Se iur us aurocanillus . 
Whitefield, N.H. 
1397. This morning in the woods N.E. of the house, as I was 
July 10. walking about, a bird suddenly flew up from under my very 
feet. I stooped down and found an Oven Bird's nest with four 
eggs. The nest was in a small clearing and was built of dead 
leaves, twigs, grasses and fine rootlets. The end of a dead 
Fir branch formed the framework of the top, and I never saw a 
more perfect protection than this offered, interwoven as it 
was with the various materials that the birds had used in the 
construction of the nest. The two birds flew about me, scold- 
ing a good deal. I had a fine opportunity to observe them, 
and to see the coloration of the top of the head. 
July 12. This morning I visited my Oven Bird's nest. I approached 
cautiously to within about six feet. The bird was sitting on 
the nest and I watched it for some time. It was looking up at 
me all the time I was there, but I didn't disturb it. 
July 16. This afternoon I again visited my Oven Birds. They were 
away from the nest, and I peeped in. There were three young 
ones, the fourth egg had gone. They must have hatched shortly 
after my first visit, for the three young birds together pret- 
tily nearly filled the nest. 
July 19. I visited the Oven Birds this morning. The three young 
ones crowded the nest and they were well feathered. 
