Page:Bird-lore Vol 03.djvu/66

 Our Blue Jay Neighbors 51 The many weary hours durinij; which the ej^gs had to be kept warm were divided between the two birds, each reUeving the other at more or less regular intervals. And the bird at play did not forget its imprisoned mate, but returned now and then with a choice bit of food, which was delivered with various little demonstrations of sympathy and affection. We watched and waited patiently, and were well rewarded; for though the birds kept an eye on us they let us enjoy their daily life and attended to their duties in full view. The nest, built so near the top of the slender tree, swayed and bent to every breeze, and as Minnesota breezes are apt to h'j- Bl.L I. JA^ OS (a RI> A r IHK NEST come high winds, often hung at a pt-rilous angle, keeping the mother bus' balancing herself and settling her eggs. Almost ever da we expected to find on the ground anv or more eggs that had been thrown out atui broken. lilue Jas are er numerous in .Minneapolis, anil their loud screams are almost as familiar as the incess.int chatter of tlu- Knglish Sparrows. 'I'hey are always discussing something vigorousN, and using thi-ir voices fortissimo. We were delighted therefore to hear low, sweet, little notes ami measures, and what might be called talking. TheN reserveil their best efforts evi- dently for wooing ami e;irl morning corn ersations, and onl their intimate friends overheard.