THE INDIGO BUNTING. 



103 



as tho the singer were out of breath. This song is kept up through the 

 greater part of the day, and the singer is at his very best during the warm 

 months of July and August. At this time his is often the only voice which 

 relieves the monotony of a sultry day, and his efforts have won warm admi- 

 ration on this account. Now and then the bird dives down to earth to attend 

 to some domestic duty, but he is back again presently "climbing a golden 



staircase of song" as he flits from branch to branch, until he has gained his 

 topmost perch again. Here he sings for a time with such vigor that we are 

 sure he is glad to be quit of his vexatious cares. 



If one looks in the bushes or crowded, rank weeds for the Indigo's nest, 

 he will soon be joined in the search by a wild-eyed female, who dogs his every 

 step and expostulates with him by vigorous chips for every movement of the 

 foliage. The maternal Indigo is the soul of suspicion, and her protests are so 



