Notes from Field and Study
his cage and feed h'tn. Then he would he put back and go to sleep.
When he was three weeks old Itis diet was changed to worms and flies, Soon he was able to make exertions to pick up his food. and when he had secured a fly or other morsel. he would give a joyous little note of triumph. as much as to say, " See what [can do l " As he grew older. one oi his peruliari- ties was that while he liked to run and hop all over you. you must not touch him. for, it you did, he would fly to an empty chair, to the railing, or to some other perch, and then scold you for your presurnpti n. His master taught 'Bobs.’ as the bird was called. a peculiar note which the master gave when- ever he came about the house. Itill only a learner in flighl. however. and he ventured no very great distances, He would go down into the garden in pursuit of his food. The door of his cage was left open and he went in and out as he pleased.
The big birds were very jealous of this little fellow, and he, in a spirit of defiance, .vrould go out and dare them. whereupon they would come after him. But Bobs knew that there was always safety to be had in retreat to the house and in shrieking as loudly as possible so as to attract the atten- tion of some one of the household. and thus bring a protector to his assistance.
The house was surrounded by magnificent oaks. Bobs was given his first lessons in flight in the trees nearest the house. As he became more venturesome. he made longer flights of his own accord. hut never passed the house without giving his peculiar call. It was also his habit to come to the porch about five o‘clock in the afternoon. when the family were sitting there. Then the fun began for him. He would pick at the shoe- strings and struggle with them. pull out hair- pins. orwalk over the book one was reading if no notice was taken of him.
Poor little Bobs had many enemies of his own kind. for Mockingbirds are known to be great fighters. and jealous of human interference as well. always trying to kill domesticated birds. One day when he was several months old he went away as usual. giving his signal as he passed the house, but he never returned, much to the great
Bohs was
167
His rescuer went out among the trees in search ol the missing pet. calling tlle bird by name. so well known to the little fellow, and giv- ing the peculiar whistle also. to either of which Hobs had answered rear' v before. But now there was no response. l-.ither the odds had been too great for hint, or he had found a congenial mate and had gone back to the life of the liirds.7r\KlTA Pawn, New Orleans. La.
grief oi his friends antl admirers.
Purple Martins in Vermont
in the October. :90}. number of Buttr- Lmte. I wrote of the disaster ottr Purple Martins had met with during the long, cold rain in lune. in the in» of all tlteirytrung. At that timewe asked ourselves. “Will the Mar s return next spring and take up their allude in the Caslle again a " The question has been answered by a few Martins that came to the Castle this spring. 'l‘hree males tram: April 25. and lingered about the house. apparently waiting for the arrival of females. Ahout May r. one female came, but the males could not induce her to remain hilt a fen- hours. (lnt‘e after that she came to the house for a short interval. She seemed to seethe scenes of last \‘ear‘s horror. and alter uttering a few pitious cries slte flew away.
The three males remained several days calling and looking for mates to come. lnit i\lay r5. the Castle was silent. and no Ma s have come to stay with us this year. \Ve regret to think that our large Colony ltas gone. and there i.- no hope oi getting them back this year: but we trust We may he ntore fortunate another year.
Through Elan-Lotte we \\ sh to ask the persons who reported the loss at tlte \lar- tins during last year's long. cold ram if the birds returned this spring. and are breeding .7Fuxcss B. Honors.
in vain.
in the same house Bra/rlrlmrv. I‘I.
Bird Notes lrorn the Vicinity ol New York City, 1904
Central ParkiApril goand 3.. Green- crestetl Flycatcher; ay l and 8. Fish Crow: May 6 and I]. Lincoln‘s Sparrow— observed continually iormore than an hour
