OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA, 43 



A very early visitor, we have often observed it 

 about the middle of February, while the ground 

 was covered with snow, returned from its winter 

 home, to enjoy once more the delights and asso- 

 ciations of its northern habitat. So warmly at- 

 tached to the place in which it has successfully 

 reared its tender broods, it returns thither, year 

 after year, unless driven 2w&y per force. 



Its soft and plaintive notes, produced in a minor 

 key, are singularly pleasing, and awaken a sym- 

 pathetic feeling in the bosom of relentless man. 

 The following syllabic language is a nearly accu- 

 rate representation of the male's song, during the 

 season of courting: -t&r-r-f-r-wd, tur-wuh-tur-r- 

 r-wa, tiir-r-r-tiweet. His movements while thus 

 engaged are perfectly amusing; after entertaining 

 the female awhile with his best performance, he 

 makes a few graceful movements in front of 

 her, and then alights to ascertain what effect has 

 been produced upon her. This is repeated at 

 regular intervals, until the female becomes so 

 impressed with his charms, that she is led a will- 

 ing captive. 



The love of offspring is so strong and predomi- 

 nant, that building-operations are frequently com- 

 menced as early as the ipth of March. For the site 

 of a nest, a decayed branch, the deserted nest of a 

 Woodpecker, or a box which has been put up for 

 its accommodation, is generally selected. In a few 

 instances the security which the above places afford 

 has not been taken advantage of. Nests have 



