The Bluebird 1 1 



of bluebirds may be raised in a box each spring, 

 and as insects are their most approved baby 

 food, you see how much it is to our interest 

 to set up nurseries for them near our homes. 



But when people are not thoughtful enough 

 to provide them before the first of March, the 

 bluebirds hunt for a cavity in a fence rail, or a 

 hole in some old tree, preferably in the orchard, 

 shortly after their arrival, and proceed to line it 

 with grass. From three to six pale blue eggs are 

 laid. At first the babies are blind, helpless, and 

 almost naked. Then they grow a suit of dark 

 feathers with speckled, thrush-Hke vests similar 

 to their cousin's, the baby robin's; and it is 

 not until they are able to fly that the lovely 

 deep blue shade gradually appears on their gray- 

 ish upper parts. Then their throat, breast, and 

 sides turn rusty red. While creatures are help- 

 less, a prey for any enemy to pounce upon, 

 Nature does not dress them conspicuously, you 

 may be sure. Adult birds, that are able to look 

 out for themselves, may be very gaily dressed, 

 but their children must wear sombre clothes 

 imtil they grow strong and wise. 



Young bluebirds are far less wild and noisy 

 than robins, but their very sharp little claws 

 discourage handling. These pointed hooks on 

 the ends of their toes help them to climb out of 

 the tree hollow, that is their natural home, into the 

 big world that their presence makes so cheerful. 



