The Migration of Birds 183 



It matters little whether we agree or disagree con- 

 cerning the various points of bird migration. It is 

 so largely speculative that most of us would rather 

 leave it to the theorist, and take to the fields at the 

 near approach of the robin and bluebird, to greet the 

 early comers as old friends. 



In the latitude of East Orange, N. J., about March 

 first, we expect to see the robin, the bluebird, and 

 the purple grackle ; by the twentieth we should add to 

 our list the red-winged blackbird, the cowbird, the 

 woodcock, the phoebe, the meadow-lark; and by the 

 end of the month there will probably be field and 

 swamp sparrows, Wilson's snipe, and the purple finch. 



From April first we must be astir early, if we expect 

 to keep up with the tide of migration. The sparrow 

 family is rapidly increasing, and a little later there 

 will be the ruby-crowned kinglet, hermit thrush, and 

 barn swallows. Toward the latter part of the month 

 the new arrivals will be the spotted sandpiper, whip- 

 poor-will, green heron, towhee, purple martin, swift, 

 green warbler, oven-bird, house wren, thrasher, cat- 

 bird, and wood thrush. Bird music is heard on all 

 sides, and the most casual observer will notice the 

 new order of things afield. The bird student is now 

 enthusiastic, and all spare time should be devoted to 

 field observations and to the making of careful notes. 



