Page:Bird-lore Vol 08.djvu/158

122 Bird -Lore exercise was limited to stretching, but, with increasing strength, not only were their legs tested but their wings and whole body. With the coming of the restless spirit of young animals about to enter life on their own responsibility, came fear. When my observations began fear was not shown, and only when they began to anticipate flight did they do more than nestle closer on my approach. But during the last day or two they even started at the click of the shutter, and the slightest movement on my part put them on the alert. When all was quiet they occupied them- selves with exercise rather than in sleeping — climbing to the edge of the nest, stretching both wings, and giving their miniature ching, ch'mg perfectly. On the day the birds took wing, I was in the blind. The sky was cloudy and I waited long, without reward, for a chance to get a picture of the whole family. Seeing that success was out of the question, I stepped from my cramped quarters, bringing my camera with me in the hope that I could get a nearer view of the young, at least. Without hesitation the stronger of the two shot from the nest and off across the garden to the tree where the mother was. The remaining one was photographed as he sat in the middle of the nest eyeing me, his snowy breast fluffed up and the downy tufts that still persisted upon his crown blowing in the breeze. As the shut- ter closed, he gave me a parting glance and joined the others in the tree. It was some time before the family left the neighborhood, thus affording occasional glimpses of them. The father returned to the assistance of his mate and the feeding went on much as usual until the young were scarcely distinguishable from the old birds. Then they left us for the season. THE LAST TO LEAVE HOME ; EIGHTEEN DAYS OLD