The Birds’ Calendar 
not to call anything in nature common, in the 
contemptuous sense. 
In spring the ornithologist is ravenous for 
the sight of bright colors. There is starvation 
in his eye, that has lived the winter long upon 
a diet of black and white, gray and brown. 
How it absorbs the ruddy tinge of the first 
robin and the delicious hue of the early blue- 
bird, as the thirsty earth drinks water; and 
when, soon after, the yellow red-poll appeared, 
never before had yellow seemed so rich. There 
is a luxuriance in the brilliant tints that com- 
ports with the mood of a softer climate, with 
its foliage, fruits, and flowers. But, after all, 
black and white are more vigorous, and the 
eye, after being satiated with summer delica- 
cies, finds equally welcome the plainer fare that 
comes with the crisp, invigorating weather. 
Then, too, it is a pleasure to get back one’s 
winter friends, which are quite as companion- 
able, if not as vocal, as the more talented 
‘‘ guests of summer.’’ Indeed, the greater 
rarity of the winter birds establishes a peculiar 
sense of fellowship that one is less likely to feel 
in summer ; while there is that impression of 
superior virility in the character of the former 
that compensates for the lack of other charms. 
296 
