64 NATURE STUDY. 



A Cosmopolitan Colony. 



BY N. G. SAXTON. 



As autumn advances, the birds which have filled our 

 woodlands with song during the summer months seek 

 warmer climes in which to pass the winter. All do not 

 leave us, however ; indeed it is surprising how many of 

 the birds which we regard as only summer visitants may 

 be found in sheltered ravines. Walking over the snow- 

 covered hills one morning in December, I came upon one 

 of these cosmopolitan colonies of feathered folk, all as gay 

 as if summer had not passed and cold winter taken its 

 place. There were robins, blackbirds and stonechats 

 hopping about among the leaves ; hairy woodpeckers dart- 

 ing about decaying tree trunks in search of grubs ; a fly- 

 catcher and a bluejay were quarreling over an acorn, while 

 near by, several wood bluebirds hopped quietly about, 

 picking at buds and roots. There were many goldfinches, 

 their coat of black and gold faded until they closely re- 

 sembled their relatives, the sparrows. They looked as if 

 they had been caught in a sudden shower and all the bril- 

 liant coloring washed from their feathers. 



Among the birds which collect in ravines where the tall 

 weeds and rank undergrowth afford ample shelter from 

 cold winds, none is more striking in appearance than the 

 Cardinal Grosbeak, whose gay coat is always conspicuous 

 among his somber-hued companions. If there is a cedar 

 in the ravine there you will find Cardinal. His song swells 

 loud and clear on the morning air with wonderful sweet- 

 ness. Cardinal is a shy bird and will not allow close 

 aquaintance. During the winter you may by patient 

 trials win his friendship and confidence, but at the first 

 suspicious move he is off. 



The jolly red-head woodpecker is in the motley gather- 



