240 THE WESTERN ROBIN. 
not being withdrawn from most familiar observation. 
Indeed, as in the case 
of the accompanying illustration, the bird appears rather to court notoriety. 
The major crotches of orchard or shade trees are not shunned. From five 
Taken in Michigan. Froma Photograph Copyright, 1908, by L. G. Linkletter. 
THE ROBIN’S NEST. 
to fifteen feet is the 
usual elevation, but 
nests are sometimes 
found at fifty feet; 
and again, tho rare- 
ly, on the ground. 
Window sills and 
beams of porches, 
barns, and outbuild- 
ings are favorite 
places, and, in de- 
fault of these, brush- 
piles or log-heaps 
will do. 
The mud used in 
construction is, of 
course, carried in the 
beak. Arrived at 
the nest with a beak- 
ill ne isnyetal, ine 
mother bird drops 
her load, or plasters 
it loosely on the in- 
side of the cup. 
Then she hops into 
the nest, settles as 
low as possible, and 
begins to kick or 
trample vigorously 
with her feet. From 
time to time she 
tests the smoothness 
or roundness of the 
job by settling to it 
with her breast, but 
the shaping is altogether accomplished by the peculiar tedder action of 
her feet. 
On the other hand, one Robin’s nest which I found in the open sage had 
no mud in its construction and was altogether composed of felted vegetable 
