FOREST BIRDS 141 



nests of sticks, placing them in trees from thirty to 

 seventy feet above the ground. When not disturbed 

 they return to the same nest year after year. The 

 three or four dull white, brownish-marked eggs are 

 laid early in April. 



Cooper's and the Sharp-shinned Hawks 



In the south, Cooper's Hawk is called the ''Blue 

 Darter." So far as color is concerned, the name 

 applies only to the adult bird, which is slaty blue 

 above; but old and young may with equal truth be 

 called darters. With a speed which gives them also 

 the name "Bullet Hawk," they shoot through the 

 air and plunge upon their prey. This is the true 

 "Chicken Hawk." One visit to the poultry yard 

 is very apt to be followed by another, and just as 

 a man-eating tiger acquires a taste for human blood, 

 so does a liking for the tender flesh of pullets doubt- 

 less grow upon the Blue Darter. 



I suppose It is proper that he should pay the pen- 

 alty for his raids upon the hen-yard; but how is a 

 mere Hawk to know that the chickens were not 

 placed there especially for him ? We spread a lunch- 

 counter with nuts, seeds and suet for the Finches, 

 Woodpeckers and Chickadee and make them wel- 

 come guests. Why, therefore, should the Darter not 



