ORNITH QL 676 .G48 ^S THROUGH THE YEAR CORNELL LAB 0/ ORNITHOLOGY LIBRARY At Sapsucker Woods lllustmcion ,.l Sni.wv 0>vl hy Loin. Aunssi: FuurtL-> CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 924 090 258 694 The original of tliis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924090258694 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR BY ALBERT FIELD GILMORE In summer when the shawes be shene, And leaves be large and long, It is full merry in fair forest To hear the fowl^s' song. — Percy. NEW YORK-:- CINCINNATI ■:■ CHICAGO AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY Mi Copyright, 1910, by ALBERT FIELD GILMORE. Entered at Stationers' Hall, London. gilmore's birds. W. P. I PROFESSOR JONATHAN Y. STANTON UNDER WHOSE KINDLY GUIDANCE I LONG AGO CAME TO KNOW THE DELIGHTS OF I'.IKD STUDV THIS LITTLE \'OLUME IS DEDICATED AS A TOKEN OF GRATITUDE AND REGARD PREFACE From an acquaintance with the common birds extending over a period of more than twenty-five years, the enjoy- ment has been so keen, the entertainment so delightful, that I have been prompted to prepare this little volume in the hope that it may arouse in the youth who peruse it a desire for similar experiences. Surely, no education is quite complete without some knowledge of these inter- esting and highly useful friends of man ; and to one possessing such knowledge, they are an almost constant source of pleasure and amusement. There are few days in the year when they are not in evidence, and during the greater part of the time they may be observed by all who seek recreation out of doors. This is a book for beginners in bird study, and no attempt is made at scientific classification ; but the descrip- tion of the plumage, notes, range, and nesting habits of each bird is such as to render its identification compara- tively easy. The effort is made to add an element of interest by placing the bird in its natural environment and reproducing, as far as possible, the atmosphere in which it is usually found. It is adapted for use in the higher grammar grades. In the case of birds that nest in the far North and are seen only during migration, it is not possible to describe in detail their surroundings during the breeding season. But some account is given of their haunts during migra- tion so that the student may know where to look for them during the movements of spring and fall. 7 8 PREFACE It should always be borne in mind that in this, as in all other branches of natural history, the unexpected often happens, and a bird may be found in a most unusual place, perhaps far from its regular habitat. The usual haunt of a bird, as I have observed it, is the one here given. In other localities it may be somewhat different. The ranges of the various birds described are in general those given in Chapman's Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America. Only the common varieties are treated, no attempt being made to describe the rare ones. For descriptions of these the student is referred to Chapman's Handbook and to Apgar's Birds of the United States. I wish to express my deep appreciation for helpful sug- gestions to Mrs. Z. B. Gustafson and Mr. Everett Barnes of Brooklyn, and to Mr. W. L. Powers of Maine; I also wish to thank D. Appleton & Company for permission to quote from Chapman's Bird Life, Houghton Mifflin Com- pany for permission to quote from the works of John Burroughs, and Miss Edith Thomas for the privilege of reproducing the stanzas on the Nuthatch. The illustrations are largely from photographs of mounted specimens and from reproductions of photographs, the property of the American Museum of Natural History, and I desire to thank the officials of that institution for permission to use this material. The decorative sketches are reproduced from original drawings by my wife. ALBERT FIELD GILMORE. Brooklyn, New Yokk. BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR \ ' '^ ^i'i^ i^Xl^ (:>■ STUDY Hast thou iiained all the birds without a gun? — Emerson. On some day in early spring, when the warm sun rays are begin- ning to melt the icy fetters of lake and stream, you may hear from the sky a hoarse cry of ho7ik, honk, honk. Looking upward, you will see a flock of large birds in wedgelike formation cleaving the air with a speed which quickly carries them beyond your range of vision. As they vanish to the northward, you ask yourself, " What 12 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR kind of birds are these strong-winged travelers, wlience have they come, whither are they going?" And there arises within you a desire to learn about them. A few weeks later there arrives, in a smart suit of black, white, and yellow, a minstrel bubbling over with liquid song which he pours out the livelong day, as he hovers over the green meadows. You wonder where he has been all winter, what he has been doing during the long months since he disappeared, where his mate is, and if they will again hide their nest amid the buttercups and daisies in the field just across the way. You find him so attractive that you resolve to know more of the life story of this light- hearted neighbor of yours. Still later in the year, when the golden-rod begins to nod its graceful plumes by the roadside, and down by the brook the cardinal flower hangs out its flaming flag, you may come upon a dainty cavalier in gold and black with his plainly dressed family. You see him perched upon a ripening thistle bloom, feeding his mate and little ones on the spicy seeds, and you are quite charmed with their delicate notes, beautiful plumage, and amiable ways. Then you feel that to know them better would add to your happiness. As you study the birds you will find that every one of the many varieties which live in field and park, wood and pasture, has much about it that will both interest and amuse you. In truth, it may be said that of all creatures, the birds possess the greatest variety of attractions. Their songs charm the ear, their colors please the eye, and their lives are made up of interesting habits, which we may study with both pleasure and profit. Besides, the birds render us very valuable service in destroying hosts of injurious insects and vast quantities of the seeds of harmful Types oi' Feet, 14 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR plants. They are among our very best friends, as we shall see. No other form of animal life is so widely distributed, and no form is more perfectly adapted to meet the conditions which surround it. Amid the ice and snow of the far north, on the burning desert, in mid-ocean, on the mountain heights, in short throughout the length and breadth of the earth, are found forms of bird life fitted to meet the par- ticular conditions of the regions in which they live. Birds differ greatly in habits. Many that are solitary or in pairs at certain seasons of the year, at other times become highly sociable, forming in large flocks as they wander about the fields and wood. Birds that in springtime sing almost incessantly during the hours of daylight, in the autumn are silent except for occasional call notes. Some that during the nesting season are dressed in gaudy colors, real dandies you will say, doff their brilliant plumage after the nesting season and don traveling suits of sober hue. So you will find enough of variety in the habits and make-up of these little friends to keep you on the alert for the new and strange phases of their interesting lives. Form. — All birds have the same general form, but there is a great difference among them in the shape and structure of certain parts. Thus they are fitted to live under widely different conditions. Some birds, like the Herons, Cranes, and Flamingoes, have long legs for wading ; others that spend most of their lives on the water, like the Penguins and Loons, have short, stout legs placed at the extreme end of the body, giving them great power in swimming. Some are fitted with strong, broad wings which enable them to stay in the air for long periods without tiring. The Wandering Albatross, which has an immense wing- Types of Bills i6 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR spread in proportion to the size of its body, is able to fly for days at a time. Swallows and Sea Gulls also have special powers of flight. Other varieties have wings so small in proportion to the size of their bodies that they are not able to fly at all, as the Ostrich and Cassowary. But these birds possess long and very strong legs which en- able them to run at great speed. Many birds, as Ducks and Geese, have webbed feet which are used like paddles in swim- ming ; with others the toes are long, of great strength, and armed with sharp claws, or talons, for seizing and holding their prey. To this class belong the Eagles and Owls. Song birds and other perchers have slender toes with many joints, the better to cling about the branches on which they perch. Birds also have many kinds of bills. The Woodpeckers have chisel-like bills for cutting holes in trees; the Woodcock has a long, pointed bill for boring into the mud for earth- worms. Hawks and Owls have strong, hooked beaks for tearing their food in pieces ; while Humming Birds have long and very slender bills for reaching deep into the flowers. Thus we see great variety of detail in the structure of birds, each peculiar feature fitting its owner for some special habit of life. A Feathered Hunter, Great Horned Owl. (i;) Waders: Flamingoes, Adult and Young. l8 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR Plumage. — Birds' plumage shows a great variety of color. It also varies in texture. With birds which live in the far north, as the Snowy Owl, the plumage is very thick and warm, extending even to the toes. In milder climates the covering is much scantier, and the legs and feet are bare. During the life of a bird there is a great change in the amount and color of the feathers. Chickens, Ducks, Geese, and many other kinds, such as Snipe, Grouse, Loons, etc., when hatched, wear warm suits of down. The land-living birds shed this velvetlike dress as the feathers grow, but swimming and diving birds retain it. For them this makes a kind of waterproof underclothing which so well protects the wearers that they may sit for a long time on the water, or dive into it, without wetting their skins. It should be said also that constant oiling of the feathers by all birds aids much in keeping out the wet. Most of the land-living birds, however, are nearly naked when hatched and remain in the nest from two to three weeks, or even longer. But the growth of their feathers seems to keep pace with the development of their bodies, and by the time they are large enough and strong enough to fly, their clothing is quite sufficient to protect them in their first short journeys. The tail feathers are usually the last to reach their full growth, so that we see many a youngster in a bob-tailed suit, struggling with the primary lessons in aerial navigation. With some varieties the color of the first plumage dif- fers from that of the mature birds. The first dress of a Bluebird with its spots and dashes of brown and white is quite unlike that of either parent ; in other cases the young male resembles the father, the young female the mother ; and in a few families the young of both sexes resemble the BIRD STUDY 19 adult female. With those varieties where the parents are nearly alike in plumage, the first dress closely resembles in color that of the mature birds. When the young birds differ in color from the grown- ups, they may acquire the plumage of maturity when a year old, or, as in a few cases, not until the second or third year. The changes of color that take place during the period of growth are very interesting, but much more wonderful seem the changes that occur in the case of many birds with the seasons. So marked is the difference in coloring at various seasons that you would hardly recognize an f)ld friend, but for the call notes and peculiarities of pose and flight. In the fall the dapper little Goldfinch puts off his pretty body feathers, donning in their place the grayish brown suit of the female. Male Bobolinks and Tanagers also discard their gaudy colors for the less showy dresses of their mates, which seem much better adapted to the uses of such far-travelers. So worn and faded do birds' clothes become through exposure and their many activities, that by the time the brood is reared both parents are in need of new suits. The old feathers fall out gradually, new ones take their places, and in a few weeks all our songsters are clad in new fresh clothes again. This molting takes place during the heat of summer, and with the advent of autumn their suits are thick and warm again. Color. — The color of birds' plumage depends largely upon their surroundings. It has been observed that indi- viduals of the same species vary greatly in color in different localities. They are in general darkest in moist regions, much lighter in dry regions. Song Sparrows, which inhabit the greater part of North America, furnish an example of this fact. In arid Arizona they are sandy 20 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR color; in humid Alaska they are dark brown, almost black ; while in the intermediate regions they are of colors be- tween these extremes. There is also an interesting relation between the color of a bird's plumage and its usual haunts. Almost all birds which live upon the ground wear those dull colors which best conceal them. Grouse, Quail, Woodcock, Plover, and Sparrows have varying shades of brown somewhat streaked with gray, colors which resemble the tints of dead leaves, grass, moss, sticks, and the ground itself. This is called protective coloring. It is also observed in connection with the Warblers, Orioles, and Tanagers, which live mostly in trees among blossoms and bright foliage. Those that live on the ground and in the trees show a combination of colors which serves to conceal them in both haunts. It seems that one of the chief uses of color is to aid in concealment, and the birds show great faith in this kind of protection. A Grouse or Sparrow will sit on its nest among the dead leaves or dried grasses until you are quite upon it, apparently conscious of its protective dress. The color of the Whip-poor-will so closely resembles the bark of the limb on which it perches as to render it almost invisible. Ground-living birds in the Desert of Sahara wear shades of dull red, which bear a close resemblance to the colors of the rocks and sand ; while in the Arctic regions during the winter most birds are white. It is believed by many who study such questions care- fully that Nature has provided Flycatchers and birds that hunt, such as Hawks and Owls, with quiet colors which aid them in stealing unnoticed on their prey. But if this be true, it is not easy to account for the brilliant plumage of BIRD STUDY 21 some of the Warblers, which feed almost entirely upon in- sects. With some varieties the most striking feature of the plu- mage is not seen when the bird is perched, but shows plainly when in flight. The white outer tail feathers of a Meadow- lark are unnoticed till he flies. The same is true of the Ves- per Sparrow. Others have white patches on the rump or wings and other markings plainly seen. These are thought to be marks of recognition, by which birds may keep together. Bird Notes. — Many birds are as well known by their notes as by their plumage. In fact bird students come to rely even more upon the ear than the eye in the naming of birds in the field. Often when it is impossible to gain a clear view of a bird in the thick grass or bushes, a single call note, or snatch of song, if you know his utterances, will settle the question of identity beyond a doubt. There is a mystery about a bird until we hear his song. It is a key to his nature, and by it we come to know him. Birds' vocal expressions may be divided into two general classes, call notes and songs. While practically all birds utter call notes, song is limited to certain varieties, and for the most part is confined to the males. Song is the expres- sion of emotion, perhaps the joy of living in the happy mating time of spring. This is so keenly felt that it demands expression, and we are treated to rich and varied melody. Just before the mating season begins, the recent arrivals from the South, which have been rather silent during mi- gration, except for occasional call notes, suddenly burst into song. A little later this is the chief means used by the lover for wooing and winning a mate. It is no wonder, then, that his whole heart is in the singing, for upon his skill as a vocalist may depend the happiness of an entire season. 