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THE AUDUBON BULLETIN 



The Loggerhead Shrike 



By Isaac E. Hess 



On the topmost twig of an Osage tree 



Sounding his call notes merrily, 

 Is the first heard Shrike of the season; 



Wholly ignoring the bleak March winds, 

 Joy in the leaden skies he finds; 



(Exuberance out of all reason). 



His bell-like calls are pleasant to hear ; 



A vocal improvement during the year, 

 Developed perhaps for his wooing; 



Two clear sweet notes he has brought along 

 To replace his harsh, discordant song 



For the courtship days ensuing. 



And scarcely has he mastered his lay 

 Ere comes his mate, nor suffers delay 



Through stormy threatening weather; 

 So closely follows the mistress, I 



Perplexed have often wondered why 

 They do not journey together. 



Photo by I. E. Hess 



