IDYLLS OF BIRD LIFE 
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The first gray streak of light in the east proclaimed the 
advent of day as I arrived at the location given me by my 
friend, a strip of woods which bordered a large field. 
As the light grew stronger I started my search for the 
nest. I had proceeded about a hundred feet, into the heart of 
the woods, when without warning, a loud whirr of wings startled 
me with its suddenness. I saw a brown streak go sailing be¬ 
tween the trees then disappear into the adjoining fields. Cau- 
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tiously, I advanced to where I heard the bird rustle. Near an 
old rotten stump I found the nest, just as my kind friend had 
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told me. 
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On a few dry leaves which served as a nest I found three 
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buffy eggs, spotted with reddish brown, the home of a pair of 
woodcock. As this species usually lays four eggs, I had reason 
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to believe the set was not complete. Not caring to let the eggs 
chill, I left them, hoping the mother bird would return soon. 
I lingered about the spot for about twenty minutes and finally 
I had the satisfaction of seeing the faithful mother bird fly back 
to the nest. 
On my way home I had to pass through a swampy bit of 
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land, and in here I noticed many neatly bored holes, showing 
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