434 WINTER WREN. 
rocks, in thickets of gorse, and by hedges, where it attracts notice by 
the liveliness of its motions, and frequently by its loud chirring noise. 
When standing, it keeps its tail nearly erect, and jerks its whole body ; 
then hops about with alacrity, using its wings at the same time, and 
continually enunciating its rapid chit. In spring and summer, the 
male has a very pleasing, full, rich, and mellow song, which it repeats 
at intervals ; and even in autumn and on fine days in winter, it may 
often be heard hurrying over its ditty, the loudness and clearness of 
which, as proceeding from so diminutive a creature, is apt to excite 
surprise, even after it has been long familiar. 
“ During the breeding season, Wrens keep in pairs, often in unfre- 
quented parts, such as bushy dells, mossy woods, the banks of streams, 
and stony places overgrown with brambles, sloes, and other shrubs ; but 
they are also to be found in shrubberies, gardens, and hedges in the 
immediate vicinity of human habitations, to which the wilder indivi- 
duals also approach in winter. ‘They are not properly speaking shy, 
as they conceive themselves to be secure at the distance of twenty or 
thirty yards ; but on the approach of a person, they conceal themselves 
in holes among stones, or the roots of bushes. : 
“I know not a more pleasant object to look at than the Wren: it 
is always so smart and cheerful. In gloomy weather, other birds often 
seem melancholy, and in rain the Sparrows and Finches stand silent on 
the twigs, with drooping wings and ruffled plumage. But to the Wren 
all weathers are alike. The big drops of the thunder-shower no more 
wet it than the drizzle of an easterly haar; and as it peeps from be- 
neath the bramble, or glances from a hole in the wall, it seems as snug” 
as a kitten frisking on the parlour rug. 
“Tt is amusing to watch the motions of a young family of Wrens 
just come abroad. Walking among furze, or broom, or juniper, you 
are attracted to some bush by hearing issue from it a lively and fre- 
quent repetition of a sound which resembles the syllable chit. On 
going up you perceive an old Wren flitting about the twigs, and pre- 
sently a young one flies off, uttering a stifled chirr, to conceal itself 
6 a - . Pa 
that an old one may soon be tired out in time of snow, when it cannot | 
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