Blue Jay 



His saucy crest seems to be kept in place by a band 

 of black velvet ribbon passing under the chin. 



SELECTED. 



The blue jay blows the trumpet of winter. 



THOREAU. Spring. 12 



The noisy jay comes with its startling cry, 

 'Mid yellow leaves of maple takes its perch; 



A bit of blue in gold, as if the sky 

 Were seen in patches through the faded birch. 



SELECTED. 



Clad in blue with snow-white trimmings, 

 Clean and smooth in every feather, 

 Plumed and crested like a dandy, 

 Keen of vision, strong of muscle, 

 Shrewd in mimicry and dodging, 

 Knowing every copse and thicket, 

 Warm in snow and cool in summer, 

 Is the blue jay still a villain? 

 Outlawed by all bird tribunals, 

 As a wretch disguised, he's branded, 

 Shunned by every feathered creature; 

 Yet he prospers, man admires him. 



BOLLES. Chocorua's Tenants. 19 



81 



