AMONG THE BIRDS IN SPRING. 37 



Towards the close of spring the young of many 

 of the early-breeding birds are out of the nests and 

 well able to fly. In many cases these species rear 

 a second and even a third brood during the course 

 of the season. Many young Thrushes are abroad 

 by the end of April, also Robins, Hedge Sparrows, 

 and Rooks. The mortality amongst these young 

 and inexperienced birds is vast. Of the tens of 

 thousands which leave the nests, but a very small 

 percentage escape their numerous enemies and 

 reach the adult stage of existence. We may meet 

 with these nestlings everywhere, fluttering among 

 the bushes or hopping along the ground, too 

 feeble to make a prolonged flight, and offering a 

 tempting bait to the crafty Crows and Hawks, and 

 the wandering weasels and rats. But bird life is 

 prolific, and brood after brood appears to fill the 

 gaps which are constantly being made in the end- 

 less struggle for existence. Spring-time, however, 

 is now nearly over. Bird life at this season is so 

 active, and so much requires our observation and 

 attention, that it is difficult to make a selection 

 from the rich store before us. All we can do is 

 briefly to allude to a few of its most prominent 

 incidents and most interesting phases, and leave 

 the short and imperfect sketch to be further 

 elaborated by the observer himself. 



