200 BIRD PARADISE 



the chickadees, seemed to keep step with me dur- 

 ing the entire walk in the vicinity of the swamp. 

 I am sure I understand them, and am quite sure 

 that they understand me. Half a dozen crows 

 gave voice from the hilltop of the old farm and 

 as I caught their hoarse accents, I easily reached 

 the conclusion, "a good second to the rattling 

 volleys of talk fired by the blue jays." Return- 

 ing homeward, I saw where Mr. Fox had stepped 

 lightly over the snow, his footsteps telling out 

 the character of the merry-hearted fellow that 

 made them. 



The woodpeckers are getting on their winter 

 dress and manners. They have some trials in 

 common, but each species is quite original after 

 its kind. They are all peaceful fellows, in the 

 main, though none of them will submit quietly to 

 any extended abuse. Tellowhammer is only 

 half measured in the woodpecker family ; stiU he 

 honors handsomely the distinguishing traits of 

 his race. Among the smaller birds he has size 

 and strength, so that he has little to fear from his 

 smaller companions. His activity insures safety 

 from the birds of prey, so that on the whole he 

 can behave in a natural manner. There is no 



