200 STRA Y FEA THERS FROM MANY BIRDS. 



attempts at song during the autumn, even before they 

 have fully assumed the adult plumage. This is rather 

 exceptional, for most birds will not sing a note until 

 moulting is over. I have never known old birds resume 

 song before the moult has been completed, but young 

 birds occasionally do so, especially Robins, but their 

 music is imperfect and uttered in a very low key. This 

 autumn (1889) a young Starling (in fully adult plumage 

 except the head) has visited an elder-tree at the end of 

 my garden and warbled regularly every morning and 

 evening. 



Another chorister, heard by no means unfrequently 

 in autumn, is the Song Thrush ; but he is a somewhat 

 capricious musician, and generally waits for an unusual 

 burst of sunshine to woo him into song. No English 

 bird possesses so much variety in its notes as the Song 

 Thrush ; and his beautiful melody sounds particularly 

 grateful to the ear on those quiet warm days which mark 

 the year's decline. His voice is the favourite music of 

 the country, as well known as it is dear to all who love 

 wild life and rural scenes ; and even in suburban London 

 his speckled breast is often seen amongst the trees in 

 parks and pleasure grounds which are enlivened with his 

 varied lay. In well-sheltered districts, especially in 

 shrubberies, the Hedge Sparrow indulges in perennial 

 song. Like the Song Thrush, his music is only heard at 

 intervals when the warm sunshine calls it forth. He is 



