eggs in a carelessly constructed nest of dry grass on the pebbly beach or rocky 

 projections just above high water mark. Quite a commotion prevails when the 

 naturalist intrudes upon their breeding grounds ; the birds rise like a cloud and 

 fly about in majestic circles, screaming persistently until the trespasser leaves. 

 Early in June three eggs are laid, varying greatly in shape and color, the 

 background is light green, buffy or drab, spotted and blotched with various 

 shades of brown and lilac. The young are able to care for themselves as soon 

 as hatched. 



White-Throated Sparrow {ZonotncUa aihicoius) 



Length: About 6% inches. The white throat and yellow before the eye 

 are its distinguishing colors. 



Range : Over most of eastern North America. Breeds in much of Canada 

 south to southern Montana, central Minnesota, central Wisconsin, and in the 

 mountains of northern Pennsylvania, New York and Massachusetts; winters 

 south of the Ohio. 



This is one of the bird lovers' favorites, as well it may be. Its beautifully 

 variegated plumage, its jaunty ways, its familiarity and its sweet and plaintive 

 whistle, all combine to commend the bird to our interest. In the fall it comes 

 to us in large flocks associated with other species, especially j uncos and various 

 other sparrows. The "peabody bird" is singularly prodigal of its sweet song, 

 and the young white-throats begin to try their voices in the fall as if practicing 

 for the more exacting demands of spring. When a number join in the fall 

 chorus the result is singularly sweet and inspiring. Many a camper in the 

 north woods, as he lies in his blanket under the stars, pays tribute to the sweet 

 voices of this songster, as it is borne on the midnight air to his ears from some 

 leafy retreat. 



The food habits of this sparrow give it a place among the farmers' friends. 

 It is a great destroyer of weed seed, and is especially fond of those of ragweed 

 and bindweed. In the cotton belt, where many white-throats winter, it includes 

 among its insect food the boll weevil. 



Spring 



By Elizabeth E. Elliott 



King Winter's reign is broken. 



We've naught from him to fear ; 

 By nature's many tokens, 



We know that spring is here. 

 The snowflakes all departing, 



Like fairy folk unseen, 

 Leave snowdrops, pale, upstarting, 



Earth carpeted with green. 



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