THE INVITATION. 213 



The basket-like nest, pendent to the low branches in 

 the woods, which the falling leaves of autumn reveal 

 to all passers, is, in most cases, the nest of the red-eyed, 

 though the solitary constructs a similar tenement, but 

 in much more remote and secluded localities. 



The general color of this group of birds is very light 

 ash beneath, becoming darker above, with a tinge of 

 green. The red-eyed has a crown of a bluish tinge. 



Most birds exhibit great alarm and distress, usually 

 with a strong dash of anger, when you approach their 

 nests ; but the demeanor of the red-eyed, on such an 

 occasion, is an exception to this rule. The parent 

 birds move about softly amid the branches above, ey- 

 ing the intruder with a curious, innocent look, uttering, 

 now and then, a subdued note or plaint, solicitous and 

 watchful, but making no demonstration of anger or 

 distress. 



The birds, no more than the animals, like to be 

 caught napping ; but I remember, one autumn day, of 

 coming upon a red-eyed vireo that was clearly oblivious 

 to all that was passing around it. It was a young bird, 

 though full grown, and it was taking its siesta on a low 

 branch in a remote heathery field. Its head was snugly 

 stowed away under its wing, and it would have fallen 

 an easy prey to the first hawk that came along. I ap- 

 proached noiselessly, and when within a few feet of it 

 paused to note its breathings, so much more rapid and 

 full than our own. A bird has greater lung capacity 

 than any other living thing, hence more animal heat, 



