Page:Bird-lore Vol 05.djvu/192

 An Island Eden :77

Without going into detail it is a diﬁicult task to write adequately of the bird—life of Gardiner’s Island; but several facts soon impress the student,— ﬁrst, the abundance of birds; second, the presence of species rare or known only as migrants on contiguous land areas; and, third. the departure of some species from the normal habit of their kind. Robins, for example, build their nests not only in every tree and bush about the place but in ex- posed positions on the projections of piazza supports, an fence-rails, with» out attempt at concealment, at the end of corded wood logs. and even on

HSIIVHAWK IN TREE xesr The nest mutade N‘o eggs and a newly hulthrd )nuM. Note nu- haunt-ts ﬁsh at the right Photographed June 1, mol

stones beneath footrbridgesr How far would they have progressed with housekeeping arrangements if sleek, sometime—purring tabbies were inter- ested spectators of their labors ?

Other common dooryard birds are Cathirds. Orioles, Chimney Swifts, Chipping Sparrows and Barn Swallows Flickers, Quail and English Pheasants all nest within a few yards of the home dwelling, the former ﬁnding the box fenceeposts admirable substitutes for hollow trees.

Scarce a stone's throw awav, colonies of Purple Grackles and Redr winged Blackbirds add their characteristic notes tc the chorus of bird voices, the volume of which so impresses the bird student from less favored regions.