BIRDS OF PEASEMARSH 



Bird families that are closely related are 

 said to belong to the same order. The Robin 

 belongs to a family in a large order of birds 

 in which there are many families. But the 

 Thrush family, to which it belongs, is one of 

 the most valuable. It is also one of the most 

 musical, for the Thrushes, unlike their brother 

 the Robin, are renowned for their wonderful 

 voices. It was of a member of this family that 

 the poet wrote, "I hope to hear before I go the 

 field note of the Veery." 



Besides the Veery, sometimes called Wil- 

 son's Thrush, we have the shy Wood Thrush, 

 the Grey-cheeked Thrush, the Olive-backed 

 Thrush and the Hermit Thrush. These all 

 nest in trees or bushes near the ground, but the 

 Hermit Thrush sometimes nests on the ground. 

 Early in May the Thrushes arrive from the 

 south, preferring to nest in secluded swampy 

 woods, where their songs are heard all through 

 the early part of the summer. By August the 

 Wood Thrush and the Veery are silent, and 

 without farewell they soon flit away to the 

 south. In nesting season the Hermit Thrush 

 has a very sweet call note, much like the first 

 note of its song, and if you can come near them 



[60] 





