Page:Bird-lore Vol 08.djvu/202

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i6o Bird -Lore into the hole, evidently intending to peck them in case they should look into it. During the three minutes he remained in the hole, he managed to keep from looking out for one straight minute. Nevertheless, he was greatly agitated, and would look out every few seconds to see if the Nuthatches were approaching, — his crown -patch showing brightly. At last the male Nuthatch came to the edge of the hole, whereat the Woodpecker made an unsuccessful attempt to peck his opponent, afterward flying out with a rush, and chasing the Nuthatch for some distance on the wing. He then alighted on a small branch, but sat very awkwardly, balancing himself with his tail. As soon as their adversaries had been conquered, a new enemy came up. This time the foes were larger than the Woodpeckers, but they did not show so much fight as the Nuthatches. Four Canada Jays perched in a neighboring tree. The boldest then flew into the tree, and slowly hopped up toward the hole. When he was a foot from it, the male Woodpecker and a Hermit Thrush flew at him so fiercely, and chased him so persistently, that he and his companions did not return. A LOON PORTRAIT The accompanying photograph of a Loon was taken by E. W. McLean, a woodsman of northern Michigan. Mr. McLean hung a white piece of cloth on a bush on the shore of a small lake in the heart of the woods, where it could be seen plainly by the Loon, hid himself from view and waited until the Loon came close enough for him to take its picture.— S. S. Gregory, Jr., 89 Astor St., Chicago, Ills.