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or Water-Tlirnsli (Motacilla Alba), is an example of 

 this kind. We may not see them for weeks at a time, 

 and perhaps have almost come to the conclusion that 

 they have gone, when, all of a sudden a whole flock 

 may appear, and spend a few hours in skimming over 

 and around the waters of our creeks and ponds. The 

 Nuthatch (Sitta Carolinensis) also is a common resi- 

 dent throughout the year, but dimng the winter sea- 

 son are much more frequently seen while engaged in 

 running up and down the trunks of trees, hammering 

 away in search of insects, and uttering a continual 

 chatter or warble, which can scarcely be regarded as a 

 song, but is in no way unpleasant to the ear. The 

 Blackcapped Chickadee (Parus Atricapillus ) is mostly 

 an associate of the Nuthatch and the two are often seen 

 together: the voice of the latter is very pleasant and 

 somewhat resembles the syllables chick-a-dee-dee, from 

 which it derives its name. These two birds resemble 

 each other in plumage: the back of each is a beautiful 

 blue, and the under parts white : the head of the chick- 

 adee, especially upon the crown, is a deep black. Both 

 these species retire to the woods during summer. For 

 gorgeous beauty and rich contrast with the surrounding 

 scenery, the Cardinal Grosbeak (CardinalisVirginianus) 

 holds a prominent position. What a handsome sight 

 it is in the depth of winter, when the ground is covered 

 with snow, to see this beautiful bird, perched upon the 

 fence or a tree in close proximity to the house, and to 

 hear his penetrating whistle echo through the leafless 

 branches. This- is one of our most gorgeous feathered 

 friends, the body being a brilliant red, with an inter- 

 mixture of brown upon the wings, tail and top-not; a 



