693 fashion, looking in all directions as he slowly approached the nest, as if he wanted it understood that it was not his business and Nova should be there, and he had had enough of this sort of thing for the day, and this was his last effort--let somebody else look out for the kids. However, he fed them, then headed straight for the dormitory tree and at 7:57 exactly I looked up into it and there he was comfort- ably stowed away for the night, figuratively having washed his hands of the whole affair, the nestlings all by themselves (as I ascertained) and Nova nowhere to be seen. However, at 8:05 she came from nowhere, silently, and slipped into the nest, so perhaps Brownie had it all properly prearranged after all, and it was my appearing on the scene that kept Nova away from the nest, interfering with the programme. This seems more consistent with Brownie's character as an indefatigable parent. I was not aware that Brownie was taking the nights off now, if indeed he is doing so as a regular thing. Possibly the plan is that he should carry most of the burden during the day (as he does) and have the nights off. In that case, in coming down from the tree and taking over the task of feeding at that late hour, he would be doing more than his part. In any case, it is impossible not to admire his character immensely. June 25th. Based on observations of previous broods, the young thrashers may be reasonably expected to leave the nest somewhere about the 28th. to the 30th. of this month. (I expect to leave here the 28th., to be gone for several days' absence in the "Condor country". This makes it awk- ward). At 7:40 P.M. neither adult was at the nest, but Brownie soon came as I stood there with visitors and took charge, undisturbed and friend- ly. We did not wait to see whether he would leave it and go to his roost. Nova was not far away. 9:45 P.M. He could not be found at his night roost, so he may be