[1903. W. T. Macoun — The Nesting of Birds. 31 



yellow-throat and American redstart both breed in the swamp 

 near St. Louis dam. 



The catbird builds every year in the thick parts of the shrub- 

 bery and is one of the most adept at hiding its nest. This is a 

 most delightful songster and it is refreshing to hear its bold notes. 

 It has harsh notes as well but these may be forgiven. 



\ pair of brown thrashers make their headquarters with us 

 each year and usually a nest is found. One time it is in a spruce 

 hedge and another time in a brush pile, and again at the base of 

 a low-growing shrub. This is one of our very best songsters. 

 Early on a May morning it will sit on the top of a tree and fill the 

 air with its strong rich notes. It will then disappear and is rarely 

 seen during the day 



A small box was put up by Dr. Fletcher in his back yard with 

 a hole too small for a house sparrow to enter, the object being to 

 induce the house wren to breed in it. He was quite successful, 

 and for three years he has had the pleasure of watching these 

 little fellows building their nest, rearing their young and listening 

 to their shrill but sweet song. We hope that the house wren will 

 become more common at the Farm. 



A nest of the long-billed marsh wren was found in the marsh 

 near the canal some years ago by Mr. A. G. Kingston, but this 

 has been the only one taken so far as we are aware. 



Of the thrush family the bluebirds and robins are all that are 

 known to breed on the Farm, although Wilson's thrush may 

 breed in the thicker parts of the lorest belts or in the natural 

 woods. The bluebird is not common but it seemed a little more 

 numerous the last year or two It usually builds in a hole in the 

 fence posts. The robin is very coinmon and the nests are easily 

 found. Comparatively few broods, however, seem to be reared, 

 as between cats and boys the robin has a hard time of it. Cats 

 may be seen stalking robins I believe at almost any hour of the 

 day or night. 



