102 TEXAS NATURE OBSERVATIONS AND REMINISCENOES. 



ored eggs, found in a post oak 

 thicket, northwest of San Antonio. 

 The nest was constructed of bran- 

 chef; and leaves of the postoak. 

 showing the nest about one third 

 less normal size. This shov/s how 

 the shrewd bird adapts its envi- 

 ronments to gather its nest ma- 

 terial. In our mesquite brush val- 

 leys and hills, this species of cuc- 

 koo bird nearly invariably out- 

 lines its nest mould with mesquite 

 tree leaves — seen also on another 

 illustration from the woods, else- 

 where herein. 



As to the claim that the egg" 

 sucker bird seeks and perforates 

 the eggs of other bird nests, this 

 has been proven in some instances 

 by direct observation ; but it is ex- 



ceedingly rare, comparatively, 

 that such perforated eggs are 

 found in our vast prairie plains 

 and forests — usually such it seems 

 where this breeding bird had tem- 

 porarily left its nest in search of 

 food, etc.. and a doubt always ex- 

 ists in other instances, without di- 

 rect observation, as to the real 

 cause of such depredation. At 

 , any rate, this elegant wild bird de- 

 serves protection, as its principal 

 food consists of caterpillars and 

 various larval insects or worms, 

 harmful beetles, etc., and the egg" 

 sucker bird therefore, as well as 

 all other prairie birds during the 

 breeding seasons and outside of 

 same, should not serve as a target 

 to unscrupulous shooters. 



Remarkable Specimen of Woodpecker 



A Rare Specimen ok Large Woodpecker 



Once in a while, during outings 

 or hunting trips along our roman- 



tic river bottom forests, during 

 fall and even late in midwinter, 



