The Birds of Monument Valley Park 



223 



It is difficult to say what are the most al^undant summer residents in the 

 park, though I suspect the Robin will probably head the list, at least one finds 

 more of their nests than of any other species; but it is usually no trouble to 

 find a Robin's nest, as they place them often in the most conspicuous places, 

 and places which certainly show faith in mankind, as when one builds directly 

 above a seat beside a much frequented walk, and another in a small spruce 

 beside another walk and less than five feet above ground. I stood close beside 

 this latter nest and watched the builder put some of the finishing touches to 

 her house. Many of the older cottonwoods and willows have been trimmed in 

 such a fashion as to leave flat stubs, grown about with twigs, forming "whorls,' 

 and these are favorite nest sites for Robins. One site was occupied for two 

 seasons in succession; last spring it was vacant. No doubt, two broods are 

 often raised. 



Next to the Robins, the House Finches are abundant Ijreeders. and their 

 favorite nesting trees are the little spruces and cedars which have been planted 



EVENING GROSBEAKS 



