Our Blue Jay Neighbors 51 



The many weary hours durinij; which the ej^gs had to be kept warm 

 were divided between the two birds, each reUeving the other at more or less 

 regular intervals. And the bird at play did not forget its imprisoned mate, 

 but returned now and then with a choice bit of food, which was delivered 

 with various little demonstrations of sympathy and affection. 



We watched and waited patiently, and were well rewarded; for though 

 the birds kept an eye on us they let us enjoy their daily life and attended to 

 their duties in full view. The nest, built so near the top of the slender tree, 

 swayed and bent to every breeze, and as Minnesota breezes are apt to h'j- 



Bl.L I. JA^ OS (a \RI> A r IHK NEST 



come high winds, often hung at a pt-rilous angle, keeping the mother bus\' 

 balancing herself and settling her eggs. Almost ever\ da\ we expected 

 to find on the ground anv or more eggs that had been thrown out atui 

 broken. 



lilue Ja\s are \er\ numerous in .Minneapolis, anil their loud screams are 

 almost as familiar as the incess.int chatter of tlu- Knglish Sparrows. 'I'hey 

 are always discussing something vigorousN , and using thi-ir voices fortissimo. 

 We were delighted therefore to hear low, sweet, little notes ami measures, 

 and what might be called talking. TheN reserveil their best efforts evi- 

 dently for wooing ami e;irl\ morning corn ersations, and onl\ their intimate 

 friends overheard. 



