A GLIMPSE OF THE BIRDS OF BERKELEY 



so perfect a calm, I know of no more impressive bird music. 



When the rainy months of winter are ended and the 

 meadow-lark is sounding his loud, rich strains from the field, 

 and the linnet is fluttering and bubbling over with song, a host 

 of merry travelers come hurrying to our trees and gardens. 

 The jolly little western house-wren bobs about in the brush, 

 and as the wild currant puts forth its first pink, pendulous blos- 

 soms, the beautiful little rufous humming-bird comes to dine 

 upon them. I know not how he times his visit so closely, but 

 certain it is that the pungent woody odor of these blossoms is 

 inseparably linked in my mind with the fine, high, insect-like 

 note of these little mites in coats of shimmering fire, that come 

 from Central America at the very first intimation of spring. 



In April arrive the summer birds, full of the joy of the 

 mating season. The Bullock's oriole, clad in black, orange 

 and gold, sings its loud, elated strain from the tree tops, the 

 black-headed grosbeak carols in the orchard, the lovely little 

 blue-backed, red-breasted lazuli-bunting warbles in the shrub- 

 bery, and finally, the stately, russet-backed thrush, quiet and 

 dignified in his coat of brown, with white, speckled breast, the 

 most royal singer of our groves, sends forth upon the evening air 

 such sweet organ tones that the whole night is full of melody. 



I would that our birds might receive some measure of the 

 appreciation which is due them, and that we might all turn 

 at times from the busy affairs of life to listen to their sweet 

 songs and winning ways. May they ever find within the con- 

 fines of Berkeley a haven of refuge from that merciless perse- 

 cution which is steadily reducing their numbers. May they 

 find loving friends to champion their cause, and may they ever 

 be considered the chief ornaments of our hills and gardens! 



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