`` That 's funny , '' thought Farmer Brown 's boy . `` If I did n't know that to be the old nest of Redtail the Hawk , and if it were n't still the tail-end of winter , I would think that was Hooty 's nest . '' He walked in a circle around the tree , looking up . Suddenly he gave a little start . Was that a tail sticking over the edge of the nest ? He found a stick and threw it up . It struck the bottom of the nest , and out flew a great bird . It was Mrs. Hooty ! Blacky the Crow chuckled . CHAPTER XI : Farmer Brown 's Boy Is Tempted When you 're tempted to do wrong Is the time to prove you 're strong . Shut your eyes and clench each fist ; It will help you to resist . When a bird is found sitting on a nest , it is a pretty sure sign that that nest holds something worth while . It is a sign that that bird has set up housekeeping . So when Farmer Brown 's boy discovered Mrs. Hooty sitting so close on the old nest of Redtail the Hawk , in the most lonesome corner of the Green Forest , he knew what it meant . Perhaps I should say that he knew what it ought to mean . It ought to mean that there were eggs in that nest . But it was hard for Farmer Brown 's boy to believe that . Why , spring had not come yet ! There was still snow , and the Smiling Pool was still covered with ice . Who ever heard of birds nesting at this time of year ?
Certainly not Farmer XXXXX 's boy .
Blacky Brown Forest Hooty Redtail XI fist tail-end winter year