i6o OUR WINTER BIRDS 



the birds, that we never know to whom we will be 

 introduced next. During the migration months in 

 spring and fall when feathered travelers are arriv- 

 ing and departing in an endless procession, our list 

 of acquaintances grows so rapidly, that if we did not 

 record their names, we should not remember them 

 when we met again. 



But there is not a month, yes, not a day in the 

 year, when we may not chance to see some bird we 

 have never seen before. This ever present possi- 

 bility keeps us always on the alert. Even in mid- 

 winter we should maintain a constant lookout with 

 the hope that our vigilance may be richly rewarded 

 — for this is the season of the Grosbeaks — Pine and 

 Evening. 



At any time of the year they would make a note- 

 worthy addition to the bird-life of the season, but 

 coming at a time when our feathered population is 

 at its lowest mark and when birds of any kind mean 

 more to us than when they throng every field and 

 hedgerow, these large, handsome, strikingly marked 

 Finches are as welcome as they are conspicuous. 



About them, as about the Crossbills, hangs the 

 fascination of mystery. No one can say when they 

 will come or when they will go. Absent entirely 

 some years, they may be abundant others ; and when 

 they do conle they show such entire confidence in 



