AGE SONG) THRUSH 
presence in the Metropolis all the more attractive and 
gratifying. It is perhaps the most persistent songster 
of all the London birds, continuing in voice, if fitfully, 
nearly the winter through, commencing its almost end- 
lessly varying lay at dawn, and continuing until darkness 
has settled over its haunts. In April and May especially 
its voice lends quite a rural charm to the more central 
London parks, and the song is all the more lustily given 
after rain. ‘The tired and perhaps miserably hopeless 
wayfarer may turn aside from the turmoil of the streets 
into these lovely sylvan spots and be soothed by the cheery 
voice of the Throstle, and his fancy may interpret into 
messages of hope and encouragement the varied notes 
of this speckled songster. ‘There are few more familiar 
birds than the Song Thrush, and it readily responds to 
any advances that may be made for its protection and 
comfort. ‘There must be few readers who have not 
watched this bird hop out from under the evergreens on 
to the grass and then pause a moment as if listening 
intently, then, perhaps, run or hop a little way further 
into the open and make another pause, presently seizing a 
worm and dragging it out to eat it at leisure. Most of 
the grass is searched, and every now and then another 
struggling worm secured. It also searches for snails, 
breaking the shells by striking them against a stone or 
the hard ground ; grubs, fruit, and berries are also eaten. 
Many Thrushes may often be remarked feeding within a 
small area, but the bird is by no means a gregarious one. 
The Song Thrush is not a very noisy bird, but often at 
nightfall, or when disturbed at the nest, it becomes gar- 
rulous, especially when the young’are hatched, its cries 
on these occasions being very loud’ and harsh. It pairs 
early in the year, and its nest may frequently be found in 
February ; March and April are the more regular months. 
It will build in almost any bush—an evergreen for pre- 
ference in early spring—or low tree, no pains being 
a 
