310 NATURE SKETCHES IN TEMPERATE AMERICA 



to build her nest. In passing along between the rows of some 

 black raspberry bushes, I discovered two nests of this species. 

 In the first nest there were three young birds nearly full fledged. 

 One of the little birds had enough self-possession to stand 

 upright on the edge of the nest and eye me attentively. The 

 other two, evidently not so strong, lay in the bottom of the 

 nest. The second nest also contained three, which opened 

 their mouths as I came near the structure to part the branches. 

 I had seen this second brood on the first of August just out 

 of the egg shells. 



The raspberry bushes, while offering a suitable nesting 

 site for the field sparrow, also tempt them with the berries. 

 The parent birds were occasionally seen painting their bills 

 by plunging them into the juicy berries. This action is more 

 for the bird's own refreshment, for their young are fed various 

 insects as well. On the raspberry bushes the kingbird contests 

 the right of ownership of the patch with the field sparrow. 

 I saw him snapping off a berry from a branch, while he was 

 on the wing, with as much skill as a smaller flycatcher catching 

 a winged insect. In this performance the kingbird presents a 

 pretty sight as he flutters and spreads his wings and tail. 

 I saw the bird referred to chase a robin that came near, pre- 

 ferring to enjoy himself in this way rather than eat his meal. 

 He suddenly started in pursuit, keeping close behind the robin, 

 darting in and out among the apple trees, until pursuer and 

 pursued disappeared in the distance. 



Assembled on our grounds one may often see a variety of 

 summer residents. During last summer a pair of flickers 

 built their nest in the hollow limb of an old apple tree. The 

 birds were a constant source of enjoyment during their nesting 

 time. I frequently saw them foraging in the woods along the 

 bluff near the lake shore. Here they hunted over the decayed 

 stumps and trunks of trees for ants. The initial letter illus- 

 tration shows a pair of robins. These birds built their nest 

 on an apple tree on our grounds. The ruby-throated humming- 

 bird and brown thrasher, whose portraits are also presented 

 herewith, formed part of the notable bird assemblage that 

 delighted ones senses throughout the summer. 



