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 MtR., 902. [ THE CONDOR 35 Hummingbird Experiences from my Note Book. MOLLIE BRYAN T this season of the year, when household cares are not occupying the Anna hummingbirds, (CalfiSle anna) they may be observed at any our of the day about their chosen feed- ing grounds. They always select a perch near their favorite flavors, where they alight to rest, preen their feathers, sing their squeaky, mouse-like song and occasionally dart out that long needle-like tongue after some passing insect, snapping its bill with quite an air of satisfaction over the dainty mor- sel. To any of the members of the Cooper Club who wish to establish a friendship with one of these tiny creat- ures I can heartily recommend that a red sun-bonnet be worn, or a red wrap- per--but the sun-bonnet will prove the most effective and this will insure you the notice and often very especial at- tention from any of these color-loving birds, and while it is watching this new species of flower, you will be enabled to approach the little hummer's perch. The Anna hummer is the familiar friend of many households in Southern California, sometimes choosing sites for their nests which show unlimited con- fidence in their human friends, or in their own ability to elude observation. At my own home they have sometimes built directly over the front walk, the tiny nest saddled to a limb of the pine tree, but alas!--twenty feet above my head. As little is to be learned by the neck-breaking work of watching such a nest, I go to my neighbors for observa- tions, where the birds are more con- siderate. At the home of one of these was the quaintest nest I ever saw. It was inaloopof bate rope that hung from the ceiling of the woodshed, and was securely fastened by threads of cobweb to the rope. The nest was completed and eggs laid, before it was discovered by anyone. It hung just in- side the door, and there the little owner sat gazing into the eyes of all who ORANGE, CAL. came to make her acquaintance. A prettier sight could not be imagined than this little nest, swaying gently in the sea breeze as the occupant gazed out on the busy world, as though this was the most natural place in the world for a nest. Another bird chose for her home the vines that twined above the steps of the back porch, of another friend. Early one morning my friend observed the bird fluttering among the leaves over- head, and thinking she had become en- tangled in a spider web, went to her rescue. As the bird darted away she saw a tiny bit of leaf down resting on a twig of the ivy, evidently the founda- tion of a nest. The fanlily and neigh- bors were called and although it was Monday and wash-day, there was time to spare to watch little madam at her labors, for she labored alone. The step ladder was set up beneath the nest--to- be, and one and another mounted to watch, as the walls of the little home were erected and shaped over the breast of the little builder, as she turned this way and that in the nest, fitting and moulding it, working and pressing the material in with her bill. She payed no heed to the notice she was attract- ing, but worked as busy as a bee till al- nost night. The walls were just high enough to keep it in place, when she deposited one egg. The second day the walls crept higher and higher ant! be- fore night the second egg was laid. The third day the finishing touches were added to walls and lining--the little felt cup was finished. On the fourth day incubation began. It was three weeks before the little birds appeared, when the customary "pumping process" called feeding the little ones, was enacted. One of the little ones thrived wonderfully, stretch- ing the nest to aeeomodate its increas- ing size. By another three weeks the nest was almost in tatters and the ro-