BLACKBIRD. y 



Blackbirds join the shepherds lay 



At close of day. 



Burns. 



The Blackbird pipers on the Summer tree. 



Wordsworth— Tmjo April mornings. 



The Blackbird is as great a favourite as the Thrush, and even 

 better known. It is associated with the Thrush by the poets, and 

 their songs accord well together, the Thrush having the more 

 varied notes, and the Blackbird the richer melody. Scott, most 

 truly tells us that — 



Merry it is in the good green wood 

 When the Mavis and Merle are singing. 



It is common everywhere, but not so common in Herefordshire, 

 ordinarily, as the Song-Thrush. It is a restless, active bird, with 

 great vocal power. Heard late in the evening, and in the early 

 morning, its loud clear notes are yet soft and rich, with a pensive 

 and somewhat melancholy expression, more remarkable for quality 

 of tone than for any great variety — 



No jealous Thrush, with effort strong, 

 Rivals as yet my mellow song. 



:Eva}sS— Songs of the Birds. 



The Merle in his noontide bowers 

 Makes woodland echoes ring. 



Burns — Queen of Scots. 



So loud the Blackbird sings, 

 That far and near the valley rings. 



Warton — Summer. 



The Merle's note 

 Mellifluous, rich, deep toned, fills all the vale, 

 And charms the ravish'd ear. 



Gb.ab.aue— Birds of Scotland. 



The Blackbirds strove with emulation sweet, 

 And echo answer'd from her close retreat. 



Bloomfield— /Spring. 



The Blackbird trolls his rich notes far away. 



Mackay — Mountain Top. 



That latin was no more difficile 

 Than to a Blackbird 'tis to whistle. 



Butler — Hudihras. 



Mr. Evans instances the Blackbird, as an example showing "the 

 consciousness of doing wrong " in birds. " He will take a worm off 



