.16 BIRDS or P. 1:1. ISLAND

Robins arrive the first week in April; and their friendly calling from the dark fir tops is always welcomed as the harbinger of spring. They nest the last weeks in April, and raise two, some- times three, broods in a season. 'I‘heir nests are not only built in low bushes and hedges, but on the loftiest summits of the forest. The structure is bulky, consisting largely of mud, lined outside with coarse, and inside with fine vegetable fibres. The eggs, three to five in number, are over an inch in length, and of a uniform greenish blue color, though speckled ones have been seen. Robins feed chiefly on insects, worms, and grubs, but are fond of ripe fruit from the garden. \Vhen rearing their broods of young, they destroy enormous quantities of insects, and are of the greatest benefit to farmers.

'In the mild season of 1889 flocks were here all winter. 'l‘hey wandered much, feeding on rowan berries and other soft fruits. Early arrivals feed about the shores and springs. In autumn, when their nesting duties are over, they gather in flocks, and frequent old pastures where worms are plenty. The summer flocks leave the last of October.