256 CITIZEN BIRD 



The Bobolink 



Length about seven inches. 



Male in spring and summer : jet black with ashy-white rump 

 and shoulders ; some light edgings on the back, wings, and tail- 

 feathers, and a buff patch on the back of the neck, like a cream- 

 puff baked just right. 



Female : brownish and streaky like a big Spari'ow, with sharp- 

 pointed tail-feathers; two dark-brown stripes on the crown. 

 Brown above, with some black and yellowish streaks. Plain yel- 

 lowish below. 



In autumn and winter both sexes alike. 



A Summer Citizen of the northern United States and southern 

 Canada. Visits all the Southern States in its journeys, but winters 

 south of them. 



A member of the guilds of Ground Gleaners and Tree Trappers, 

 and a good Citizen in its nesting haunts. But on its travels through 

 the South a mischievous bird, who eats sprouting rice in spring 

 and ripening rice grains in fall. 



THE ORCHARD ORIOLE 

 (The Basket-maker) 



The sun was now well above the trees. The chil- 

 dren laughed and talked happily, now seeing a bird 

 they knew, then some of the flowers that their dear 

 flower lady, Olive, had shown them about the Farm. 



" When we know some flowers and birds, shan't we 

 learn about the bugs and things the birds eat, and the 

 bees and butterflies that carry the flower messages. 

 Uncle Roy?" 



" Yes, to be sure ; and by that time there will be 

 something else for you to wonder about." 



" Why ! " cried Dodo gleefully, " if we stay here till 

 we know all we want it will be so long that Rap will 



