GRAY LADY'AT SCHOOL 33 
“This is the reason why so many birds who feed on 
winged insects leave us in early autumn, before it is cold 
enough to make them uncomfortable; they must follow 
their food. 
“There are other birds that, when they no longer have 
nestlings to feed, can pick up a living from berries and 
seeds, like the Robin, or live the greater part of the season 
upon seeds, like the Sparrows. ‘These birds are not driven 
away by the first frost, but many stay about until the 
weather is uncomfortably cold, and some few remain all 
winter, like the Meadowlarks, Nuthatches, Jays, and 
Woodpeckers, who, having stout beaks, can dig out grubs 
and insects from among the roots of grass and from tough 
tree bark; but these too must move on if ice coats the 
trees or snow buries their ground feeding-places. 
“As a great many birds spend the nesting season north 
of New England, they pass by on their way southward, 
and, if the feeding is good, stay with us sometimes several 
weeks, so that the flocks of Robins seen here in October 
are likely to be those that nested in the north, while our 
own birds are gradually drifting down to the extreme south, 
where they winter. 
“This great southward journey of the birds, that begins 
as early as August and lasts at some seasons, if the winter 
is open, almost until Christmas, is called the fall migration, 
and when it is over, the birds remaining with us are classed 
as Winter Residents. 
“‘ There is another thing to be seen at this time of year, 
and if you havenot already noticed it, watch and you will see 
that many of the birds that wore bright feathers in May 
and June have changed their gay coats for duller feathers. 
D 
