. The birds of Ohio; a complete scientific and popular description of the 320 species of birds found in the state. Birds -- Ohio. THE BLUE JAY. ing with shrill laughter, mucking the frost and bidding defiance to the north wind, until the heart leaps in answer. In early spring, too, the Blue Jays are in highest spirits. They gather about some mock-modest raconteur in the tree- tops, and whisper and snicker in subdued fashion until the point of the story is reached, when they explode with sudden mirth and fall out of the tree shrieking with laughter. If you appear on the scene just then, they pr
. The birds of Ohio; a complete scientific and popular description of the 320 species of birds found in the state. Birds -- Ohio. THE BLUE JAY. ing with shrill laughter, mucking the frost and bidding defiance to the north wind, until the heart leaps in answer. In early spring, too, the Blue Jays are in highest spirits. They gather about some mock-modest raconteur in the tree- tops, and whisper and snicker in subdued fashion until the point of the story is reached, when they explode with sudden mirth and fall out of the tree shrieking with laughter. If you appear on the scene just then, they proclaim your ad- vance to all creation by shrill cries of Jay, Jay, and with an arrogance of virtue which makes you ques- tion your own motives. But early in April the Blue Jay becomes strangely silent. The nesting season is on, and the bird has good reason to keep the matter quiet. In orchard trees or front-yard evergreens, but oftener in the depth of the forest, the wily birds steal their nests. Not a sound is made while the sticks are laid and the rootlets gathered. No whistle or call betrays the secret of the spotted eggs, and people begin to w< inder what has become of the Blue Jays. Meanwhile the Jays are beginning to feast on strange sweets. Many a nunctured egg of Sparrow. Vireo, or Robin bears witness to the stealthy visit or open brigandage of these maraud- ers. When their young are * roKE^T tree. hatched, the pillage and car- nage increases fourfold. Every discoverable nest, not successfully defended by it^ i iwner, is laid under tribute to provide eggs or tender young for the baby monsters at home. Altho so bloodthirsty, the treacherous blue-coat is not es- pecially brave, and when set upon by the outraged parents, he (or she) usually beats a hasty retreat, screaming at a fearful rate. Even the Robin must guard her treasures with the greatest diligence or this crafty pilferer will desolate her home. The Blue Jays are not over careful either, and the appearance of
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Keywords: ., bookauthordawsonwi, bookcentury1900, bookdecade1900, bookyear1903
