196 IN BIRD LAND. 
well, here is a chance to let patience have her per- 
fect work. Then think of her uneasiness at the 
approach of every foe. It is work; it is not mere 
idleness. As for her lord, it may seem only like 
holiday sport to sit in the tree-top and sing all the 
livelong day, to beguile the weary hours of his sit- 
ting mate. But perhaps it often takes on the hue 
of work, too, when singing becomes a duty. Small 
wonder, if the choralist’s vocal chords often become 
jaded and sore, while there may be danger of bring- 
ing on throat or lung trouble. Besides, he must 
often carry a dainty morsel to his spouse when he 
would much prefer to eat it himself. Then, he 
must take his turn on the nest while his partner 
goes off for a “constitutional” to get the stiffness 
out of her joints, or gathers a relay of food and 
preens her ruffled plumes. 
One of the most unpleasant tasks of the time of 
incubation and brood rearing is the warding off of 
enemies. And they are numerous. No feathered 
parents can feel sure that they shall be able to tide 
their little family safely over this perilous period. 
Have you ever seen the plucky wood-pewee engag- 
ing in a contest with that highwayman in feathers, 
the blue jay? How he dashes at the bloodthirsty 
villain, snapping his mandibles viciously at every 
onset, and sometimes pecking a feather from his 
enemy’s back! Nor will he give up the battle until 
the jay steals off with a hangdog expression on his 
face. The little warbling vireo is no less game when 
the jay comes too near his precincts. 
