Page:Bird-lore Vol 08.djvu/203

 The Rose-breasted Grosbeak By FREDERICK L. HOLTZ With Photographs by the Author LAST summer the Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were very numerous in "I southern Minnesota. Within a radius of an eighth of a mile from my house at the edge of the town I found seven Grosbeaks' nests, and others in the same territory, no doubt, escaped my observation. One nest was located in the top of a tall box elder in my back yard, the others in near-by ravines and hill- sides. The nests are generally placed in the central part of a small shrubby tree, ironwoods be- ing preferred in this section. Grosbeaks were frequent visitors to my bird's drinking - trough, and their cheery, robin - like song was very pleasant. I often heard them singing during the night. The year before, I found a pathetic illustration of the small boy's hunting propensity. This was in the shape of the cut-off wings and mangled remains of a pair of Rose -breasted Grosbeaks. These had not only been killed, but cut into small bits — why, it is hard to tell. These beautiful and rather tame birds make a conspicuous and easy mark for the hunter. But this year the Grosbeaks seemed to breed in peace, except that the nest in my yard was destroyed by a severe hail -storm. The Grosbeak here prefers a hillside or a ravine for the situation of its home. The nest is rarely more than six or eight feet above the ground. This makes the nest very easy to observe, especially if one goes on the slope above the nest. The nest is built in so loose and frail a way that it is a wonder that it is able to hold together as well as it does. It is composed of inter- laced twigs and is lined with grass. It is so loosely constructed that one can easily see through the structure. (161) FEMALE GROSBEAK ON NEST