WILD LIFE OF ORCHARD AND FIELD 



they have become common throughout the North, 

 and are seeking their mates. Meanwhile, from 

 every field, and about the yet desolate gardens, is 

 heard the bluebird's cheery voice. It is a hap- 

 py, contented warble, and, though no great credit 

 belongs to the singer as a musician, his tender 

 melody is among the most delightful of vernal 

 sounds. There is a ubiquity or ventriloquistic 

 peculiarity about this song — whether due to its 

 quality or to the capricious breeze upon which it is 

 usually borne, I do not know — which tends to 

 make its source indefinite. You may hear the 

 notes on a bright March morning, but cannot 

 find their pretty author. He denies your eyes the 

 welcome sight of him, until at last you give up 

 the search only to discover him close behind you. 

 To no American bird will better apply Words- 

 worth's questioning characterization of the English 



cuckoo : 



" Shall I call the Bird, 



Or but a wandering voice ?" 



This unintended ventriloquism may be in his 

 favor, but his azure plumage is very conspicuous 

 as he stands on a tall fence-post with the woods 

 for a background, or reconnoitres the entrance to 

 an old woodpecker's hole in some white cottonwood, 



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