Carolina Wrens Roosting in Abandoned Hornets Nests

Blue Jays Gathering Twigs for Nests.--For three years I have observed Blue Jays gathering twigs for their nest which each season was built in a triple fork at the top of a catalpa tree so that it was completely hidden from the ground. The dead twig ends were taken from two locust trees and a quince shrub. The bird would select a twig and seizing it well back in the bill and about three inches from the tip would pull and twist it until it broke off. It was then critically inspected and in the great majority of cases dropped to the ground sometimes even after flying with it to the nest tree. Both birds gathered twigs in 1931 when building was begun April 7, but one took more interest in the work than the other. In other nestings less material was gathered and less rejected, the old nests being probably repaired and not entirely rebuilt.--Mrg& K•T• RoAns, Hillsboro, Ohio.