8o DENIZENS OF THE DESERT 



until during midday we seldom hear a sound 

 from the little throats; but when evening comes 

 again, the notes of the matin song which 

 ceased with the warm hours are again taken up 

 with ardor. 



In many ways the canon wrens and rock 

 wrens are very much alike. They are birds of 

 about the same size, they have similar bobbing 

 motions, and both are rupestrine (rock-dwell- 

 ing) species, living on similar food. However, 

 the canon wren possesses little of the friendly 

 curiosity that her inquisitive and polite sister 

 has. Few birds are more shy and retiring than 

 these little sprites of the canon solitudes. Try 

 as you will you can seldom approach sufficiently 

 near to see them. Just as you think you are 

 upon them they slip away, and after a few 

 moments of silence sing you their scale song 

 from far, far away. And so it happens that most 

 of us must be content to know the sweet singers 

 only by their songs. 



However, those who will to know the canon 

 wren have much to repay their efforts when 

 once through persistent seeking they locate, 

 slip up close to one, and catch a glimpse of this 



