lOS AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 



still nests in trees and loves to search for grubs in dead limbs, 

 so bis feet are not changed to suit bis ground feeding, tbus he 

 can sbare tbe babits of two types of birds, tbough bis movements 

 on the grouud are not graceful, whereas if be bad feet suited to 

 bis ground feeding alone be would be entirely unable to feed 

 and nest in tbe trees. In so small a place as tbe Haunt one 

 can ascertain almost exactly bow many individuals of a species 

 are wintering. Tbere were balf again as many Flickers present 

 last winter as tbey were the winter before. 



The Flicker is a very good American, he is not barmful as a 

 few of bis relatives are ; be is decidedly ornamental, and the 

 reproductive powers of tbe species are so great that I feel sure 

 it will become more and more abundant. 



When I have finished my studying in the evening I offen go 

 out for a few minutes to get a good breatb of air before retir- 

 ing. Snow Covers the ground, and as I go crunching along tbe 

 grove-path tbe ligbt breeze whispers througb tbe fall oaks on my 

 right. I can distinguish faintly tbe familiär outline of "Maple 

 Row" and "Tbe Orchard." Passing down to the pond's edge I 

 pause for a moment. All at once tbere is a great commotion in 

 tbe elms overhead, followed by a loud "quawk." I wait a miiiute 

 and from tbe beart of the grove tbe cry is repeated as my Night 

 Heron takes up a new place of repose for tbe night. 



Tbus tbe winter passes. No trip, even in the dull days of Jan- 

 uary, but has its interest in tbe Haunt ; every comer bas its 

 interest and tbe little trip each morning is of inestimable value 

 as a beginning for the day's work. Besides all this a real 

 knowledge of tbe different species can be obtained, and perhaps 

 a greater love for tbe birds because of personal acquaintance day 

 after day with tbe same individuals. 



In the spring, however, is the Haunt of the greatest interest. 

 Then does the follower of the birds feel the greatest pleasure 

 and excitement ; then does a nature Student feel most like spend- 

 ing each and every day afield. After its long sleep the foliage 

 awakes again and the "spring fever" attacks man and bird. An 

 immediate efEect is seen in every bird of tbe Haunt, even before 

 the first migrants have arrived the winter residents give signs of 

 tbe Coming glad season, and when tbe skunk-cabbage has pushed 

 its way througb tbe ice and snow at the pond's edge, and tbe 

 pussy-willows have thrust their silky heads into view, we feel 

 that spring has really begun. I can best follow the immediate 

 arrival of the birds by quoting from my Journal. 



