Birds of Lewiston-Auburn 41 



Pond. One might think that a chipping sparrow had chosen 

 a home in the marshes, except that its song is louder and 

 more musical. 



63. (581) SONG SPARROW 



A very common summer resident, one of the first 

 spring arrivals, coming in full song. The earliest I know 

 of one being seen is March 22. This sparrow sings more 

 months in the year than any other bird — in wind and rain 

 keeping the world cheerful. It is not unusual to see it 

 in November and it has been found in the winter. I have 

 never heard the song after October. 



Van Dyke has described this singer so perfectly that 

 I add here a few of the verses. 



"There is a bird I know so well, 

 It seems as if he must have sung 

 Beside my crib when I was young; 



He comes in March, when winds are strong. 

 And snow returns to hide the earth ; 

 But still he warms his heart with mirth. 

 And waits for May. He lingers long 

 While flowers fade; and every day. 

 Repeats his small, contented lay, 

 As if to say, we need not fear 

 The season's change if love is here 

 With 'Sweet-sweet-sweet-very-merry-cheer.' 



I like the tune, I like the words ; 



They seem so true, so free from art. 



So friendly, and so full of heart. 



That if but one of all the birds 



Could be my comrade everywhere. 



My little brother of the air, 



I'd choose the song-sparrow, my dear, 



Because he'd bless me, every year. 



With 'Sweet-sweet-sweet-very-merry-cheer.' " 



