James J. Cash—Bird Song in Autumn



223



earthworms and beetles, when given to him, with the greatest avidity.

He is a silent bird, except when he is frightened, when he utters a single

loud and very musical alarm note.


During the War we did not breed any Rheas here, and my flock of

five remained as they were. This year two nests, if nests they can be

called, were made, and nine and eleven eggs respectively laid, but for

some reason or other the cocks refused to sit. A wet, cold spell came

on just when they were about to commence sitting, which may have

had something to do with it; or they may have had too many visitors.

The latter is, I am afraid, the true explanation. However, the eggs

were not wasted, as I sold them, with their contents, in August at a

jumble sale here for sixpence apiece ; but I daresay they were rather

stale to eat then, as they had been lying in the open field since the

middle of June ! Rheas’ eggs when fresh are not at all bad, and

make quite good omelettes.


A varied collection' of Ducks, of many different species, mostly

widows and widowers, completes my present meagre list of our birds ;

but I hope that next time I write anything for the Magazine I shall

have a different tale to tell, and that our aviaries will be restocked,

and in something like pre-War condition.



BIRD SONG IN AUTUMN


By James J. Cash


Bright autumn days set birds singing and calling in a manner very

pleasant to listen to. It is quite a mistake to think that birds’ songs

are restricted to spring and early summer, though naturally that is the

time when the choir is complete and the various choristers are in their

best voice. First among autumn songsters is the Robin, whose ruddy

breast glows among the fading leafage. Everywhere we go there are

Robins singing. Sunny September days set the larks trilling and

carolling in the sky in a way that recalls spring. Thrushes sing a little

just now, in a whispered sort of way, but their voices will improve-

In wooded gardens of quiet suburbs round Manchester they are heard

throughout mild winters. The Wren is the most irrepressible of birds,

and to-day it is gaily vocal in the dingles, as though spring were nigh.



