66 AMEjRICAN MIDLAND NATURALIST 



the observer may see anything more than the exterior of the 

 nest, for it is generally attacked to the slender outer branches of 

 the trees. I once found a nest in a young ash, and saw the eggs, 

 which were white and marked irregularly with black streaks. 



Chipping Sparrow. 

 Spizella socialis 

 The chipping Sparrow is sometimes called the Hair Bird, 

 from its habit of lining its nest with horse hair. The nest is always 

 placed in shrubs or low evergreens, and so may be easily observed. 

 I have found many abandoned nests containing two or three blue 

 eggs, and have wondered what caused the birds to leave these 

 nests. One of the sweetest sights in bird-life is four little " Chippies" 

 in the nest, sitting two behind two, and all facing in the same 

 direction. Put your finger near them and four little mouths will 

 open for food. 



Field Sparrow. 

 Spizella pusilla. 

 The Field Sparrow builds its nest of a bunch of grass lying 

 on the ground, which is oval in shape with a large opening at 

 one end. The young may be seen, soon after being hatched, only 

 featherless and shapeless forms. A nest may be discovered by 

 watching the actions of the old birds, which well manifest concern 

 on the approach of an observer. Retire a little and wait for the 

 bird to fly with food for its young, and then you will know the 

 location of the nest. 



Purple Martin. 

 Progne subis. 



The Purple Martins choose church towers or boxes made for 

 them as nesting-places. Sometimes wire-netting is put over the 

 open spaces of towers to prevent birds from entering them. When 

 this device to keep the birds out is resorted to, the Martins will 

 leave the vicinity — perhaps for good. Their eggs are pure white, 

 and there are two broods. When the second brood is fledged — 

 towards the end of July — the Martins begin to flock in great 

 numbers. 



Catbird. 

 Dumetella carolinensis. 



Shrubbery is always chosen by the Catbird as the situation 

 for its nest. Sometimes the same clump of bushes will have a 



