The geographical range of the Arizona Jay is in southern New Mexico and
Arizona and south into Sonora and Chihuahua, Mexico. It is a common
resident throughout the oak belt which generally fringes the foothills
of the mountains and ranges well up among the pines. In suitable
localities it is very abundant. It is rarely seen at any distance out of
the arid plains; but after the breeding season is over, small flocks are
sometimes met with among the shrubbery of the few water courses, several
miles away from their regular habitat. They are seen in the early
Spring, evidently on a raid for eggs and the young of smaller birds. On
such occasions they are very silent, and their presence is only betrayed
by the scoldings they receive from other birds. On their own heath they
are as noisy as any of our Jays, and apparently far more sociable, a
number of pairs frequently nesting close to each other in a small oak
grove. They move about in small family parties of from half a dozen to
twenty or thirty, being rarely seen alone. They are restless, constantly
on the move, prying into this or that, spending a good portion of their
time on the ground, now hopping on a low limb, and the next minute down
again, twitching their tails almost constantly. Their call notes are
harsh and far reaching, and are somewhat similar to those of the
California Jay.
The voices of animals have a family character not easily mistaken, and
this similarity is especially observable in birds. As Agassiz says,
"Compare all the sweet warbles of the songster family--the
nightingales, the thrushes, the mocking birds, the robins; they differ
in the greater or lesser perfection of their note, but the same kind of
voice runs through the whole group. Does not every member of the Crow
family caw, whether it be a Jackdaw, the Jay, or the Magpie, the Rook in
some green rookery of the Old World, or the Crow of our woods, with its
long melancholy caw that seems to make the silence and solitude deeper?"
The habits of the Arizona Jay are similar to those of its brethren. Its
food consists of grasshoppers, insects, animal matter, wild fruits,
seeds, and especially acorns. It flies by partly closing its wings,
darting suddenly down, then up again, and repeating these movements for
some time. It mates about the end of February. The nest, composed of dry
rootlets laid very closely in rings, is usually found in an oak sapling
about ten feet from the ground. The inside diameter is five inches, and
depth one and three-fourths inches. It is like a deep saucer.
The Arizona Jay is considered a foothill bird, not going far into the
pines and not appearing on the plains. But one brood appears to be
raised in a season, and nesting lasts about sixteen days. The eggs vary
from four to seven, and differ from all the known eggs of this family
found within the United States, being unspotted. They are glaucous green
in color, and the majority are much more glossy than Jays' eggs
generally are. In one hundred and thirty-six specimens examined, all
were perfectly immaculate.
[Illustration: ARIZONA JAY.
3/5 Life-size.
CHICAGO COLORTYPE CO.]
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#Amateur Photography.#
[Illustration: FLASH LIGHT PICTURE MADE WITH "DEXTER" CAMERA.]
Amateur Photography is the most delightful pastime one can indulge in.
Aside from the pleasure and amusement derived, it cultivates the
artistic taste, the love of nature, is a source of instruction, and may
be made to serve many useful purposes. The "Dexter" is small, neat and
compact. Makes pictures 3-1/2x3-1/2 inches square and will produce
portraits, landscapes, groups, interiors or flashlights equally as well
as many higher priced cameras. Will carry three double plate holders
with a capacity of six dry plates. Each camera is covered with black
morocco grain leather, also provided with a brilliant finder for snap
shot work. Has a Bausch & Lomb single acromatic lens of wonderful depth
and definition and a compound time and instantaneous shutter which is
a marvel of ingenuity. A separate button is provided for time and
instantaneous work so that a twist of a button or pulling of a lever is
not necessary as in most cameras. A tripod socket is also provided so
that it can be used for hand or tripod work as desired. All complicated
adjustments have been dispensed with so that the instrument can be
manipulated with ease by the youngest amateur. Full and explicit
instructions are sent with each camera. Send _#5c stamps#_ for sample
picture and descriptive circulars.
#The "Dexter" Camera.#
Sent to any address in U.S. or Canada upon receipt of #$4.00.#
Send by P. O. Money Order or Express Order.
[Illustration: Makes pictures 3-1/2x3-1/2 inches square.
Measures 4-1/2x5-1/2x7. Weighs only 15 ounces.]
_#SEARS JEWELRY CO., General Agents,#_
225 Dearborn St., Chicago, Ill.
Manufacturers, Importers and Dealers in
Jewelry, Watches, Diamonds and Novelties.
Sole Agents for the South African Off-Color Diamonds,
($3.00 per carat, unmounted), and
Manufacturers Agents and Introducers of Novelties
to the trade and street men.
Please mention "BIRDS" when you write to advertisers.
The Racycle crank-hanger has from 20 to 30 per-cent less pressure on the
bearings than the crank-hanger of any other bicycle on the market.
$1,000 in cash will be paid to the first one who can demonstrate that
the above assertion is not a fact. No cycle considered without the
consent of the maker. All infringements barred. Address all
communications to
#Racycle#
Middletown,
Ohio.
[Illustration: $100.^00 $75.^00 $50.^00]
... INQUIRY BLANK ...
To the Advertising Department,
Miami Cycle & Mfg. Co., Middletown, Ohio.
Please send me fuller information regarding your
wonderful Racycle, narrow-tread, and how I can
obtain one.
Name..........................
Address...........................
P.S. If there is a Racycle Agent in your town
don't write us but call on him.
#The
MIAMI CYCLE
&
MFG. CO.#
Middletown,
Ohio.
CHICAGO BRANCH: S. W. Corner Wabash Ave. and Congress St.
Please mention "BIRDS" when you write to advertisers.
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