THE BIRD’S LANGUAGE 47 
as it is called. This happens in August or 
September, and when it begins, a bird seems to 
lose his voice. 
One of the first to stop singing is the bobo- 
link. He is rarely heard after June is _ past. 
The veery is another whose singing days are 
over early. You may hear his call in the woods, 
if you know it, but not a song will you hear 
after the middle of July. 
By the time August comes in, almost every 
bird is silent, except for his ealls or “talk.” 
The birds to be heard then are the red-eyed 
vireo, who seems never to tire, and now and 
then the indigo-bird, or the wood pewee. And 
best of all, the dear little song sparrow, who 
keeps up his cheery songs till the very last. 
Then you will know that all the birds are 
busy putting on their new suits for their long 
journey. 
