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 

 a company 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 is the 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 



