3SS STRANGE DWELLINGS. 



does not always employ thorns for this purpose, but will use 

 sharply-pointed splinters of wood, or even an iron spike if no 

 better instrument can be found. 



Why it should have recourse to such a singular mode of 

 holding its prey is quite a mystery. Some have said that the 

 digestive organs of the Shrike are incapable of dissolving fresh 

 meat, and that the bird is obliged to render its prey semi- 

 putrid by exposure before it can venture to make a meal. But, 

 as the Shrike frequently eats a little bird or insect as soon as 

 it is caught, this theory falls to the ground. 



Whatever theory may be right or wrong, the fact remains that 

 the Shrikes impale the creatures which they have killed, and 

 prefer to hang them near their nests. The Red-back Shrike 

 makes insects its chief prey. The nest of this Shrike always 

 affords a curious sight, and as the bird is plentiful it may easily 

 be seen. 



There is not the least difficulty in finding a Shrike's nest, for 

 the owner really seems to use every means which can attract 

 attention. In the first place, it is a bird of insatiable curiosity. 

 It will follow, or rather precede, a human being for half an hour 

 at a time, keeping always some thirty or forty yards in front, 

 settling near the top of a hedge, and wagging its long tail up and 

 down as if to make itself more conspicuous. Last year I amused 

 myself by making a Shrike move up and down a long hedge for 

 a very long time, while I was insect-hunting among the flowers. 

 Whenever the Shrike begins to act in this manner, it may gene- 

 rally be presumed that a nest is at no great distance. 



Then, if perchance the careful observer should note these 

 signs and approach the spot where the nest is placed, the bird 

 sets up a hideous squall, just as if it intended to inform the 

 searcher that he was right at last. The alarm cry of the black- 

 bird is quite enough to draw attention as the bird flies through 

 the underwood ; but at all events it is only a short cry, and the 

 bird is soon out of sight ; but the Shrike remains on or near the 

 nest while it continues to utter its harsh screams, and flies away 

 noisily when the intruder is close at hand. 



The nest itself is large, and not concealed with any care, 



