215 



Fig. 184. FEMALE PRAIRIE WARBLER. 



the female was sitting, both she and her mate were watch- 

 ful. She always left the nest and glided away unseen if 

 anyone approached. As soon as the eggs had hatched, 

 the parents lost much of their fear and would feed the lit- 

 tle birds even while we were watching. 



When bringing food, they approached the nest cautious- 

 ly, keeping near the ground where the swaying of the tops 

 of the sweet ferns, that formed the lower strata of vegeta- 

 tion, showed their approach and soon a tremor of the wal- 

 nut announced that they were almost at the goal. All man- 

 ner of insects were included in their menu, — ants, aphids, 

 flies, moths and even repulsive looking little worms such as 

 one of the illustrations shows the male bird bringing. 



