The Present Status of the Heath Hen 



355 



vegetation so effectively ])r()tects the mice tlial the Hawk is forced to turn 

 to birds. 



In general, the island is very fa\'orable for maintenance of birds on 

 account of the fortunate absence of foxes and raccoons. The Heath Hen is 

 particuhirly hardy in its feeding habits and large size, which make it possible 

 to withstand the inclement weather. In winter, it feeds normally upon insect 

 pui)cT, dried berries, acorns, checkerberry leaves, clover and grain, and, when 

 the snow is on the ground, eats considerable quantities of the terminal buds 

 of the pitch pine and its needles, cutting them off with a scissors-like action 

 of the bill in the same manner as does the Spruce Grouse. 



HEATH HEN ON NEST 



Few nests have been found, even in spite of the m.ost extensive and care- 

 ful search. In only one instance have we been able to find a nest otherwise 

 than by flushing the bird. In 191 1 not a nest was found. June 5, 1912, our 

 Deputy Leonard, after a most prolonged and diligent search, found a nest 

 with four eggs covered with oak leaves. This apparently discloses why these 

 nests are so difficult to discover. To minimize the chances of abandonment, 

 this nest was not again visited until June 12, when the hen was seen to be 

 on the nest. Doubtless incubation had begun. The bird was not disturbed. 

 On June 18, it was decided to ascertain the number of eggs without alarm- 

 ing the hen. The nest was visited cautiously, but, after three successive 

 visits, the bird, at a distance, was seen to be on the nest each time, and was 



