40 



printed and may be had from Secretary of the Washington 

 Chapter, Mr. P. L. Ricker, Bureau of Plant Industry, Wash- 

 ington, D. C. 



Elizabeth G. Brixton. 

 Secretary, Wild Flower Preservation Society of America. 



BIRDS' NESTS IN THE GARDEN 



If one may form any opinion from the nests remaining in 

 the trees after the leaves have fallen, then it would seem that a 

 rather larger number of birds than usual raised their broods in 

 the Garden the past year. W'ith the fall of the leaves, too, nests 

 often appear in most unexpected places. That of a robin was 

 built over the main walk leading to the Museum Building and 

 ofdy a few feet above the heads of the passers-by, yet its presence, 

 I believe, was wholly unsuspected till long after the birds had 

 deserted it. Orioles often build only a few yards above well- 

 used automobile thoroughfares. Possibly they have learned 

 that they are better protected from many of their enemies in 

 such situations. A vireo's nest was exposed to view in the fall 

 in such a prominent position that it scarcely seemed possible 

 it should have escaped observation all summer from numerous 

 parties of bird students often gathered only two or three rods 

 away. The nest of a wood thrush may be mentioned, but not 

 in the same class with the above, for it was noted for its con- 

 spicuousness, both owing to its position and manner of construc- 

 tion. It was not only built in full view of passers-by but the 

 bird had started the foundation with light-colored paper and 

 one long streamer hung down eight or ten inches below the nest, 

 waving back and forth with every breeze. The wood thrush, 

 indeed, has gained for itself the name of "newspaper bird" from 

 such constant use of paper in nest-making. Just why it is used 

 is something of a question. Certainly it is not for concealment. 

 Can it be that so much is lying about, even the birds think 

 something should be done about it and try to assist the city in 

 its work? In any case the newspaper habit is spreading, for at 

 least one redstart used paper in its nest last year. It did not 

 clear up so much ground as the thrush, but did well considering 

 its much smallei size. 



R. S. W^ILLIAMS. 



