A Goldfinch Idvl 



149 



"August 8. My careful search was rewarded by the discovery of a 

 Goldfinch's nest, barely outlined, in the rock-maple near the former 

 site, but on the road side of the tree. That my bird friends had returned 

 to the old treestead I could not doubt, as they bore my scrutiny with 

 unconcern. In six days the nest was completed. The builder flew to 

 the brook and drank with her mate, but rarely stayed away long enough 

 for food supply; that was carried to her and received on the nest. 



NEST AND EGGS OF AMERICAN GOLDFINCH 

 From nature, by C William Beebe 



"August 18. An episode; a rival male flew to the home-tree with 

 the male Goldfinch, both singing delightfully and circling about the nest. 

 The mate, much excited, several times flew from the nest and joined in 

 the discussion. Two bouts between the males ended in the discomfiture 

 of Number two, and the return of my Goldfinch with a victor's song. 



"August 20. The course of true love now ran smooth, and Gold- 

 finch, sure of his intrenched affection, sartg less volubly. The female, 

 delicately sensitive of ear, apparently recognizes the voice of her mate, 



