88 | THE CONDOR Vol. XXII 
opening about thirty feet from the edge of the old road, and was surrounded 
by a profusion of green shrubbery that was much to the liking of the vireos. 
On only two occasions did I note either of the parent birds more than forty 
yards away from the willow after the nest was completed, until the young had 
flown. I could not help but note the pretty setting for such an interesting bit 
of home hfe. The ground was carpeted with a thick growth of wild sweet pea 
(Lathyrus pauciflorus) which was in full bloom and scenting the air with a 
sweet odor. One side of the opening was enclosed with buckbrush (Ceanothus 
sanguimeus) and ninebark in bloom; beyond there were several large yellow 
pines and Douglas fir trees; on the other sides were service berry bushes, wil- 
Fig. 18. NEST OF WESTERN WARBLING VIREO CONTAINING THE 
FULL SET OF EGGS. 
lows, and ocean spray (Schizonotus discolor) which extended to a large grove 
of pine and fir trees in the near distance. In and out through the surround- 
ings were bushes of the large flowering wild rose in full bloom, adding a touch ~ 
of color to the masses of green and white. 
In order to view the nest it was necessary to reach the small opening. If 
the female was incubating she quickly became aware of my presence, and at a 
distance of about five feet, would flit from the nest to a nearby bush, to begin 
the usual vireo scold. The first few notes never failed to enlist the sympathy 
of any feathered neighbors who happened to be near, but after a brief scrutiny 
ee 
