HOME BIRDS 55 



other Jays he utters a number of low notes so con- 

 versational in character that one can easily imagine 

 the birds are talking together. Perhaps they are. 



Added to these vocal gifts, Blue Jay is an excel- 

 lent mimic. He can imitate the calls of the Red- 

 shouldered, Red-tailed, and Sparrow Hawks so 

 closely that I imagine not even those birds them- 

 selves can detect the difference between his notes and 

 their own. But when I hear the call of a Hawk 

 quickly followed by Blue Jay's familiar notes, I con- 

 clude that he is the author of both. 



Blue Jay's unugual intelligence is well shown dur- 

 ing the nesting season. Every one who has been 

 fortunate enough to live in the country knows how 

 easy it is to find the nest of a Robin, Catbird, or 

 Wood Thrush. The nearer we approach it the more 

 loudly do the birds protest. Only as we retreat do 

 they become less excited. It is just as though they 

 called "hot" and "cold," and if we follow the clue 

 their voices give, we soon discover the secret they 

 really wish to conceal. 



But the Blue Jay gives you no hint to the where- 

 abouts of his home. During the nesting season his 

 voice is rarely heard. If you should chance to be 

 near his nest not a word will he say about it. Prob- 

 ably you will not see him in the vicinity. Even when 

 by chance or very careful searching you find his 



