Blue Jay 



His saucy crest seems to be kept in place by a band 

 of black velvet ribbon passing under the chin. 



Selected. 



The blue jay blows the trumpet of winter. 



Thoreau. Spring.^ 



The noisy jay comes with its startling cry, 

 'Mid yellow leaves of maple takes its perch; 



A bit of blue in gold, as if the sky 

 Were seen in patches through the faded birch. 



Selected. 



Clad in blue with snow-white trimmings, 

 Clean and smooth in every feather, 

 Plumed and crested like a dandy, 

 Keen of vision, strong of muscle, 

 Shrewd in mimicry and dodging, 

 Knowing every copse and thicket. 

 Warm in snow and cool in summer, 

 Is the blue jay still a villain? 

 Outlawed by all bird tribunals. 

 As a wretch disguised, he's branded. 

 Shunned by every feathered creature; 

 Yet he prospers, man admires him. 



BoLLES. Chocorua's Tenants. ^^ 



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