THE RETURN OF THE BIRDS 71 



warbler has its nest. It is rarely elevated from the 

 ground, and never supported by reeds. Reed- 

 sparrow, sedge-reedling, reed-wren, are pretty 

 provincial names, each expressive enough. 



A broad expanse of dead, yellow grasses. The 

 marsh is dry, and only water is retained in the cool 

 ditches. A patch of green reeds marks an oasis in 

 this desert of decay; and the more slender of these 

 are interwoven with and support a nest of the reed- 

 warbler containing five eggs. There is much in 

 common in habit, habitat, and food between the 

 reed and sedge warblers. The first is much more 

 rare as a species than the latter, coming in April, 

 and again seeking the south in September. Wher- 

 ever osier and willow beds abound, at least in the 

 southern counties, the reed-warbler is sure to be 

 found. Like the reed-wren it sings all day, and is as 

 persistent a songster during the hours of twilight 

 and dark as is the sedge-warbler. The song is soft 

 and sweet, but is emitted in a characteristic jerky 

 manner. All the water-haunting insects are taken 

 by the reed-warbler, and after the quick flying ones 

 it often darts from reed to reed. It also devours the 

 mud-creatures of the slime and ooze of fen lands, 

 being in nowise particular as to what constitutes its 

 food, so long as that food is insect and capable of being 

 swallowed. For outward beauty and natural grace 

 the nest of the reed-warbler is unsurpassed by all 



