144 RURAL BIRD LIFE. 



to remain silent for days ere another thrill of gladness 

 causes him to carol forth anew. When the young can 

 leave the nest they still keep in their parents' company, 

 and seldom stray far away from their native pasture 

 until the time of migration arrives. 



Early in October, and before vegetation assumes the 

 lovely tints attendant with that month, flocks of Yellow 

 Wagtails are often seen, sometimes as many as twenty 

 or thirty individuals, but for the most part young birds. 

 The varied song of the old males is now never heard, 

 and the birds, that is most of them, are preparing for a 

 . southern flight. We miss them suddenly, and though a 

 few specimens are from time to time seen throughout 

 the winter, still the main body have sought a southern 

 clime. 



Before bidding this graceful group of choristers adieu, 

 I will say a few words in respect to their habits of 

 perching on trees — a motion denied them by many 

 naturalists. Here the Wagtail, no matter of what parti- 

 cular species, though its food is obtained on the ground, 

 or when coursing through the air, may be seen daily 

 resorting to the trees for rest, and from their branches 

 he ofttimes pours forth his varied song. Yet at night- 

 fall he repairs to the ground to seek repose. The 

 foot of the Wagtail differs not in general form from 

 any of the feet of the extensive order of perching 

 birds, and methinks the bird's semi-terrestrial habits 

 have led many persons to believe the Wagtail a bird 

 unable to perch. Did his food frequent the trees, 

 or did those lovely sylvan ornaments abound in the 

 open pastures, you would see the Wagtail far up their 

 branches as frequently as the Pipits. And these re- 

 marks apply not to one member of this active family 

 alone, for there is not a Wagtail in Britain, no matter of 



