A PUZZLE IN BIRDS 



in a tiny sprout. The eggs are smaller and more finely 

 marked than those of the Song Sparrow, and thus can 

 be distinguished. 



It is not so easy to find the Vesper Sparrow's nest, 

 though it is built usually where the grass is scant, for 

 the bird sees an intruder and usually flies off before he 

 comes dangerously near. 



The Savanna Sparrow, though it often builds in 

 similar situations, is more tame and less shrewd, and 

 I have found their nests by dozens through flushing 

 them, in regions where they are common, as on open 

 headlands by the sea. But the Grasshopper Sparrow 

 — how it can hide its treasures! I have found but one 

 of their nests and it was on this wise. I was crossing 

 a dry, sandy field, with very sparse grass, when out 

 fluttered a small sparrow right from my very feet. Of 

 course I knew there was a nest, though none was in 

 sight. Down I dropped on hands and knees, laying 

 my handkerchief on the grass about where the bird 

 was first seen. I felt like a fool when, after a quarter 

 of an hour spent in examining every inch of ground, I 

 could not for the life of me find the nest. The only 

 thing to do was to withdraw, mark the spot and try 

 again. So in half an hour I came back and this time 

 I saw exactly where the bird flushed. But even then 

 it was a couple of minutes before I detected the tiny 

 tunnel, overhung by dry grass which led in under a 

 small tussock. There, clear out of sight, was the 

 simple nest of grass with its five white, sparsely marked, 



170 



