76 THE QUEST OF A THRUSH 



impenetrable and on a sharply sloping hill- 

 side. To see it at all I was obliged to sit 

 much nearer than I liked, and constantly 

 brace myself to retain my position. 



As I feared, the birds did not accept my 

 presence kindly. Like the veery, whom he 

 resembles, the olive-back is intolerant of 

 intrusions upon his domestic affairs. The 

 presence of a spy, however respectful she may 

 be, is so distressing to the pair, that I have 

 no pleasure in trying to watch them. But 

 I had sought so long ! I hardened my heart 

 and resolved to stay. 



One hour's stay I made by the nest to 

 which the owners refused to return. Then, 

 lest harm come to the eggs, I left. The 

 next morning I made another call the nest 

 was empty ! The eggs had doubtless made 

 a breakfast for some squirrel, of which the 

 grove was full. If I could only be sure I had 

 not pointed it out to him ! 



To soften my disappointment a second 

 friend announced a nest she had been study- 

 ing two or three days, and I went with her a 

 mile along a beautiful road on another part 

 of the island. 



