A dainty little creature indeed is the Yellow-headed Bush Tit, or
Verdin, being smaller than the largest North American Humming Bird,
which inhabits southern Arizona and southward. It is a common bird in
suitable localities throughout the arid regions of Northern Mexico,
the southern portions of Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and in Lower
California. In spite of its diminutive size it builds a remarkable
structure for a nest--large and bulky, and a marvel of bird
architecture. Davie says it is comparatively easy to find, being built
near the ends of the branches of some low, thorny tree or shrub, and in
the numerous varieties of cacti and thorny bushes which grow in the
regions of its home.
The nest is globular, flask-shaped or retort shape in form, the outside
being one mass of thorny twigs and stems interwoven, while the middle is
composed of flower-stems and the lining is of feathers. The entrance is
a small circular opening. Mr. Atwater says that the birds occupy the
nests during the winter months. They are generally found nesting in the
high, dry parts of the country, away from tall timber, where the thorns
are the thickest. From three to six eggs are laid, of a bluish or
greenish-white or pale blue, speckled, chiefly round the larger end,
with reddish brown.
* * * * *
"The woods were made for the hunters of dreams,
The brooks for the fishers of song.
To the hunters who hunt for the gunless game
The woods and the streams belong.
There are thoughts that moan from the soul of the pine,
And thoughts in the flower-bell curled,
And the thoughts that are blown from the scent of the fern
Are as new and as old as the world."