N. Nicholson—Trials of an Aviculturist



213



the nest. One egg, however, at first sight seemed little the worse but,

on closer examination, I found that it was pierced—no doubt by the

beak of the Robin. You can imagine my feelings once again.


Being in need of an aviary for a pair of Parrot Finches which were

quickly coming into breeding condition I decided to separate the

Bluebirds. The weather being rather cold at this particular period,

I eventually decided on keeping the Parrot Finches indoors for a little

longer. Very shortly the hen Bluebird was as eager as ever to go to

nest again. I was rather opposed to this, but very quickly came to

the conclusion that if I did not accede to her request, in all probability,

despite the fact that the cock Bluebird was not within hearing of her,

she would certainly deposit some eggs in the corner of her large

flight cage.


Very little food of a stimulating nature had been given for quite

a long period, but this did not seem to make any difference to her

ladyship.


After careful thought and, knowing that as far as nineteen eggs

in one season had been laid by the hen Bluebird, I decided on giving

one more chance which, although against my wish, was all I could do

under the circumstances.


I turned the Bluebirds out into their original aviary and nesting

operations began immediately. This time a straw hat was chosen,

fixed up in the same manner as for Parrot Finches, a good illustration

of which appeared in the magazine for the month of March.


It was quite amusing to watch the hen Bluebird perch on the

edge of the hat and suddenly drop down and disappear. In three

days the nest was completed, hay, raffia, moss, and horse-hair being

the materials used. Five eggs were laid.


Not having been able to locate a Robin’s nest suitable I had no

alternative but to let the Bluebird go on incubating. All went well

and after incubation had taken place for twelve days I received a

message from the friend mentioned previously that he had located

another Robin’s nest in the same area as the two previously,

and as far as he could say, incubation had been in progress

three days.


• Here was another problem, as my Bluebirds were nine days incubated