22 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR But the winning of a mate does not end his singing. The season of song continues during the nesting time, and usu- ally until the young are able to fly and the birds gather in flocks. Then their tuneful melodies are laid aside until another spring arrives. There are, however, a few varie- ties that sing to us until they take up the southward journey. During June the tide of song is full. In this month of flowers and sunshine the happy male, in ecstasy of joy, hovers about the nest, cheering the heart of his mate with happy song. The morning chorus of the spring is a wonderful per- formance, and the only price of admission is early waking. With the first glint of daylight in the east here and there a faint chirp will break upon the ear as some sleeping bird awakes ; then as each performer tunes his pipe, little trills and bits of song are heard. These increase in number and variety, until with the coming of full day the air is filled with melody. This continues for an hour or more; then one by one the singers drop out for breakfast and house- hold duties, and during the day only fragments of song are heard. Again, as evening comes on, the dainty minstrels express their gratitude for the blessings of the happy day, and the evening chorus almost rivals in variety and excellence that of the morning. It continues until the shades of night are drawn, when each faithful chorister, seeking a secluded nook near his nest, tucks his head under his wing, and sleeps till a new morn flushes the east again, for " early to bed and early to rise " is the rule in bird land. Besides their songs, birds have another form of expres- sion, usually termed call notes, which constitutes their lan- guage. If you listen when two or more birds are in the BIRD STUDY 23 same vicinity, you will hear calls, chirps, and twitters which are very unlike their song notes and which you rarely hear if a bird is alone. This is the bird's means of communica- tion with his fellows, and by it he expresses emotions which all others within hearing seem fully to understand. The sentinel Crow, posted to survey the country while his fellows are feeding, signals your approach by a scries of cazi's so uttered as to convey exactly the alarm which he feels, and instantly the whole flock takes wing. Chicka- dees, busily feeding in the bleak cold of a sunless winter day, merrily call back and forth, as though to cheer and comfort one another at their dreary work. During night migration, birds call to one another contin- ually to keep the flock together, and encourage any which may be faint of heart. Most birds have a variety of call notes, and many, like the Jays, have the power of imitating the notes of other birds. It must be evident to all who study this interesting phase of bird Hfe that by their call notes they convey definite meaning to one another. Kests. — As soon as birds mate they turn their attention to nest building. There is wide difference among the various species as to location, form, and material of the nest. But birds of a family have the same, or nearly the same, habits, subject, however, to local conditions. When the country was covered with old forests, Chimney Baltimore Orioles' Nest. 24 BIRDS throu(;h the year Nests of the Crested Cassique. liIRD STUDY 25 Swifts commonly built in hollow trees. Now they find a good place for their nests in unused chimneys. Ground- living birds, as a rule, build on the ground ; tree-living birds, in trees or bushes; while those which pass their time on the water, as Loons, Ducks, and Geese, build on the shore, very close to lake or stream. Espec ial ly during the nest- ing season, do birds find many enemies among the fo.xes, snakes, rats, squirrels, cats, etc., which infest the fields and woods. In order to protect the young brood from these, great care is used in selecting a site for the nest. Some varieties build in tall trees, some dig holes in sandbanks, while others hide their nests in the thick grass. With all, the first thought seems to be protection for the eggs and brood. With most birds the nest is solitary, but a few varieties like Eave and Bank Swallows build in colonics. Song Sparrows' Nest. 26 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR With some birds nest building is a very simple matter. A loose pile of sticks and twigs, or a bunch of leaves and grass, is quickly brought together and crudely fashioned. This occurs more often with those birds whose young, clad in down, run or swim as soon as hatched. In such cases the nest serves merely as a receptacle for the eggs. But with those whose young are helpless and nearly naked at birth, nest building means home making, is a very important matter, and requires great skill and much labor. Nests differ greatly in form, and that best adapted to the location is se- lected. The nest of the Chimney Swift is of the best model for fastening to the wall of a chimney; and no better form could be devised to hang from the tip of a swinging elm bough than the bag-shaped nests of the Baltimore Oriole or the Crested Cassique of South America. In the selection of material these builders also display much wisdom. The Barn Swallows' nest of mud on the rafter in the roof of the old barn would quickly fall to Barn Swallows' Xest. BIRD STUDY 27 pieces if exposed to rain storms. But the Chipping Spar- rows' nest of grass, roots, and hair is not harmed in the least by many drenchings. Much ingenuity and slcill are displayed in fashioning the nests, and a great variety of material is used, in- cluding sticks, twigs, roots, bark, moss, lichens, plant down, leaves, rushes, grass, weeds, hair, wool, feathers, strings, cloth, mud, etc. With some varieties the male brings the ma- terial and the female fashions the nest ; with others, both birds take part in the build- ing. With a few fami- lies the female does all the work. The delicate nest of the Humming Bird, made of lichens and plant down secure!)' bound together by tiny rootlets, so closely resembles in color the bark of the limb on which it is placed as to render it almost invisible. It is a fine bit of workmanship. On the other hand. Night Hawks build no nest, the eggs be- ing laid on the ground or a bare rock. The Ostrich merely scoops a shallow hole in the sand. Gold Finceies' Nest. 28 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR It is not easy to explain the source of a bird's knowledge of the art of nest building. In material, form, and loca- tion, young birds follow the habits of their species. We say the knowledge is inherited. Yet it seems clear that a pair of old birds with much experience will build a better nest than a pair of young ones just setting up housekeeping for the first time. The study of nests in connection with the living birds affords much amusement. Bird Study. — The best season to begin the study of birds is the winter when the varieties are few and less likely to confuse one. It is also an excellent time to learn to ob- serve carefully as to plumage, form, manner of flight, and perching and feeding habits. Besides, experience gained at this season will be of great value to one when the coun- try is overrun with the army of migrants. But with the first arrivals in the spring begins the season when birds are most interesting, for then may be studied their songs, mating and nesting habits, and the many activities of their very busy lives. There are several methods of bird study. One is to find some good locality and remain quiet, waiting for the birds to approach ; another is to walk quietly through the fields, pastures, and woods, or along bush-grown roads, observing as you go. Another excellent way is to drive with a slow- walking horse along country roads, for birds which are easily alarmed at a person walking, scarcely notice a horse and carriage. Always move with as little noise as possible, without sudden movement, and without the appearance of watch- ing the bird you are stalking. If you utter low chirps or whistles, they are less liable to take alarm. I once read in a very interesting book by Mr. Dan Beard how successful he had been in catching birds witli BIRD STUDY 29 Jiis hands. His method is to approach slowly and very quietly when the bird is not looking at him. The instant the bird looks in his direction he stops and stands motion- less, advancing again when the bird's attention is turned in another direction. Wishing to test this theory, I started out and tried it on the first bird seen, an American Three-toed Woodpecker, usually rather a shy bird. Being on snowshoes, I was somewhat handicapped by the crunching of the crusty snow, but advanced slowly when he was busily hammering at the dead pine. When he ceased, I halted instantly, and by this method worked my way within ten feet of him, and withdrew without his taking wing. Afterward, following this method of approach, I actually caught a Tufted Tit- mouse, as he busily pecked at a cocoon attached to an oak leaf. The songs and calls should be carefully studied in con- nection with a bird until all its notes are familiar to you. This is one of the very best means of knowing birds, as many will be heard that are not seen. If unable to name a bird whose plumage you have plainly seen, visit a museum and you will very likely be able to determine its name from the specimens found there. Do not think because you live in the city that you can- not find birds. Mr. Parkhurst, author of that excellent book, "The Birds' Calendar," found in Central Park, New York, members of nineteen of the twenty-one families which inhabit the United States, — nearly a hundred vari- eties in all. In Prospect Park, Brooklyn, I have seen many kinds during the spring migration, and a large number rear their broods there. The diagram showing the parts of a bird should be carefully studied. The expression "upper parts," which 30 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR occurs frequently in this book, includes all the upper sur- face except the wings and tail; "under parts," the under surface except the wings and tail. The length of a bird is the distance from the tip of bill to end of tail when stretched to full length. The English Sparrow, which is six inches long, is used for the standard of measurement for the smaller birds ; the Robin, ten inches long, for the larger birds. FOREHEAD Diagram of the Parts of a Bird. MIGRATION There is a Power \\-hiise care Teaches thy wa\- alnni^^ that ])alhless coast, The desert and ilhniitahle air, Lone wandering, but not lost. — ]!kvani\ There is a mystery about the coming and going of the birds. Some morning in March, while yet the snow- drifts, gaunt and gray, lie under the stone walls and in the sheltered hollows of field and pasture, you will go out of doors to look for signs of the opening season, a burst- ing pussy willow, budding crocus, or, perchance, a feathered song.ster. But Nature's chorus is silent; not a bird note greets your ear. Again, a little later, perhaps the very next morning, ongoing into the open you will find that every shade tree, bunch of shrubbery, and hedgerow has its visitor, each striving to tell you in his own peculiar way that spring has really come. Then you will ask yourself, "Where were these songsters yesterday .' How have they 31 32 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR come so quickly and so silently, and where are they go- ing ? " If you continue your observations for a few weeks, you will discover that these early visitors were but the van- guard, the thin skirmish line of a vast army of birds that have set out from their winter quarters to the south of us, and will soon take possession of lawn and field, wood and pasture, filling the air with music of great variety but always delightful, if the ear be attuned to this grand mel- ody of nature. You will also observe that many of these early comers tarry but a short time, for the season calls and their journey is not completed. Others will settle down in their old haunts, will begin the season of love making and home building, and for several months will both interest and delight you. As summer advances and the first signs of autumn ap- pear, you will see large flocks, sometimes hundreds of birds, feeding in the fields, or flying about the country. Then one day you will see the swallows sitting along the telephone wire, or on the ridge of the old barn, chattering and talking in the most sociable manner, until you wonder what it is all about. The next day they have all gone, and it suddenly occurs to you that the busy chatter of yesterday had something to do with the making of plans for the long journey. But you will see them no more until the storms and chilling blasts of another winter have passed, and gentle spring again takes up her northward march. In the early fall, back from the North come the travel- ers whose passage you noted in the springtime, their numbers greatly increased by the broods that have been reared during the summer. The return in a way seems less joyous than the north- MIGRATION 33 ward journey. The love songs of the young season have given place to the call notes which have a tone of sadness, as if the birds too lamented the waning of the year. This southward movement continues for several weeks, then for us silence again reigns in bird land, except for the occa- sional call of some permanent resident, or the infrequent note of a visitor from the North, when the real grip of winter is felt. Birds that come to us late in the spring make a short visit, a few stay scarcely more than twcj months. The liobolinks and Swallows that came in May, or during the first days of June, leave before the frost has even touched the ma- ples in the lowlands. But the Robin and Bluebird who greeted you so cheerily on that March morning remain imtil the autumn is far advanced ; sometimes, in fact, until the earth has received its first mantle of snow. The distance tra\'ersed by some of the birds during mi- gration is very great, well-nigh incredible. Just think of it! That delicate little creature, the Humming Bird, scarcely larger than your thumb, wilh plumage so brilliant and so delicate that it seems as if a storm would ruin it, travels all the way from northern New England to Central Amer- ica. That frolicsome nabob of the fields, the Bobolink, who charmed you during the balmy days of June with his flood of song, will winter in the jungles of the tropics, in far-off South America. There he spends several months amid scenes as different from those which surround his home nest as you can imagine. What a journey that is ! Through our Southern states to Florida, across to Cuba, and along the line of the West Indies to the Leeward and Windward Isles, thence to the mainland of South America, and half the length of that great Continent. They are excellent travelers and meet GIL. lURllS 3 34 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR with few delays. After so much journeying to and from their winter quarters, they will return to us on time in the spring, filled to overflowing with gay songs, which they seem to have stored up during their long absence. Many birds which we see only as travelers cover even a greater distance. Several of the Warblers that nest as far north as Labrador, winter in South America ; and we read of one variety of Plover that breeds north of the Arc- tic Circle, and winters as far south as Patagonia. With reference to migration, birds may be divided into four classes : summer residents, which come to us each year in the spring, rear their broods, and depart again in the fall for winter homes in the South ; winter residents, which nest north of us, come down with the advent of cold weather, and return in the spring ; permanent resi- dents, including those varieties which have representatives with us during the whole year ; transient visitors, including those seen during the annual migration, that breed north and winter south of us.-' The migratory movement is one of the most important phases of bird life, because dependent upon it are our only opportunities for knowing and enjoying many birds which are but brief callers. It is even more important because dependent upon it are the arrivals and departures of our regular summer visitors, the old and tried friends, who gladden our hearts during the months of spring and sum- mer. But for this migration we should be limited in our bird neighbors to the few rather silent permanent residents, whose haunts for the most part are within the deeper shades of the forest. Many varieties migrate at night, and the days are passed in feeding and resting after long and tiresome flights ^ Chapman. MK; RATION 35 The night fliers usually are the timid birds and those with less strength ; while the bolder and stronger varieties, which live in the open, fly by day, halting wherever hun- ger prompts and food is to be found. There are some kinds that fly continuously, as the Flycatchers and Swal- lows. They arc able to feed on the wing and are so strong and so swift in flight as to be able to make long journeys without tiring. Mr. Frank M. Chapman, in "Bird Life," gives an excel- lent account of his study of the night flight of birds. By means of a telescope directed toward the moon when the air is clear, the birds are easily seen as they cross the bright field. In this way he has observed several hundred in a few hours during the spring migration. On clear nights the flight is high, probably a mile or more above the earth ; but when the fog and mist obscure their vision, they journey much nearer the earth, and many come to untimely deaths by striking wires, tall buildings, and other obstructions. During migration, when the weather is thick, the lighthouse keepers along our coast are often startled by the crash of birds against the glass of the light, lured to their deaths by its brilliant rays. To learn why birds make these flights has led to much careful study among ornithologists and other scientists. That they have found the true causes seems doubtful. Al- though many explanations are given, the real cause for this habit is in doubt. To say it arises from a desire to find safe nesting grounds, does not seem a satisfactory explanation. Our sedate friend, the Robin, who often winters no farther south than Maryland or Virginia, may locate his nest in Massachusetts or Maine, where he is no safer than he was 36 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR during the winter. If it is a change of air or scene that he seeks, then his movements are easily explained. Some think these movements are made in order to se- cure the usual food supply. This does not explain the spring migration, for when the birds leave the South, the season there is somewhat advanced, insect and vegetable foods are plentiful and increasing daily. And we well know that often the Bluebird, Robin, and Song Sparrow arrive in the North while the snow banks are still lying about in sheltered places, the nights are cold, and the winds bleak, conditions little favorable to the rapid growth of insect and vegetable life. Then the food problem of these hardy pioneers is a difficult one. With some of our winter I .