The Blue Jay 
But so soon as in the Maytime 
Eggs are laid and young are hatching, 
Berries, buds, and worms rejecting, 
Turns this scourge to sweeter morsels ; 
Woe awaits the early songster 
Whose uncovered nest he chances 
To discover as he 's sneaking 
Through the forest seeking plunder ; 
Wise the nuthatch and the titmouse. 
Wise the bluebird and the downy, 
To conceal their nests in tree-trunks 
Where this monster cannot find them ; 
Ask the vireo what happens. 
Ask the junco where her eggs are, 
Ask the thrush and ask the robin 
What assassin slew their young ones. 
Hundreds perish in the season. 
Egg and young of birds as useful 
As their slayer is unfriendly 
To the ways and plans of farmers. 
