THE INVITATION. 235 



,he notes of several other birds, is entirely unique. 

 The iris of this bird is white, as that of the red-eyed 

 is red, though in neither case can this mark be dis 

 tinguished at more than two or three yards. In most 

 cases the iris of birds is a dark hazel, which passes 

 for black. 



The basket-like nest, pendent to the low branches 

 in the woods, which the falling leaves of autumn re- 

 veal to all passers, is, in most cases, the nest of the 

 red-eyed, though the solitary constructs a similar tene- 

 ment, but in much more remote and secluded locali- 

 ties. 



The general color of this group of birds is very 

 light ash beneath, becoming darker above, with a 

 tinge of green. The red-eyed has a crown of a bluish 

 tinge. 



Most birds exhibit great alarm and distress, usually 

 with a strong dash of anger, when you approach their 

 nests ; but the demeanor of the red-eyed, on such an 

 occasion, is an exception to this rule. The parent 

 birds move about softly amid the branches above, ey- 

 ing the intruder with a curious, innocent look, utter- 

 ing, now and then, a subdued note or plaint, solicitous 

 and watchful, but making no demonstration of anger 

 or distress. 



The birds, no more than the animals, like to be 

 caught napping; but I remember, one autumn day, 

 of coming upon a red-eyed vireo that was clearly ob- 

 .ivious to all that was passing around it. It was a 

 young bird, though full grown, and it was taking it 



