A BIRD'S YEAR 



one is little aware unless the eye and ear be keen 

 for their coming. Sometimes, if the cats are not 

 too numerous, they will tarry for a few days in a 

 sheltered yard where food may be had. 



The great highways of the air, which are 

 traversed every spring and fall by millions upon 

 millions of birds, have a general course that con- 

 forms with the direction of the coast line and 

 the river valleys. During fair weather the flight 

 is high, probably more than a mile above the 

 earth, where their progress is unobstructed. 

 But when fog and rain set in, the flight is much 

 lower and they are often confused as to their 

 proper course. Then it is that many come to un- 

 timely death by striking against lighthouses, tall 

 buildings, telegraph and other wares. During a 

 prolonged storm the loss of life among migrating 

 birds from these causes is appalling; and this is 

 only one of the many dangers that beset these 

 plucky little travelers. In many of our States, 

 particularly in the south, the laws for the pro- 

 tection of birds are wholly inadequate, so that 

 even during the spring migration whenever they 

 seek shelter to rest and feed they are pursued by 

 hunters. They are also sadly beset by the 

 ubiquitous cat. Besides, songbirds in migration 

 fall prey to the feathered hunters, the Hawk and 

 Owl, that find easy victims in the host of trav- 

 elers. Yet, despite all dangers, myriads of these 

 heralds of the spring arrive in safety, dressed in 

 their gayest suits, bubbling over with happy 

 songs to cheer and entertain us during the golden 

 months of summer. 



With strong fliers like Loons, Ducks, Geese, 



