268 AMRRWAN ORNITHOLOGY. 



Of all the tricks in which the red squirrel is an adept (those which 

 have come under my observation) the persecution of the robin seems 

 to be his chief delight. About my home are numerous large elms and 

 maples, and near by, an orchard of apple trees, an ideal retreat for the 

 feathered tribe. 



The lobins build their nests within a few feet of my window. The 

 tree sparrow is also abundant; and every year a pair of bluebirds make 

 their home in a hollow limb of an old russet tree. Although there are 

 no nut trees near, the red squirrels have chosen this semi-sylvan retreat 

 for a foraging ground, and it is not uncommon to see two or more rac- 

 ing through the tree-tops. 



It was during last nesting time, about midday, that I heard an un- 

 usual commotion in the lofty tops of one of the great elms. I 

 approached the locality to learn the cause. A half dozen robins were 

 hopping about the tree top, uttering their short, sharp note of alarm. 

 They wers soon joined by a flock of English sparrows, and the 

 vehement chirping which soon commenced added materially to the 

 general rumpus. Cautiously approaching, I gained a position from 

 which I discovered the cause of -the disturbance. In a fork of one of 

 the larger limbs was a newly built robin's nest. In the nest with his 

 tail flattened out upon his back, sat a large red squirrel, evidenfy in 

 the act of dining upon raw robin's egg omelet. The robins were justly 

 exercised over the operation, and their expressions of anger were 

 seconded by full throated chirps from the sparrows. It was a veritable 

 ornithological pandemonium, during which the maurader calmly 

 munched his omelet, and then had the audacity to curl himself up for a 

 nap. 



One immense cock robin, resplendent in his spring plumage, hopped 

 from twig to twig, and scolded the invincible chickaree until his wrath 

 overcame his usual caution. Suddenly he seemed to receive an inspir- 

 ation;' taking to wing, he rose to the height of twenty or thirty feet; 

 here he poised, not unlike a hawk, then darted with greet speed direct- 

 ly at the squirrel. Evidently his courage failed for he sheered off, just 

 striking the squirrel with the tips of his wing. Mr. chickaree merely 

 ducked his head and remained in the nest. The seeming unconcern 

 of the squirrel increased the rage of the robin and again he poised for a 

 dive. This time he did not change his course, but projected his full 

 weight against the squirrel in a head-on collision. The effect was in- 

 stantaneous, and a complete surprise for the squirrel. He was knocked 

 completely out of the nest and- fell several feet before his sharp claws 

 could obtain sufficient hold to prevent a trip to terra firma. 



