FIG. 2.
ROBIN.
Robins usually announce the coming of spring when they return to their breeding grounds in the northern states, where they are general favorites. Figs. [2] and [60]. The nest is usually built of mud and lined with grasses; placed in the fork of a tree or on some sheltered ledge. Robins take kindly to nesting shelves put up for them and it is well to put up several since but one brood is reared in each nest built. This old nest should be removed after the young birds have gone. A simple shelf is shown in the lower left hand corner of the photograph, Fig. [24], as well as in Figs. [20] and [49].
FIG. 3.
CHICKADEE.
The chickadee is one of the brave little spirits who spends the entire winter with us, Fig. [3]. We can be of considerable service to him during the cold weather by providing food shelters. During the summer months his home is usually found in some decaying stump, hence nesting boxes of the rustic type placed in some remote spot of the orchard or park are most attractive to him.