AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 87 



May. As few of these birds breed south of the northern parts of Maine 

 they are not likely to be seen in other parts of New England but for a 

 few weeks in spring and autumn. The four characteristic yellow patches, 

 on the crown, rump and either side of the breast, enable one to easily 

 identify it. 



One windy day last May while looking from the window, my at- 

 tention was attracted to a vertible Mrs. Pardiggle of a bird. Its move- 

 ments suggested a world full of necessary things to be done, and all de- 

 veloping upon her. In this she was not so much like Mrs. Pardiggle, 

 as in the switching of her skirts. I could not determine whether the 

 wind was the cause of the seeming bustle, or whether it was natural to 

 the creature, not then recognizing her ladyship. The prevailing color 

 of her garb was olive-green above, and brownish-white beneath, but 

 flashes of yellow showed to advantage. For several days I watched at 

 intervals for her return. I had about given up seeing her again when 

 suddenly she made her appearance. This time there was no wind, but 

 there was the same excited hurry-up in her movements that suggested 

 a wind given impetus. It was Mrs. Redstart. Possibly she had left 

 her husband somewhere with promise of a speedy return,, and anxious 

 to see as much as possible while unhampered by his presence felt the 

 necessity of making haste. Often after that I saw both the male and 

 female birds. The male Redstart is a really fine appearing fellow with 

 his dressing of shining black, salmon and white, and neither he nor his 

 mate need be ashamed of their musical ability. If they have not that 

 delicacy and richness of expression which characterizes some of their 

 feathered neighbors, they have the art of expressing the joys of life in a 

 taking way. If anything expresses contentment the ching, ching, chee; 

 ser-wee, swee, swee, swee-e of the Redstart does. 



This year a pair of Warbling Vireos came to the row of elm and 

 maple trees near the house, and almost any hour of the day their cheer- 

 ful notes may be heard. Their appearance was first noticed the ninth 

 of May. They bear a strong resemblance to the Red-eyed Vireo, while 

 their song inclines one to imagine them first or second grade pupils of 

 the Purple Finch. 



Goldfinches I see rollicking in air every day. The Veery comes in- 

 to the garden occasionally, Yesterday a Junco came while I was work- 

 ing there. A pair of Bluebirds have their nest in one -of the apple 

 trees; while another pair have their home in a maple at the corner of the 

 lot. A Phoebe has come back to occupy her last year's nest under the 

 eaves. A Robin has built in the spruce tree by the gate, while another 

 occupies a branch of a pine tree at the rear of the house. Crow black 

 birds are numerous, and come fearlesslv about the lawn and garden. 



