A Book on Birds 



and there in wings and tail, and the bright, 

 distinctive crown (too chestnut in tint to 

 be red, and yet too red to be chestnut) 

 which covers the entire top of his graceful 

 little poll and is so warmly beautiful that 

 one's pulses quicken a bit every time a 

 vernal sunbeam finds it. 



Would that every beginner might first 

 discover him as I did, with Hermit Thrushes 

 to keep him company and make the 

 morning glad! 



If, however, you start forth into the 

 country at the season in which I am now 

 writing, do not expect him. 



It is well on in May and he has probably 

 been gone for almost a month. 



At present I think you will be far more 

 likely to meet at once the Maryland Yellow- 

 throat instead. 



And suppose you really do start and see! 



Unless he has changed his habits, he 

 has been disporting himself for some time 

 in these thickets, and the leafy, tangled 

 underbrush just over the fence, across the 

 road. 



[86] 



