THE SONG THRUSH 



presence in the Metropolis all the more attractive and 

 gratifying. It is perhaps the most persistent songster 

 of all the London birds, continuing in voice, if fitfully, 

 nearly the winter through, commencing its almost end- 

 lessly varying lay at dawn, and continuing until darkness 

 has settled over its haunts. In April and May especially 

 its voice lends quite a rural charm to the more central 

 London parks, and the song is all the more lustily given 

 after rain. The tired and perhaps miserably hopeless 

 wayfarer may turn aside from the turmoil of the streets 

 into these lovely sylvan spots and be soothed by the cheery 

 voice of the Throstle, and his fancy may interpret into 

 messages of hope and encouragement the varied notes 

 of this speckled songster. There are few more familiar 

 birds than the Song Thrush, and it readily responds to 

 any advances that may be made for its protection and 

 comfort. There must be few readers who have not 

 watched this bird hop out from under the evergreens on 

 to the grass and then pause a moment as if listening 

 intently, then, perhaps, run or hop a little way further 

 into the open and make another pause, presently seizing a 

 worm and dragging it out to eat it at leisure. Most of 

 the grass is searched, and every now and then another 

 struggling worm secured. It also searches for snails, 

 breaking the shells by striking them against a stone or 

 the hard ground ; grubs, fruit, and berries are also eaten. 

 Many Thrushes may often be remarked feeding within a 

 small area, but the bird is by no means a gregarious one. 

 The Song Thrush is not a very noisy bird, but often at 

 nightfall, or when disturbed at the nest, it becomes gar- 

 rulous, especially when the young 'are hatched, its cries 

 on these occasions being very loud' and harsh. It pairs 

 early in the year, and its nest may frequently be found in 

 February ; March and April are the more regular months. 

 It will build in almost any bush an evergreen for pre- 

 ference in early spring or low tree, no pains being 



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