THE RUSTY BLACKBIRD. - 
from the south during the last weeks in March and the first in April, while 
many do not depart for their summer home in the far north till the first or even 
second week in May. 
Rusty Blackbirds are to be found chiefly in damp woods and along 
streams. While with us they are rather retiring, partly because they are pil- 
grims—and it behooves all such to be modest—and partly because they undergo 
the spring moult en route. ‘The last trace of rusty edging must be removed 
from the feathers before the breeding ground is reached, tho such as have at- 
tained the full dignity of dress suits may declare their hearts to the ladies 
before they quit Ohio. 
In some tiny glade in the heart of the budding forest it is that one comes 
upon a company of these sojourners, feeding perhaps upon the ground. They 
walk about with easy grace or shift by little flights, males and females flocking 
together, and all engaged in a subued but voluble chatter. An instant hush 
follows the signal of alarm and the flock rises silently to the neighboring tree- 
tops or passes to a distant spot, where their conversation is gradually resumed. 
As the alarm decreases the birds come gradually dropping down, one by one, 
until confidence is completely restored again. 
The notes of the Rusty Blackbird consist of a bubbling medley of I’s and 
r’s through which clear, high-pitched whistles or squeaks are interspersed at 
will. Gorwhillier conveys some idea of the liquid quality of the former, and ex- 
presses also in part the effort which is required to produce them. The effect 
of a full chorus is really quite pleasing. If not “music” it is at least among the 
less disagreeable of noises. 
