198 



NATURE STUDY IN SCH00L8. 



At this time ( about 5, p. m. ) the birds were silent, in fact, they did 

 not even utter a sound, for they were intent upon securing a supply of food 

 before nightfall, and the members of my bird class who were with me, had 

 an excellent opportunity of observing the characteristic motions of these thrush- 

 es. 



They saw the peculiar way in which the birds sit upon their perches, 

 with the wings slightly drooped and the tail a little elevated. The habit 

 which these birds have of sitting perfectly quiet when they think themselves 

 observed, was noted, and their direct darting flight was seen. 



Just before we had found the thrushes, we had come upon a number of 

 cedar birds which were feeding upon insects in some oak trees. The pecu- 

 liar flattering, almost butterfly-like flight of these beautiful birds was ob- 

 served, as they darted into air to catch some passing insects, looking quite 



Fig. 91. 



Gray-cheeked Thrush. 



like the genuine flycatchers. This resemblance was heightened by the habit 

 which the cedar bird possesses of sitting perfectly quiet after returning to its 

 perch. 



The cedar birds have been unusually common this season, and as late as 

 the first week in October we found the young in the first or nestling plu- 

 mage. This plumage is easily recognized by the stripings beneath. Ever 

 since I have known the cedar bird, and I made its acquaintance many year s 

 ago, I have been listening for some attempt at a song, but I have never 

 heard anything save the sharp lisping note, which is evidently used in most 

 cases as a cry of alarm. I think the bird wholly incapable of uttering any- 

 thing else. 



