BIRDS AND SEASONS 



Before a leaf unfolds or a flower spreads its petals, 

 even before the buds swell, and while yet there is snow 

 on the ground, the birds tell us that spring is at hand. 

 The Song Sparrow sings "Spring, spring, spring, sunny 

 days are here"; the Meadowlark blows his fife, the 

 Downy rattles his drum, and company after company of 

 Grackles in glistening black coats, and of Red-wings with 

 scarlet epaulets, go trooping by. For the succeeding 

 three months, in orderly array, the feathered army files 

 by, each member of it at his appointed time whether he 

 comes from the adjoining State or from below the equator. 



Besides the Blackbirds, March brings the Robin and 

 Bluebird, Woodcock, Phcebe, Meadowlark, Cowbird, 

 Kingfisher, Mourning Dove, Fox, Swamp, White-throated 

 and Field Sparrows. 



Near New York City the New Year of the birds has now 

 passed its infancy and in April each day adds percep- 

 tibly to its strength. 'Pussy' willows "creep out along 

 each bough," skunk cabbage rears its head in low, wet 

 woods, and in sun-warmed places early vrild flowers peep 

 from beneath the sodden leaves. With swelling ranks 

 the migratory army moves more steadily northward. 

 Species which arrived late in March become more numer- 

 ous, and to them are soon added the Vesper, Savannah, and 

 Chipping Sparrows, and other seed-eaters; and when, 

 with increasing warmth, insects appear, the pioneer Phcebe 

 is followed by other insect-eating birds, Eke the Swal- 

 lows, Pipit, Hermit Thrush, Myrtle and Palm Warblers, 

 Louisiana Water-thrush and Ruby-crowned Kinglet. 



The true bird student will now pass every available 

 moment afield, eagerly watching for the return of old 



