204 STORIES OF BIRD LIFE 



were cliiseling out with their bills, was to be her nest. 

 Lord and Lady Flicker they were, who would soon be liv- 

 ing here in their tall wood castle, safe from hawks and 

 weasels and cats. What a cosy place it would be for the 



little ones, tucked away in that great house with such thick 

 walls all around ! 



Next day I came and hid by the flickers ' tower to watch. 

 Soon with strong rapid flight the male came racing through 

 the air and landed near the doorway of his castle. How 

 strong and wild he looked! Proudly he threw up his 



