The Audubon Societies 251 



ing birds, when we ran across the Vireo's nest, about five feet from the ground 

 in a small tree. We moved a little closer, and focused our glasses upon the 

 bird, and there she was sitting upon the nest. The leader of the party moved 

 still further toward the tree, and although he did not wish to frighten or dis- 

 turb her, he did want to test her courage. I do not believe that he was more 

 than twelve inches from her before she flew away. Her courage, in my mind, 

 was remarkable, and the sense of duty which she showed in guarding and car- 

 ing for those eggs is a good lesson by which human beings may profit. 



Just the other day I witnessed a sight about which I have often read. 



The leader of the party about which I have just spoken called my atten- 

 tion to a female Oven-bird in the grass near where we stood. Upon approach- 

 ing she flew away, keeping about a foot from the ground and spreading her 

 right wing while she did so. I was then informed that she was making out to 

 be wounded, so that we should follow her and so draw our attention from her 

 young ones. Sure enough, there were the young birds in the grass, with only a 

 few feathers on. 



It is interesting to note such incidents as these, and I think that one can 

 have great success in observing birds with a bird-bath. I simply purchased 

 a large, inexpensive pan, and put it in a place which I had dug in the ground 

 to fit it. Then I sprinkled a little gravel in the bottom, put a few stones around 

 the edge, and filled it with water. I had fixed the pan so that one end was 

 shallower than the other. Soon I observed the birds bathing in it. They would 

 very timidly hop first upon the stones on the edge, and then, gradually becom- 

 ing more courageous, they would plunge into the water. It is very amusing 

 when a particularly large Robin takes a very long bath and uses the whole 

 tub, splashing about, while four or five smaller birds are impatiently waiting 

 on the edge for this most important individual to complete its toilet. — 

 W. W. Hall, Jr. (Age 13 years), Buckhill Falls, Pa. 



[It is always a pleasure to receive observations which have been made at first-hand 

 in the true spirit of inquiry. Concerning the fear of brooding birds, Mr. Herrick explains 

 to us in his study of the 'Home Life of Wild Birds,' the different stages of timidity and 

 courage through which parent birds pass while nesting. In studying the habits of birds 

 always be careful not to disturb birds which are about to nest or which are just be- 

 ginning to brood. Later, as they become more attached to the nest and eggs, they 

 usually show less fear. — A. H. W.] 



