42 THE CUCKOO’S SECRET 
Second Nest (5). 
Thursday , Afajy 20, 1920. — Found by Simmonds con- 
taining four eggs of fosterer and an egg of Cuckoo A. 
(Though presumably actually the first egg to be deposited, 
it was the third of the series in order of discovery.) The 
incubation was then from three to four days. The eggs 
were taken and the nest restarted. 
Third Nest (5). 
Tuesday , May 25. — Watched the female carrying 
building material and found the nest. 
Thursday , May 27, 8 a.m. — The nest contained the first 
egg of the Meadow Pipit. Before 5.45 p.m. the deposition 
of Cuckoo A’s eighth egg in exchange for the fosterer’s egg 
had been effected. O. R. Owen exchanged the Cuckoo’s 
egg for a substitute. 
Friday , May 28, 7.30 a.m. — The Meadow Pipit’s second 
egg had been laid and it was replaced by another substitute. 
Monday , May 31, 10 a.m. — Nest restarted after the fifth 
egg of fosterer had been laid. 
The female was never again definitely identified, and 
mysteriously disappeared. Throughout the remainder of 
the season the solitary male was always to be found alone 
singing in the same territory. 
On Monday, June 28, catching a female Meadow Pipit 
on her nest, 10-15 miles distant, we released her in the 
territory of this male. Our match-making efforts were, 
however, unrewarded. 
No. 5 Pair of Meadow Pipits 
First Nest (5). 
Sunday , May 2. — Found with five eggs. 
Sunday , May 9. — Removed eggs and restarted. 
