An Opportunity Interrupted 299 



I also wondered if it were natural for incubation to begin immediately upon 

 the laying of the first egg, or whether the nest were not being covered to keep 

 out more unwelcome derelicts. I was a little surprised, on the morning of 

 the fifth day, when I found that two more Cowbird's eggs had been slipped 

 into the nest, and now lay by the side of three of the Vireo's own. It offended 

 my equanimity and sense of justice to see them there. I matched up three 

 little Vireos against two fat Cowbirds, and at once disposed of the Cowbird's 

 eggs. The next morning I was rewarded by the appearance of a fourth egg 

 of the Vireo. 



The male bird was incubating when we approached. I had not taken occa- 

 sion to flush the birds from the nest before, and little realized their confiding 

 nature. I stood below the nest and reached up to it with my hand. Instead of flut- 

 tering from it, as normal birds would on 

 such occasions, he merely craned his 

 neck and peered over at the approach- 

 ing hand, seemingly more with curiosity 

 than fear. Slowly I reached toward 

 him until my fingers rested upon his 

 bill, and then I touched him on the 

 chin and on the top of the head. I was 

 stroking a wild creature without caus- 

 ing it alarm. I had suddenly acquired 

 the magic touch, and no longer was I 

 an ordinary mortal. Now I could walk 

 through the woods and the animals 

 would understand me. The wild crea- "a staring monster six inches 



, , , Al . , , FROM HIS VERY EYES" 



ures would come from their dens and 



the birds would fly down and talk to me. Scarcely believing my own eyes 

 and the touch of my fingers, I felt that I must have photographic evidence. 

 I rushed back for my camera and was soon again at the nest with a com- 

 panion. The camera was of the reflecting type and required both hands to 

 manipulate it. Would the bird understand, and transfer his allegiance 

 just for these few minutes while I could take the picture? Would he? I 

 came back to earth with a jolt for I was no better than the next fellow. 

 Slowly my companion reached up to the nest and touched him upon the bilk 

 Then he grasped the branch below the nest and drew it down until the bird 

 was on a level with his face. If anything would test a bird's nerve that would, 

 and still the Blue-head remained at his post. With a staring monster six 

 inches from his very eyes, with its talons about him, he still clung to the nest. 

 It was not until he was given a sudden start by the breaking of a twig that 

 he left. Then he fluttered off a few feet, but, instead of scolding as we expected, 

 he began to sing. It was not exactly a song of contentment, however, he was 

 excited and he sang his very best. This brought the female, and she did the 



