BIRDS'-NESTS. 1 1 Q 



security of the tree-tops, to place its nest in the way of 

 the many dangers that walk and crawl upon the ground. 

 There, far up out of reach, sings the bird ; here, not 

 three feet from the ground, are its eggs or helpless 

 young. The truth is, birds are the greatest enemies of 

 birds, and it is with reference to this fact that many of 

 the smaller species build. 



Perhaps the greatest proportion of birds breed along 

 highways. I have known the ruffed grouse to come 

 out of a dense wood and make its nest at the root of a 

 tree within ten paces of the road, where, no doubt, 

 hawks and crows, as well as skunks and foxes, would 

 be less liable to find it out. Traversing remote moun- 

 tain-roads through dense woods, I have repeatedly seen 

 the veery, or Wilson's thrush, sitting upon her nest, 

 so near me that I could almost take her from it by 

 stretching out my hand. Birds of prey show none of 

 this confidence in man, and, when locating their nests, 

 avoid rather than seek his haunts. 



In a certain locality in the interior of New York, I 

 know, every season, where I am sure to find a nest or 

 two of the slate-colored snow-bird. It is under the 

 brink of a low, mossy bank, so near the highway that 

 it could be reached from a passing vehicle with a whip. 

 Every horse or wagon or foot passenger disturbs the 

 sitting bird. She awaits the near approach of the 

 sound of feet or wheels, and then darts quickly across 

 the road, barely clearing the ground, and disappears 

 amid the bushes on the opposite side. 



