Mocking birds usually build their nests near
houses, to protect themselves from robbers."
"Robbers! What kind?" exclaimed Don.
"Sometimes larger birds; and sometimes cats, or snakes. You can always
tell when a robber is about, by the fuss the old birds make. Last spring
I heard a great commotion in that tree, and I went out to see what was
the trouble. I looked about for quite a while before I discovered the
nest; and all the time, the birds were darting here and there and giving
their sharp little cries of distress. When at last I found the nest, I
saw a big black snake crawling toward it. I got the garden rake and
pulled him loose from the limb; and when he fell to the ground, I killed
the cruel thief."
Joyce stepped out into the yard, to get a better look at the little
songster as he sat swinging at the top of the old apple tree. Just then
he flew across the orchard and down to the creek, alighting among the
willows along the bank.
That afternoon the children went to the creek, to see if there were any
water lilies in bloom. As they neared the clump of willows, Don said,
"Let's be quiet, and see if we can find the mocking bird." So they walked
softly, and talked in whispers; but they did not catch a glimpse of the
lovely songster.
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