26 OUR NATIVE SONGSTERS. 



might observe it ; sometimes, however, tlie little 

 builder exerts miieli ingenuity in finding such 

 materials for the outer portion of the nest, as 

 might mislead by their similarity to the branch on 

 which it is placed. 



The missel-thnish is usually a wild and wary 

 bird, shunning the dwellings of man, though, 

 during the period of incubation, it seems fearless of 

 all danger. It is not imcommon in any part of our 

 island, but is not anywlierc so plentiful a bird as is 

 the common thrush. During the months of August 

 and September, the missel-thrushes seem to assem- 

 ble in numlicrs, but they are not migratory birds. 



Who has not paused in his ramble through the 

 woods on some bright warm spring day, to listen 

 to the mellow notes of the Blackbird? {Turdus 

 meruJa.) Perchance we have taken shelter beneath 

 the boughs on which the delicate green leaves are 

 daily becoming larger and more numerous, from 

 the shower which alternates with the sunshine, and 

 then as the gleams of the smi come forth again to 

 render that foliage of brightest emerald hue, the 

 blackbird sings its welcome in the sweetest strains. 

 An April day suits it well, for it revels in the 



