SPEING ARRIVAL OF THE BIRDS. 17 



food supply more readily obtained in these places. With 

 the exception of the cow-bunting, the blackbirds are all 

 companionable, and later gregarious, gatliering in large 

 flocks, seemingly organized and under the direction of 

 chosen leaders. Those bright little gems, the golden- 

 crowned wrens {Regulus satrapa)^ began to arrive about 

 the middle of March. They first made their presence 

 known by a slight chirping as they hopped about the 

 branches of the low trees in quest of food. They have 

 stout little feet with sharp claws, and can cling to the 

 trunk of a tree or on the under side of a limb much in 

 the manner of the chicadees and creepers. They are 

 the smallest of our song birds, genteel in figure, rich in 

 color, Avith gentle and confiding manners. They are 

 more frequently called "kinglets," and they answer 

 well to the name "little kings," among the birds. They 

 are courageous and hardy little creatures, braving cold 

 and snows and long journeys. They seem to have little 

 fear of man, and will allow one to stand within a few 

 feet of them without showing any sign of apprehension. 

 Their hmited acquaintance doubtless accounts for this 

 too often misplaced confidence. 



A few days ago I was standing under an old oak, 

 watching the graceful movements of three or four of 

 these beautiful creatures as they chirped and twittered 

 while searching the bark and twigs for food. 



To attract their attention I commenced in low tones 

 to talk to them. Suddenly one began to descend, hop- 

 ping from one limb to another, and finally alighted on 

 my head. It was only for an instant, however; as his 



