The Rose-breasted Grosbeak 



III 



This, of course, is as it should be, but is so contrary to the habits of most 

 birds as to excite comment. 



On May 24, 1906, I located two unfinished nests, which I ascribed to 

 Grosbeaks. One of these was never finished, but the other, completed 



MALE ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK APPROACHIiSG NEST 



later, proved to be the property of a pair of Rose-breasts. The following 

 day I found another nest in a dense thicket some three miles from my home. 

 It was situated about eight feet from the ground in an elder bush, and con- 

 tained two eggs. The male was the only bird about the nest, but was not 

 seen on it. I made a photograph of nest and eggs, but did not again visit 

 the spot, so know nothing of its future history. Within fifteen feet of this 

 nest was a newly finished one of a Wood Thrush and a Catbird's home 

 containing three eggs, while, a little further away, there was another Wood 

 Thrush's nest with three eggs and a second Catbird's with three eggs, also, 

 so the Grosbeaks did not lack for company. 



On May 26, a female Grosbeak was sitting on the finished nest found 

 building on the 24th, while another nest was discovered within twenty rods 

 of this one, with the female on it. This latter nest was about nine feet 

 from the ground, in a choke-cherry bush, in a damp thicket, and con- 

 tained two eggs. The male was nearby, while, in the case of the former 

 nest, no male was seen. The next day I made two visits to these nests in 

 hope of obtaining photographs, but was prevented by rain. On the first 



