BIRDS OF PEASEMARSH 



had been nowhere in sight when the Crow ap- 

 peared, but instantly they were both on the 

 spot. They were not to be taken unawares by 

 a bird-nesting Crow. The Crow knew it, and 

 soon went off to trouble them no more. 



It was not long before the first young Flicker 

 came over the edge and began to try his wings, 

 and the one next strongest took his place at 

 the opening, till he too was out. Judging by 

 the fluttering about and the different tones one 

 heard, this was an anxious time for the old 

 birds. But in a remarkably short time all the 

 young ones could follow them about for their 

 food. As they grew older and were able to 

 hunt for themselves, the old birds would dis- 

 appear through the day and the young ones 

 would have to get their dinners as best they 

 could. But towards evening the family was re- 

 united, and one might suppose from appear- 

 ances that the young were giving an account of 

 the day's work. Then they had supper together 

 in the orchard, or on the corner of the lawn, 

 where they had found an ant hill. One even- 

 ing the smallest of the family went up to the 

 mother and opened its mouth appealingly, but 

 she would not feed it. Very quickly and very 

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