Sparrows Hatched
Two friends wrote to give me information regarding the iticubation period of hedge sparrows which is normally twelve to thirteen days, but may extend a day or two above this. By the time the letters reached me I had the answer. On the eleventh day I was dismayed to find that one egg was missing from the hedge sparrow's /IBM, I failed to solve the mystery and could find no egg-shell in the vicinity. Perhaps a bird had robbed the nest. tin the following day the three remaining eggs hatched. The hen sat close for a while and kept the youngsters well protected when rain fell. Last night, as I was cutting the grass and trimming the privet close to the nest, I could hear the young ones being fed. The hen crept in and out to bring food without letting me see her. When I looked in later the nest- lings were eilidently digesting a good meal. Not one lifted its beak in the hope of getting more to eat. I am hopeful of their survival now and wonder if, when the time comes, a second brood will occupy the nest. Second clutches are quite common and three families are sometimes raised. What amazing force drives a small bird to look after a clamouring brood
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