Bird Notes and their Value 



Then, to turn to a different class of 

 characteristics, I find, say, that some bird 

 (like the Indigo Bunting) sings in a hurr}^ 

 practically the same strain that another 

 (like the bright American Goldfinch) takes 

 far more leisurely; and in such cases 

 comparison helps me in telling which is 

 which. Or, the Bobohnk is a glad, effusive 

 fellow; and the merry House Wren, with 

 his spluttering crescendo, nothing more 

 than a dear little stammerer. 



And last — and shall I say best of all? — 

 the Field Sparrow is naught less to me in 

 his music than a quiet stringer of pearls — 

 hquid pearls of peace, arising in his breast 

 with no effort and issuing one by one 

 from beginning to end without a ripple. 

 I have heard him keep at it at intervals 

 of a minute or so from the same spot for 

 nearly a half-hour — the while I approached 

 within thirty feet of him from every side 

 and watched through my glass at every 

 angle; and all the time he appeared 

 utterly undisturbed by my presence. The 

 notes, as to time and rhythm, are not 



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