^' r-^i Snowy Owl. visitors this explanation is the true one ; for it often happens that a period of very cold weather and deep snows in the North will send down upon us large numbers of northern residents. Then it is that you may see Snow Buntings — scores, it may be — come whirling down out of a winter sky into some field where the weed stalks stand above the drifts. They greedily feed upon the seeds, doing for the farmer a very kindly deed at the same time that sharp hunger is being satis- fied. Or you may find, on MICRATION 37 going out in the early morning, a great white Owl looking down upon you from the ridge of the barn, or the topmost limb of a shade tree, solemnly blinking in the growing light. The wise man then sees to it that his hens are all safe in their coop and the house cat stays within doors. This journeying of the Snowy Owl, however, is entirely apart from the spring and fall migrations of the birds and is by no means an annual occurrence. As the movement of the birds in spring is northward, the time of their coming depends in a measure upon one's location. As a rule it mav be said that a given variety of birds will be seen in the vicinity of New York city, and in places of like latitude, a week earlier than in Massachu- setts ; and in that state a week earlier than in central Maine, northern New York, Vermont, and New Hamp- shire. In accepting dates for the arrival of different varie- ties this should be considered. The observer in New Jersey will see several kinds that one does not find in Maine, as they do not travel so far north. He will also see many more of a given variety, for all that inhabit the fields and woods north of New Jersey pass that latitude, while many, halting in the intervening states, do not reach Maine. The summer range of birds changes somewhat from year to year. The ]5obolink is now found in Utah and Montana, where until recently it was unknown. In the little valley of the Nezinscot, in Maine, where my country home is, the Meadow Lark was not found until the spring of 1892. Now from the fields is heard his clear whistle during the greater part of the year, for he comes early and stays late. The Rose-breasted Grosbeak, formerly but rarely seen there, is now classed among the common birds. My first study of migration was made in Maine, and 38 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR not for years did I see the greater numbers and varieties farther south. I well remember, as a boy, how eagerly we looked for that harbinger of spring, the first Crow. When, after months of freezing weather and deep drifts, the sun began to melt the snow in the well-trodden roads and the tops of the stone walls again appeared, we would watch expectantly for sight of this mischievous bird. His coming lightened our hearts, although we well knew that a few months later he would cause us a deal of trouble in the fields of sprouting corn. He was sure to come during the last days of February or early in March, as his southward journey had been a short one, probably not farther than the seashore, or the vicinity of the cities where he could obtain a constant food supply. Then a few weeks later came the real vanguard of the bird army, the Robins and Bluebirds, followed closely by that " friend of all the world," the Song Sparrow. What a brave fellow he is! Many a time have I seen him pouring out his song of faith in the midst of a hard snow- storm in April and during the cold, cheerless rains of early May, as though that sort of weather were a perfect delight to him. There is a valuable lesson to be learned from the never- faiHng good cheer and bound-to-do-his-best spirit of this annual guest. He teaches us, by force of example, to be cheerful under all circumstances, no matter how gloomy the outlook. Another precursor of the spring, whose passage we watched with wide-eyed curiosity, was the Canada Goose. During the latter part of March we were pretty sure to be aroused some day by their hoarse cry, as there shot into view a harrow-shaped flock of these noble birds, wending their way through the uncharted air with a MIGRATION 39 steadiness and swiftness that was truly appalling. Some- times, when fog, rain, or late snow set in, they became weather-bound and bewildered, and sought open water, if such could be found, in near-by lake or stream. My boyhood home was on the bank of the Androscog- gin River, and once when the ice was going out, we saw five of these great birds on a cake float- ing down with the cur- rent, quietly making their morning toilets as though they were at home. At times a solitary Goose would be found paddling about in some shel- tered cove or eddy. This always inspired us to bring out the old muzzle-loading gun, made over from a flintlock, the only weapon of offense we possessed. But its deafening roar merely stimulated the bird to immediate flight, for we never, as I remember, harmed one. Sometimes during the night or in thick weather, con- fused as to their course and unable to find water, they set- tle in the fields or pastures; but with daylight and clearing skies their flight is continued in the same wedge-shaped formation. During the migration of Geese the position at the point C;\.\AD.\ (iOOSK. 40 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR of the wedge is taken by an old traveler, who guides the flock during the journey. If he is killed, or in any way injured, the flock is thrown into confusion and at once comes to earth to reorganize. Bat as soon as a new leader is chosen they take wing again, for the call is strong and they dislike delay. The flight of these birds is a remarkable example of the working of that force which we are pleased to call instinct. What a strange power it is that stirs them to leave their comfortable quarters down on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, and set out for the distant North when that re- gion is still locked in the icy chains of winter, and the only open water is the sea ! They cover a journey of several thousand miles, " but they come and go as surely as though they carried chart and compass." In later years I had the opportunity of observing the spring migration of the birds farther south, in the vicinity of New York city and elsewhere. One season, being in Montclair, New Jersey, I looked for my old friends and for new varieties which I anticipated in this fresh field. Such numbers of birds I had never seen before ! Every little patch of woods and bunch of bushes, every apple orchard and hedgerow, had its host. But how quickly they passed ! One morning, during the early migration, the Fox Sparrows were seen in great numbers on the ground, in the low bushes, and on the wing ; but in two days they had disappeared and were seen no more during the season. Nearly all of the old friends greeted me and several new ones, were made. For many years I had looked for a Scarlet Tanagerin my valley in Maine, but without success, although they are seen at times in other parts of the state. MIGRATION 41 One day when the apple trees were in full bloom, I had a rare treat. While walking on a sunny hillside admiring a beautiful tree which seemed like an immense bouquet of fragrant flowers, I caught the flash of a bird's plumage, like a flame, amid the snowy whiteness. Instantly I knew him, and cautiously approaching, with my glass I feasted upon his rare brilliancy. His exquisite coloring was set off to perfection against the bower of blossoms in which he played. Soon along came his mate in a sober tinted but very dainty dress, and I had the pair in view for more than an hour. My search for this beautiful bird had been a long one, and the desire had not grown less in the years of waiting. Who ever saw him under more favorable conditions .'' Afterwards I saw many about the garden, on the lawn, and in the woods, but I never tired of closely watching this most highly colored of our summer friends. Among the strangers observed were the Towhee, or Chewink, the Orchard Oriole, and the Cardinal Grosbeak, a delightful singer. But the keenest pleasure experienced that year was in listening to the song of the Wood Thrush, whose flutelike notes charmed us with their delicate and plaintive sweetness. When the Warblers came streaming by, I was almost discouraged at their numbers and variety. What an in- teresting family ! Nearly all have [^leasing call notes and songs, and a variety of coloring which is not equaled by any other group of birds. I identified a score, and all at once the flight was over. One old friend, the sweetest singer of all our birds, I sadly missed. What farmer's boy in Maine, who goes over the hill for the cows as the shades of evening are falling, has not had his soul stirred by that song from the gloom of 42 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR the distant pines, clear and sweet on the still air, every note as limpid as the music of a babbling brook, now rising, now falling in cadence serene and sad ? Ah ! who, having once heard it, can forget the song of the Hermit Thrush ? In the spring of 1908 I again welcomed the old friends in my little valley in Maine. On February 28 the first Crow came, quartering the sky before a stiff west wind which bore no trace of spring in its icy breath. I barely caught a glimpse of him as he hurried by, but the sight was a welcome one, for in him I recognized a forerunner of the invasion soon to follow, a herald of good tidings which he conveyed to my eager ear in a vigorous cazv, cazv, as he sighted me. Soon there came a change in the weather : the wintry winds were hushed, the snow gave way before the grow- ing warmth of the March sun, and in a few^ days the knolls appeared in the pastures, the stone walls showed gray above the drifts, and bare brown patches came in the white roadway. The Crows rapidly increased in numbers, and wandered about the country in large flocks. On the bare spots in the fields their coats of shiny black made a fine con- trast to the dull brown of the dead grass. Who can account for their fearlessness at this season 1 They came within fifty feet of the house, walking boldly about, and by the roadside one could almost reach them with a whip as he drove along. Did they know that the wrath of the farmer at last year's thieving had softened during their absence ? Or was their boldness born of recklessness, incident to the stimulation of the springtide .'' In early March, with the first signs of the new season, away hurried the Snow Buntings, for they have little liking MIGRATION 43 for the warm sunshine. As they said good-by, the Horned Larks came by twos and threes, then in larger flocks, feed- ing about the fields and in the road, taking wing at one's near approach, swinging far afield with a cheerful, war- bling whistle, but soon circling back to their meal again. They form a sort of rear guard for the winter invaders, gradually giving way before the advancing army of sum- mer residents. They remained until the end of the month, Red-winged Blackbirds, Female and Male. adding their dainty notes to the happy songs of the swell- ing chorus. On the 15th a Bluebird sent down his glad message as he passed over, and a lonely Redwing halted for a time in a maple near Neighbor's barn, huddled and unhappy in the chill wind. Then came the Juncos, their sharp smack being heard in the alder ricks and about the orchard. Their natty suits showed little sign of travel stain, as their journey had been a short one. A week later a Song Spar- row sang to me from a bush-grown ravine, but his song was incomplete and poorly rendered, as though the singer were sadly out of practice. 44 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR The following day two Robins, both males, halted for an instant in the elm behind the house, announcing their presence in clarion calls ; then away they flew to carry along the good news. On the 26th, while looking at a ilock of Horned Larks in the field, I found a pair of Meadow Larks walking silently about, their yellow breasts with crescents of black appearing brighter than ever. In the early evening, flying in zigzags over the distant fields, was seen a Marsh Hawk, its light gray plumage showing distinctly in the gathering dusk. Up to this time the arrivals were few and for the most part silent, except for occasional call notes. One was led to wonder if they had lost something of the old-time joy, or were they resting after their journey ? On the after- noon of the 26th I took a long walk, listening and looking for sound or sight of bird, but a solitary Song Sparrow, silent and restless, was my only reward. As the shades of evening fell not a note was heard, not a bird was in sight. Then as by magic they came. On going out the follow- ing morning I was greeted by a flood of song, limited in variety, to be sure, but so abundant in volume as quite to startle one after the silence of the evening before. Song Sparrows in companies of a dozen or more were heard in all directions ; Bluebirds warbled merrily from fence and telephone posts ; every maple and elm had its Robin, sing- ing as though his heart bubbled over with joy. Redwings, in close-flying bands, came hourly, resting for a time in the tall elms, where they cackled and chattered in great glee ; from the fields the Meadow Larks cheerily whistled their vernal greeting, and in the distant woods the reedy notes of the Blue Jay mingled with the shrill cry of the Marsh Hawk. It was like the first burst from the MIGRATION 45 orchestra after the prehminary timing of the instruments. Afterward nearly every day brought its new arrival ; the chorus steadily swelled, until with the advent of June it was full, and our summer residents settled down to family cares. Ikl^ ' , ,1, "^ -^^ — CHAPTER III THE EARLY COMERS When beechen buds begin to swell, And woods the bluebird's warble know. The yellow violet's modest bell Peeps from last year's leaves beh - Bryant. Bluebird. — If you are a lover of the birds, the warm days of early March will sharpen your eyes for the first sight of those heralds of the spring, the Robin and the Bluebird. Their cheery call notes, glad music to your ears, are but the prelude to the great chorus which will swell day by day as new arrivals from the South put in an appearance. The male Bluebird, " with the sky tinge on his back and the earth tinge on his breast," appears about a week before the female. While awaiting his mate, he visits the old 46 THE EARLY COMERS 47 familiar places, and his happy warble from orchard and pasture tells of joy to come. The Robin, with his businesslike air and sprightly call note, is a welcome visitor, but the friendly Bhiebird, with his beautiful colors, is dearer to the bird lover than any other early comer. Perhaps this is because of his early coming, when the eye is keen for a bit of /-'!**»-- color and the ear eager for a note from Nature's melody ; perhaps it is be- cause of his trustful, friendly, sociable manner that strikes right to one's heart. At any rate we all love him and feel that he is one of our truest friends of the bird world. In a few days the female Bluebirds ar- rive in loose flocks, and for a time the wooing of a mate takes up the male bird's whole attention. Then is heard that " mellow, coaxing love note " which charms the ear and endears him to all who hear it. When he has found a mate to share his joys and sor- rows, the happy pair look for a home, for there can be no delay if two or three broods are to be reared before mid- summer. A suitable place is found in a hollow tree in the orchard, in a stump root, or post in the fence, or in a box Bluebirds. 48 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR built by some friendly hand, where a nest of dried grass is quickly made. If the male leaves most of the work to his willing mate, he does cheer her labors by his bright presence and joyous warble. Soon five or six pale blue eggs are in the nest, and a little later the nestlings in their scanty suits keep both parents busy searching for food, for they are always hungry. They grow cjuite rapidly, and in a very short time are standing on the edge of the nest, ready for their first peep at the world. The anxious parents watch them with care for a few days longer until they have learned to fly, then back to the nest goes the mother to rear another brood. With all their gentleness of manner. Bluebirds will fight fiercely with other birds for a nesting place, particularly with the English Sparrow. A few years ago during their spring house hunting a pair of Bluebirds came to look at the gourd-shaped nest of an Eave Swallow, built the sea- son before under the portico which shelters our front door. Deciding after many visits that it would suit them, they made their home there. The male bird from his perch on the roof or in a near-by elm became the jealous guardian of this portion of the premises, fighting and driving away Robin, Swallow, or Sparrow that came near. For a time all was well with them, until one day, after a hard rain storm, we found the nest fallen and the half-grown birds scattered about the steps. One was dead, the others lying quite still. Lin- ing a small wooden box with soft grass and moss, we nailed it up where the mud nest had clung and in it placed the young birds. The homeless parents watched us with anxious interest and at once took up their household cares in the new nest. Soon we had another company of merry youngsters about the lawn. THE EARLY COMERS 49 In late summer Rlucbircls wander in flocks about the fields and pastures with what seems to be a touch of sad- ness in their call notes. In October S(jme take their de- parture, but many remain until November is nearly gone, being among the last of our songsters to leave. A few Bluebirds winter as far north as New York city, but the majority seek the warmer climes from Virginia southward. One Christmas I found them in great flocks drifting through the pine tracts of North Carolina still calling their melancholy notes, wdn-der-iug wdii-dct'-ing, but other- wise apparently enjoying a happy holiday. They are larger than the English Sparrow, being about seven inches long. The upper parts, wings, and tail of the male are bright blue ; the throat, breast, and sides cinnamon-brown, the belly whitish. The female is of somewhat duller shade. Their summer range is from the Gulf of Mexico north to Nova Scotia and Manitoba, while they winter from southern New England to Mexico. Crackle. — Soon after the Bluebirds and Robins, arrives that welcome visitor, the Song Sparrow, whose tuneful lay may be heard from every copse and bunch of shrub- bery. With these, but quite unlike them, come the Crackles, or Crow Blackbirds. They are of two kinds, the Pur- ple Crackle and the Bronzed Crackle. The male of the former variety is about a foot long. On the back and rump his black coat has a fine metallic CIL. lURDS 4 Purple Grackle. 