8 OUR FAVOURITE SONG BIRDS 



the musical life of our favourites. Towards the 

 very end of the month the Mistle-Thrush regains 

 his song after a four months' silence ; but the Robin 

 after the first week may be heard in voice, either 

 the young males, or the earliest of the newly moulted 

 old males. The Wren sings very irregularly through 

 August ; the Hedge Accentor becomes silent during 

 the first half of the month ; whilst the Willow 

 Wren, now in its moult for the most part, is but a 

 fitful songster. The Blackcap, the Garden Warbler, 

 the Whitethroats, and other kindred species are 

 silent altogether ; the Starling sings occasionally. 

 The Pipits now are mute ; the Chaffinch and the 

 Sky- Lark have lost their song. The Yellow Bunting 

 and the Greenfinch may be heard in song during 

 the first half of the month only, then their voices 

 sink to rest for a season. 



September is another month of fitful song. Bird 

 music is now scarce again, and the few songs that 

 are heard are consequently prominent amongst so 

 much silence. One of the loudest songsters of the 

 month is the Mistle-Thrush, who has now completely 

 regained his splendid voice, which may be heard 

 daily. The other British Thrushes are absolutely 

 songless ; but the Robin is now in brilliant tune 

 again, and his charming song is one of the most 

 beautiful features of the closing year. The Wren 

 is silent during most of this month, but regains his 

 voice during the last few days ; whilst the Hedge 



