The Western Warbling Vireo 
The Warbling Yireo’s cradle is swung midway from the fork of some 
nearly horizontal branch in the depths of a shady tree. In height it may 
vary from fifteen to twenty-five feet above the ground; but I once found 
one in a peach tree without a shadow of protection, and within reach 
from the ground. The structure is a dainty basket of interwoven grasses, 
mosses, flower-stems, and the like. It is not, however, so durable as that 
of some other Vireos, since much of its thickness is due to an ornamental 
thatching of grass, bark-strips, green usnea moss, and cottonwood down, 
which dissolves before winter is over. The female is a close sitter, 
sticking to her post even though nearly paralyzed with fear. The male 
is usually in close attendance, and knows no way of discouraging the 
inquisitive bird-man save by singing with redoubled energy. He takes 
his turn at the eggs when his wife needs a bit of an airing, and even, it is 
said, carries his song with him to the nest. 
Baby vireos are among the most engaging objects in Nature’s creche. 
If not too much discouraged by parental counsels, they will sit confidently 
upon a finger, or line up obediently on a horizontal stick. If the birdies 
only knew when to be trustful! Nothing so moves one’s heart to tender- 
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