A Record of Seventy-five Birds’ Nests 185. 
A number of years previous, a record was kept of a smaller number of 
nests, and the per cent where the broods were raised did not exceed twenty. 
These nests were situated in the same vicinity as those recorded above, and 
the conditions, outside of devastations by natural enemies, would not vary 
to any great extent. Since then, red squirrels, cats, Crows, and Blue Jays 
have been kept away, as much as possible, by the shot-gun. It seems, then, 
that it is safe to conclude that by a little effort and care the percentage of 
successful nests can be made to increase. All the nests mentioned above were 
around buildings. Thus, the records prove that, with a little help, the number 
of birds around the home, in the garden and on the farm, will increase, and the 
quantity of insects should decrease in proportion. Certainly it is worth while 
to help our feathered friends a little, and learn something of their habits 
and struggles for existence, and be repaid by their company, song and aid 
in lowering the billion-dollar-a-year tax of seed and insect pests. 
FLICKER AT NEST OPENING 
Photographed by Jno. M. Schreck, at Edmonton, B. C. 
