Our Tree Swallows 287 



they kept at it until, breathless, they fell to the ground. Of course we expected 

 to pick them up dead; but, just as we stopped, Mrs. Swallow flew by, snapped 

 'time' as though she would nip our ears off, then both birds flew up and had 

 another round. After a while they were exhausted and the fighting ceased. 



The old birds at last went to the house on the rose-pole, leaving House No. 

 I to the younger pair. Then we felt sure that the trouble between them was 

 truly settled. The next two days, I noticed one of the birds sitting alone 

 on an overhead wire. I watched for the mate, but could not locate him, and 

 I was fearful of the outcome of the duel. 



The little maid's call grew more sad to me as I imagined that she was 

 keeping sentinel watch over her dear one, so I decided to open the house. 

 There to my horror lay the bird with a covering of a bit of straw and grass 

 and a few buttercups that the Sparrows evidently had taken in with which 

 to start a new nest. 

 The little hero had 

 fought for a home so 

 long that it was only 

 a place to die in. 

 After he was taken 

 care of, the faithful 

 mate ceased watching 

 and I never saw her ready to join the fall flock 



Photographed Septembe rs, 19 14 



In spite of our constant care and watchfulness, as many as fourteen birds 

 of various kinds have met their deaths this past summer on our grounds. 

 Bird life is not all song. 



It was about May 9 when the old birds showed me that they really intended 

 to build in House No. 3 — and the poorest one of the lot it was, too. During 

 the hatching- period, Mrs. Swallow was ever faithful. Occasionally, however, 

 she would call to be relieved. Mr. Swallow would hasten to her side, though 

 his reluctancy in keeping the eggs warm was apparent. The first bird was 

 hatched June 15. 



As the parents were busy feeding their young nearly four weeks, I thought 

 that there must be a large family; so, we dared to take the bird-box down 

 from the pole. Imagine our delight when we saw seven full-feathered, healthy 

 youngsters, the oldest being full-size and the baby about two-thirds grown. 



Seeing such a flood of sunshine made the children a bit anxious for the 

 outside world, as they began to appear at the doorway next day, and soon 

 after took their first flight. We regretted their going as greatly as we had 

 rejoiced at their coming, and we shall look anxiously for the return of the 

 family next spring. 



Postscript, April 2, 191 5. — The Tree Swallows returned today, coming 

 one week earlier than last year. They appeared to recognize me. — M. L. B. 



