BIRD PARADISE 53 



they use their basiuess in such a manner that it 

 serves as a sort of vacation. If the streams keep 

 open kingfisher stays North well into the winter. 

 When he journeys South, however, he usually 

 pushes on to South America — returning with the 

 first real softening of the spring days. This bird' s 

 shape and attire give him very, little that is at- 

 tractive to look upon. Bright colors and beauty 

 of attire are both denied him. He gives no sign, 

 however, that he is cognizant of the fact, passing, 

 as he does, a very cheery sort of life. 



A pair of flickers were having a merry time on 

 my lawn this morning. They seemed to have 

 lost their shyness in good part and allowed me to 

 come quite near them. They were intent on 

 securing a breakfast, still they had time to in- 

 dulge in some real flicker jollying. I watched 

 them for some time, and while I did not under- 

 stand all they said, I caught a part of it. No 

 way that I know of that uncovers life anywhere 

 only by living it. To know what the flicker says 

 one must be what he says. This pair certainly 

 said " Good-morning," in their way. I don't 

 know that they inquired after the parson's health, 

 and yet some of their movements seemed to in- 



