Cbe Marbler 



31 



of these depredations, but people are learning to appreciate them more and 

 more every year and not to begrudge them the small amount of fruit they 

 eat, as at best it is but poor return for the good they do mankind. 



the wood thrush ' Hyloeielila mustelinus) 



The Wood Thrush 

 {Hylocichla mustelinus) 



BEYOND question the Wood Thrush has the finest song of all birds that 

 breed within the limits or the vicinity of New York City. Few birds 

 found in eastern North America rank with it in melody, and not more than 

 two or three can be said to surpass it, even allowing for the variety of in- 

 dividual tastes. The Hermit, the Olive-backed Thrushes, and the Bobolink 

 are the three birds which may be said to surpass the Wood Thrush in song, and 

 while there is but little choice, personally I think them all better than the 

 Wood Thrush. I know of but one place in the Greater New York where 

 the Wood Thrush breeds. That is on the wooded hills north of Hollis in 

 the Borough of Queens. Here during a part of April, May and June the de- 

 lightful song of this bird may be heard morning and evening, as one drives 

 along Hillside avenue. The Wood Thrush arrives from the South in April 

 and breeds during May and June. The nest resembles that of the Robin, 



