CHAPTER II. 



AMONG THE BIRDS IN WINTER. 



WE have watched the birds in spring-time, as 

 the flowing tide of life revived, and all living 

 things acquired new vigour under its gentle in- 

 fluences ; we have studied bird life in its summer 

 aspect, among sunny fields, in cool green woods, 

 and by the restless sea ; we have been among 

 the birds in the year's decline, when the rapidly- 

 retreating sun lit up the woods, all glowing in 

 their brilliant if dying tints, and the waning 

 season sent the migrants back to warmer climes ; 

 it is now our pleasant task to trace the various 

 habits of birds in winter, among leafless trees, 

 under lowering skies, and through frost and snow. 

 Nothing is more interesting than to watch these 

 ever-varying phases of bird life through the year. 

 Ever there is something fresh to engage the 

 observer's attention peculiar to the season he 

 may chance to take his walks abroad some old 

 favourites have departed, others have arrived to 

 take their place ; some have just regained their 

 powers of song ; some are congregating, others 



