A JULY BIRD LIST. 71 



fortunate to hear ///;;/, (for he, too, is shy.) Of course we 

 have him next in abundance to the Veery, but we haven't 

 the Hermit in an)' such numbers as at the shore. 



'Tis rare there, in late July, to hear the Wood Thrush. 

 We heard and saw only one last year at that time and none 

 this 5^ear. 



But the Hermit will not disappoint you bird lover friends, 

 and will charm you with rare execution of his marv^ellous- 

 ly clear flute note oft repeated, but never old, until you 

 can close your eyes, long miles awa}' from that loved nook 

 and dream you again hear it. 



The Great Crested Flycatcher was there last year, in the 

 same woods, but 'although we heard his whistle, we did not 

 see him until this year. Then we saw the pair, and an 

 added delight was felt when we found another member of 

 his family in another wood somewhat distant. 



The distinguishing whistle was repeatedly heard a quar- 

 ter of a mile away ; and such vigor as he alike puts into 

 song and the pursuit of insects ! This last characteristic 

 determines his family, were it not for his crest. He loves 

 the topmost bough of the tallest pine, and there his conspic- 

 uous crest proclaims him to his appreciative audience. 



The Blue-headed Vireo was again at home in the woods, 

 where seen a few days previously. He was flitting about 

 in a growth of oaks, and j^oung maples, which fringe the 

 open meadow, beyond the evergreens. 



Both these birds whistle, but the latter has the Vireo 

 quality which distinguishes that family. 



In the thicket, across the way, we could constantly hear 

 the Veerj-'s call note, and occasionally see him. But his 

 full song I did not hear after July 23 this year. 



As it is rather difficult to get a lengthy list of birds in 

 July, when songs are scarce, it may be of interest to quote 



