The American Dipper in Colorado 7 



working), after delivering home her quota of material she would take a turn 

 at wedging in the bottom caulking where the material rested on the rock floor. 

 Her object I understood to be two-fold, to fasten the foundation well to the rock 

 and at the same time render that part below her insertions as compact and dense 

 as possible, in order that her work should raise the upper part, which from its lesser 

 density was more easily affected or sensible to the wedge. The top edge showed 

 the slightest inclination to arch, which form is obtained by the deft manipu- 

 lation of the builder. Thus by working from below the lips or edges of the walls 

 from all sides are closed up and the keywedges put in at the last complete the 

 outside covering. I noticed when caulking the nest to the rock while work- 

 ing on the lower side the bird lay flat on the floor, spread her wings for a pur- 

 chase and seemed to push with all her strength to insure a well-caulked seam. 

 About the same period of time taken to gather the material was taken in its 

 adjustment, with the oft-recurring heavy work at the bottom-seam caulking 

 and a like period for a rest. About every third journey she scratched her cheek 

 or her crown with her foot, sometimes on one side and then on the other, and 

 as often rumpled her feathers, looked somewhat glumpy, possibly fatigued, 

 and yet while appearing thus the constant courtesying was kept up, as often 

 as not while resting on the nest-site, and just before the journey for fresh material 

 she would raise her wings, probably to feel if they were clear of the material 

 composing the upper part of the structure which might be easily disarranged. 

 While observing her, once only did her mate put in an appearance, took a posi- 

 tion close to the nest, gave two or three chirps and then a trill like an English 

 Blackbird — a very agreeable musical performance which his mate scarcely 

 seemed to appreciate, being occupied with her plans of construction. She snubbed 

 an advance he was about to offer her and took a position near the nest on the 

 rock ledge, while he fussed around the nest, seemed to do a little caulking and 

 then flew away. It was evident to me that he was not wanted. It also occurred 

 to me that this species is not the exception; that when the female takes upon 

 herself the whole labor of construction she prefers to do so, that her plans may 

 not be interfered with." 



The Bird that Nests in the Snow 



By SIDNEY S. S. STANSELL, Edmonton. Alberta 



THP: Canada Jay has almost as many local names as the Flicker. Those 

 who do not know him by the name of Canada Jay, recognize him at 

 once when you call him 'Moose Bird,' 'Camp Robber,' 'Whiskey John,' 

 'Whiskey Jack,' or 'Lumber Jack.' 



WTien you are traveling through the woods he is almost always your constant 

 companion, and when you light a canip-fire or discharge a gun, he is always 



