362 



AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 



Y the majority perhaps of 

 those who take any inter- 

 est in bird life, the Chick- 

 adee is as well known as 

 any other bird. They are 

 bright eyed inquisitive lit- 

 tle acrobats and no little 

 amusement can be had by 

 watching their movements 

 among the branches. With 

 the ease and grace of the 

 most skilled performer 

 they swing from twig to 

 twig conversing freely with one another in their pleasing language of 

 "de-dee-dee" interspersed frequently with a remarkable shrill clear 

 whistle composed of two notes, the first being of the higher pitch. 

 They are very companionable and if you remain quiet, they will grad- 

 ually approach even to within reaching distance of your hand. Do not 

 attempt to catch one when he thus puts his trust in you for you will not 

 only fail but will also lose the confidence of a valuable and interesting; 

 bird. 



I'M A GYMNAST. 



