`` 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 Brown 's boy .
And yet XXXXX the Owl and Mrs. Hooty were acting for all the world as feathered folks do act when they have eggs and are afraid that something is going to happen to them .
Blacky Brown Forest Hooty Redtail XI fist spring tail-end year