A BIRD'S YEAR 11 



from disuse. The male Is usually a constant at- 

 tendant upon the female, spending his time near 

 the nest and cheering his faithful mate with his 

 best songs. 



The eggs do not all hatch on the same day, 

 but at Intervals which correspond to the time 

 intervening between the days on which the 

 different eggs were laid. With the coming of the 

 helpless fledglings begins the busiest period of 

 the year for the birds. Not only must there be 

 an almost Incessant hunt for food adequate to 

 meet the demands of the voracious youngsters, 

 but they must be protected from all marauders, 

 thieving bird, snake, squirrel, or cat. 



With a few families, as the Ruffed Grouse, the 

 male bird takes no part in the care of the flock; 

 In fact it appears that he deserts the female even 

 before the period of incubation begins. But 

 with practically all the song birds and many 

 others as well, the domestic duties are shared by 

 both parents, and they seem fully absorbed and 

 withal very happy in the work of rearing the 

 brood. Their efforts are attended by many 

 difficulties, for they are beset by frequent 

 dangers. If one watches the nests in his neigh- 

 borhood for a few weeks he will be astonished 

 at the great number of tragedies in the bird 

 homes. Yet despite all the dangers, many house- 

 holds are undisturbed and the youngsters grow 

 to maturity with no untoward accidents, adding 

 their numbers to the growing host making ready 

 for the return to the winter homes In the south. 



As we have seen, if conditions are favorable, 

 several varieties rear two broods In a season. A 



