curious about Archie's doings, seeming not to understand what it was all about, and once, when Archie was fully spread out flat upon the ground enjoying his "fit", Terry walked up to him and tapped him upon a wing, causing A to jump up in confusion. and run off hurriedly. March 9th. Thrashers changing shift on B's call. At 7:45 A.M. a thrasher was in the nest, but I could not tell which. On passing by it a few minutes later, a loud succession of musical phrases was heard coming from the nest. Answering scrapping was heard to the west. Shortly the "blue-bird" nest-approach call sounded, nearer and nearer; there was a rustling at the nest, Brownie flew out and to me for worms. His mate took his place, presumably Nova, but not positively known. During the day, which was as warm as the day before, the road runners followed the same practice in sunning. Rhody continued his calling, using meat as bait this time and not seeming to go far away or staying long. I wonder if he has found a mate and she is nearby. March 10th. Rhody building a nest. Only one change from yesterday: Rhody is building a nest about 50 yards from the cage in an oak about 20 feet from the east fence. At 2:45 P.M. I saw him disappear in that direction, fol- lowed shortly thereafter and found him actively at work, going up and down the tree at short intervals, carrying twigs and placing them in a veritable nest about 12 (?) feet from the ground. It is already big and firm enough for him to lie in it comfortably, but is still so thin that his belly can be seen through it. He show- ed no concern at my presence, but I left quickly without having seen any signs of a mate. At 4:55 he was already at rest in his usual roosting place. (Sunset 6:12, clear and warm). R's bedtime. This nest result of mere reflex? The question now arises whether Rhody has a mate or whether, since he can now represent himself as a substantial property own- er with a home free of all incumbrances, this building activity of his is intended as an attraction supplementing his own personal charms--an indication that his efforts to date have been disappoint- ing in practical results. Perhaps the nest is the expression of a reflex, or it may be a "cock nest". Is this to be his only effort of the year, or will he, as last year, start several before one "takes"? The nest site. This nest is about 15 feet from the sidewalk, although it can not be seen from there. The canopy of the tree is dense and its interior without foliage. The branches are so disposed as to make the nest convenient of access for the bird and the support for the nest is very good. The location is well protected from the elements, it is warm; there is wide open field from north, three quarters around the circle through east all the way to west. The last quadrant west to north, is occupied by oaks. Except for the possibility of human interference, it is ideal. The tree stands slightly apart from its fellows, has a clump of California Sagebrush (Old man, Artemisia Californica) and bush (?) lupine (the perennial woody kind) between the sidewalk and its base, forming a good screen with an occasional mouse, 50 yards or so to the west at the cage where the youngsters are. (I wonder, by the way, whether the nest may have been started on the assumption that one of the youngsters Youngsters the inspiration?