Cambridge Mass, 
J^°9' | at first what it was 
But after he had gone I examined the holes 
which averaged an inch or more in depth finding that most of them con- 
tained living ants that had fallen in and were unable to climb up the 
crumbling sides. Evidently the bird dug the holes not so much to get 
at the ants (I did not see him get any of them immediately and he in- 
variably moved on and began a fresh hole just after completeing one) 
as to entrap then. They were continually running about over the sur- 
face of the flags in numbers but he paid no attention whatever to 
those thus engaged, ' When he revisites the holes he did not throw out 
more earth but simply thrust his bill down slowly into them swallowing 
visibly as he removed it. 
A Flicker on our lawn this morning attracted my attention. 
by remaining perfectly immoveable for many minutes. At length 
towards him. As I approached he gave no sign that he was aware of my 
presence. Even when I got within a yard of him he continued to main- 
tain his statuesque pose. His breathing seemed normal and his eyes 
looked bright and alert but his gaze was directed toward some distant 
object I know not what and he completely ignored me. Although I could detect 
no evidence of any external injury I felt sure he must be either seri- 
