CHAPTER VII 



THE NEST-HOLE OF THE BLUEBIRD 



THE mellow note of the Bluebird is a welcome sound on 

 March mornings when the air is yet wintry, and the snow 

 stands deep in the woods. Its meaning is unmistakable, but 

 to appreciate it, one must live in the North where spring means 

 literally "turning over 

 a new leaf. ' ' a new order 

 of existence. Should 

 cold weather or heavy 

 snows return, the birds 

 retire for a time, but 

 promptly reappear 

 with better days. 



The males are first 

 to arrive, coming singly 

 or in small straggling 

 companies. As we 

 walk along the desolate 

 country roads, they 

 rise from wall and 

 fence-row, displaying 

 their brilliant azure 

 wings, or when flying 

 overhead the cinnamon 



brown and white of their under plumage. Their almost ven- 

 triloquial phee-ur note which is heard as they fly is not peculiar 

 to any season. 



When the females come a little later, the males are in full 

 "5 



Fig. 67. Female Bluebird taking a look outside, 

 as if hesitating before going in search of food. 