50 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR luster, as he moves about in the sunshine. The female has a duller coat. This bird has a bad reputation, for it is both a corn thief and a destroyer of nests and young birds. They travel in large flocks and nest in colonies, in lonely places, usually in evergreen trees, although sometimes they settle in the orchard for a summer home. The flimsy nest, made of mud and coarse grasses, lined with finer grass, is placed high above the ground. The Crackles are not singers ; but not knowing this, they often make the attempt. Their cracked and wheezy calls are neither musical nor pleasant. They have been aptly termed the " wheelbarrow chorus." Crouching in the dark foliage of an evergreen tree, these shy and thievish birds will gaze at you out of their yellow, ugly eyes in a way that makes you feel very uncomfort- able. And while they attend to their household duties with care, they do not seem happy at their work. Their glossy plumage with its rainbow colors, seen best as they strut about the fields in the sunshine, is the only attraction they have for us. Their summer range is north to Massa- chusetts, and they winter in the Southern states. The Bronzed Crackle is very similar in size and plumage, but does not have the glistening bars on the back. His summer range is north of Connecticut to Labrador, and west of the Alleghany Mountains from Texas to northern Canada. Fox Sparrow. — When you are studying the Robin and Bluebird, if you visit a swampy thicket or rick of tangled vines and bushes growing beside an old stone wall, you will hear a rustling and rattling in the dead leaves so loud that you will think a flock of hens has strayed from some near-by farmyard. On close inspection you find a flock of THE EARLY COMERS 51 large Sparrows, from their beautiful reddish brown backs and heads called Fox Sparrows. They are scratching with both feet at once. While this is a strange thing for a bird to do, it quickly removes the loose leaves and lays bare the food which they seek. These birds arrive in large flocks and, being fond of companions, are often seen with J uncos and other Sparrows. During their brief visits in spring and fall Fox Sparrows are tame, trustful, and rather si- lent. Their usual call note is a faint, lisping sound, which becomes much louder and more emphatic with a decided metallic tone when the birds are alarmed. As singers they rank high in the Sparrow family, but we do not always hear their song during the spring passage. Not until I had listened for several seasons was I favored with it ; but when at last I heard it I was not disappointed. It is a deep, rich, well- rounded carol, expressive of the fullness of life, a song of exultant courage rather than of tender sentiment. Coming as a glad surprise, it is all the more delightful, for one hardly expects such music from these early comers. But at this season of the year they are restless travelers, Fox Sparrows. 52 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR and in a few days journey onto their summer liomes in the northland. The Fox Sparrow, about seven inches in length, is larger than his English cousin. The upper parts are a handsome reddish brown, with the brightest shades on the back, wings, and tail. The under parts are white, heavily streaked and spotted with brown and black. They nest from the United States north to Alaska, wintering from Virginia south- ward. Flicker. — Another bird which is due to arrive soon after these early comers is the Flicker, a Woodpecker that can boast of at least thirty-six names. Chief among these are Yellow- hammer, High-hole, and Golden-winged Woodpecker. They live much in the open about groves and the edges of the forest, and so are the best-known and most- admired members of this family. As their food is chiefly ants, they are often seen about decaying logs and stumps, and are frequently flushed from the ground where these insects live in moundlike homes. In this respect they differ from all their near relatives, for Woodpeckers are, as a rule, tree-dwelling birds, rarely seen on the ground. Like Robins and Sparrows, Flickers even visit the fields in search of grain and berries ; and it seems they are not content with the society of their kinsmen, but are fond of the company of other birds. Their flight is wavelike, now up, now down, and their call notes are numerous. One note, and perhaps the most Flicker. THE EARLY C'OMERS S3 common, is a low "Micl\ wick, K'/ck. During the nest- ing season is heard a low melodious roll; but their most pleasing note Audubon calls "a prolonged, jovial laugh," uttered with much bowing and scraping when several birds meet in mating time. They also have a shrill call note, kec-ycy, kcc-ycr, more often heard in the autumn. The Flicker is a large bird, a foot in length, or about two inches longer than the Robin. Its plumage has a great variety of coloring, in this respect being one of our most attractive summer residents. The head and neck of the male are bluish gray with a scarlet patch on the nape ; the back and wings are brownish and black, the rump white. The under surface of the wings and tail is yellow, the belly spotted with black ; there is also a black stripe on the sides of the throat and a crescent of the same color on the breast. The female is similar in coloring, but lacks the black stripes on the neck. When at rest, the Flicker is most easily known by the black crescent and the scarlet on the nape; when in flight, by the white rump and golden lining of wings and tail. The nest is in a good-sized hole cut in a decaying tree or stub, and the shiny white eggs are from five to nine in number. Their summer range is North America west to the Rocky Mountains and Alaska ; they winter from Massachusetts and Illinois southward. The Flicker is not only a very handsome bird, but his large variety of calls, his wonderful activity and industry, make him very interesting, and well worthy of and fully rewarding close acquaintance. Purple Finch. — With the Flicker comes one of the most charming of the American songsters, the Purple Finch. They travel in small flocks and may be found with Gold- finches and Sparrows in small patches of wood or in low S4 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR bushes by the brookside. Later in the season we find them in the orchard, where it is said they sometimes pick off the swelhng blossom buds. If this be a fact, I hope it is unknown to the farmer, else he might feel called upon to interfere with these brilliant members of the spring choir. With the approach of the mating season, the latter part of April, is heard their full song, which, while somewhat like that of the Warbling Vireo, is fuller and richer. The male, from top of maple or elm, warbles a lay which cannot fail to win the admiration of the sober-suited female for whom it is so oft re- peated. The song has been likened to the carol of the Robin, but has a volume, variety of tones, and ra- pidity all its own. It serves its purpose well, for a mate is soon won, and attention is then turned to the home making. A pair of purple Finches nest every year in a thick- topped maple tree in my neighbor's dooryard. In mid- summer I find them also in the woods of Northern Maine, nesting in evergreen trees far above the ground. The pale green eggs are five or six in number. In both cases the song is kept up until the season is far advanced, and Purple Finches. THE EARLY COMERS 55 the gallant singer is all kindness and attention to the little mate who is looking so carefully to the comfort of the family. After the young are reared, the birds form in flocks and roam about the country until late October or early Novem- ber, when the march south is begun ; and we hear no more of their delightful music until another winter has passed, and the budding springtime lures them to us again. Sometimes the charge is made against the Purple Finch that he destroys fruit buds and blossoms. If so, he more than repays us, by his sweet music, for the loss of a few apples or plums. This bird is the size of the English Sparrow, perhaps a trifle slimmer. The males over two years old are conspicu- ously marked with strawberry-red on the head, neck, throat, breast, and back, fading to brown on the wings and rump. The young males and females look much like Sparrows, but may be distinguished by the rounded bill, tufts of feathers over the nostrils, and forked tail. The upper parts are streaked with grayish brown; the under parts are white, with dusky streaks. They summer from New York northward and winter from the Northern states southward. Cowbird. — While the great majority of birds seem to accept joyfully the duties and cares incident to the build- ing of a nest and the rearing of their brood, we have among our summer visitors one notable exception. During the last days of March there arrives from the South a bird of which it is difficult to say even a little that is good, either in relation to its habits, song, or plumage. We have seen how a bird of plainest coloring often pos- sesses much musical power, is filled with love for its mate and nestlings, and has polite manners and happy ways. 56 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR But the Cowbird, or Cow Blackbird, has none of these quaHties. They have no skill as singers, their notes being rasping and quite disagreeable to the ear. They appear singly or in small flocks, as no other birds, except, perhaps, the English Sparrows, care to associate with them. They are outlaws, the hoboes of the bird world. They are frequently seen, as their name suggests, with the cattle in the pasture, picking up the insects dis- turbed by the grazing, — or perched and dozing quietly on a cow's back as she lies at ease, placidly chewing her cud after the morning feeding. But the one trait more than all others which puts the ban of disgrace upon Cowbirds is their method of rearing their young. They neither mate nor build nests. Instead of following the habits of all our other birds in mating during the springtime, selecting a suitable spot and building a snug nest as a home for her tender offspring, this un- natural mother steals into the nest of some smaller bird. Warbler, Vireo, or Sparrow, and lays an egg, leaving the hatching and rearing of the young bird to the little mother who is always overburdened by the care of her own fledglings. The brood in this way may be scattered in a half dozen nests. The young Cowbird when hatched is much larger than the other nestUngs, is very greedy, and grows so rapidly that soon it quite fills the nest. COWBIRU. THE EARLY COMERS 57 A very peculiar phase of bird nature is seen in the fact that the mother bird will always feed and care for the clumsy intruder, sometimes, it is said, to the neglect of her own. It is a strange sight, indeed, to see a delicate little Warbler, or Vireo, carefully feeding a half-feathered Cow bird larger than herself, but she does it until the youngster is well grown. As soon as it is able to fly, the young Cowbird seeks its own kind, and they roam about the country in flocks until they leave us in the fall. The Cowbird, eight inches in length, is between the English Sparrow and Robin in size. The color of the head, neck, and breast of the male is a rich brown; the rest of the plumage is shiny black. The female is a dark grayish brown on the upper parts, lighter below. They breed as far north as lower Canada and winter from New Jersey southward. Phoebe. — A good example of the influence of amiable ways and gentle manners in making friends is seen in the Phoebe, a bird which possesses neither unusual skill as a singer nor brilliancy of plumage, yet is always attractive. The Phoebe, or Bridge Pewce, as it is sometimes called, is quite in contrast to the Cowbird in its breeding habits. Highly domestic, lovable, friendly, and usually happy, this bird is always a welcome neighbor. The eye brightens and the heart is made glad by his presence about the old bridge, the farmyard fence, and in the orchard. Their chief vocal performance is a monotonous repeti- tion of pitabe, phoebc. Although in itself it is not an attractive utterance, yet associated with this home-loving plainly dressed little neighbor it is a pleasing and soothing sound. This is the first of the flycatchers to arrive from his winter home in the far tropics, and it strikes one that at 58 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR the time of his coming a supply of insects is somewhat hard to find. The Phcebe is said to mate for life. If this be true, the wonder is that they do not migrate together. The male appears a week or so earlier than the female and seems quite lonesome until his lifelong mate arrives. They be- come strongly attached to a certain place and will return year after year to the same nest, or to a new one built near by. The Phoebe is an expert flycatcher, darting out from the perch to snap up an insect, then settling down again with a jerk of the tail, and a phccbc, p/icebc, to announce its victory. The well-built nest of mud and moss lined with wool and feathers is placed on a beam or rafter in the old barn or outbuilding, under the bridge which spans some gentle stream, and, but rarely, under a sheltering bank. An ideal place for a Phoebe's nest is an old covered bridge, a struc- ture now rapidly disappearing from the landscape. Here, beside the flowing waters, the loving couple spend the sum- mer in peace and contentment, rearing two broods with tender care. A food supply is always obtained from the many gnats and flies which are plentiful in such places. The Phoebe, some seven inches in length, is larger than the English Sparrow. The upper parts of male and fe- male are brownish olive ; the wings, tail, and crown are darker. Some feathers of the tail have white outer edges. Underneath, the feathers are dingy white with a faint yellowish cast. The straight bill is black. They breed from South Carolina to Newfoundland and winter from North Carolina to Cuba and Central America. Field Sparrow. — The early spring days will also bring a fine singer, a member of that famous family of vocalists, THE EARLY COMERS 59 the Sparrows. Although called the Field Sparrow, this bird is more often found in a pasture overgrown with bushes, or along the edge of the woods where cedars grow. He is a little shy, just enough so to arouse a desire for a better acquaintance with him. There is something very interesting about him, and he quite wins your heart by his gentle and refined ways ; but it is as a singer that he is most admired. The song is clear, plaintive, sweet, "be- ginning with three soft, wild whistles and ending with a series of trills and quavers that slowly melt away into si- lence : a serene and restful strain as sooth- ing as a hymn." (Blanchan.) After listening to this, you wish to get a nearer view, but as you advance he retires, hopping from limb to limb, singing a variety of notes, all delicate and tender. The song varies somewhat in individuals living in the same locality, even more be- tween those of different localities. The Field Sparrow sings all day, but is at his best toward sunset. This Sparrow builds its nest of coarse grass, weed stalks, and rootlets, on the ground or in a low bush. It is about the size of the Enghsh Sparrow. The crown is reddish brown with a gray line over the eye. The neck is gray, back reddish brown streaked with black and ashy gray. Field Sparrow. 6o BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR The tail, which is quite long, is brownish, and the under parts are hght, the breast a light buff. The female has similar coloring, but the shades are duller and the crown is edged with white. A good distinguishing mark is the red- dish bill. Field Sparrows summer as far north as Quebec and winter from Virginia southward. Vesper Sparrow. — With the Field Sparrow comes another member of the family, also a good singer, the Vesper Sparrow. This is a bird of the broad open fields and roadsides, where it may easily be recognized by the vyhite outer tail feathers seen when in flight. He flies up ahead of you, drops again in the ^X«.,^ .ysf, ^^^^ grass, and if you follow him, makes a long flight to a fence or tree where he tunes his lyric song. The Vesper does not, like many other Spar- rows, interrupt his feed- ing to sing ; but when the mood is on him, he devotes himself wholly to it, resting briefly between the strains. The song is much like that of the Song Sparrow, but is softer and milder. Although it may be heard at in- tervals throughout the day it is toward evening in the gathering twilight that the Vesper is most inspired ; and it seems fitting that this habit should determine his name. It is not easy to describe by words the song of a bird, nor is such a description at all satisfactory. The bird and the song must be studied together to be fully appreciated. Vesper Sparrow. THE EARLY COMERS 6i The songs of the Vesper and Song Sparrows are some- what alike, and they must be heard and associated with the birds in order to know the difference. Both melodies possess much merit, and both have loyal admirers among the patrons of bird opera. The Vesper is a bird of the fields, and when undisturbed, his life is spent in the thick grass. He builds on the ground a neatly woven nest of dried grass. His food con- sists of the insects of the field and the seeds of grass and weeds. In size he does not vary much from the Field Sparrow. The upper parts are brown streaked with black and grayish. The breast and sides are gray streaked with black and brown. The belly is white, and the lesser wing coverts chestnut. The Vesper ranges north to Nova Scotia and winters south of Virginia. Swamp Sparrow. — Where the brook with its fringe of reeds and sedges winds in and out through the meadow, or in the swampy pasture with its evergreen thickets and ricks of alder, you will find in the early April days a small, brown- streaked bird which will spring up in front of you, and as it flies will sing a quaint little song, which sounds like tivcct, tweet, tweet, running off into a dainty trill. This is the Swamp Spar- row, somewhat smaller than the Vesper, with a bright Swamp Sp.arrow. 62 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR chestnut cap, black forehead, and grayish line over the eye. The back is striped with various shades of brown; the wings and tail are rather handsome reddish brown, while the under parts are gray. Found in nature's waste places, somewhat apart from the homes of men, it enlivens the livelong day with its simple lay, a song that strikes one as being singularly adapted to the surroundings. It is not a showy bird in song or plumage, but conveys to one the impression of be- ing genuinely happy, and giving expression to the joy which bubbles from an honest heart. Its nesting habits are much like those of the Song Sparrow. A nest of grass is built on the ground in a sheltered nook, under a low bank or on a tussock of grass roots. It ranges over eastern North America, nest- ing from Illinois and Pennsylvania to Hudson Ray, winter- ing from the Ohio River and Massachusetts southward. ''i"^ ! 