IDYLLS OF BIRD LIFE 
flitting about a tall elm that stood along the road. They were 
apparently seeking a suitable place for a nesting site. Soon 
their nest would contain two or three greenish-colored eggs. 
I noted the fact and marked the tree. For several days after, I 
saw nothing of my new friends, and I decided that they must 
have selected a more secluded place for their home. About a 
week after my discovery, I saw Mr. Jay carrying a twig, at 
about a quarter of a mile from the elm. As I walked along the 
\ 
road, noticing the rich display of Nature on every side of me, 
I happened to see that Mr. Jay had flown down toward the tree. 
I hastened along the macadamized road until I came to the spot, 
and there, sure enough, this restless bit of anatomy was busv 
constructing a rude nest, which, because of its high altitude, 
• appeared to be of the same color as its surroundings. As soon 
Y - . ^ 
as Lmade my appearance, and as long as I remained watching 
these busy marauders, they kept up a constant screaming, which 
seemed t&me as if they were trying to tell me in blue-jay 
A 
language, to mind my own business. 
i? 
§ 
For several weeks after I continued to watch the jays, and 
finally the mother took to the nest. As I passed day after day, 
gis>“ 
