THE LIFE ABOUT THE NEST 



them fall where the bird could see them. These 

 proved most acceptable, and the Redstart immedi- 

 ately appropriated them, one at a time, with the 

 result that she soon betrayed her nest. 



Early morning is the best time of the day to find 

 birds working at their nests, for then they are most 

 active. Perhaps a reason for this is that the broken 

 twigs, leaves, and dead grasses, wet with the dews of 

 night, are more pliable, and consequently more 

 easily woven into place. 



For nesting sites birds as a rule prefer the open 

 country. Rolling meadowlands, with orchards, 

 thickets, and occasional streams, are ideal places for 

 birds in spring. 



Number and Colour of Eggs. — The full complement 

 of eggs laid by a bird is known as a set or clutch. 

 The number varies greatly with different species. 

 The Leach's Petrel, Murre, and some other sea birds, 

 have but one egg. The Turkey Vulture, Mourning 

 Dove, Hummingbird, Whip-poor-will, and Night- 

 hawk lay two. Various Thrushes, such as the 

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