148 IRambles witb Iftature Students 



friends to watch, not only the titmice, but robins, 

 chaffinches, wrens, and nuthatches enjoying the 

 contents of this basket. Fascinating bird pictures 

 are formed as angry little skirmishes arise, crests are 

 raised and wings outstretched in vehement protest 

 against undue greediness. 



Some years ago I placed an empty coco-husk 

 above the basket; it had a small entrance hole at 

 one end, and, as I expected, a blue titmouse built 



YOUNG BLUE-TIT. 



its nest and laid five eggs in it. The bird was tame 

 enough to allow me to lift down the husk and show 

 to young visitors the little mother sitting on her nest. 

 When the eggs were hatched the busy parents 

 were hard at work from early morning till late 

 in the evening bringing green caterpillars and small 

 grubs to feed their young family. Knowing that 

 the feeding process began with daylight, and 



