The Oven-bird in Minnesota 



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as the crescendo call. It has been stated that it is delivered only at nightfall 

 and above the tree-tops, but this is not quite true, for it may be heard in deep, 

 damp woods in the height of the love season at any hour of the day, as the 

 impetuous lover pours it out in snatches of variable length as he goes dashing 

 about under the forest canopy. When thus delivered it may either be preceded 

 or followed by the 'teacher' call; most frequently, however, these fragments 

 are given alone. It is always uttered on the wing, and it is probable that in its 



full development it is always an accompaniment of a soaring flight above the 

 tree-tops. Lynds Jones says ('Warbler Songs,' 1900): "I have seen the Oven- 

 bird suddenly vault into the air, mounting to the tree-tops on quivering wings, 

 then dart back and forth in a zigzag course swift as an arrow, and finally burst 

 into a song as he floated gently down. The song seems to swing once round a 

 great circle with incredible swiftness, but perfect ease, ending in a babbling 

 diminuendo as the performer lightly touches the perch or ground with half- 

 rigid wings held high." I have seen the Oven-bird, early in July, thus disport- 

 ing itself of an evening above the cathedral-like, terraced spires of the tall 



