The Bluebird 
II 
of bluebirds may be raised in a box each spring, 
and as insects are their most approved baby 
food, you see how much it is to our interest 
to set up nurseries for them near our homes. 
But when people are not thoughtful enough 
to provide them before the first of March, the 
bluebirds hunt for a cavity in a fence rail, or a 
hole in some old tree, preferably in the orchard, 
shortly after their arrival, and proceed to line it 
with grass. From three to six pale blue eggs are 
laid. At first the babies are blind, helpless, and 
almost naked. Then they grow a suit of dark 
feathers with speckled, thrush-like vests similar 
to their cousin’s, the baby robin’s; and it is 
not until they are able to fly that the lovely 
deep blue shade gradually appears on their gray- 
ish upper parts. Then their throat, breast, and 
sides turn rusty red. While creatures are help- 
less, a prey for any enemy to pounce upon, 
Nature does not dress them conspicuously, you 
may be sure. Adult birds, that are able to look 
out for themselves, may be very gaily dressed, 
but their children must wear sombre clothes 
until they grow strong and wise. 
Young bluebirds are far less wild and noisy 
than robins, but their very sharp little claws 
discourage handling. These pointed hooks on 
the ends of their toes help them to climb out of 
the tree hollow, that is their natural home, into the 
big world that their presence makes so cheerful. 
