ODDS AND ENDS 



THE ornithologist is always interested in noting 

 how the conduct of birds of the same species 

 differs and agrees in different localities. In a 

 previous chapter some of the differences between the 

 avifauna of Ohio and Kansas have been described, but 

 a good deal still remains to be said, teaching more than 

 one lesson in comparative ornithology. 



At the beginning of my studies in the Sunflower state 

 the song sparrows proposed an enigma for my solution, 

 whether wittingly or unwittingly, I know not. In Ohio 

 they were the most lavish singers in the outdoor chorus, 

 chanting their sweet lays every month in the year, sum- 

 mer or winter; indeed, their most vigorous recitals were 

 often given in February and March, when there was 

 dearth of other bird music. 



But what about the song sparrows of Kansas? The 

 first winter and spring passed, and yet my numerous 

 rambles in their haunts did not bring to my waiting ear 

 one first-class song sparrow concert. A few feeble, half- 

 hearted wisps of melody on days that were especially mild 

 were the only vocal performances they vouchsafed. To 

 put it bluntly and truthfully, I never, during my residence 



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