THE REED-WARBLERS NEST 249 



for the most part about the banks of streams, and 

 in marshy places, it does not confine itself 

 exclusively to the vicinity of water, but is some- 

 times to be found nesting at some distance from it. 

 I have heard it singing in a hedge at night during 

 the nesting season some distance from water, and 

 no doubt the nest was concealed among the thick 

 herbage round about. While engaged in singing, 

 this little Warbler erects the feathers on its head 

 and throat, then raises its beak, and, to judge by 

 its manner, seems to be putting all its heart into 

 the music of the notes. 



Very much like the song of the Sedge- Warbler, 

 but without so much mimicry, is that of the Reed- 

 Warbler. This bird, like the former, prefers to 

 sing hidden among the reeds, usually in proximity 

 to its nest, which wonderful little structure is a 

 marvel of ingenuity, being suspended on three Or 

 four reeds. When first commenced, it is said to 

 be very near to the water, but in proportion as the 

 reeds grow it is raised, and by the time that the 

 eggs are hatched the nest is somewhat higher than 

 at first ; but we found nests only just finished fully 

 a yard above the water. 



Although so neat in appearance among the 

 reeds, only very little handling will destroy its 

 shape ; and owing to the thickness of the growth 



