172 BIRDS 



yellow belly and back, from the numerous yellow blos- 

 soms of the dandelion. 



One need have no difficulty in recognizing these birds 

 by the sense of hearing alone, as their feeding notes are 

 exactly like those of the tame caged Canary. They are 

 very friendly and, if you remain quiet, will circle around 

 you in their undulating flight and feed on the ground 

 within a few feet of you, all the while singing as though 

 they were giving you a free concert: " Dearie, dearie, 

 hear me! hear me!" seemingly happy even when hang- 

 ing to a frozen thistle or a seedless sunflower protruding 

 from the snow. Their little lay of thanks and good cheer 

 is heard under food and climatic conditions that ordi- 

 narily hush the voice of many sturdier creatures. 



