The Nuthatch. 33 



CHAPTER III. 



THE NUTHATCH 



(Sitta europcea.} 



T) Y far the best way of observing the life and 

 habits of forest birds is to sit perfectly still 

 under a spreading tree, with one's eyes and ears wide 

 open, ready to catch the slightest movement or sound. 

 Many hours have we from time to time thus spent, 

 but a certain sunny afternoon we especially remember. 

 We had not been seated long at the base of a grand 

 old oak, when a little wood-mouse peeped out of a hole 

 at our side, and, seeing we did not move, the little 

 creature soon gained courage enough to come out of 

 its hiding place. Presently it sat upon its haunches, 

 and began washing its face with its paws ; then, taking 

 a leaf in its mouth, dragged it into the hole. As the 

 mouse disappeared, a creak in the tree above made 



