74 



WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH 



over the edge of a limb. 

 It hesitated an instant, but 

 then circled around the 

 branch as naturally and 

 easily as a boy would run 

 down hill. 



The family of six to 

 which this adventuresome 

 youngster belonged was 

 constantly on the move. 

 The old ones hunted over 

 the rosettes of lichen on 

 the tree trunks in a busi- 

 ness-like way, when they 

 had finished one tree start- 

 ing briskly for the next 

 Nuthatch and Chickadee, 'great bole,' calling yak, 

 yak, yak, yak-ah, ak-ah, 



ak-aJi, for the little ones to follow ; and the young- 

 sters, although they had been running around 

 hither and yon hunting with most independent 

 airs, seemed quite ready to go where meals were 

 sure, so all six went trailing off together in 

 pretty family fashion. 



While watching them, I saw some quaint per- 



FIG. 32. 



