MAY. 139 



As I reached the tree, coveting its outlook far up and 

 down the river, a sparrow-hawk flew from a hollow in 

 the trunk, and then turning hovered above me in an 

 anxious manner. I knew at once that the bird was nest- 

 ing there. The opening to the nest was small and no 

 projection offered a foot-hold to the bird when entering, 

 but this did not seem to disconcert it. 



I presently withdrew a short distance, and the bird re- 

 entered the tree with the same rapidity and command of 

 movement characteristic of the bank-swallows. It was a 

 beautiful sight. I then returned to the tree and slapped 

 the trunk smartly with my hand, when the hawk promptly 

 re-appeared and also, to my surprise, from a hole but 

 three or four feet lower down, a flicker came bouncing 

 out. Again I withdrew, when both the hawk and wood- 

 pecker returned. Here, then, were two birds of very dif- 

 ferent habits, save that of nesting in hollow trees, and one 

 of them a bird of prey, living in the same tree in perfect 

 harmony. 



It may be no uncommon occurrence, but I have not in 

 my own wanderings met with another instance, nor recall 

 any record of one. 



The day, like all such, proved too full ; there was more 

 well worthy of study that we hurried by than I have men- 

 tioned in my rambling way. And now, a few retrospective 

 words as I return. Three truly spring-like days had 

 wrought a wondrous change. The wealth of life along 

 the river's shores to-day had largely reached this valley in 

 that time, for April, '88, will long be remembered as a, 

 strictly winter month. 



