10 



markings heavy and evenly distributed. 

 May 15th, Chickadee: nest in a live box-elder, five 

 eggs, measuring, four .58x.4b, one .57x.4.5, mark- 

 ings fine and scattered 



These show the variations to be found in 

 size and markings and are representative sets 

 from a large series examined. 

 Occasionally a 'runt' or freak egg may be found, 

 but on an average^ the size will be within .60x.43. 



The Chickadee is a very home-like bird and 

 can always be relied upon to be close at hand as 

 her nest is being robbed, uttering her pleasant 

 chick-a-dee, chick-a- dee-dee as you take her eggs. 

 When sitting the female is very cross, and will 

 etay on the nest, hissing you and pick your hand. 

 An ideal nesting site for them is the willow- 

 lined bank of some small stream, there a dozen 

 nests can generally be found in the course oi h ilf 

 an hour's walk. ; 



The Chickadee is a very wise and busy little 

 bird during the nesting season, just think a pa r 

 of these bu'ds having to carry food to from five to 

 nine young from the time they are hatched until 

 they are large enough to take care of themselves. 



(To be continued next month.) 



