the usual number in New York being 5. They are of a light blue color 

 and average .80 by .60 inches in size. Two and sometimes three broods 

 are reared in a season. As soon as the first brood is ready to leave the 

 nest the old birds lure them gradually from tree to tree some distance 

 from the nesting site, away to the fields and edges of the woods, the father 

 Bluebird usually taking charge of them while the female returns to incu- 

 bating the second brood. Of all our native birds, the Bluebird by many 

 is regarded as the favorite. Its beautiful colors and lovable disposition, 

 mellow voice and beneficial habits have endeared it to the country people. 

 I can only regret that it is not as dominant in vitality as the Robin and 

 needs more encouragement by having its nesting sites furnished it and 

 protected against the encroachments of the English sparrow. We believe, 

 however, that the species will continue to thrive in spite of the unfavorable 

 conditions which frequently prevail in the winter and in spite of the 

 sparrow's persecution, at least, wherever nature lovers furnish it with 

 boxes which are kept free from the interloper. 



