CHAPTER X 



MEADOWBIRD, BOBOLINK, ORIOLE, BLACKBIRD, 

 COWBIRD 



TO another family belong our valuable 

 Meadowlarks and Bobolinks that build 

 their nests upon the ground, the bril- 

 liant Orioles that hang their nests from the 

 branches in the tall elms, the Redwinged 

 Blackbirds and their undesirable relatives, the 

 Crow Blackbirds that do so much bird nesting, 

 and the Cowbirds with their well known habit. 

 The Meadowlark is one of the early birds 

 to arrive. From March until November it 

 is working for the farmer. The number of 

 insects that one pair alone will dispose of in 

 that time would make serious ravages in the 

 crops. Those who are advocating greater pro- 

 duction should not forget the part of the 

 Meadowlark. Some authorities on birds tell 

 us that the young Meadowlarks are ready to 

 leave the nest before the hay is cut, but this 

 does not always happen, especially in the 

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