OUR BEST SINGERS 89 



its disposition is what one expects in a bird of 

 such vocal ability; for in some way we have 

 come to associate musical talents of high order 

 with amiability of temper. When disturbed, 

 particularly during the nesting season, it utters 

 a sharp quick alarm note, '' pit, pit,''' which gives 

 evidence of its anxiety for the fledglings. It 

 also has, at intervals, a series of '''chucks^'' and 

 " tuts " which it runs together as an interlude to 

 its song. Many believe the Wood Thrush is ex- 

 celled only by the Hermit. Its notes are pure 

 and limpid, the opening strain, calm and peace- 

 ful, has often been interpreted by the words, 

 "Come to me." Heard at evening, when all 

 nature is at peace, it is a soulful and uplifting 

 strain. It ranges over the Eastern States, breed- 

 ing as far north as northern New England. 



The Wood Thrush is a rare bird in Maine, 

 but in the thick deciduous forest surrounding 

 the Pleasant River camps, some five miles from 

 Katahdin Iron Works, each season for several 

 years I found a colony of them nesting. For 

 some time I was puzzled at their presence so far 

 north and was inclined to believe them a variety 

 with which I was not familiar, but after much 

 careful study and comparison I am convinced 

 they are Wood Thrushes. In the little camp I 

 occupy In sound of the rippling stream, their 

 notes, soothing and delicious, are heard till the 

 twilight has gone; and again in early morning 

 with the first gleam of the approaching day they 

 pipe their melodious lays. The presence of these 

 birds in the woods far north of their accustomed 

 haunts has been the source of so much pleasure 



