CONCORD, 
1908 
April 28 
Chickadees 
excavating 
hole 
Sharp-shin 
Hawk 
hunting 
The Chickadees worked at excavating for their nest 
in the apple tree at the rear of the house all day and 
even more ceaselessly and energetically in the afternoon 
than in the forenoon. Thus far they have done nothing 
but loosen and remove the decayed wood. I examined the 
hole this evening and found it had been carried down 
about six inches. At the bottom it tapered to a point. 
The birds jump into it and out of it with surprising 
quickness and precision like Jack-in-the-box, never 
pausing for an instant at the entrance, at least when 
going in. 
As I was standing near our poultry yard about 
10 A. M. a female Sharp-shinned Hawk scaled low over it, 
coming from Lawrence's field. She kept straight on, 
following our cart path and passing the old barn within 
a few yards and bel an the level of the eaves. Not over 
while within my view did she move her wings. There was 
something very impressive about her flight — a swift, 
even, noiseless glide, suggesting great momentum yet 
absolutely effortless. This is the characteristic method 
of hunting of the Sharp-shin, and to a less degree of 
Cooper's Hawk, also. It must be a deadly method, for 
the victim can have little or_ no n otice of the approach 
of the Hawk until it is too late 
