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Bird -Lore 



until nightfall, when all the members would be gathered about the snug little 

 nest which they called home. Subsequent developments proved that such an 

 evening picture could not be secured because of the absence of a prominent 

 member of the group. 



A flash-lamp which could be set off by pulling a string was placed a few feet 

 from the nest; then the camera was put in the proper position and everything 

 was left in readiness for future experiments. At lo p.m that evening, I cautiously 

 crept to the end of the string which operated the shutter of the camera. One 

 pull opened the shutter. A pull on the other string resulted in discharging the 

 flash-lamp. The negative obtained shows the mother sitting on the nest, shield- 

 ing her young from the chilly night air. But where is father Lark? Why is he 

 not at the side of his faithful spouse, doing his duty as a protector to his better- 

 half and children ? This question has not }'et been satisfactorily answered, and 

 to this day no one knows where the father Lark spends his evenings. 



FLASHLIGHT OF THE FEMALE HORNED LARK, TAKEN AT lo P.M. SHE IS BROOD 



ING YOUNG 



THE RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD 



Near the icy, bubbling springs Scarlet-shouldered, flashing out 

 By the willow tree, Careless-hearted, free. 



Boisterously the blackbird sings, — Suddenly he stops to shout 

 "Oak-a-lee!" "Mar-go-lee!" 



When the tide of s})ring ui)-flows, 



Helpless in his glee. 



Inarticulate he grows, — 



"Gurglc-ee!" 



— Donald Babcock 



