!..,, AMERICAN MIDLAND NATURALIST 



of abs< nee occur both in mild and severe weather, and from this 

 fact I conclude that the Jay is not notably influenced by weather 

 conditions. It would be interesting to determine the cause of the 

 longer periods of absence. I cannot account for the Jay's non- 

 appearance for a number of consecutive days, except it be due to 

 that inherent element in all things — change. 



The habits of the Jay in winter are, like most other species, 

 peculiar to the season. The life of birds in winter seems to be more 

 individual, and there is less demonstration of their instincts. This 

 is shown by the comparative quietness of the Jay during the winter 

 months — its bell-like note is seldom heard, nor is there the up- 

 roarious calling of autumn-tide. 



Usually the Jay does not fly high, nor does it go far, frequently 

 taking short, flights from tree to tree, and displaying its beautiful 

 blue coat. In the bare branches, in winter, the Jay is a strikingly 

 handsome bird. Another peculiarity of its flight is its ascending 

 by jump-like efforts to the top of a tree. 



White-Breasted Nuthatch 

 Sitta carolinensis 



The White-breasted Nuthatch is one of the most regular winter 

 species. February is the month in which this Nuthatch is least 

 abundant, sometimes there is an absence long enough to be regarded 

 as a period of migration. In 191 5 the bird was not seen for fifteen 

 davs in February. In what respects is this month so different from 

 the other winter months as to cause this Nuthatch to migrate:* 

 Not the severity of the weather, or the scarcity of food, or the 

 approach of spring, I think, can be alleged as the reason for the 

 migrating of the White-breasted Nuthatch. I have stated else- 

 where that I believe this bird is a wanderer, and to this fact I 

 would ascribe its migratory habit in winter and early spring. 



Like other winter species the White breasted Nuthatch is more 

 reticent, and utters its notes with less variety and loudness in 

 winter than in the other seasons of the year, especially in spring. 

 Long observation of this species will make a student acquainted 

 with a large number of utterances, some rarely heard. 



(To be conl inu 



