The Migration of Birds 183 
It matters little whether we agree or disagree con- 
cerning the various points of bird migration. It is 
so largely speculative that most of us would rather 
leave it to the theorist, and take to the fields at the 
near approach of the robin and bluebird, to greet the 
early comers as old friends. 
In the latitude of East Orange, N. J., about March 
first, we expect to see the robin, the bluebird, and 
the purple grackle; by the twentieth we should add to 
our list the red-winged blackbird, the cowbird, the 
woodcock, the phoebe, the meadow-lark; and by the 
end of the month there will probably be field and 
swamp sparrows, Wilson’s snipe, and the purple finch. 
From April first we must be astir early, if we expect 
to keep up with the tide of migration. The sparrow 
family is rapidly increasing, and a little later there 
will be the ruby-crowned kinglet, hermit thrush, and 
barn swallows. Toward the latter part of the month 
the new arrivals will be the spotted sandpiper, whip- 
poor-will, green heron, towhee, purple martin, swift, 
green warbler, oven-bird, house wren, thrasher, cat- 
bird, and wood thrush. Bird music is heard on all 
sides, and the most casual observer will notice the 
new order of things afield. The bird student is now 
enthusiastic, and all spare time should be devoted to 
field observations and to the making of careful notes. 
