Three woodpeckers have been introduced to you in these leaflets: the red-head, the hard working downy (Fig. 327), the sapsucker (Fig. 328). There is one more that we ought to add to the list for summer study, since he is very likely to cross our path,--the flicker (Fig. 329). [Illustration: _Fig. 329. The flicker._] This woodpecker has a great many names, probably because he lives in a great many States. The most common are: flicker, highhole, yellow-hammer, and golden-winged woodpecker. I like the name flicker best of all. He is a good-sized bird, about two inches longer than a robin. His colors are: brownish with black spots above, whitish spotted with black underneath, a black crescent on the breast, and a scarlet crescent on the back of the neck. When he flies you will notice two things: the rich golden color of the inside of his wings, and the white patch on the back just above the tail. Now, since he is a woodpecker, you will probably expect to find the flicker in trees; but you are quite as likely to find him on the ground. About half of his food consists of ants, and these he finds afield. He also eats other insects, as well as a good deal of plant food. I hope that you will see a flicker this year and hear him call out, "a-wick-a-wick-a-wick-a-wick-a-wick-a." Possibly some of you may find a nest that these birds have dug out in an old apple tree. They do not always make new nests, however, but live in the deserted homes of other woodpeckers. QUESTIONS. 1. Has the flicker a straight bill like the downy woodpecker? 2. Have you seen the flicker's mate? If so, in what way does she differ from him in color or marking? 3. Where does the flicker build its nest? What color are the eggs? 4. Try to watch a flicker feeding its young. Describe. 5. Do you know the call of the flicker? Can you imitate it, or write it so that Uncle John can recognize it? 6. Do flickers remain all winter? If not, when do they come? When do they leave? LEAFLET LXVIII. DESERTED BIRDS'-NESTS.[89] BY ALICE G. MCCLOSKEY. [89] Junior Naturalist Monthly, February, 1901. [Illustration] There is a wagon trail which I like to follow; it is always a pleasant walk. There is no foot path; so I do not think many people pass that way. Perhaps this is why many little wild creatures of the field and wood like to live there. I do not know any other place where the birds sing so sweetly, where the wild flowers grow so thick, and where the insects are so numerous.