86 NOTES ON THE OBSERVATION OF BIRDS. 
notes as truly told us as his presence itself, that our little 
harbinger of spring, the Bluebird, had returned. 
In the distance is heard the hoarse cry of the Canada 
Goose, and soon we see a flock of these hardy birds, head- 
ing for their summer home beyond the lakes. Off in the 
lowlands the vociferous Killdeer is piping as he flies rest- 
lessly about his reclaimed possessions. Down in the thicket 
acompany of Juncos are twittering, and there we see the 
white feathers of one’s tail as it scurries past. Up in the 
maples on the hill, some early Robins pause to rest and 
discover their presence by well-known chirps. From the 
cedars near by we catch the peculiar call notes of the first 
Hermit Thrush, which is to charm us by his summer songs. 
Now as the sun drives back the fleecy clouds and bathes the 
earth in floods of light, that choice musician, the Song Spar- 
row, pours forth his welcome melody from the willow beside 
the running brook. 
During the warm months the most fruitful times for ob- 
servation are those moments just preceding sunrise and for 
an hour or two after. This isthe time we find birds awaken- 
ing into activity, then is when their songs are sweetest. 
Bird-life is also equally interesting for an hour or so at sunset, 
as then all are astir, playing, feeding, and singing their vesper 
songs before night draws her dusky curtains over the sleep- 
ing world. 
How easy it is then to see the birds at their best! For 
at these hours we can most conveniently escape from the 
routine of daily life to take an exhilarating walk in the open 
air, and with sharp eyes and sympathetic ears, aided by field- 
glass and note-book, capture some of the lively secrets of 
nature, returning to our work refreshed by exercise and 
contact with nature. 
Those who wish to devote a large share of their time to this 
interesting study should be in the field at all hours and 
seasons, during foul as well as fair weather ; for it is only in 
this way that one can hope to become acquainted with all 
