Birds of Lewiston-Auburn 19 



A summer resident. Although It sometimes nests near 

 the city, we must go to the woodland for its real home. 

 The earliest date of arrival that I have is April 16. By 

 the 19th we expect to hear their song if the weather is 

 mild. In September individuals begin to migrate from 

 farther north and depart by the first of November, my 

 latest date being November i . 



This most exquisite of songsters keeps in tune till 

 about August 12, which indicates the rearing of two 

 broods. The last time I listened to the thrush was 

 August 14, 191 7, as we walked through an evergreen 

 growth. It was nearly sunset and no other song was 

 heard. The spirituality of its tones affected me as 

 always, for almost unconsciously I was walking through 

 the wood with bowed head. 



One morning in early June as my sister and I were on 

 our way to friends who live near a woodsy place, we heard 

 a hermit singing. After searching we were surprised to 

 see one perched on a trolley wire. We stood entranced 

 when we saw him so near and there we watched and 

 listened. He sang in the contralto register, then in the 

 mezzo, and finally in that register so high that one must be 

 near to catch it. 



How my whole being was thrilled, for he sang to me 

 as Burroughs says "Oh spheral, spheral ! O holy, holy !" 

 I had had my spiritual uplift for the day. The impres- 

 sion made on me that he sang to his Maker has been 

 expressed by Van Dyke : "A hermit-hymn poured out 

 for God to hear!" 



Another impression that he was singing to his mate 

 is expressed in the same poem: 



"Little love, too, forever, ever near. 

 Warm love, earth love, tender love of mine. 

 In the leafy dark where you hide, 

 You are mine — mine — mine !" 



