into, there are generally some signs to show if it is occupied, such as odd strands of hair or moss sticking about the entrance, or a sort of dirty polish round the edges, made by the bird rubbing against the stone or wood as she goes in and out. Of course a spider’s web across the hole will show you that it is not occupied, and if there are no signs you still have your little wire scoop to settle the question one way or the other. A little hook will soon bring up something to show if there is a nest there.
Ponds and Lakes.—Often the weeds are so tall and thick that you can’t see where the nests are. If there is a decent tree anywhere near, shin up it and you will see all you want; but don’t forget to mark the spot on the bank from which to start for each one, while you are up there, for they will be just as invisible as ever when you are on the ground again. There is a certain lake where I have done good work with field-glasses from a crag alongside, even to counting the eggs in the nests; but there it was very important to mark your starting-place right, as you had quite a long walk round to get there.
Wading.—Remember a pond is generally soft at the bottom and deeper than it looks, and if you find you have to turn your trousers further up before you are half-way there, come right back and take them off—circumstances permitting. Of course if the owner is likely to come down like a wolf on the fold. . . . but we all have some common sense! There is not much danger in ponds, and you can soon tell if it is getting too soft for you. If there is a hard bottom under the mud you can go in up to your chin.
Swimming.—You may have to swim for some nests. It is worth it for sometimes like a Great Crested Grebe, or sometimes there is an island in a lake that is worth visiting. But don’t try it at all unless you are a really good swimmer and sure of yourself anywhere; and if you are, beware of the weeds that don’t quite reach the top of the water. If you do get into a patch by mistake, keep your legs up and you’ll get through all right, but if you let them down you may easily get tied up. When you get to tall reeds or bulrushes you can pull yourself along by them all right with a few scratches, even if you can’t get a footing among the roots, which is rather a risky thing to try, as if you break through it will most likely take a rope to get you out. And the nearest rope?—probably too far for you.
One other point: if you go swimming, take something to bring your eggs back in. Nature has forgotten to give us any pockets, and you will need your mouth for breathing. What you take I leave to you. I have used a field-glass case, but it didn’t improve it.
Watching.—So much for searching for nests, and very good fun it is. But there is another way of finding them which is even more exciting, and that is watching the birds till you get them to show you where the nest is. It needs plenty of time and patience, and boys are apt to be short of both; but once you try it I think you will get more satisfaction out of one nest found this way than a good many you have come upon haphazard. You not only have the joy of beating the birds at their own game of patience, but you get to know them and all their little ways, and there are few sights more fascinating than a wild creature going about its business with no idea that you are watching it.
I don’t suppose you will care to spend much time watching any but rare birds, or birds whose nests you can’t find otherwise; but often you will want to sit down for a rest, or lunch, and if you choose a likely spot, where you are fairly well hidden but have a good view, you will often find birds betraying their nests before you have been there ten minutes. I was once sitting with my back against a tree (watching some Pied Flycatchers in the distance) when a Willow Wren flew down and into her nest less than one yard from my left foot. I had not been there ten minutes, but I sat perfectly still, and that is the whole secret of watching birds, or any wild creatures.
Now for some practical hints. We will suppose you have disturbed the birds, but failed to find the nest. Choose a spot, not too near, from which you have a good view of the place where the nest ought to be. If you can get well hidden, so much the better; but remember the nest may be quite a long way from where you think it is, so make sure of your view first and foremost. If you can’t hide yourself and see as well, choose a good background, hedge, tree-trunk, wall or bank, and a comforatble seat; for once you have settled down, you must not move till you have won the game (or lost your patience). And don’t be in a hurry to think you have got the secret; birds are sometimes very cunning. I was once watching a Wheatear which I knew must have a nest in a loose stone wall. The first time she went into a hole I was delighted, but just as I was going to move, out she came again, and in the next twenty minutes she was in and out of twenty different holes. When at last she seemed to have gone in for good I could hardly believe it, and gave her five minutes by my watch before I went and looked; but it really was the nest this time.
There is one dodge which will shorten the time you have to wait, if you can manage it. Take a friend with you as far as your hiding-place, and when you are settled down let him go right away about his own business. The birds will watch him safely off the premises, forget all about you, and carry on as if they had the whole place to themselves. They seem to have no head for mathematics, and think 2–1 = 0. Perhaps two or more assistants going away would work better, but I have never tried it.
You will find field-glasses most useful at this game, when for any reason you can’t get near the spot, as well as for finding out what sort of bird you have seen at any time, without going so near as to frighten it. If you see a bird with building material in her mouth before she sees you (as you very often will with glasses) you ought not to have long to wait before you have her secret. Then it is best to mark the spot carefully, but not to go near it till you have given her time to lay her eggs. Many birds are very touchy at such times, and will leave a half-finished nest if you so much as look at it.
When the birds are sitting, you may be able to steal up unobserved within sight of their haunt, when it should be easy to find the nest if you can see both birds; but if only one is on view the other is most likely on the nest, and you had better waste no more time, but walk boldly about the place till you either find the nest or see the other bird about. Then you can retire to a respectful distance and start on your game of patience.
FIG. 3—CHAFFINCH
FIG. 4—LINNET
You have to be very keen to play this game in the wet; but don’t forget that there is nothing like rain for bringing birds back to their nests in a hurry, and you can often be taking shelter from a heavy shower and doing a bit of detective work at the same time.
$ 5. CLIMBING.
Trees.—Tree-climbing is not dangerous, and does not tax your nerve like rock-climbing, so that with practice any boy can become a respectable climber; but you should not try a really high tree in a strong wind. If you do you will soon find out why.
Before you start to climb a difficult tree, have a good look at it and choose the best way to get up. Then as you go up take notice of how you get round the awkward corners, or you may get stuck on the way down. I have more than once had to rescue people from that predicament.
Branches are of two kinds, live and rotten (all dead branches count as rotten); and while almost any live branch, however small, will bear
