«83s.] BiCKNELL on the Singing of Birds. 2^1 



I have no record of their singing later in the summer than the 

 third week of August, and often they cease earlier. 



In the autumn, however, they have their voices again. In 1880, 

 flocks in full song were noted from Octobor 10 to November 



7, and all my data of other years is comprehended by these 

 dates. 



Icterus spurius. Orchard Oriole. 



We are never long left unaware of the advent among us of 

 this active bird, for its rapid rollicking song bears a signal part 

 in the repletion of bird voices which fill the morning hours in the 

 early days of May. True to its tropical traditions it fairly revels 

 in the hottest weather, and it may be heard singing with unabated 

 hilarity all through those excessively hot days that often come 

 suddenly upon us at the end of May or early in June. 



The immature male, in the yellowish, black-throated plumage, 

 sings as enthusiastically as his more richly attired compeers, and 

 is often noisy with the earliest arrivals. 



Singing begins to decline in July, and my record usually closes 

 shortly after the middle of the month, sometimes barely reaching 

 that point. But, again, songs may be scattered sparingly along 

 till August, and I have one record of imperfect song-notes from 

 an adult male on August n. My record of latest songs is as 

 follows: 1874, July 28 ; 1X76, July 30; 1878, July n, 17, 19, 

 and imperfect song-notes August 11 ; 1880, July 11 and 18 ; 1881, 

 before the 17th ; 1882, July 25 ; 1SS3, July 18. Records of the 

 singing of immaturely plumaged birds run to July 10. 



Icterus galbula. Baltimore Oriole. 



It would almost seem as if the Baltimore Oriole timed its advent 

 by the blossoming of the fruit trees. At all events, the blossoms 

 and the Orioles usually come together. And when the cherry and 

 apples trees wear their full spring array the bright birds are in 

 high spirits, gaily flashing from one tree to another, and sounding 

 forth their golden-toned trumpets from the fragrant clouds of 

 white bloom, amid which they spend many an hour while the 

 blossoms remain. And when it may, much of its time is also 



