1885.J Bain 011 Winter Birds of Prince Edward hland. 26 C 



sheltered home, keeping each other company with quiet flocking 

 calls, a male constantly breaking into a delightful Linnet-like 

 song, with some peculiarly rich flute-notes of his own. In such 

 circumstances they do not mount the blast-swept summits of the 

 trees but content themselves with foraging on the lower sheltered 

 boughs. 



All these winter visitants, except Snow Buntings, are irregular 

 and uncertain in their appearance here. During mild seasons we 

 have them in numbers, but cold and stormy winters drive them 

 to districts where food is more easily obtained. But Grosbeaks 

 and Crossbills are never in numbers unless coniferous seeds are 

 abundant. 



But few Tree Sparrows winter here, although they are abun- 

 dant in November. Black Snowbirds are almost equally rare, 

 and it is only now and then that Robin favors us with his pres- 

 ence during the dreary months. One or two will sometimes 

 stay where the berries of the mountain ash (Sor6?ss amert'eana) 

 are plenty. 



Our only permanent residents really abundant in the winter 

 months are the little Black-capped and Hudsonian Chickadees. 

 We have rarely any Shrikes, and the Chickadees' mode of 

 of nesting secures them against the larger birds of prey, and, 

 being the only insectivorous tribes of consequence during winter, 

 they have an ample supply of food, so that they enjoy a regular 

 paradise here among the groves of gray lichened firs. Every- 

 where you turn, even in the most severe weather, a merry chick, 

 pee dee greets you, and a little black cap bobs from among the 

 snow-laden boughs. 



The Hudsonian Chickadee is less pert and obtrusive than its 

 black-capped friend. Like a coy maiden in sober brown it 

 keeps to the retirement of the thickets, attracting little attention 

 with its soft, whispered notes. I think that both species, though 

 plenty at all times, are less abundant in midwinter. 



The Gold-crested Kinglet, and the Red-bellied and White-bellied 

 Nuthatches are permanent residents, though by no means abun- 

 dant. Besides the Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, and a rare 

 Black-backed Woodpecker, the Brown Creeper may some- 

 times be seen in midwinter. Blue Jays are numerous, but 

 Canadian Jays uncommon. During severe winters Crows get 

 very scarce, yet a few will brave the most Arctic temperature 

 while grain stacks are to be pilfered from. . 



