HOW TO GET ACQUAINTED WITH BIRDS 545 



duced a change in the purple finch's song, in fact, it is 

 a brand new song and is accompanied by some clever 

 acting. The little bird spreads his wings, erects a crest 

 on his head, dances along the apple tree limb and sings 



Chee Chee Chee Cheer, My Dear Sweet 

 or reversing it, sings 



My Dear Sweet, Chee Chee Chee Cheer 



It is great ! He acts as if he knew I fully appreciated 

 his efforts, but this is probably only appearance, for just 

 now I caught him going through his little song and 

 dance before a sparrow-like bird, which is probably 

 his sweetheart, the female purple finch. Before I saw 

 his lady love I thought he said " Hi there, Wheat," 

 but now I know it was, " My Dear Sweet." 