1 / ^^ki^m^^^^^w''' (i ^ ^^^^^^ ""^^^^as' \^^ "?S^S ^ '■iH^I'mn CHAPTER IV APRIL ARRIVALS A gush of Viird song, a patter uf dew, A cloud and a rainl)0\\''s warning, SuddenU- sunshine and perfect blue — An April day in the morning. — Harriet Prkscott Simi-tord. White-throated Sparrow. — When the fields are put- ting on their April dress of green, the buds bursting, and the reeds and grasses by the brookside are lifting their spearlike points to the blue arch of the sky, to the fisherman following the windings of some favorite trout stream in quest of its beautiful but wily inhabit- ants, there comes floating out from the thickets a song so sweet and plaintive that this ardent disciple of good old Isaak Walton forgets his mission and for a time bathes his soul in the delicious melody. This is the song of the White-throated Sparrow, or Peabody Bird, as it is sometimes called, one of the most delightful singers of the Sparrow family. Some bird students regard the song as incomplete, but to me it is perfect in its simplicity. The words set to this music vary in different localities. In Massa- chusetts, where the Peabody family has been very prominent, the bird 63 64 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR says, "Hear, hear, Peabody, Peabody, Peabody"; in Maine, where every simon-pure Yankee is supposed to be skillful in the use of the jackknife, it says, " A-1-1 Group of Sparrows: Three Whitethroats (above), White-crowned (bflow). day, whittling, whittling, whittling"; while just across the line, in Canada, the proud and patriotic native is sure it sings, "Oh, sweet, Canada, Canada, Canada." Mr. Gibson tells of a farmer, Peverly by name, who, being in doubt as to what crop to plant in a certain APRIL ARRIVALS 6$ field, plainly heard the biid advise, " Sow wheat, Peverly, Peverly, Peverly." Thus we see that the listener may select such words as best suit his taste. The Whitethroats appear early in April in small flocks, often in company with other birds, for they are very so- cial. For some time after arrival they will be seen about the hedges and in small patches of wood, when their notes are limited to a sharp tsccp, and a louder chink, which has been likened to the sound of a quarryman cut- ting marble. But as the mating season comes, with its warm sun- shine and springing verdure, their little hearts are filled with love, and the tender strains of their song are heard. For a short time only do we hear their melody, then on they go to the nesting ground in northern New P^ngland and Canada. Like the Fox Sparrow, this bird scratches with both feet at once, a very effective but rather ludicrous per- formance. A flock of them seeking food among the dry leaves of beech and oak may be heard for some distance. The Whitethroat is about seven inches in length. On the head are two black and three white stripes, two of the latter shading to yellow in front. The upper parts are a streaked brownish in color, the under parts gray. On the wings are two distinct white bars, and there is also a square white patch on the throat, which gives the bird its name. The Whitethroat is a handsome bird and one whose acquaintance you will greatly enjoy. They pass the summer, as we have seen, in the north country, wintering from southern New England southward. The nest, either on the ground or in low bushes, is built of coarse grass, rootlets, moss, and bark, lined with finer (UL. BIRDS 5 66 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR grass. The four or five bluish white eggs are minutely speckled with brown. White crowned Sparrow. — Another Sparrow that will attract your attention during the migrations of spring and fall is the White crowned, the Beau Brummell of the tribe. He is larger than the White-throat and more showily marked. The head has three white and four black stripes, and the throat and breast are gray. The back and rump are grayish brown, the tail darker. During the brief time this Sparrow is with us we hear fragments of a song that reminds one of the closing strains of the White-throat's; but it lacks the power and fine quality of that melody. It is said that he, too, is a night singer, but I have not heard him at night. But I have often heard the White-throats song, even at midnight. It is not easy to do full justice to the White-crowned Sparrows. Not only are they beautiful in plumage and attractive in song, but they are friendly and trustful. They will come close to the farm buildings to pick up the grain scattered about the barn door, and even visit the porch and veranda in search of food. This spring, for three days in late May, they were seen in numbers about our house; then they disappeared northward. So interesting and lovable are they that we would gladly v/elcome them as summer residents. Tree Swallow. — If you place a snug, tight box with a narrow platform just before the small door, in a shade tree or on a pole out of reach of the house cat, it is likely to become the summer home of the Tree Swallow. This bird formerly nested in hollow trees and stumps, but now has come to readily accept the hospitality of man when a secure nesting place is offered. In fact, so will- ing are the Tree Swallows to become our neighbors, that APRIL AKRUALS Sj they are quite likely to i)reemi)t the Martin house, while that glossy backed favorite is still basking in the southern sunshine. You can easily tell them from other Swallows in whose company they are often seen, by their pure white breasts. The upper parts are steebblue, or steel-green, becoming darker on the long wings and forked tail, the outer feathers of which are somewhat longer than the middle ones. This is the first of the Swallows to arrive in the spring, and it comes " skimming over the freshly plowed fields with a wide sweep of its wings in what appears to be a perfect ecstasy of flight." At evening they often fly in circles, cpiite low; but in the morning their flight is higher and more direct. Being insect feeders they frequent the streams and ponds, flitting low over the water, now flecking its surface with graceful wing, now playfully chasing one another with marvelous speed and sharp turnings, in the very abandon of joyous life. During migration, with the C(jming of twi- light they seek some reed-grown marsh, where they perch for the night on the cat-tails and rushes. Tree Swallows are among the first birds to flock after the broods are reared. The size of the flocks gradually increases until mid-August, when they seem much more abundant than any other Swallow. Then they gather, hundreds at a time, sitting along the tele])hone and tele- graph wires, twittering and talking in a \'ery friendly manner. Soon after, the southward journey is begun, and they migrate by day. They range over the greater part of North America and breed throughout, wintering south of the Carolinas. Rusty Blackbird. — Early in April the Rusty Blackbird is found, singly or in small flocks, about inland meadows, 68 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR in thick swamps, or along the bush-grown river banks, feeding upon the seeds of various water-loving plants. In size and flight it is hke the Red-winged Blackbird. Its call note is a harsh cluck, but its song, which is rarely heard, is thought by many bird lovers to excel in quality of tone that of its gayer-clad cousin. The spring dress of the male Rusty Blackbird is a uni- form, glossy black, which takes on a bluish tinge in the sunshine. Later in the season this is changed for a suit of rusty black, hence its name. The female has a glossy slate color above, the under parts being somewhat duller. Both birds have pale yellow or straw-colored eyes, in this respect resembling the Grackles. This spring, 1908, they appeared during a hard rain, es- corted by a squad of Redwings. For several hours they waded about the sodden fields back of the house, feeding on grass seeds and various insects; then on they passed, still in charge of their trusty guides. In June I found them nesting in the woods of northern Maine. They build nests of coarse grass and sticks in swampy thickets which border streams and ponds, and usually in colonies. They pass the summer from northern United States northward, and winter south of Virginia. Red-headed Woodpecker. — In the spring this beautiful Woodpecker is found in thinly settled country, where he is easily known by his bright red head and his harsh cry, kcr-r-cli, which has been likened to that of the tree toad. These Woodpeckers are tame and trustful, and are often seen during the nesting season about the farm and even in villages, where they carefully inspect trees of orchard and lawn for wood borers and insects. Formerly they were found throughout the eastern United States, but now their range is somewhat lessened ; they are rare summer visitors as APRIL ARRIVALS 69 far north as Maine. Last year I found them in the valley of the VVillowemoc in the Catskills, where they were so tame one could approach almost within arm's len^;th. So conspicuously marked are they, and alas, so friendly, that they have furnished a tempting target for the man with a gun, and are now much re- duced in number. Mr. Burroughs speaks of them as having for- merly been more com- mon than Robins in the vicinity of Washington, but it appears that in recent years their num- bers are less in all localities. The Red -headed Woodpecker is a strik- ingly handsome bird. The head, neck, and throat are a bright crim- son, back black, rump and under parts white. The wings and tail are bluish black, and the wings have white bars plainly seen in flight. In size the Redhead is somewhat smaller than the Robin, about nine inches in length. As they are less skillful in the use of the chisel than the other members of this family, the nest is placed in a deep hole in a tree so decayed as to render the work easy. It is said that the male and female take turns in this work. Red-headed Woodpeckers, Male and Female. 70 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR The Redhead is a thrifty and provident bird. He stores nuts in convenient holes in trees and fence posts, sometimes even in the crevices of the rough bark, vi^here too often for his peace of mind they are found by liungry squirrels. No doubt it is his store of nuts which keeps him alive in the terrible cold of a northern winter. They range throughout the Middle and Southern states, but are rarely seen in north- ern New England. They usu- ally winter south of Virginia. Yellow-bellied Woodpecker. — Another member of this family of carpenters is the Yellow-bellied Woodpecker, or Sapsucker, as he is called. He arrives from his winter outing in the south in early April, but is not often seen at this season, as he keeps to the woods and is for the most part silent. This beautiful bird, because of the damage he does to trees, has acquired a bad reputation among the orchard men and landowners in general. Not only is he fond of slugs and insects which he catches on the wing with considerable skill, but he has a great liking for sap. To procure this delicacy he drills holes in the bark of the thriftiest apple tree, maple, or birch, and greedily sucks the life blood of the tree as it gathers in these little wells. A family of Sapsuckers will in a short time so injure a sturdy young tree as greatly to retard its growth and fruit-producing ability. Sometimes trees die as a result of their ravages. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. APRIL y\RRlVALS 71 After drilling a number of holes the bird goes away until the wells are filled, then he returns, eagerly drinks the sap, and at the same time feasts upon the ants and bugs which have been attracted by the sweet. This is followed by the drilling of more holes, and if the bird is undisturbed, the process is kept up until the life of the tree is in danger. A few years ago a family of these birds attacked a drooping birch on our lawn, which we had carefully tended and prized highly, and in two da)s nearly girdled it. It was only by carefully filling the scores of holes with graft- ing wax and wrapping the trunk with burlap that its life was saved. Like other Woodpeckers, the male Sapsucker drums up a mate in the spring by beating a rapid tattoo on some reso- nant limb. The only note I ever hear him utter is a loud and discordant call, as he pauses to look down at me from some much-scarred bole. During migration these birds are silent, and I never hear their calls in the open ; in the woods, however, their cries are frequent. The Sapsucker is about eight and one half inches in length. The crown and throat of the male are deep scarlet, the back is marked with black and yellowish white bars. The breast has a black crescent, otherwise the un- der parts are pale yellow. The wings and tail are barred and spotted with white, and a white line passes from the bill below the eye. The color of the female is the same except on the throat, which is white, and the crown, which is sometimes black. Their range is eastern North America ; they nest from Massachusetts northward and winter from Virginia southward. Brown Thrasher. — Soon after mid-April we should see that famous singer, the Brown Thrasher. During the 72 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR mating and nesting season his rollicking song is heard, as he swings and sways on the tip-top twig of a tree ; for, confident of his ability to attract the attention of all within hearing, he seeks the most exposed place for his vocal efforts. Thoreau says that the farmers in Mas- sachusetts when planting corn hear him say, " Drop it, drop it, — cover it up, cover it up, — pull it up, pull it up." His music, a medley, rivals the Mockingbird's in richness of tone. In the popular mind he is a mocker of other birds, but this is an error, as he sings a single strain which is often repeated. In quality his notes are much like those of the Catbird, a real mocker. The Brown Thrasher is often seen on the ground about the hedgerows and ricks of bushes which grow along the walls and roadsides, and being of suspicious na- ture, he is restless and easily alarmed. When disturbed, he utters a loud smack that plainly tells of his annoyance. When running about and also in flight, like the wren, he jerks and flourishes his tail. But when singing, he ap- pears at his best. At early morning and at evening he occupies a prominent place in the bird choir, for his song is really a splendid performance. The Brown Thrasher is often called the Brown Thrush, Brown Thrasher. APRIL ARRIVALS 73 but he is not a member of that justly celebrated family. He is a large bird in a handsome suit of cinnamon-brown above, with under parts of white, heavily spotted and streaked with dark brown, except at the throat and mid- dle of the belly. The tail is long, wide, and drooping, the eyes yellow, the bill long and slightly curved. He is larger than the Robin, about eleven inches in length. Their range is eastern North America; they breed as far north as Montreal and IManitoba, and winter south of Kentucky. Formerly, it is said, the Thrasher nested on the ground, but with the increase in nest-hunting cats, they now build in low bushes a nest of coarse roots, leaves, and twigs, lined with fine grass. The eggs, five or six in number, are grayish white sprinkled with cinnamon- brown. Catbird. — If you are quietly paddling along some stream whose banks are thickly overgrown with hazel and alder, and you approach the nest of a pair of Cat- birds, the chances are that you will be greeted by a harsh squalling note. So spiteful and disagreeable are the sounds that you are prone to believe that a bird whose alarm note is so hateful can possess little that is sweet in disposition or refined in manner. But such a conclu- sion regarding this common bird would not be warranted by the facts. The truth is that the Catbird is one of our most charm- ing summer visitors, but this fact does not appear except with careful study. For me he is associated with thickets of alder and hazel overgrown with wild grape and clematis, which fringe the river banks of Maine. But often he is a bird of lawn and garden, becoming very tame and trustful if friendly advances are made to him. He is sleek and well groomed, giving much time to his 74 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR bath and toilet ; but we readily forgive him for his fastidi- ous ways if he sings for us his fascinating song. In the seclusion of a thick bunch of alders, he pipes his low and melodious lay. Some of his notes are exceedingly fine ; but through it all, there is a lack of spirit, as though Catbird. prompted to sing not so much by a joyous heart as by a desire to have a part in the bird chorus. Yet he is a very pleasing singer, a clever mocker, and could not well be spared. The Catbird, nine inches in length, is smaller than the Robin. The upper parts are dark slate color, which shades into black on the crown and tail. The under parts are slaty gray, with a chestnut-colored patch under the APRIL ARRIVALS 75 tail. It breeds as far north as southern Canada, and winters from Florida southward. The nest of twigs, grasses, and leaves is safely hidden in thick bushes. The five or six eggs are a beautiful bluish green in color. The mother bird displays a care and fondness for the nestlings that is not excelled by any other bird ; and the distress of the parents when hostile bird or animal approaches the nest is highly pathetic. Perhaps it is the intensity of this alarm which causes them to e.xclaim so spitefully. Wood Thrush. — In late April comes the first of the Thrushes, a family of singers surpassing all others in the variety and quality of their notes, the prima donnas of the bird chorus. The Hermit appears first, closely fol- lowed by the Wood Thrush, or Wood Robin, as he is often called. Although the name Wood Thrush suggests a for- est-living bird, it is often seen in the open, in city parks and gardens, even about the shrubbery and hedgerows of the lawn. In this respect it differs from its cousins, which for the most part seek the gloom of thick woods, usually in swampy regions. The name of this bird is a good illustration of the carelessness in naming birds for what they are not, rather than for what they are. While all the members of this family with whom we are acquainted look much alike, a little study will enable one to tell them apart. But their songs should be carefully learned, for very often you will hear the notes of indi- viduals which you do not see. The Wood Thrush is a rather common bird, about eight and one half inches long. The upper parts are cinnamon- brown, brightest on the crown of the head. The under parts are white, with large, oval black spots on the breast and sides. With the Hermit the markings of the breast 76 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR run more into lines on a ground of faint bluish white ; while with the Veery the spots are very faint, and at the distance of a few rods the breast has a dull yellowish appearance. The Wood Thrush is distinctly a bird of Veery. Wood Thrush. Heriht Thrush. elegance and grace in movement, and its lovable dispo- sition is quite what one would expect in so beautiful a songster. When disturbed in the nesting season, its high- pitched, rapidly uttered alarm note, pit, pit, gives positive evidence of its an.xiety for the safety of the fledglings. The Thrushes have a quality of tone all their own. The song of the Wood Thrush is a pure, limpid strain, calm APRIL ARRIV/VLS yj and restful, whose opening notes seem to say " Come to me, come to me." The Hermit alone, in my opiniou, excels him in melody and execution. Some bird lovers do not con- cede even this superiority ; they, perhaps, have never heard the Hermit on his nesting grounds in the full tide of song. It ranges over the Eastern states, breeds as far north as Riinnesota and northern New England, and winters in Central America. Wilson's Thrush, the Veery. — At about the same time when you are listening to the Wood Thrush, you will see, if you penetrate low, swampy woodlands where the under- brush is thick, the Wilson's Thrush, or Veery, one of the most celebrated singers of this wonderful group. In fact, some bird lovers place the song of this bird above that of the Hermit, but both are of a high order of excellence and it may be left to one's taste to choose between them. The Veery is a shy bird, inclined to keep close to the woodland haunts, which must be visited in order to make a careful study of it. When its home is reached, the best method to follow in observing its habits is to sit quietly, for its keen curiosity will be likely to bring it to your vicinity. It lives on the ground, and is rarely seen in the tree tops. Its nest is on the ground or in the low bushes. The Veery is another proof that all "fine birds do not have fine feathers," for its dress, while neat and well- groomed, is rather plain, with nothing of the gaudy color- ing which adorns many birds of much less musical skill. The upper parts, from head to tail, are of a nearly uniform cinnamon-brown, duller than the color of the Wood Thrush. The under parts are white, except the breast, which has a delicate tinge of buff, faintly marked with wedge-shaped spots of brown. lu size it is a trifle smaller than the Wood Thrush. 