Redpoll Linnets 



ii 



they were feeding they constantly moved about the box keeping up a pleasing 

 "Cher, cher, cher, cher, Cher, cher, cher, cher," accenting the first syllable 

 quite noticeably. 



As they seemed fearless, allowing us to come close to the window to watch 

 them, it occurred to me that perhaps I could induce them to feed from my hand. 

 Accordingly the next morning, wrapping up well and putting on a glove, I 

 seated myself by the open mindow holding a handful of millet on the sill close 

 by the box. Nearly an hour passed before the Linnets ventured down. They 

 had been moving about a nearby tree closely watching me and presently a ven- 

 turesome one alighted in the 

 box. Soon five others came, 

 one of which hopped into my 

 hand and ate a hearty meal. 

 I felt fully repaid for the long 

 time spent in waiting. 



The next day, about noon, 

 I took my place at the open 

 window again with millet in 

 the box on the window-sill, 

 in my lap and a generous 

 supply in my hand (gloveless 

 this time). In a few seconds 

 the Linnets were flying all 

 about me seeming now to have 

 perfect confidence. One came 

 almost immediately into my 

 hand and held possession, 

 allowing no one else to come 

 there, but another little fellow 

 crept along the window-sill 

 and reaching up helped himself when the first one was not looking. A third 

 one after eating a while on the window-sill hopped into my lap and had his 

 lunch there while fourteen others made a charming sight feeding happily in 

 the box under my hand. They kept up the pretty little conversational c 'Cher, 

 cher, cher, cher" constantly while feeding, the first syllable being accented 

 vigorously and sharply if one felt that another was trespassing on his claim. 



After this they came several times every day and when a handful of seed 

 was presented they flew into the hand without hesitation and had pitched battles 

 for the privilege of eating there, seeming to appreciate the warm perch and 

 unlimited supply of food. Two flew into the room and as they were fluttering 

 about some plants at a closed window I caught them and brought them to the 

 open window. One was badly frightened but the other seemed to have little 

 fear and did not make haste to leave my hand. 



ONE REDPOLL IN THE HAND AND NINE IN 

 THE BOX BELOW 



