146 THE AMERICAN MIDLAND NATURALIST 



Song Sparrow near the edge of a lake, when the bird will fly across 

 the water. 



Goldfinch 

 Astragalinus tristis 

 In late autumn the Goldfinches' gradually grow fewer and few- 

 er in number, and finally no records will be made by the careful 

 observer for days together. In the first part of the month these 

 birds are found in small flocks, and may be readily known by the 

 characteristic call-notes. By this time the Goldfinches have 

 changed their bright summer plumage for the sober dress of 

 winter. 



Blue Jay 

 Cyanocitta crcstata 

 Hardly less striking in appearance than the Cardinal is the hand- 

 some Blue Jay. He gives the observer every opportunity to appre- 

 ciate the beauty of his blue coat, for the bird often drops to the 

 ground, or perches in alow tree or shrub. Here he almost deafens a 

 person who may be close to him by his harsh call-note. The fine 

 bell-like note of the Jay may be heard at any time of the year, but 

 less often in autumn and winter. 



Downy Woodpecker 

 Dryobates puhesceno 

 This gentle bird may be seen quite frequently in November and 

 also in winter. Usually alone, the Downy Woodpecker is never 

 noisy Hke most of the other woodpeckers, but utters its note de- 

 murely while working on the bark of our forest or park trees. It 

 would.be interesting to know what amount of good one Downy 

 Woodpecker does for our trees in the way of searching in the bark 

 for the larvae of injurious worms and insects. 



White-Breasted Nuthatch 

 Sitta carolinensis 

 This is the greatest acrobat among the bird tribe. It is always 

 interesting to watch a Nuthatch climbing up or down the trunk of 

 a tree. Both in woods and among park trees this useful bird may 

 be found in winter or summer at work on the bark. More 

 clever in climbing than the Chickadee, the Nuthatch can get at 

 any part of a branch to examine it and find out whether there are 

 any enemies hidden out of sight. 



