The Bobolink 22.5 
the appearance of the females. Upon their arrival 
in the United States the males are in full song, and 
only one who has heard the wondrous melody of the 
bobolink can form any idea of the effect produced by 
several hundred singing in chorus. Beautifully as 
they sing in the North, they favor the South with 
still rarer treats. Audubon gives a description of 
one of these charming concerts in the following 
words: 
“During their sojourn in Louisiana, in spring, 
their song, which is extremely interesting and emitted 
with a volubility bordering on a burlesque, is heard 
from a whole party at the same time; when, as each 
individual is, of course, possessed of the same musical 
powers as his neighbors, it becomes amusing to 
listen to a hundred or more of them beginning one 
after another, as if ordered to follow in quick suc- 
cession, after the first notes are given by the leader, 
and producing such a medley as it is impossible to 
describe, although it is extremely pleasant to hear. 
While you are listening the whole flock simultaneously 
ceases, which appears equally extraordinary. This 
curious exhibition is repeated at intervals during 
the day.” 
About the first week in May the bobolink is with 
us, and he who has not had the pleasure of seeing and 
