hegner] 



BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY 



203 



Fig. 4. — Downy Woodpecker with Food for Young. 



Birds generally approach their nests in a certain definite 

 way, and these Downy Woodpeckers were no exception to the 

 rule. They soon came back to tlie neighborhood with food, and 

 flew out from a nearby tree to where the nest used to be. Not 

 finding anything there upon which to gain a foot-hold, they 

 fluttered about a few moments and then flew back to their starting 

 point. This was done several times until finally the young m 

 the nest-hole became so hungry and cried so loudly and persistent- 

 ly for food, that the father bird, who. as in the case of the Blue- 

 bird, was the braver parent, finally gave heed and flew down to 

 the nest-site (Fig. 4). delivered his load of food, and cleaned 

 out the nest. After a few trips, new habits were formed and feed- 

 ing went on with its normal regularity. These Downies became 

 quite tame after a few days and went on with their domestic 



