150 
NESTS AND EGGS OF 
Northern Alabama and Tennessee witness its aiDpearance about the fifteenth 
of March when the season is not retarded by a long, cold winter, and the 
Northern Central States, towards the close of the ensuing month, which, by 
some inexplicable cause, seems also to be the date of its coming in the 
great Colorado Basin. 
Appearing at a time when the trees are beginning to clothe them- 
selves in shimmering robes of green, and often before the oaks and hicko- 
ries have burst their tumid buds into the rich drapery of foliage which is 
to cover their unsightly nakedness, our little friend is none the less welcome. 
From the tall tree-tops we are first made aware of his presence by the 
shrill, wiry notes with which he salutes the morn, and which he is accus- 
tomed to utter during the livelong day as he moves in and out among the 
branches in tireless jJursuit of prey. Not a tree-crevice escapes his keen 
scrutiny. While thus eagerly prying into every cranny or crack that 
meets his gaze in quest of the lurking culprit, should the buzz of a fly or 
the hum of a beetle be borne to his hearing, in an instant he is off with 
a dash that is wonderful to behold, and the unhappy insect is made to 
repent the folly and temerity of its action. At such times, his behavior 
seems to be all hurry and bustle, as though the work of a life must be 
crowded into a few short days. 
We have but pictured to the minds of our readers the selfish side of 
his character, as manifested in the uncontrollable rapacity which sways 
him. But when the finer and more ennobling impulses of his nature, 
stimulated by returning warmth, have once more gained the mastery, a 
milder grace attends his every movement, and sweeter accents attune his 
voice. We no longer hear those peculiar sounds, which to the human ear 
resemble tsee-tsee-tsee, repeated in rapid succession, and which, a few short 
weeks before, were everywhere to be heard — a fit accompaniment to his 
reckless life — but instead, are regaled with the sweetest, teuderest music. 
This is so low, that to appreciate its effect, the auditor must be but a few 
yards distant from the tree which our modest vocalist has selected to be 
the scene of his endeavors. So well sustained is the effort, and, above all. 
