BIRDS OF OUR BUSH 



light was easily admitted to the nest. We found, how- 

 ever, that the Swallow, although fond of human society, 

 is rather differently inclined when faced with a camera. 

 Most of the birds which build around the home of man 

 show similar tendencies. Thus it was after a day and 

 a half of patient planning and working that a couple of 

 exposures were made. The photograph reproduced is the 

 result of one of them. 



The Swallow is a useful insect destroyer. Here again 

 Nature has fitted it admirably for its work. The picture 

 will show that the beak of the bird is short and wide. This 

 form is particularly suited to the unusual manner in which 

 the insects are captured. The wide bill is opened, and, 

 during the bird's rapid flight, collects the small insects from 

 the air. Most persons will have noticed how the Swallow 

 skims backward and forward close to the ground, or close 

 to the water. It may often be seen performing similar 

 manoeuvres close to the feet of a pedestrian as he rouses 

 myriads of small insects from their hiding places amongst 

 the grass. 



The Swallow's nest is as wonderful as the bird, which is 

 an architect of no mean order. The picture will illustrate 

 this point. The nest is made entirely of small globules of 

 mud collected and placed in position with the wide beak. 

 Grass stems are used to bind the mud and prevent it from 

 crumbling, just in the same way as the plasterer mixes 

 cowhair or other material with his plaster. How many of 

 the clever inventions of man there are which could have 

 been learned from these lesser examples of Nature's handi- 

 work. More remarkable still is the manner in which these 

 nests, built against an upright post or wall, without even 

 the support afforded to the one pictured, still retain their 

 position, and carry the weight of parents and young ones. 

 Feathers form the lining of the nest, and a soft bed for the 

 young ones. 



The eggs, usually four or five in number, are small and 

 white, marked with small spots, often nearly black. The 

 nesting season commences early, eggs being often laid 

 before the end of September. 



Even more remarkable skill in nest building is exhibited 

 by another species, very similar to the Welcome Swallow. 

 This is the Fairy Martin, or Bottle Swallow. The latter 

 name is derived from the shape of the home upon which 



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