94 



KEARTONS' NATURE PICTURES 



THK SKDGE WARBLER. 



sing as blithely as if it were broad 

 noontide. In fact, when the qualities 

 of its music and borrowed notes are 

 taken into consideration, one is inevit- 

 ably driven to the conclusion that the 

 Sedge Warbler lacks discretion, and 

 overdoes its part in the great feathered 

 orchestra. 



The nest is built amongst thick sedge 

 grass, or brambles, in bushes and some- 

 times on pollards. It is generally nearer 

 the ground than that of the Reed 



Warbler, is never suspended, and not so 

 neatly constructed. I have watched 

 the industrious female making her little 

 home of grass, moss, willow-down, and 

 horse-hair, whilst her mate was idling 

 around, a mildly interested spectator. 



The eggs number five or six of a 

 yellowish brown ground-colour, mottled 

 and clouded with darker brown Some- 

 times specimens are found marked with 

 black hair-like lines on the larger 

 end. 



The cuckoo frequently victimises the 

 Sedge Warbler, and it is a comical sight 

 to see the wee birds feeding and attending 

 their giant foster-chick. Their industry 

 and solicitude are astonishing. All day 

 long they are flitting hither and thither 

 in search of insect food, and if any form 

 of danger should approach the nest they 

 utter their harsh scolding notes, and show 

 every sign of distress until it has passed. 

 Why they should expend so much care 

 and affection upon a creature that never 

 shows any sign of gratitude, or other 

 lovable quality, is a mystery. 



Sedge Warblers arrive in this country 

 in April and May, and depart again in 

 September. 



