iSSs.] Bicknell on the Singing of Birds. 2^5 



As to its singing in the summer, there is much variability in 

 different years. In some, little will be heard from it through the 

 greater part of July, August, and September ; and in prolonged 

 heated terms it may be generally silent for weeks at a time in any 

 part of this period. If the weather be agreeable it is much less 

 taciturn. 



With considerable regularity singing is resumed in the latter 

 part of September, and usually lasts into the following month. 



On bright autumn days, especially, the Phoebes seem animated 

 by the same cheerful spirit in which they passed the spring, and 

 in their ardor of song even dare again the high pitch of note 

 where the voice seems about to crack at every ascent. Such 

 songs are often among the last. 



My record tells of farewell songs from September 28 to October 

 17- These really announce the general departure of the species 

 — the latest with us, as it was the earliest of the Flycatchers — and 

 though single birds seem to be loath to leave and often linger late 

 about the thinning orchards and leafless shrubbery along the bor- 

 ders of ponds and streams, their only note is a simple chip. 



Contopus virens. Wood Pewee. 



When it first comes the Wood Pewee seems to be a little shy 

 of using its voice. Perhaps, with its solitary disposition, it is 

 not at ease amid the confusion and medley of the migrations. At 

 all events it puts oft' its coming till much of this is over with ; and 

 in the summer it is most voiceful in the early morning and in the 

 evening when it can have the woods all to itself. Often it 

 may be heard repeating its plaintive, inquiring call when the 

 woods are quite dark, either before the sun has risen or after it 

 has set. 



In late July or early August its voice shows evidences of decline, 

 and gradually the species goes out of song. In some seasons 

 singing may continue with tolerable constancy through most of 

 August, but it is never general in September, although occasional 

 songs are to be heard up to the time of the bird's departure. The 

 latest songs are often stronger than those of several weeks previous. 

 Dates of last songs for ten years are from August 28 and Septem- 

 ber 2 to September 19 and 24. 



