AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 121 



THE COMING OF SPRING. 



To the experienced observer in particular, and every body in general, 

 it is more and more apparent that decided changes are taking place in 

 our outside world. The ice and snow have vanished, with the 

 exception of a few stray patches here and there which linger in sheltered 

 locations; the high winter winds are becoming less frequent and severe, 

 and 'the clouds are daily growing less sombre; the creeks and little 

 brooks are again free from the hand of the frost king and are dashing over 

 their pebbled beds and golden sands; the atmosphere is getting milder 

 and there are warm gentle showers; while now and then we have one 

 or more of those balmy days which make us go out into Nature's 

 domain and note what is going on. 



The wild geese, moved by that never-failing monitor, natural instinct, 

 are flying northwards and you may chance to see them and hear their 

 "honk, honk" as they pass over your locality. Yes, although the trees 

 are still leafless, and the fields and byways devoid of vegetation, there 

 are unmistakable hints of spring. Has not March brought the blue 

 bird, "the violet of song," and the robin with his heart-warming note, 

 and the meadow lark with his clear joyous greeting, and the song 

 sparrow who bubbles over with joy? Later these are followed by the 

 long list of "season birds" who twice a year wing their way to and from 

 the sunny southland. Their absence during the winter months makes 

 their song the sweeter upon their return, and their presence the more 

 appreciated. Those who have come to be on intimate terms with these 

 fascinating creatures have added to the gentle and healthful pleasures 

 of life. No pictures nor descriptions do justice to their grace, their 

 animation, their airy little ways, their skill in nest building and their 

 devotion to their young. There is always another species to look for, 

 another mystery to solve; a new song to record or an old one welcomed 

 back. 



From now on there is abundant evidence of new life and activity; 

 the grass is covering the fields with a rich mantle of beautiful green; 

 the early spring flowers which we delight to gather have awakened 

 from their long slumber under the leaves and some of the hardier 

 varieties are already in bloom, heralding the approach of countless 

 others; the maples too, have caught the warming rays of the sun, and 

 are crowned with red and yellow blossoms, and amongst them is heard 

 the ceaseless hum of myriads of bees. The trees, being animated by 

 natural life which stimulates them at this season of the year, are putting 

 forth their leaves, bursting asunder the velvet sheath which protected 

 them through the past winter. The animals which have been lying 



