Page:The British Warblers A History with Problems of Their Lives - 3 of 9.djvu/57

 but its progress very slow; I therefore, after a short time, lifted it on to the branches, when one of the parents came to it, and by calling and perching close beside it, led it away into the bushes. The alarm-note of the young which has such an exciting influence upon the parents must in some way differ from the ordinary call-note, for this latter note is uttered frequently when they have been some time without food and is quietly replied to by the parents, but what the difference is I have been unable to detect. There is no doubt that it is this note and not the proximity of a human being to their offspring, that exercises such an influence upon the parents. If you place a young one upon your hand and remain perfectly motionless, you will find that the little creature will be devoid of any fear. Its call-note will gradually cease, its eyes will alternately close and open, its feathers all over its body will be relaxed, and drawing its head down between its shoulders, it will finally fall asleep. The greater part of the life of the young at this age is spent in sleep. The alarm-note of the parents has a remarkable effect upon them. If you know where they are in hiding and approach them suddenly, you will find that the parents will utter this note; an impulse immediately seizes the young, compelling them to fly, but they know not whither nor why, so often, to the despair of the parents, they fly straight at you.

The young continue with the female for some time after they are really capable of taking care of themselves, though the male does not often accompany them. He still sings, but the song is poor; his outbursts of excitement are less frequent and less intense. Excitement amongst individuals of other species will attract him, and he will frequently be an interested spectator if a Garden- Warbler, disturbed while feeding its young, commences to croak. Sometimes he pursues one of another species, such as a Chiff-chaff, Nightingale, or Hedge-Sparrow, and either plays or fights with him. Towards the end of July the song decreases, and in August practically ceases. During the latter month both sexes are quiet and subdued.