H 



Bird Studies. 



the texture of the feathers is finer even than in the spring. The moult is 

 hardly completed when they leave us. At the time of year in question, the 

 feathers on the back of the head, in old and young birds alike, have filamen- 

 tous hair-like extensions to the quills that are very noticeable. In common 

 with other thrushes, just before leaving these birds assemble in very con- 

 siderable companies, feeding on gum-berries and other wild fruits. 



WOOD THRUSH. ABOUT THREE WEEKS OLD. 



The cold winter days bring to the house yard and orchard a gallant band 



of birds, animated, gay, inquisitive, and industrious, undaunted by the severest 



weather. Sometimes only a single pair is seen, but gen- 



ParSSprnffLinn. orally from four to ten Black-capped Chickadees form 



the party. In the autumn, after breeding and moulting 



are over, these little bands of Chickadees assemble and begin their winter cam- 



