AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 105 



are too well known in this section to need detailed description as to 

 their markings. The tiny Chickadee is such a bold, courageous little 

 creature, that he never seems to fear any larger birds, neither will he be 

 driven away to any distance by them. He is however so unobtrusive, 

 that I have often seen him, when not allowed to approach the dish 

 where another bird was feasting, retire a very short distance away, or 

 perhaps hang- upon the window blind, and there patiently wait until the 

 place was vacated. This vacancy he would instantly fill, and as quickly 

 vacate again, after having secured his "nut in the half shell" 

 which he firmly held with his tiny claws, resting it upon the branch of 

 a tree, while he eagerly devoured its contents. Then he would 

 suddenly drop the empty shell and repeat the process. I have noticed 

 that the Blue Jay adopts this same method of holding his food between 

 his feet while eating. Although very shy at first, this handsome bird 

 is now a regular visitor, and his appetite seems insatiable. The 

 Tree Sparrows are such well-disposed, tastefully attired little birds, 

 that they deserve special mention. Their distinguishing mark is the 

 obscure, blackish dot in the center of the breast, which one writer has 

 appropriately called the bird's breast-pin. Now a word in favor of the 

 much abused English Sparrow, I once shared the almost universal 

 prejudice against him, but alter having witnessed his humility, and his 

 courtesy toward the Tree Sparrow, which he brings as an occasional 

 guest I am in a great measure disposessed of that prejudice. This bird 

 is not responsible for his foreign nationality, neither did he seek trans- 

 portation to this country. An involuntary immigrant, why should he 

 be denied a living? The allegation that he drives away other birds is 

 contrary to my observation. I have seen fifteen or twenty of these 

 sparrows sitting patiently upon the limb of a tree, awaiting their turn 

 for food, while Snowbirds and others were enjoying their repast. If 

 one or two of these sparrows a little bolder than the rest, ventured to 

 approach, upon being turned upon by the other birds and thus warned 

 that they were intruders, they would immediately and humbly retire to 

 their former positions, as if conscious that they were rightful owners 

 neither of the soil nor its products. Only one more bird remains to be 

 mentioned, the Song Sparrow. Although not strictly a winter bird, 

 one of these little songsters appeared on my roof a few days ago, in 

 company with the Snowbirds. The sight of this little friend, on that 

 cold, wintry morning, filled me with a longing to hear his beautiful 

 song, which with us is considered a never failing harbinger of Spring. 

 I feel confident that if those who take the slightest interest in the 

 study of birds, were to try the simple allurements I have mentioned, 

 an increased interest would be the result, and a great amount of 



