148 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



mon than Cot apt es aurattis, during the past two years. we 

 have observed quite a number, in comparison with the few 

 which were formerly to be seen. The wise and s duturv laws 

 which our legislature has enacted for the protection of all in- 

 sectivorous birds, have had a beneficial effect, as evidenced 

 by their increased numbers. Three or four years ago, it 

 was a rare occurrence to meet with a single nest in a season : 

 but now, particularly during the year that has passed, we 

 have met with several. But it is nearer the centre of our 

 State, especially in the counties of Union and Northumber- 

 land, that the greatest numbers are to be found. Xo later 

 than the loth of August, we have seen immense flocks, 

 numbering hundreds, in orchards, gleaning among the trunks 

 and branches of apple-trees, for the insects which lurk in 

 their creviced bark. So tame and confiding were they, that 

 it was possible to approach within a few paces of them, 

 without exciting suspicion, or creating alarm. In the vicin- 

 ity of the White Deer Mountains, in the county of Union, 

 they exist in great abundance during the breeding-period, 

 and are the objects of special protection by the farmers, for 

 the immense good which they accomplish in the destruction 

 of myriads of noxious insects. 



Their arrival occurs during the first week of May, occa- 

 sionally, as early as the last week of April, when the season 

 is unusually propitious. Even in this section of the countrv. 

 where the species once suffered the most terrible persecution 

 which the ignorance of man could inflict, it manifests that 

 confidence and familiarity which are its habitual traits further 

 west. Considerable experience has convinced us that it is 

 remarkably unsuspicious, and courts rather than shuns man's 

 society. During its first appearance, it is chiefly a denizen of 

 high open woods, where it manifests a fondness for the oak. 

 among whose branches, generally at great heights, it pursues 

 Us feeding occupation. But, later, it deserts these localities 

 for the habitations of man, in whose orchards it gleans a 

 ready subsistence. 