78 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR To endeavor to convey by written words a correct im- pression of the song of the Veery is to attempt the im- possible ; it must be heard to be at all appreciated. The song has been described as a "sylvan mystery, reflecting the sweetness and wildness of the forest, a vocal will-o'-the- wisp." Mr. Powers has described it as best represented by the word vcc-r-r-y, rolled over and over in a series of inter- twining circles. Mr. Chapman speaks of it as a " weird ringing monotone of blended alto and soprano notes." Mr. Burroughs described it thus : "The soft, mellow flute of the Veery fills a place in the chorus of the woods that the song of the Vesper Sparrow fills in the chorus of the fields. It has the nightingale's habit of singing in the twilight of a June day, and when fifty rods distant, you will hear their soft, reverberating notes rising from a dozen throats. It is one of the simplest strains to be heard, as simple as the curve in form, delighting from the pure element of har- mony and beauty it con- tains." The call note is a clearly whistled whe-eur or who it. This much-loved and greatly admired songster passes the winter in Central America ; its nesting range is from New Jersey to New- foundland. It also spends the summer in the Alle- ghany Mountains, as far south as North CaroHna. Chewink. — About the edges of bushy woods and in ricks of weeds and brush along the old walls will be seen in the latter part of April a rather large, showily colored bird. Chewink, or Towhee. APRIL ARRIVALS 79 s scratching industriously among the dry leaves for the grub and earthworms upon which it feeds. As you apjDroach it will rise to a low tree with a sharp, metallic cry of " clmvink, chcwink, toivhcc, towhcc," notes which have given the bird its two common names, Chewink and To- whee. As most of its time is spent on the ground, it is also known as the Ground Robin. These calls are sprightly and rather pleasant to the ear, with little suggestion of irritation or ill temper at your presence. Rather do they indicate an active curiosity as to your identity. But during the season of love making, when the male sets his heart upon the winning of a mate, this restlessness disappears, and quietly perched on a low bush he sings a sweet song. The unusual markings of the Chewink's plumage make it rather conspicuous in the springtime, while the trees and bushes are yet naked. The upper parts, throat, and breast are black, sometimes margined with rufous. The belly is white, and the sides are a handsome chestnut. The wings are marked with white, and the outer tail feathers are tipped with white markings which show plainly in flight The female differs much in coloring, being in general grayish brown where the male is black. The nest of dry leaves and strips of bark is so nearly the color of the ground that one is likely to step upon it before seeing it. The eggs, four or five in number, are white, evenly speckled with brown. The Chewink ranges over eastern North America. It nests from Georgia to northern New England and winters from Virginia south. House Wren. — Some day in late April there will appear about your house in the country, or in the city if there be vines and shrubbery for protection, a tiny, brown-backed bird with erect tail, which moves about so rapidly that it is 8o BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR with difficLilty you follow its erratic motions. It is the House Wren, the first of this well-known family to arrive after their long visit in the South. So restless are these little creatures that they seem never to be still ; in fact they come nearer to perpetual motion than any other members of the bird world. From dayhght till dark they are bobbing, bowing, hopping about, with a steady jerking of the stiff tail, in what seems to be tireless energy. The House Wren often seeks a bird house for a nesting place; but in the absence of so good a place, it will re- sort to a hole in a fence rail, post, or log, to a ,.^ cranny in the wall of an outbuilding or under the eaves ; in fact, to any spot that will afford it proper safety. Once located, they return year after year, and in spite of dimin- utive size, bravely protect their homes against all comers. Many a contest have they waged with the English Spar- rows, and rarely, if ever, are they beaten. This bird sings at its work ; whether house building or house cleaning, its merry song may be heard, as though to labor were a delight. But the usually sweet temper may be easily ruffled, when they become real little scolds. Let another bird dare to approach their house and these plucky mites take after it with a frenzy of wrath which will put to flight even the stolid Cowbird or the thieving Blue Jay. House Wren. APRIL ARRIVALS 8i While in general it may be said that the Wrens do not, as singers, compare favorably with the Thrushes, yet sev- eral of the family are fine musicians. The song of the House Wren is sweet and tender, but not of the highest order. The body trembles and vibrates with the intensity of the song, and the wonder is how so tiny a creature can produce such a volume of sound. It is five inches in length, but appears much shorter be- cause of the erect tail. The upper parts are reddish brown, the tail being brighter than the back. The wings, tail, and sides are barred with lines of darker brown, and the under parts are whitish. GIL. Finns- ^^= A" /*" *^<'^» CHAPTER V MAY MIGRANTS We have trod from the threshold of turbulent March Till the green scarf of April is hung on the larch, And down the bright hillside that welcomes the day We hear the warm panting of beautiful May. — HOLMES. Black-billed Cuckoo. — A note that catches the ear early in May is the call of the Black-billed Cuckoo ; but it is not until the heat of summer is upon us that he is much in evidence. During the sultry days of August, when the sun is hidden in a veil of mist and the heavy air is motion- less, there comes from a thick-topped apple tree or the lilac bushes on the lawn a soft, mellow, gurgling note, k-k-koo, koo-koo, koo-koo, so faint and uncertain that at first one is unable to tell whether the bird is near at hand or far away. If you are patient, you will soon locate the sound and see the singer, a long, slim-winged bird with drooping tail, crouching on a low limb or bush, languidly turning his head from side to side in search of his favorite food, — tent caterpillars or cankerworms. The Black- billed Cuckoo is called the Rain Crow by the farmers, in the belief that his note foretells a rain storm. Of the European species similar to ours Wordsworth wrote : — "O blithe newcomer! I have heard, I hear thee and rejoice : O cuckoo ! shall I call thee bird? Or but a wandering voice ? " . While many bird students speak of their notes as harsh and unmusical, to me they are mellow and soothing ; and 82 MAY MIGRANTS 83 no summer is quite complete that does not bring tiiis bird within my hearing. Their flight is noiseless and rather lazy; in fact, the whole make-up of the bird is suggestive of lassitude, ex- cept when feeding upon a tentful of nice fat caterpillars. Then are they activity itself, for they puncture the gossa- mer web in many places, and extract the spiny inhabitants, killing many more than they can possibly eat. As a pair of Cuckoos during a season will clean an orchard of these harmful pests, they are great friends of the farmer. The nesting habits of this Cuckoo are such as to bear out the bird's reputation for indolence, for its household affairs are not well ordered. The nest is a poorly made affair of coarse twigs, thrown together so carelessly as to afford little protection to the tender fledglings. So flat is it that the young birds often fall out, but the short dis- tance to the ground prevents any serious injury to them. A most peculiar habit of the Cuckoo is seen in the irregu- larity of laying the eggs. Usually after one or two are laid the hatching process begins ; then another egg is laid and later another, with the result that there may be found in the nest at one time nearly-grown birds, featherless fledg- lings, and eggs. And it often happens that a well-grown youngster, in evident disgust at the prospect of more comers in the already overcrowded nest, will roll out an egg or two, thus removing the chances of further increase in the number of tenants. The Black-billed Cuckoo is a foot long, two inches longer than the Robin. The upper parts are grayish brown with a shade of olive-green, the under parts grayish white, and the wing feathers narrowly tipped with white. The black bill is long and slim, with a slight downward curve. It ranges over North America east of the Rocky Mountains, 84 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR breeds from the Gulf of Mexico to Labrador, and winters in Central and Soutli America. It arrives in the vicinity of New York in May. Yellow-billed Cuckoo. — This Cuclioo is like the Black- billed in size, plumage, and habits; but it may be known by the under mandible of the bill, which is yellow except at the tip ; by the wing feathers, which are rufous ; and by the outer tail feathers, which are black, heavily spotted with white. Its notes, somewhat harsher and more varied than those of its near rel- ative, are made up of a series of tuts, chucks, and coos, which are not closely connected. Its home affairs are equally ill man- aged ; its nesting range and time of arrival are the same. Cuckoos are very inter- esting birds to study. Their solitary habits, noiseless, ghostlike flight, peculiar nesting ways, lack of vivacity and emotion, distinguish them from all other birds. Yet there is about them a most charming originality, for they are always doing strange things. Approach a tree where a Cuckoo is nesting and likely as not she will fall upon the ground with all the appearance of being stone dead ; or perhaps she will flutter to the Yellow-billed Cuckoo. MAY MIGRANTS §5 raw ground, painfully dragging a wing in her attempt to d you away from the nest; maybe she will at sight of you make straight off and never return to the nest. Never have I heard, on approaching a Cuckoo's nest, a note of any kind, either of suspicion or alarm. Just recall how the nesting Robin, Catbird, Bluebird, or, in fact, most any bird you can name, will, on your approach, send out a cry of alarm that brings the male at once to her side, ready to do battle for his mate and home. One hot day in August a Cuckoo from the forest wan- dered about the orchard near our house for a time, search- ing for his favorite food. After feeding to his satisfaction, he flew to the wood pile at the rear of the house. Select- ing a stick which in color harmonized closely with the moss-gray of his back, he stretched himself out with wings full spread and lay for more than an hour; then away he flew, with no sign of injury or illness. After much specu- lation we concluded it was only another example of the vagaries of this strange bird. Kingbird. — If it is true, as the old saying declares, " that all the world loves a lover," it is equally true, if less laud- able, that nearly all the world admires a good fighter, if the fighting is in a good cause. Who has seen the fierce attack of a Kingbird on a too inquisitive Crow or Hawk without wishing to applaud the dash and courage of this doughty warrior .'' There is no better example of fearless audacity in the bird world than the reckless assault of the Kingbird upon Crow or Hawk so unwise as to approach his nest. With a shrill battle cry he launches himself at the in- truder, strikes blow after blow at the head and neck of the fleeing culprit, clings to his enemy with a ferocity from which no amount of turning, twisting, and doubling, on the 86 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR part of the luckless bird, can save him. The pursuit con- tinues until the intruder is driven from the neighborhood, then back to the usual perch above his nest goes the victor, loudly crying his triumph. It is a daring performance, executed with skill and vigor. If the Kingbird attacked only the nest invaders, his acts vifould excite universal approval. But the truth is he is a good deal of a bully, and for the sheer love of fighting even attacks the small birds that venture near. Not always is the result to his credit. He always attacks a bird in flight and from the rear, but let the assailed turn on him and he will flee disgracefully. For with all his show of bravery he is at heart a coward in a bill-to-bill encounter ; and it often happens that a Catbird, Robin, or even a mild-man- nered Bluebird, will utterly rout him, when once a stand is made against him. They nest every year in the orchard near our house, and we find them very interesting, if not always lovable neigh- bors. Last year the nest was in an apple tree thirty feet from our sleeping tent. The period of incubation was fourteen days, and the three young birds grew so rapidly that in another two weeks they were ready to fly. Our presence, it seemed, did not disturb them, and the parents uttered no protest when I made my daily visit to the nest. The Kingbird is solitary, living where there are trees, but in the open country. There is nothing modest or re- tiring in his make-up. From some exposed position, a dead limb near the top of a tree, or fence post, he boldly sur- veys the scene, all the while keeping a sharp lookout for wandering insects. Unlike the Warblers and other birds that live upon insects. Flycatchers do not search for them in their homes, but seize them on the wing. From some sightly perch they keep watch in all directions, and their MAY MIGRANTS 87 keen eyes see the tiny mites a long way off. When one is sighted, out he darts with speed and precision, snaps up the helpless victim with a click of the bill, then circles back to his perch with a gleeful rattle of triumph. The poorly hidden nest of the Kingbird is often built in the orchard, or in a low tree overhanging a stream. It is deep and well made of grass, rushes, and fine roots, lined with wool, plant down, and feathers. The eggs, four or five in number, are creamy white dotted with large brown spots. The male is very fond of his mate and is a model husband in many ways ; but he leaves her to seek her own food, taking her place on the nest while she is so engaged. The Kingbird is the best-dressed member of the Fly- catcher family. The upper parts are ashy slate color, darker on the head ; the tail is black tipped with white ; the under parts are white with a touch of gray on the breast. The male has a small orange patch on the crown hidden by a crest that becomes prominent when the bird is excited. The female lacks the orange patch, and the sides and breast are lightly washed with brown. This bird is eight and one half inches in length. They breed over eastern North America, wintering in Central America and farther south. They appear in late April or early May. Great-crested Flycatcher. — In early May, while search- ing in the woods for trailing arbutus and wake-robin, your ear will be greeted by a loud ringing whistle, with a rising inflection that suggests a pointed inquiry as to the reason for your presence. On the tiptop of a tree you will see a trim-looking bird, slightly larger than its near relative the Kingbird, but much like him in color, pose, and habits. This is the Great-crested Flycatcher, one of the largest of 88 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR the family, a wood-living bird, less common thian the other Flycatchers we have learned about. He too keeps a sharp lookout from an exposed position, snapping up such insects as fall within range of his keen eyes. As much of a tyrant as his smaller cousin, he not only defends his nest against an intruder, but darts with loud cry at any bird, large or small, that goes near his breeding grounds. KiN'GBIKD ^„.