THIRD WEEK] April 97 



distinctive is the frequent looping flight of a goldfinch, or 

 the longer, more direct swings of a woodpecker! 



Hardly any two birds have wings exactly similar in 

 shape, every wing being exquisitely adapted to its owner's 

 needs. The gull soars or flaps slowly on his long, narrow, 

 tireless pinions, while the quail rises suddenly before us on 

 short, rounded wings, which carry it like a rocket for a 

 short distance, when it settles quickly to earth again. 

 The gull would fare ill, were it compelled to traverse the 

 ocean with such brief spurts of speed, while, on the other 

 hand, the last bob-white would shortly vanish, could it 

 escape from fox or weasel only with the slow flight of a 

 gull. How splendidly the sickle wings of a swift enable it 

 to turn and twist, bat-like, in its pursuit of insects! 



You may be able to identify any bird near your home, 

 you may know its nest and eggs, its song and its young; 

 but begin at the beginning again and watch their wings 

 and their feet and their bills and you will find that there 

 are new and wonderful truths at your very doorstep. 

 Try bringing home from your walk a list of bill-uses or 

 feet-functions. Remember that a familiar object, looked 

 at from a new point of view, will take to itself unthought-of 

 significance. 



Whither midst falling dew, 



While glow the heavens with the last steps of day, 

 Far, through their rosy depths, dost thou pursue 

 Thy solitary way? 



WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT. 



