The Thrasher, and its cousin the Catbird, are both common summer residents and nest on Castle Neck. The Thrasher’s loud song, often mimicking other birds, is distinctive because every phrase occurs in pairs. When the nest is approached, the song changes into a series of short clucking noises, with an occasional hiss scolding the intruder. Persistent investigation may uncover the well-constructed nest on the ground. Look for this nest containing four brown-marked blue eggs during late May or June. [Illustration: Mourning Dove] Mourning Dove (_Zenaidura macroura_) A slim, brown bird Long pointed tail, bordered with white This lovely, delicate dove occurs in every state of the Union. The waste areas on the Neck are especially suited to it because its main foodstuff is Pitch Pine seeds, weeds, and grasses. The Mourning Dove’s nest, placed in a Pitch Pine, is so carelessly made that it is apt to be mistaken for an old nest which is falling apart. Why it doesn’t do just this during the nesting season is a marvel. This beautiful dove is sometimes mistaken for its extinct cousin the Passenger Pigeon. [Illustration: Sparrow Hawk] Sparrow Hawk (_Falco sparverius_) Long pointed wings and long tail Our only small hawk with a black-banded rufous tail In recent years this colorful hawk has become quite a city dweller, having little fear of humans. During May, four or five eggs are laid in a deserted Woodpecker’s hole or any convenient cavity. As one would guess from its size, the Sparrow Hawk feeds mainly on insects and seldom on a mouse or sparrow. It is often seen hovering over a field in search of prey or just surveying its feeding territory from a high vantage point. [Illustration: Great Horned Owl] Great Horned Owl (_Bubo virginianus_) Only large owl with ear tufts Gray appearance, with white throat patch Voice: Deep, penetrating “Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo” (usually an odd number of hoo’s) One or two of these magnificent birds can generally be found on any thorough search of the Neck. They hunt the Neck by night, taking a great toll of mice and other small animals. The Great Horned Owl nests earlier than any other New England bird, usually in February or March. So early, in fact, it occasionally returns from a hunt to find its nest and eggs covered with snow. A Great Horned can often be located during the day by following the sound of a noisy flock of Crows. These birds spend hours screaming and scolding Owls whenever they find one sleeping during the day. [Illustration: Yellow Warbler] Yellow Warbler (_Dendroica petechia_) Only tiny _all_-yellow bird here Reddish streaks on breast of males