94 OUR BIRD ALLIES. 
many insects that it must be considered as one of the 
most valuable friends of the farmer. Of cockchafers 
in particular it is especially fond, and three or four of 
these destructive beetles generally form part of the 
The Red-backed Shrike. 
shrike’s provision stores so long as they remain upon 
the wing. 
These impaled insects form a sure guide to the 
nest of the shrike, and, as though scorning the least 
pretence to concealment, the birds give vent to such 
a passionate outburst of cries and shrieks if their nest 
be approached that its position is at once made 
