BIRD STORIES FROM 

 BURROUGHS 



THE BLUEBIED 



It is sure to be a bright March morning when 

 you first hear the bluebird's note; and it is as 

 if the milder influences up above had found a 

 voice and let a word f aU upon your ear, so tender 

 is it and so prophetic, a hope tinged with a 

 regret. 



There never was a happier or more devoted 

 husband than the male bluebird. He is the 

 gay champion and escort of the female at all 

 times, and while she is sitting he feeds her reg- 

 ularly. It is very pretty to watch them building 

 their nest. The male is very active in hunting 

 out a place and exploring the boxes and cavities, 

 but seems to have no choice in the matter and is 

 anxious only to please and encourage his mate, 

 who has the practical turn and knows what will 

 do and what will not. After she has suited her- 

 self he applauds her immensely, and away the two 

 go in quest of material for the nest, the male 

 acting as guard and flying above and in advance 



