THK REED WARBLEK. 549 



which is more produced and not wedge-shaped, so that while it 

 answers better as a balance on the bending reeds or other 

 flexible aquatic plants, it would not be so convenient among the 

 unyielding sprays of a hedge or brake. The bird rarely, if ever, 

 perches upon the tops of reeds, even on its first arrival, and 

 when the song of invitation to a mate is given, its place is on a 

 leaf or a leaning stem, though upon an emergency it can cling 

 to an upright one, the stiff feathers of the tail acting as a sort of 

 prop. 



" It is not easily raised, and remains but a very short time 

 upon the wing, but it is by no means timid on its perch, upon 

 which, if it be very flexible, it sits with its wings not quite 

 closed, but recovered, so as to have a little hold on the air, and 

 thereby either prevent its fall or be ready when a gust comes, to 

 bear it to a more secure footing. Its food is found wholly over 

 the stagnant waters. The Reed Warbler does not come until the 

 reeds are considerably advanced, and it departs before they are 

 cut ; so that it dwells in peace, and especially in the mornings 

 about the end of May and the beginning of June it may be 

 observed with the greatest ease." 



Still, although the bird be common, and although it is bold 

 enough to admit of approach, it is not generally familiar, simply 

 because none but professed naturalists are likely to look for it 

 in the spots which it frequents. The Eeed Warbler loves a large 

 patch of marshy land almost whoUy covered with stagnant 

 water, and full of the reeds among which its home is made. 

 Such a place is not agreeable to the pedestrian, for although an 

 hour spent in wading through water knee-deep is no difficult or 

 even unpleasant task, yet no one likes to meet also with mud of 

 various and unknown depths, as is the case in the great reed 

 swamps where the birds most love to buUd. Even the song of 

 the Eeed Warbler does not attract attention. Though musical 

 in tone, it is very feeble in power and monotonous in character, 

 consisting of several hurried notes in a low warble, which can 

 only be heard at a little distance. 



The nest of this bird is supported between three or four reeds, 

 as is shown in the illustration, and is remarkably deep in pro- 

 portion to its width. The object of this depth is evident. To 

 bend as a reed before the wind is a proverbial saying, and any 

 one who has seen a large mass of reeds on a stormy day must 



