46 THE REDBREAST. 



us with his pleasant songs. The nightingale, 

 the blackcap, and many other warblers, migrate 

 to warmer climates before the winter sets in, 

 but the robin remains as our winter friend. He 

 too is in some degree a migratory bird, but he 

 is not a distant voyager ; and the change of resi- 

 dence he makes at this season, only brings him 

 into closer contact with man. In summer, he 

 makes his home in the woods and forests : there 

 he sings and builds, and passes the fine season 

 with his mate, busily assisting her in the care of 

 her feathered family. When winter approaches 

 he quits the woods, which can no longer supply 

 him with food, and establishes himself in our 

 shrubberies and gardens, feeding on the late 

 autumnal berries, and such insects as he can 

 still find. As the cold becomes more severe, 

 and he finds it more and more difficult to pro- 

 cure food, he approaches nearer to our abodes. 

 Rendered tame by his necessities, he comes 

 fearlessly to our very thresholds, to pick up the 

 crumbs thrown out to feed him ; and even taps 

 at the window with his bill, to petition for a 

 fresh supply. Often he advances still further, 

 enters our dwellings, and takes shelter beneath 

 the friendly roof. Here he will remain, a con- 

 tented guest,- until the return of spring: then he 

 flutters his wings, and is in haste to be gone, to 



