Brave Birds
How persistent are some nesting pairs, and how shy are others! The other day I found a blackbird's nest that had been built on what had been the top rail of a fence, tilted to one side at a considerable angle. The bird went on sitting ; a little later the foundation slipped yet more, and the eggs nearly rolled out. I took up the nest and wedged it firmly in a thorn bush that had grown up around the fence, and the bird returned, and has now duly hatched out her brood. It is small, for only three eggs were laid. In another district a hedge-sparrow built in some piled hurdles which it was found necessary to move. The nest was carefully looked after and replaced in a hurdle or two at some yards' distance ; and the bird continued to sit as if nothing had happened. Contrast this with the early desertion of some species. The wren was quoted the other day (on the B.B.C.) as a bird that deserts most easily. I have not found this to be so.
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