. The birds of California : a complete, scientific and popular account of the 580 species and subspecies of birds found in the state. Birds; Birds. The Solitary Vireos. Taken in Modoc County Photo by the Author A SHADED SITUATION at once ceases should any unusual noise occur. They are most cour- ageous while on the nest, seldom leaving until re- moved by hand, when both birds remain within a few feet of the intruder, scolding vig- orously. Of this courageous confidence on the part of sitting birds we have abundant testimony. While it is characteristic of the species, there are wide individual
. The birds of California : a complete, scientific and popular account of the 580 species and subspecies of birds found in the state. Birds; Birds. The Solitary Vireos. Taken in Modoc County Photo by the Author A SHADED SITUATION at once ceases should any unusual noise occur. They are most cour- ageous while on the nest, seldom leaving until re- moved by hand, when both birds remain within a few feet of the intruder, scolding vig- orously. Of this courageous confidence on the part of sitting birds we have abundant testimony. While it is characteristic of the species, there are wide individual depar- tures. Of a pair I had under close observation for three weeks in Modoc County, the fe- male would submit to being lifted from the nest, while the male would fly at three or four feet. The male, moreover, was greatly disturbed over what he considered my undue familiarity with his mate. Bird psychology is sometimes a very disappointing thing. Psychological experimentation, likewise, is often inconclusive, because of our lack of insight into many of its operating causes. After two weeks' study of the nest, shown indifferently on this page, having nursed the brood through two storms and otherwise proven myself a good fellow, and having, as I supposed, made a decided hit with the mistress of the manse, I sought to secure better photographs than the shaded situation allowed. So, finding the female Cassin astride of her three ungainly youngsters, I first stroked her gently, then insistently pressed her foot until she clambered up on the edge of the nest to be rid of annoy- ance. Presently she flew for food, and after her return I cut the nest branch and lashed it to another sapling in the sunlight 25 feet away, then retired to await results. Neither bird made the faintest move to follow or to seek the young in a new location. Both, however, moped in the old home tree, or took turns examining the severed branch. The only sound made was an occasional low chuckle, much as a farme
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Photo credit: © Library Book Collection / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1920, booksubjectbirds, bookyear1923
