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Bird - Lore 



The little birds continued to run about, pecking at the grass seeds, even 

 when Courtenay Brandreth and I approached within two or three feet; and 

 the mother Grouse slowly followed her young, clucking softly now and then 

 without the slightest trace of fear. 



We left the birds after our films had been exhausted, and three days later, 

 when making camp, the Grouse and her chicks were again discovered almost 

 at our front door. 



A motion-picture camera was ready this time, and, from previous experi- 

 ence, it was evident that we need have no fear about approaching too closely. 

 Even when the air-motor, which operated the camera, began to whir like an 



•SHE FLEW TO THE GROUND BESIDE HER CHICKS" 



angry rattlesnake, the old Grouse seemed totally unafraid. Sometimes when 

 I pushed the camera within three feet of her, she faced about in annoyance and 

 fluffed out her feathers, but in a moment settled down to the business of direct- 

 ing the energies of her chicks. 



Following closely behind, I tried to drive the old bird to an open hillside 

 well lighted by the slanting rays of the sun; but she decHned to go, and for 

 several minutes we played a game of hide-and-seek in the grass. She finally 

 won by actually running between my legs while I was trying to 'head her off,' 

 and a little later flew into a low spruce tree. 



The next morning at daylight we were awakened by a loud clucking, and 

 a few moments later discovered one of the baby Grouse in the tent. The poor 

 little thing was badly frightened when I finally restored it to the old bird, 

 which was rushing distractedly about outside. In a second both had scurried 

 away into the grass. 