^ ^ reat-Crested Group of I-'lycatchers. The domineering habit of this bird is also seen in the manner of seeking a nesting place. Often a pair of them will drive Hairy or Downy Woodpeckers from the cozy quarters which with great labor they have excavated in a stub, and settle down to housekeeping with as much satis- faction and happiness as though the snug home were the result of their own toil. These Flycatchers have the curious habit of placing a cast-off snake skin in or near the nest, probably as a men- ace to all comers ; for snakes are greatly feared by all of MAY MKiKANTS 89 the smaller birds. This highly interesting habit, also fol- lowed by other members of the family living in the tropics, has caused much speculation among ornithologists as to its origin and purpose. Mr. Burroughs states that he has found in the nest of this Flycatcher onion peels and even scales of the shad, evidently the best substitutes for the snake skin which the birds could not find. The upper parts of the Great-crested Flycatcher are greenish olive, with washings of brown on the head and wings and chestnut on the tail. The under parts are sul- phur-yellow, except the throat and breast, which are ashy gray. There are two yellowish wing bars. They breed from Florida to Canada, winter from Florida south, and arrive during the early part of May. Wood Pewee. — Another Flycatcher, which one often hears in summer, is the Wood Pewee. In dress this bird closely resembles the Phoebe, and it has the same amiable disposition. Its tender, lulling song, pcc-a-wcc, pcc-a- wcc, is oft repeated even at midday. There is a tone of sadness about it that touches your heart and leads you to wonder what sorrow can have entered his life. But as you watch the singer perched in a thickly leafed tree, a passing insect catches his eye and is snapped up with a sprightliness that convinces you his sorrow is not so deep after all. Last year, during July and August, at the point where I land my boat, I frequently found a Wood Pewee sitting on the high limb of a yellow birch, which leans over the water. So carefully was his nest concealed and so like the bark was it in color that it had fulfilled its mission, and its in- mates had flown before I found it just above my head, wrecked by the autumn wind. The nicely made nest of the Wood Pewee is not so deep go BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR as that of the Phoebe, or the Chebec. It is compactly built of fine grass, moss, rootlets, so covered with pale green lichens, the exact color of the moss-covered limb on which it is saddled, as to make it difficult to find. These birds seem very fond of home and attend with care to their household affairs. In size they are slightly larger than the English Sparrow. The male is dark olive-brown above, darkest on the head and tail, and has two faint white wing bars. The under parts are whitewashed with olive-gray on the throat and breast. The female, similar in color, has the under parts tinged with yellow. The wings of both are longer than the tail. They breed from Florida to Newfoundland, wintering in Central America. They are among the last of the Flycatchers to arrive, but usually appear about New York early in May. Orchard Oriole. — This bird, as its name indicates, dwells among the apple trees, though its summer range is by no means confined to the orchard. It is so friendly and trust- ful that it makes its way close up to the house and is often seen in the shade trees of lawns and parks. It is a bird of marked refinement in dress, bearing, nest, and song. This active and frolicsome Oriole appears greatly to enjoy life in the sweet-scented orchard when clover and honeysuckle are in bloom. Its short, rich, flexible notes convey the impression that it is a master of song, and per- fectly trained in the voicing of the strong emphatic notes. The Orchard Oriole does not range so far north as the Baltimore Oriole and could hardly be classed as a common bird of New England ; but in New York and the Middle states they are found in goodly numbers. The dress of the male is much less showy than that of its gay cousin, and perhaps you will think it in better taste. The head, neck, throat, and upper back are black ; MAY MIGRANTS 9I the under parts and lower back a rich chestnut; the wings and tail olive-brown edged with grayish white. The female has the upper parts olive-green, brighter on the head and rump ; wings, olive-brown tipped with whitish ; under parts, dull yellow. In size it is halfway between the Robin and English Sparrow. It breeds from the Gulf states to Massachu- setts, winters in Central America, and arrives in the vicin- ity of New York early in May. The basketlike nest, nicely woven of fibrous material and neatly lined with fine grass and hair, is usually suspended from a branch, like that of the Baltimore Oriole ; but often it is placed in the fork of a tree in the orchard. Indigo Bunting. — With several varieties of birds the male and female are so unlike in coloring that it is not easy to identify the latter even though you are perfectly familiar with the former, from whose gaudy dress the species gets its name. This is true of the Cardinal Grosbeak, of the Scarlet Tanager, and of another summer visitor, the Indigo Bun- ting, or Indigo Bird as it is more often called. The female of this last variety might easily be mistaken for a Spar- row or Purple Finch, but when her mate appears there is no longer any doubt about her identity ; for the suit of the male, a handsome indigo blue, darker on the wings and tail, is one of the most beautiful worn by any summer resident. The habits of the Indigo Bunting are like those of the Sparrows. As they feed on the seeds of plants and grain, they are often on the ground, and the nest of grass is built in a low bush. Their notes, however, are quite unlike those of any Sparrow. They are in song when they arrive in early May, and 92 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR continue to sing through August, when the singers are few. It is one of the few birds that sing at high noon in the full heat of summer. From the lower branches of a tree the male works his way upward from limb to limb, singing as he goes a tinkling, jubilant warble, rapidly uttered but lessening in volume toward the end, as though the effort wearied him. It is a delicate song, and, heard with the singer in view, makes a very pleas- ing impression. These birds breed northward to Nova Scotia and winter in Central America. Rose-breasted Grosbeak. — At times lavish Nature gives us a bird of beautiful plumage and captivating ,^jjp song, of sunny disposi- tion and sweet manners which win a host of Such a bird is the Rose-breasted Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Male Female (above). friends wherever it goes. Grosbeak. How well I remember the first one I ever saw ! Often had I read of its rich dress and fine song, but as they were not common in my home valley, I found one only after several years of searching. Then I came upon him in the most unexpected manner, but knew him instantly. While I was admiring his rich coloring, he sang for me, and my MAY MI(;RANTS 93 happiness was complete. In recent years they have be- come plentiful, but I never see or hear them without feel- ing very thankful for these charming gifts of Nature. They are usually found in thin patches of second growth, often in the roadside bushes, and even about the parks and orchards. When disturbed, they utter a metallic /^r/./i-r/', an alarm note which once heard will not be easily for- gotten. Their song bears a slight resemblance in form to that of the Robin, but there the hkeness ends ; for the Grosbeak's song has a quality of tone that is excelled by few birds. It is an exquisite warble, sweet and clear, full of health and courage. The song is often heard at night. The dress of the male is very attractive. The head, throat, back, and wings are black ; the breast and under wing coverts, a beautiful rose-red. The under parts are white, the wings and tail black with dashings of white. The short, thick bill is dull yellow. As with the Indigo Bunting the female differs much from the male in coloring and is a difficult bird to identify. The upper parts are a grayish, sparrowlike brown edged with light buff ; the under parts are light buff; and the wings have golden yel- low linings clearly seen in flight. The beak is a dull brown. This Grosbeak is smaller than the Robin, slightly more than eight inches in length. Its range is eastern North America ; they breed from North Carohna north- ward into Maine and winter in Central and South America. It arrives during the second week in May. Vireos. — This family of birds numbers fifty varieties in all America, the majority of which are found only in Central and South America. Fifteen varieties live in the United States, and five arc common in the eastern portion. They are tree dwellers, and their food consists of insects, which they catch, not, hkc the Flycatchers, on the wing, but while 94 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR perched. With slow movements they search the leaves, over and under, for worms, and in the crevices of the bark they glean a supply of spiders, beetles, and caterpillars. The varieties common with us bear a strong family like- ness in size, form, and plumage. They are in general the length of the English Sparrow or slightly shorter, and of slender build. On the upper parts are varying shades of olive-green; on the under parts, ashy gray shading to white in some varieties. All are good singers ; several are spe- cially gifted in this respect. The Vireos are excellent architects. Their deep, bas- ketlike nests of fine bark, paper, plant down, and rootlets are suspended from the fork of a small branch at some distance from the ground. In fact, so nearly alike in struc- ture and material are the nests that it is not easy, except when the owner is near, to distinguish between those of the differ- ent varieties. As they dwell and feed in the trees, they are seldom seen on the ground except during migration. The early writers called this family the Greenlets, because they live among the green leaves, and this name is still used. They are gentle and for the most part amiable birds, well worthy of careful study, for many of their habits are not common among other groups. Red-eyed Vireo. — This is our best-known Vireo, so named because of the red iris of its eye, a mark, however, which may be seen only at a short distance. This bird is a denizen of the shade trees and orchard as well as the woodlands, and from its leafy bower its song is heard al- most incessantly during the summer, even at mid-day, when most singers are silent. The Red-eyed Vireo is a gentle, fearless, lovable little fellow, who shows no signs of suspicion or anger when you approach, but moves quietly about with more of inquiry MAY MIGRANTS 95 than alarm in its manner. Its song has been described by Wilson Flagg as follows : " His style of preaching is not declamation. We might suppose him to be repeating moderately, with a pause between each sentence, ' You see it — you know it — do you hear me ? — do you believe it .? ' All these strains are delivered with a rising inflection at the close and with a pause, as if waiting for an answer." The peculiar style of his song has led to his being called the Preacher Bird. Both sexes have the same plumage — the crown dull Yellow-throated Vireo. Red-eyed \'ireo. gray with black stripes on either side, and a distinct white line over the eye. The upper parts are light olive-green, the under parts pure white. They arrive in the vicinity of New York the first of May, nest as far north as Labrador, and winter in the tropics. Warbling Vireo. — This little Vireo, with its plain dress, is far from conspicuous in the thick tops of maple and elm where it loves to dwell, but its tuneful song is a familiar sound during the heat of summer. It is not always a woods dweller, but is often heard in the shade trees of village and town. Its song has a quality that is common to the whole family, yet is distinctive. The Preacher's song, as we have seen, is disconnected, and at best wandering. 96 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR That of the Warbling Vireo, as its name suggests, is an easy-flowing melody, rippling and mellow, — a very pleas- ant song, you will say. It is heard during the morning and afternoon, rarely at evening. This bird is a trifle smaller than the Red-eyed and its plumage as a whole is of lighter shade. The upper parts are ashy olive-green, with head and neck lighter. The under parts are washed with a faint tinge of yellow. It Blue uf.aded Vireo. Warbling Vireo. arrives in early May, nests north to Hudson Bay, and winters in the tropics. White-eyed Vireo. — Birds, like people, differ much in their natures ; but it is with something of surprise that we find in a good-humored family like the Vireos, one member that is so ill-tempered that it deserves to be called a shrew. The White-eyed Vireo, less common than the two varieties already described, lives in low trees and bushes, so that its acquaintance is less difficult to make, as well as less desirable. It is neither amiable nor friendly, but scolds spitefully MAY MIGRANTS 97 if you visit its haunts of bush and brier ; it even falls into bad temper at the many little annoyances which are sure to come in the daily lives of birds, as of men. It displays anger if another bird visits its favorite thicket or sings in a near-by tree, or a bumblebee goes droning by, or a fly escapes its thrust ; in short, the merest trifle excites its wrath, and as a result there is about the home of this Vireo an air of ill temper. Its notes, in keeping with its character, are so high pitched and emphatic that one does not mistake them, for no other bird expresses irritation so forcibly. But it has real powers as a mimic, for it often joins snatches of the songs of half a dozen birds into a medley which is well executed and highly amusing. The White-eyed Vireo, with all its scolding, has a tender heart, or else is very stupid. In its nest the Cowbird often deposits an egg, and one of the mysteries of bird life is the tender care and devotion that this little mother bestows upon the ungainly and ugly youngster, which, because of greedy feeding, is soon larger than herself. If the lazy Cowbird, in selecting a nest in which to lay her egg, wishes to insure for the fledgling that motherly care which she herself is too indolent to give, she shows great wisdom in choo.sing the nest of this really kind-hearted though shrewish bird. The White eyed, scarcely more than five inches in length, is slightly smaller than the Warbling Vireo. The upper parts are bright olive-green washed with gray ; the wings have two distinct whitish bars ; the under parts are whitish, the breast and sides washed with light yellow. The iris is white and there is a yellow ring about the eye. It arrives in May, breeds northward to Maine, and winters in the tropics. GIL. r.IRIiS— 7 98 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR Yellow-throated Vireo. — As this is the brightest-dressed member of the family, it may readily be identified, although it spends most of the day, during the period of song, in the tree tops. It is a trim, stout-built bird, in a natty suit of hght olive-green above, yellow breast and throat, with two distinct bars on its brownish wings. During migration it is seen about parks, orchards, and the shrubbery of the lawn ; but with the approach of the nesting season it retreats to the solitude of the forest, where it builds a nest which must be the envy of every art critic in bird land. It is delicately woven of strings of bark and plant fiber, covered with dainty lichens, and lined with the finest grass. It is hung from a forked branch high above the ground, often over a purling brook. Amid such sylvan beauty the little brood is reared with a tenderness and love not excelled among bird mothers. The Yellow-throated Vireo is an all-day singer, and is also said to sing when in flight. Its song resembles some- what that of the Preacher, but is deeper and usually more languid. As a singer it is at its best in the noontide heat of a midsummer day, when most of the woodland choir are silent. Toward the end of August the song wanes, and in early September ceases. They arrive in early May, nest northward to Newfoundland, and winter in the tropics. Solitary Vireo. — This bird, also called the Blue-headed Vireo, may be known by the bluish gray color of the crown and sides of the head. It is the first of the family to arrive in the spring, the last to depart in the fall. Its songs are varied in tone and quality, and its habit of singing at its work suggests a contented and happy life in the summer woods where it loves to dwell. Its chief song, somewhat like that of the Red-eyed, has a tenderness not MAY MIGRANTS 99 found in the Preacher's notes. " It is, rather, a pure, serene uplifting of its loving, trustful nature." It also warbles a flowing strain, tender and thrilling ; and like the Baltimore Oriole it has a musical chatter, its most common utterance. Mr. Bradford Torrey says of this bird : " Its most winning trait is its tameness. Wood bird as it is, it will permit the greatest familiarities. Two birds I have seen which allowed themselves to be stroked in the freest man^ ner while sitting on the eggs, and which ate from my hand as readily as my pet Canary ; but I have seen others that complained loudly whenever I approached their tree. Per- haps they had had sad experiences." This bird arrives in late April or early May, breeds from Connecticut to New Brunswnck, and winters south of F"lorida. Scarlet Tanager. — While tropical-dwelling birds are not the equal of their northern relatives as singers, yet we have to admit their excellence in the variety and brilliancy of coloring of their plumage. Mother Nature, always indul- gent, sends every summer a few choice birds from her tropical beauty show to enliven the summer display of our rather sober-tinted songsters. Chief among these guests are the Scarlet Tanager and Ruby-throated Hunmiing Bird, who, coming in the sunny days of late spring, delight us with their wonderful beauty. The plumage of several of our summer residents has a brilliancy which at a little distance seems all that could be desired, yet does not bear close inspection. Near at hand the Bluebird's coat is not quite blue, the Indigo Bunting lacks uniformity in the richness of its coloring, and the Baltimore Oriole's suit is much less beautiful at close range. But the Scarlet Tanager will not disappoint you, how- ever carefully you may examine him. In truth, he seems lOO BIRDS THROUGH THE YEy\R too beautiful and too brilliant to risk the marring of his splendid coat by so long a journey. Yet he arrives in excellent condition, showing no sign of travel stain or weariness. His holiday suit of scarlet, with black tail and wings and a dash of white on the under wing coverts, is worn only during the mating and nesting season. With the approach of autumn he doffs these colors for a much less showy SCAKLET TaNAGEKS, M/iLE AND FEMALE. dress of light olive-green closely resembling that of his modest mate, whose suit is in harmony with her surround- ings while nesting. Wilson speaks of "his monotonous notes, chip-chnrr, re- peated