BIRDS OF PEASEMARSH 



late, cold spring when the foliage was much 

 delayed, our little Song Sparrow would creep 

 into the Barberry hedge for shelter at night. 

 On one occasion a light suddenly appearing in 

 the window near by it apparently took it for 

 the sunrise and sang its little song, though 

 about twelve o'clock on a cold, dark April 

 night. 



The poor Song Sparrow, nesting in tall grass 

 or low shrubs, frequently comes to grief 

 through prowling cats, or has its nest pulled to 

 pieces by scythe or mower. A Song Sparrow 

 here once made her nest in a little cluster of 

 thistles, and it was noticed just in time to save 

 it from the scythe. For the sake of the little 

 nestlings the thistles were left uncut. But one 

 thing is certain, the birds would not let all the 

 seeds drop. 



Closely resembling the Song Sparrow is the 

 Vesper Sparrow, but always distinguished from 

 it by its white outer tail feathers, which show 

 plainly in flying. To some the songs of these 

 birds may seem much the same, but those who 

 listen carefully will find a great difference, 

 which was aptly expressed by a young musi- 

 cian who said, "Their voices are something 

 [79] 



