24 . THE CONDOR Vol. XXI 
found no trace of either the two young birds or the old ones; no trace of any re- 
cent feeding nor signs of habitation in or about the nest. Of course we do not 
know what became of them, but feel certain that the old birds had earried their 
offspring to a new location, as the young were much too small and weak to fly or 
even to stand up. Leaving the nest, I had not proceeded more than a hundred 
feet when up jumped a Pintail from her nest and nine eggs, showing that ducks 
at least are not afraid of Short-eared Owls. But faney a duck neighboring with 
cousin ‘‘Great Horned’’! 
Proceeding to the second nest I advanced very quietly, as I wanted to ap- 
proach it without being seen. This bird seemed to show more care for her young 
than the other one, and I was very anxious to observe, if I could, just what was 
going on ‘‘at home’’, nor was I disappointed. During the day it had been very 
hot and close for this region, but a distant thunder storm had suddenly created a 
strong cold wind that blew sharply across the flats. Crawling up behind an old 
Fig. 8. SAME NEST AS IN FIG. 7. YOUNG ONE WEEK OLD. 
iog, I peered over the top. The parent bird was lying somewhat sideways, with 
one wing uplifted, protecting her babies from the cold wind. The three little ones 
were cuddled up close to the mother bird, reminding one of an old cat with her 
kittens. What a chance for a real photographer! I tried to get a picture, bui 
the old bird took alarm before I could get near enough. Examination of the 
nest showed no signs of food other than fresh, tell-tale feathers, which were 
again in evidence. The little ones, over three weeks old, were still in their 
downy state, although pin feathers were sticking through. They were still too 
weak to stand, and lay in a helpless group snapping their bills. Neither of the 
old birds came near while I remained. 
June 1 was the date of my next and final visit. I approached quietly, and 
was greatly disappointed in finding the nest empty and the birds gone. A care- 
tul search for over *wo hours, up and down and around the nest, failed to dis- 
