2IO Bird -Lore 



is quite like a bit of closely woven, compact, yet incredibly soft felt — a mar- 

 velous structure indeed. 



Several days afterward I located the third nest under construction, farther 

 up the hill. This time there was very little squeaking song. They meant 

 business and they had learned a lesson. They were building high in a beech 

 tree, far out on a limb, at least thirty-five or forty feet above ground. Oak 

 trees still seemed to furnish a large part of the material. The nest was visible 

 from practically one spot only. The beech in full leaf hides it completely in all 

 other directions, and it took considerable effort to find the proper viewpoint. 

 There is very little chance that the nest will ever be descried by anyone else 

 and the birds are quite safe. 



In a few days this nest was completed. I watched it several minutes today 

 through a field glass, but there was no sign of a Gnatcatcher in the neighbor- 

 hood or on the nest. I had begun to wonder if something might have happened 

 to the birds when suddenly a tiny bill was thrust above the rim of the nest and, 

 though I could not see it, I have no doubt that an inquisitive little eye was 

 taking in the situation and a diminutive brain was wondering whether some 

 new calamity was about to follow. Then the little bill withdrew and there 

 was nothing more to be seen but the waving beech leaves closely overhanging 

 the nest, screening it from inquisitive eyes, shading from the summer sun and 

 gently fanning to rest a very unfortunate and tired little bird. 



A friendly Titmouse that followed me for something to eat inadvertently 

 perched in a tree quite near the beech. Instantly an angry little male Gnat- 

 catcher appeared upon the scene and dashed furiously at the intruder. The 

 Titmouse lost no time in withdrawing, assuming a humble and apologetic 

 manner, and the dauntless though sorely tried Gnatcatcher again vanished. 

 Though hidden from view and hushed in song he was evidently guarding with 

 an ever-watchful eye his beloved mate. 



