AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. ^V 149 



Except in occasional instances, however, the conspicuity of the 

 Loggerheads nest does not prove detrimental to its safety, for only by 

 extremely hard labor and an absolute indifference to thorns, can one 

 and its contents be examined. The nests are placed in the thorniest 

 and most impenetrable parts of the hedge-rows and usually just out of 

 reach from the ground. From the observations of several years during 

 which hundreds of Shrikes nests were examined, I would estimate that 

 a line drawn horizontally, seven feet six inches from the ground would 

 pass through a majority of them, while perhaps ninety per cent, would 

 be found between two parallel lines six and a half and eight feet up. 

 This is certainly a noteworthy characteristic of his habits and no doubt 

 represents the acumen of generations of Shrike experiences. A foot 

 or more higher, and the cosily lined home would be buffeted about by 

 the fierce spring winds which would often prove disastrous. 



A foot or so lower would bring them within the limits of the curiosity 

 and mercy of the country school lad, the former trait of whom is un- 

 limited and the latter seldom demonstrated. Far too often do we see 

 a nest turned on its side with a corn stalk thrust through the center and 

 the pretty speckled eggs lying scattered and broken upon the ground. 

 Short legs and shorter arms are unable to reach the prize and their 

 owner, with the selfishness of human nature displayed in its embryonic 

 state, destroys that which he cannot -possess. Our Loggerhead is not 

 discouraged however with occasional reverses, but will immediately 

 proceed to build him a new home, and a fortnight later will be happily 

 esconced in his new possessions. 



It is here we may see him to our best advantage, for he is strictly a 

 home-bird, and will not object to a much closer inspection of his home- 

 life than is allowed by most of our studies in the bird kingdom. 



His personal appearance is one of innocence and meekness and does 

 not in the least betray that cruel hidden nature that so often shows 

 itself in undeniable a manner. While Mother Nature decreed that he 

 should prey upon the field mouse and other destructive rodents, and 

 gave him a hooked beak that he might better handle his provinder, we 

 find it hard to forgive his cannibalistic tendencies when we discover a 

 little song-bird impaled upon the cruel thorns. We are more willing 

 however to forget his faults when we see the love and attention he 

 bestows upon his little mate and the unselfish care he devotes to his 

 family of little ones. 



This remarkable devotion is exhibited from the day the young are 

 hatched until they vie with him in size and plumage. It is the male 

 we see in the accompanying photograph, which has braved the terrible 

 .glass eye of the camera in order to feed his hungry children. In the 



