62 



nest. After photographing the nesting place (Fig. 1) the camera was 

 placed in the end of the log and a flash light of the young birds in the 

 nest was secured (Fig. 2). The birds were then removed from the nest, 

 photographed at closer range a number of times (Fig. 3), and replaced 

 in the nest. They offered no resistance whatever and seemed little if at 

 all frightened. 



On June 3d and June 9th other photographs (Figs. 4 and 5) were 

 taken. The birds had by this time become larger and much more active 

 than before; on the latter date when they were placed in the end of the 

 log they at once hurried to the darkest corner. Aiso on this latter date 

 they first attempted to defend themselves by vomiting up a portion of 

 their food. It may be easily guessed that this is a very efficient means of 

 defense. 



On June 13th, when we next visited the nest, we found but one bird 

 in it. The tenant of the farm afterward told us that several days before 

 he had noticed that one of the birds was dead and had removed it from 

 the nest. The remaining one was in no way injured and we were unable 

 to learn what had killed the other. We removed and photographed the 

 living one (Fig. 6). At this time, 32 daj^s after hatching, the black pri- 

 maries and tail feathers were beginning to appear but were not conspicu- 

 ous enough to show in the photograph. 



By July 1st the black primaries had become very noticeable, as 

 shown by Fig. 7. When the bird had been pulled to the end of the log 

 with a stick, it was usually seized by the tips of the wings and carried 

 out to the front of the camera, which had previously been set up in a 

 suitable place. When it had been set down it would always stretch its 

 wings to their full extent before folding them. Figure 8, taken when the 

 wings were thus extended, shows well the black feathers in the back. 

 wings and tail. 



Figs. 9 and 10, taken July 9th, and July loth, respectively, show the 

 gradual change from white to black. By the latter date the back had 

 become almost entirely black, but the breast and belly were still pure 

 white. The bill had become more slender and more sharply hooked. The 

 bird would now strike vigorously with its bill at anything that dis- 

 turbed it. 



Fig. 11 was taken July 23d. This was G7 days after hatching; the 

 wings and back were entirely black and there were many black feathers 