at short intervals in a pensive tone. Besides this unusual note he has at times a more musical chant re- sembling somewhat in mellowness that of the Baltimore Oriole." There is about this song a touch of wildness, a suggestion of freedom, and it is both rich and ringing, a rare sweet melody. MAY .MIGRANTS 101 No doubt the male has often fallen victim to his gay plumage, for their numbers have been much reduced by the gun of the feather hunter. The beautiful feathers of these poor birds adorn the hats of many thoughtless ladies. As a result the Tanager is shy and solitary, quite in contrast to his friendly, sociable habits of twenty five years ago. The Scarlet Tanager is a dweller of the woods and bush- grown tracts. His favorite haunt is near a woodland stream, where he may enjoy the bath in which he so much delights. If the female Scarlet Tanager wore the bright red dress of her mate, it would, no doubt, attract the attention of hawks and other birds of prey. The first dress of the young resembles that of the mother and aids in their con- cealment among the green leaves. The nest of the Tanager, a poorly built affair of sticks and fibers, is usually placed near the end of a horizontal limb of hemlock or oak. The four or five eggs of pale blue are dotted and marked with brown. The male is very attentive to his mate, feeding her during the period of incubation, and when the fledglings appear, both parents care for them. Their range is eastern North America; they nest from the Ohio River and Virginia northward to the St. Lawrence and Manitoba, and winter in the tropics. Ruby-throated Hummiag Bird. — The wonder-work of Nature has no better example among all our birds than is found in that delicate, brilliant little creature, the Ruby- throated Humming Bird, the only member of this large family found east of the Rocky Mountains, north of Texas. These tiny birds are found only in America, the five hundred varieties living for the most part in Mexico, Central and South America. I02 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR They are the smallest as well as the most brilliantly plumaged of birds. While they may not have the great variety of colors found in other families, the sheen and sparkle of their feathers is not surpassed. So delicate and dainty are they, one does not wonder that, with a few ex- ceptions, they cling to tropical haunts where the cold blast of winter never reaches and flowers bloom throughout the year. The visit of the Rubythroat is always associated with the flowers. Sitting in the grateful shade of the porch, Humming Birds, Male and Female. when the honeysuckle and the morning glories are in bloom and the garden is radiant with summer's gayest flowers, the ear is greeted by a dull buzzing sound like that of the bumblebee, but many times louder. Right before your eyes, perhaps within arm's length, is a slender, long-billed, little creature, suspended in mid-air by vibrations of the wings so rapid that the eye cannot see them, its green back glittering like an emerald in the sun, its throat ablaze with the fire of the ruby. Poised before a fresh blossom, it thrusts the slender bill far into the calyx, daintily sipping the nectar ; another blossom and another are quickly probed with a gentle MAY mi(;rants 103 squeak of satisfaction at the delicious sweets gathered ; then Hke a flash it is gone, and you ask yourself, "Was this the visit of a real bird or only a fairy sporting in the sum- mer sunshine? " Apparently without fear, they will probe a flower held in the hand, and even feed upon sugar held between the lips. Often they will enter the house through open door or win- dow, carefully inspect every blossom, buzzing about with an air of deep curiosity, then away like a sprite. Many believe that the Humming Birds never rest, but a little careful observation will convince you that they perch often, although briefly, in the vicinity of the nest and else- where. From a near-by twig the male loves to watch his patient mate as she busies herself about the house building and domestic duties that accompany the rearing of the two midget fledglings. They feed upon the tiny insects found in the corollas of flowers, sipping the juices of the plants as we should taste dainty cordials. They are solitary birds, and little is known about their migratory habits. With all their beauty and delicacy they are possessed of quick tempers and courage c|uite out of proportion to their size. Not only do the males quarrel among themselves during the season of love making, with their rapierlike bills fighting many duels over some favorite female, but, in defense of the home, they will dart at Crow or Hawk as fearlessly as they visit your flower garden. The nest of the Rubythroat in daintiness and skillful construction is nothing short of mar\'elous. It is saddled on a horizontal limb, usually of birch or cherry tree, and cannot easily be told from the knots and lumps. It is made of plant fiber, bits of bark and fern, lined with plant down, and covered with lichens so much like the bark of the limb I04 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR in color as to conceal it cleverly. A single leaf often serves as a canopy to shelter its occupants from sun and rain. The nest is scarcely larger than an ordinary thimble, and the mother enters it on the wing instead of lighting on the edge as do other birds. The female works alone in the nest building, perhaps because such delicate work is be- yond the skill of her handsome mate. The Rubythroat, slightly more than three inches in length, is about one half as large as the Enghsh Sparrow. The wings are one and a half inches long. The upper parts are bright metallic green, the wings and tail brown- ish ; the throat is a brilliant ruby-red bordered with white below. The under parts are dusky, washed with green on the sides. The female is without the ruby throat. Their range is eastern North America ; they nest from Florida to Labrador and winter in the tropics. They arrive in the vicinity of New York early in May. Spotted Sandpiper. — A common bird about our inland lakes, ponds, and streams is the Spotted Sandpiper. It is also found on the seashore, but in less numbers, and is the only member of this family to remain with us as a common bird throughout the summer. As you move quietly along in boat or canoe he will start up from the shore and with a short twcct tweet swing out over the water and back to the beach again, running rapidly along with a peculiar balanc- ing or teetering motion of the body, which has given him the name of Teeter-up, or Steelyard bird. At your ap- proach he again swings out with a few rapid motions of his wings, then sails back to shore again to continue his run- ning and teetering. Flushed several times, he finally circles well out beyond you back to the place whence he first started, for the chances arc that a nest is hidden in the thick {rrass not far from shore. MAY MICRANTS I OS The nest is made of reeds and grasses, on the ground in field or pasture, usually not far from water. In it are laid four or five creamy white eggs thickly covered with dark brown spots. The eggs seem very large for so small a bird, but the young when hatched are well developed, clad in buffy suits of down, and run almost as soon as they leave the shell. While not gifted with musical talents, yet the Spotted Sandpiper is sociable, friendly, and of unusual intelligence. Its sharp call note is pleasant to the ear, associated as it is with summer days spent on lake and stream or by the sea- shore. A good story about this bird recently came to my ears. While workmen were replac- ing across the Nezin- scot the bridge which had been carried away by the spring freshet, a nest of the Spotted Sandpiper, concealed only by the thin grass, was found in a field near the bank of the river. As a road for drawing up the heavy iron was made within two feet of the nest, it was feared that the birds would leave it. But on looking for the nest a few days later, it was found that the cunning creatures had erected a screen of grass stalks on the side toward the wheel track, securely hiding it from the view of the passing teamsters. Under this snug shelter the female sat quietly, and in a few days five little dun-clad Pipers were running about the shore, adding their quaint tweets to the an.xious calls of the mother. .Spotted .Saxupii' io6 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR This Sandpiper is larger than the Enghsh Sparrow, about seven and one half inches in length. The upper parts are brownish gray with a shade of green ; the head and neck are streaked with black, and the back is spotted with the same color. The tail feathers are also barred and streaked with black ; the under parts are white, heavily spotted with dark brown. The bill is long and sharp, the eyes large, and the legs long. It ranges over the greater part of North America to Hudson Bay, nesting through- out, and wintering south to Brazil. It arrives in the vicin- ity of New York early in May. Long-billed Marsh Wren. — Down where the sluggish brook wanders in winding course through the meadow, among the reeds and cat-tails, lives a little bird that rarely ventures beyond the limits of its marshy home, the Long- billed Wren. It has be- come as much a part of the life of the marsh as the reeds and rushes themselves, and is seen beyond its borders only during migration. Like all the members of this quaint family, the Long-billed Marsh Wren is seldom quiet, bobbing, diving, and bustling about as though he has most important business on hand which demands instant attention. When dis- turbed, he utters a harsh cack expressive of ill temper, and Long-billed Marsk Wren. MAY MIGRANTS I07 at first is shy and suspicious. But a little patient waiting in the vicinity of his home will reward you with a tremu- lous, bubbling song, which sounds much like that of his cousin, the House Wren, very pleasing for a touch of wild- ness rather than for any real melody. This bird is a trifle smaller than the English Sparrow, but appears much shorter because of its erect tail. The crown is olive-brown, and there is a white line over the eye. The black back is streaked with white, and the dark wings and tail are barred with brown. The under parts are white, the sides washed with brown. It nests from the Gulf of Mexico to Massachusetts and winters from Florida south- ward. The globe-shaped nest of coarse grasses and rushes with lining of finer grass has the entrance at the side, like the opening of a pocket. A most peculiar result of the ex- cessive energy of this Wren is seen in the extra nests, sometimes five or six in number, which are built, although but one is occupied. NaturaUsts believe that the male bird builds these as a means of protection for his nesting mate, luring an in- truder to an empty nest away from the real home. It is a highly interesting phase of bird life and worthy of study. \ 4^1 ^ >J^ CHAPTER VI THE WARBLERS J Cltar, loufl, and li\-cly is the din, From social warblers gathering in rheir harvest of sweet lays, — Wordsworth. ,,,,, The Warblers. — In many ways the Warblers are our most interesting family of birds, after one makes their acquaintance. Because of their restless habits and small bodies, they are somewhat difficult to observe ; but really these qualities add zest to the quest, and only those who go to some pains in the matter find them at all. Warblers, as a rule, are not hale fellows of the open whoin everybody knows, but dwellers of the woods, where they must be sought if we are to study them in their homes. To be sure, during migration several varieties are seen about the lawn and hedges, infield and pasture, and along the roadside, but the glimpse is fleeting, as they are for the most part restless travelers bound for the northland, where they nest in the solitude of the great forests. A few remain with us during the summer, but usually they nest loS THE WARIILEKS log in the woods and thickets of alder, willow, and birch, bor- dering brodlc and river. The members of this family are not famous as singers, yet most of them sing dainty trills and warbles, several have songs of much merit, and a few, even of high order. Many of their call notes, being similar, are not easily learned except by association with the bird. It is safe to say that during the season of migration more than half the birds we find in the woods are Warblers. There are in all somewhat more than one hundred varieties, and like the Humming Birds they are found only in America, the majority of them in the United States. Many of them have brilliant plumage, with a variety of colors seen in no other group, often arranged in fantastic manner. As they are insect-eating birds, Warblers are far travel- ers and, therefore, are not am(mg our early arrivals. After the middle of April they may be expected any day, and by the time the last has arrived, the season's migration is over. They differ much in their methods of feeding. Some flit about among the dense tree tops, seizing such bugs and flies as are in plain sight ; others patiently glean, searching the crevices of the bark, and carefully inspecting both sides of the leaves in a most persistent and painstak- ing manner. Several are expert flycatchers, darting from some good lookout skillfully to snap up the midgets of the air. Warblers, as a rule, remain in the North only while nest- ing. As soon as the young are able to travel, even before Jack Frost has touched the ferns in the lowlands, they take up the southward journey. As early as mid-August the advance guard of the returning army appears, and by the end of September most of them set out for sunnier climes of the distant tropics. no BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR Group of Warblers. THE WARBLERS III To the student, Warblers are, in season, a constant source of pleasure. With no other family are such patience and perseverance necessary in order that one may know its members; and no other family offers such possibilities, for not only are they numerous, but you never know what stranger you may find in a flock of Warblers. Yet if one begins in the spring and studies each arrival carefully, the acquaintance of fifteen or twenty kinds may be easily made in a season ; and no one will ever regret a knowledge of these charming little birds. To know all the Warblers would be, indeed, a unique accomplishment. Yellow Palm Warbler. — One of the first Warblers to arrive is the Yellow Palm, a dainty little fellow in a very pretty suit, who may be expected in New York by mid- April. Unlike most of his cousins, this warbler, is a bird of the fields and roadsides, with little liking for shade trees and forest. Being very friendly and trustful, he is often seen about the lawn and buildings of the farm, even visit- ing the veranda and flitting about the door. He is a restless little sprite, his nervousness being mani- fested by a constant flirting of his tail. This habit be- comes rather tiresome to the observer, if not to the bird, and as you watch him you feel like saying, " What a pretty bird, but how I do wish he would let his tail rest." At times he will dart into the air for a fly, then he will walk sedately about the fields, searching for the tiny insects hidden in the grass. His call note is a sharp chip chip, his song a simple trill as dainty as the bird himself. As the name suggests, the chief color of the plumage is yellow. The back is brown- ish olive-green ; crown, chestnut ; the under parts, bright yellow, with brown streaks on the sides of the throat ; and there is a yellow streak over the eye. The outer tail !I2 BIRDS THROUGH THE YEAR feathers are clashed with white, plainly seen as he moves ahout. The Yellow Palm is a small bird, slightly less than five and one half inches long. They nest from Nova Scotia northward, east of Hudson Bay, and winter in the Gulf states. In the south they are familiar birds in the gardens and streets of the towns, many of their friendly ways re- minding one of the Chipping Sparrow. Black-and-white Warbler. — If to the name of this common Warbler you add the word "creeping," the description will be complete enough to enable you readily to identify him ; for black and white are his colors, and he is as much of a creeper as a Nuthatch. The dress of the male is very neat, the coal black being dashed and striped with pure white. The female has a brownish shade on the sides and less black on the under parts ; otherwise her plumage is the same. They appear soon after the Yellow Palms arrive and may be found wherever there are trees ; I have never seen the Black-and-white Warbler on the ground, except near its nest. In the trees of the orchard, by the roadside, in the woods and parks, they busily search the trunks and branches for insects, nervously flitting about from limb to limb with all the restless energy of their race. Black-and-white Warblers, Male and Female. THE WARBLERS II3 But their search, although steady, seems careless when compared with the businesslikj plodding of the liruwn Creeper. While seeking food they sing a strain of high, wiry notes, locaihy, wcacliv, sec, sec, sec, not par- ticularly musical, yet pleasing for a certain touch of wildness. These Warblers are not shy birds, paying little heed to your presence. I often see them in the sliade trees near the house. One day in spring an unusual sound attracted me to the kitchen, where I found a Black-and- white Warbler fluttering against the window in an effort to escape. Catching him, I gently stroked his head until his fear seemed quite overcome, and he rested quietly in my hand. When released, he flew to an elm on the lawn and sat quietly for some time, in fact longer than I ever saw one still before. He seemed to be somewhat dazed by his adventure, but finally flew to a near-by maple and took up his never ending search for food. The nest of bits of bark, grasses, and rootlets is placed at the foot of a stump or under an old log, well hidden in the moss and ferns. They range over eastern North America, nest from Virginia to Labrador, and winter south of Florida. Myrtle Warbler. — Soon after the arrival of the Yellow Palm there comes a more gayly dressed Warbler, the Myrtle, one of the most common varieties of the family. This handsome bird is readily known by the four distinct patches of bright yellow which he displays, one on either side of the breast, on the rump, and crown. The upper parts of the male are bluish gray streaked with black ; the under parts are light, and the breast is bordered with black. He has two white wing bars, and the outer tail feathers GIL. 1!U