AUTUMN AND WINTER BIRDS 131 



Outside, here in the north, the lands are deeply 

 covered with snow, and the usual supplies of food 

 are cut off. The bright winter berries of the hedge- 

 rows have vanished, and the thrushes are more 

 destitute than other birds. The evergreens of the 

 gardens are full of them. In their aimless flying 

 to and fro they shake the feathered rain from the 

 snow-plumed branches, and many are so emaciated 

 that they cower with drooping wings beneath the 

 thicker shrubs. 



The " storm-cock " braves the severity of our 

 hardest winters, and, like the rest of the thrushes, is 

 a confirmed fruit-feeder. It feeds upon hips and 

 haws, the berries of the ivy, holly, and yew, and 

 upon those of the mistletoe, where this parasitic 

 plant is found. It is this trait that gives it its name. 

 A break in the frost immediately sends it to the moist 

 meadows, where it procures worms, snails, insects, 

 and larvae. Our earliest songster as well as earliest 

 breeder, its loud song may often be heard from an 

 ash- top during the most inclement January weather. 

 Although shy and retiring, it becomes bold as the 

 nesting season approaches, draws about the home- 

 steads frequently orchards and prefers sycamores 

 and ashes at no great distance from dwellings. The 

 characteristic call is a harsh " churr," hence the 

 name of " churr-cock." 



The throstle, the mavis " best beloved and most 



