WAGER 



THE NESTS OF SOME COMMON BIRDS 



145 



possible the matting of dead grasses for the floor, and above is 

 the intertwining grass-blade covering. The eggs are from four 

 to six in number, and about an inch in length. The backgroimd 

 is a dull white, heavily speckled with cinnamon brown. Thus 

 marked, the eggs are inconspicuous. Altogether, there are few 

 birds making a more completely hidden nest. 



Fig. 



7. Robin's Nest Used by Mourning Dove. 



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While we are in the meadow we may as well be watching for 

 the nest of our much-to-be-respected quail. The term respected 

 is used advisedly, since few birds there be, doing so great good, 

 few so brave and hardy, few struggling more in the face of perse- 

 cution. The grasses are deep now. Many birds have reached 

 their first brood. Since early spring, though, the clear mating 

 call "Bob-White" has been coming up out of this meadow and it 

 is the time birds were nesting. As likely as not they have located 

 over here by the fence neighboring the cornfield. As with the 



