96 Gbe Warbler 



construction. I have in mind one in my collection which is constructed wholly 

 of long, ribbon-like pieces of thin bark from grape vines ingeniously wound 

 and woven together with the usual lining of small wiry rootlets. 



As a songstev the Catbird ranks high among North American birds. It 

 is first cousin to the Mockingbird and almost as much of a mimic. The 

 song is much like that of the Brown Thrasher but a trifle less clear and buoy- 

 ant. All in all the Catbird is a delightful bird and one that should be en- 

 couraged to dwell near our homes, for in addition to his delightful song the 

 Catbird destroys quantities of noxious insects. 



The Spotted Sandpiper 



(Actitis macularid) 



WHILE the Spotted Sandpiper is known as a bird of ponds and streams 

 it frequently seeks dry uplands far removed from any stream or body 

 of water to breed. For years one, two, or three pairs have come to Floral 

 Park, located their nests, deposited their eggs, and hatched their young 

 under the shelter of some large clumps of herbaceous peonies in a cultivat- 

 ed field some distance from any building. In the Borough of Queens and 

 other places on Long Island they are occasionally found breeding in hay 

 fields or near hedges and fences, and sometimes in vacant lots and pastures. 

 The nest, if such it may be called, is a decidedly flimsy affair, consisting 

 only of a small quantity of dried grasses as a lining to a slight depression in 

 the ground which serves the purpose of a nest. The eggs, four in number, 

 are light creamy-buff, heavily and irregularly spotted with black. The note 

 of the Spotted Sandpiper is pleasing, and its flight most graceful. 



(To be Continued) 



