SPRING ARRIVAL OF THE BIRDS. 1% 
food supply more readily obtained in these places. With 
the exception of the cow-bunting, the blackbirds are all 
companionable, and later gregarious, gathering in large 
flocks, seemingly organized and under the direction of 
chosen leaders. Those bright little gems, the golden- 
crowned wrens (Regulus satrapa), began to arrive about 
the middle of March. They first made their presence 
known by a slight chirping as they hopped about the 
branches of the low trees in quest of food. They have 
stout little feet with sharp claws, and can cling to the 
trunk of a tree or on the under side of a limb much in 
the manner of the chicadees and creepers. They are 
the smallest of our song birds, genteel in figure, rich in 
color, with gentle and confiding manners. They are 
more frequently called “kinglets,” and they answer 
well to the name “little kings,” among the birds. They 
are courageous and hardy little creatures, braving cold 
and snows and long journeys. They seem to have little 
fear of man, and will allow one to stand within a few 
feet of them without showing any sign of apprehension. 
Their limited acquaintance doubtless accounts for this 
too often misplaced confidence. 
A few days ago I was standing under an old oak, 
watching the graceful movements of three or four of 
these beautiful creatures as they chirped and twittered 
while searching the bark and twigs for food. 
To attract their attention I commenced in low tones 
to talk to them. Suddenly one began to descend, hop- 
ping from one limb to another, and finally alighted on 
my head. It was only for an instant, however; as his 
