io6 



£be HXIlarbler 



our lawn to gather seed of the dandelion and to the garden, greedily devour- 

 ing seed of the sunflower, zinnia and cosmos. The sunflower is a special 

 favorite and they will take it in preference to anything else. In California 

 where large quantities of lettuce is grown for seed the Goldfinches do a 

 o-reat deal of damage and are often slaughtered without mercy. If the 

 planters would only put out a small quantity of sunflowers (the small-flowered 

 variety like Cucumerifolius suits them best) their crops of lettuce seed 

 would be amply protected. During late fall and winter, as well as in early 

 spring, the Goldfinch feeds upon the seed of mullein {Verbascum thapsus). 

 The nest is a pretty and well-made affair, in this respect almost rival- 

 ling that of the Yellow Warbler. It is usually placed well up in some large 

 deciduous tree, the maple being a favorite. The tiny speckled eggs are us- 

 ually five in number. 



The Meadowlark 



{Stumella magna) 



IN years past the Meadowlark has been rather a common bird in many 

 places within the present limits of the city of New York, but they have 

 steadily retreated as improvements have advanced and it is now a difficult 



EGGS AND NEST OF THE MEADOWLARK 



