118 
THE CONDOR 
Vol. XIV 
of the birds would lead one to expect. All the ne,sts found by us conformed 
closely to the published descri])tions, and there was practically no variation in 
material, construction or location. The young are very queer looking little balls 
of yellowish down, from which protrudes a long sharp bill, and the most malig- 
nant pair of eyes to be found in the bird world. In fact 1 know of no bird dispo- 
sition that could equal that of these helpless little creatures in genuine “cussed- 
ness”. The slighte.st noise or motion transforms the cuddling little chicklets into 
evil-looking little fiends, that attack an outstretched finger or .strike with the 
ferocity of a tiger, d'heir note of anger is a loud, forbidding hiss, very snake-like 
in quality ( possibly a natural protection from the bullsnakes which infest their 
nesting grounds ) and more than one nest was found that would have otherwise 
been passed by but for the demonstration occasioned by our approach. As soon 
Fig. 45. YOUNG BITTERNS IN NEST 
as they arc able to leave the ne.st. this aggressive nature deserts them and they 
are the same skulking secretive birds as the mature adults, although they show 
.some light if handled. 
One peculiar example of "bittern nature” came to our notice. Wdiile work- 
ing through a very dense cover of cattails and rushes we came upon an adult 
bittern which permitted us to ])ick it tq). .A thorough examination failed to 
reveal any injury, .so we decided to photograph our captive. However, when we 
endeavored to pose him he would either flop down in a most dejected heap or 
would dart for the rushes with mo.st surprising speed, which would be the occa- 
sion for some highly edifying (for the other fellow) speed te.sts u])on our part. 
Mnally after a dozen fruitless attempts we decided to see if his wings were 
injured .so tossed him as high as possible into the air. He very promptly and 
