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24 THE CONDOR Vol. XXI found no trace of either the two young birds or the old ones; no trace of any re- cent feeding nor signs of habitation in or about the nest. Of course we do not know what became of them, but feel certain that the old birds had carried their offspring to a new location, as the young were much too small and weak to fly or even to stand up. Leaving the nest, I had not proceeded more than a hundred J?eet when up jumped a Pintail from her nest and nine eggs, showing that ducks at least are not afraid of Short-cared Owls. But fancy a duck neighboring with cousin "Great Horned" ! Proceeding to fiie second nest I advanced very quietly, as I wanted to ap- proach it without being seen. This bird seemed to show more care for her young than the other one, and I was very anxious to observe, if I could, just what was going on "at home", nor was I disappointed. During the day it.had been very hot and close for this region, but a distant thunder storm had suddenly created a strong cold wind that blew sharply across the flats. Crawling up behind an old Fig. 8. SA?E NEST AS IN FIG. 7. YOUNG ONE ?'EEK OLD. log, I peered over the top. The parent bird was lying somewhat sideways, with one wing uplifted, protecting her babies from the cold wind. The three little ones were cuddled up c]ose to the mother bird, reminding one of an old cat with her kittens. What a chance for a real photographer! I tried to get a picture, but lhe old bird took alarm before I could get near enough. Examination of the nest showed no signs of food other than fresh, tell-tale feathers, which were again in evidence. The little ones, over three weeks old, were still in their downy state, although pin feathers were sticking through. They were still too weak to stand, and lay in a helpless group snapping their bills. Neither of old birds came near while I remained. June I was the date of my next and final visit. I approached quietly, and ?as greatly disappointed in finding the nest empty and the birds gone. A care- ful search for over ?wo hours, up and down and around the nest, failed to dis-