IDYLLS OF BIRD LIFE 
flicker’s nest in a small elm. The opening to the nest was not 
twenty feet from the ground, and as I passed under the tree the 
female flew out. By some hard climbing, which was all th£_~_ 
more difficult because I had not brought my climbing irons, I 
reached the nest. It contained six beautiful pure white eggs 
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laid upon sawdust chipped from a tree by the bird itself. 
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Making a note of the place I proceeded through the woods. 
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One certainly could call this place a bird paradise a ake 
no mistake. I had hardly been there an hour when I had v : 
already discovered a dozen nests, and seen numerous birds froth 
each family, with great 
for me. 
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surprises and wonder still (in store 
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By this time I was getting close to the river. I lizard the 
harsh rattle of a king-fisher as he sped across the rive^ becom¬ 
ing alarmed, I suppose, at my approach. Just above me in a 
’ black walnut a cardinal was sounding his “cheo! cheoi cheo!” 
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squnding out his happiness to his brooding mate somewhere in 
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a nearby tangle of grape-vine. Although I flushed the female, 
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pel fir 
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I failed, after a diligent search, to find the nest. I had, now 
reached the river, and as I stood gazing at the rippling waters 
reflecting the early morning sunlight, a great blue heron flew l 
'1 / A ‘Sfi&rfr. S'Tc. 25777 Tt- — .jfrt t-A A ll 
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