120 FLYCATCHER VAGARIES 



alight among them, all the wings flew wide 

 open, showing the brighter colors, and look- 

 ing as if the tree had suddenly burst into 

 bloom. 



The most pleasing study offered by the 

 old grove was of two flycatchers, and while 

 warbler notes and warbler forms are filling 

 the air, it is a wonderful relief to turn to 

 birds who will not go into mad panics, or flit 

 before your eyes like a vision, but will stand 

 calmly while you turn your glass on them 

 and take a good look. 



Near the house I had seen the alder or 

 Traill's flycatcher, and noted his call in the 

 hoarse tone of the familiar phoebe, and de- 

 livered in the same way, yet sufficiently 

 unlike to make one wish to see the author. 

 His repose of manner made him a welcome 

 change from the restless warblers. He would 

 sometimes remain in sight for hours without 

 seeming to tire or to want food. 



The song came at first from a group of 

 alders, and there I saw the bird, a small, 

 trim, darkly-clad figure, on a shrub or low 

 tree, sitting upright, flycatcher fashion, ut- 

 tering his song with military precision, and 



