CHAPTER THIRTY 



THE BIRDS OUR GOOD FRIENDS AND PLEASANT 

 COMPANIONS 



As we lie partly awake on some bright spring morning, 

 we hear through the open window such a chorus of music 

 that it seems almost as though we must be in some en- 

 chanted land. This music, however, is the songs of the 

 birds that nest about our homes. 



We can distinguish in the chorus the notes of many dif- 

 ferent birds. From the treetop come the sweet songs of 

 the oriole and robin. Upon a low bush sits a black-headed 

 grosbeak that never seems to weary of his refrain. From 

 various hidden places in' the dense foliage come the notes 

 of the song sparrow and the lazuli bunting. From its perch 

 upon some fence post the meadow lark adds to the cheer- 

 fulness of the morning. If your home is far enough south, 

 you may hear the mocking bird pouring forth its melody 

 in endless variation. 



Rising above all other sounds, as the morning advances, 

 are the cheery calls of the quail who seems to say : "Where 

 are -you ? Where are you ? Stay right there ; stay right 

 there." Both in the morning and in the evening the almost 

 heavenly music of the thrush echoes through the, deep 

 woods. In the quiet night the hoot of the owls is most 

 entertaining. 



Would you for anything have the birds leave us ? Would 

 you for 'anything lose these airy creatures whose music, 

 bright plumage, and graceful movements not only add so 

 much to the pleasure of our daily lives but also serve us 

 in so many ways ? The woods, fields, and waters would be 

 lonely without them. 



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