12 BIRDS OF THE SEASON 



melting snows revealed the litter of the past season's 

 vegetation* The uncovered ground was thawing in 

 exposed places ; and the root leaves of the Asters 

 showed bright and green under the receding edges of 

 the icy covering. 



But this did not seem a satisfying assurance of 

 spring to the new arrivals* They perched restlessly 

 on the dead Mullen stalks, and flew timidly back 

 and forth among the entangled thickets of Oak and 

 Hawthorn* The rich blue of their plumage contrasted 

 alternately with the broad expanse of snow and the 

 patches of naked ground on the hillside. Bright sun- 

 light deepened the dull red of their breasts* The 

 spirit of spring seemed struggling for recognition, 

 but they would not respond with a single note* The 

 sun beamed on them, and traced distinct shadows on 

 the dazding snow, but they refused the slightest 

 responsive sound* A whistled call they treated with 

 absolute indifference* Evidently their day of song was 

 away in the future* But, silent and dissatisfied, they 

 were still welcome, and fancy supplied the song that 

 will be heard in the suburban orchards and along the 

 country roads when the season fulfills its mission* 



More responsive is the Horned Lark, for he often 

 remains throughout the winter* His vocal notes may 

 be heard as he makes his undulating way over the 

 snow-covered fields* Like the Bluebird, he is midway 

 in size between the Sparrow and the Robin, but 



