An Island Eden 



177 



Without going into detail it is a difficult task to write adequately of the 

 bird-life of Gardiner's Island; but several facts soon impress the student, — 

 first, the abundance of birds; second, the presence of species rare or known 

 only as migrants on contiguous land areas; and, third, the departure of 

 some species from the normal habit of their kind. Robins, for example, 

 build their nests not only in every tree and bush about the place but in ex- 

 posed positions on the projections of piazza supports, on fence-rails, with- 

 out attempt at concealment, at the end of corded wood logs, and even on 



FISH -HAWK IN TREE NEST 



The nest contained two eggs and a newly hatched young. Note the headless fish at the right 



Photographed June 2, igoi 



Stones beneath foot-bridges. How far would they have progressed with 

 housekeeping arrangements if sleek, sometime-purring tabbies were inter- 

 ested spectators of their labors ? 



Other common dooryard birds are Catbirds, Orioles, Chimney Swifts, 

 Chipping Sparrows and Barn Swallows. Flickers, Quail and English 

 Pheasants all nest within a few yards of the home dwelling, the former 

 finding the box fence-posts admirable substitutes for hollow trees. 



Scarce a stone's throw away, colonies of Purple Grackles and Red- 

 winged Blackbirds add their characteristic notes to the chorus of bird voices, 

 the volume of which so impresses the bird student from less favored regions. 



