3i 
THE AWAKENING YEAR 
The darting and hilariously erratic flight of the 
Swallows is an assurance that spring is really awake. 
Other arrivals have promised and predicted, but the 
Swallows have made an actual announcement. The 
Meadow Lark, with sweetly modulated whistle, has 
announced the good news from the south, and has 
tip-toed in the stubble, displaying his yellow breast. 
The Flicker has cackled his loud and long alarm, and 
the Robin has varied his noisy piping with sweet 
and restful melody. The Bluebird has chirped in mild 
exhilaration, and the Blackbird with scarlet epaulets 
has brought life back to the withered marsh with his 
keen-edged, penetrating call. The melody of the 
Song Sparrow has overflowed everywhere in rich 
abundance, and the Vesper Sparrow has followed to 
take possession of the fields. All these are promises 
and forecasts, and they have been strengthened and 
supported by renewed activity on the part of the 
Juncoes, Downy Woodpeckers, Brown Creepers, 
Nuthatches, Kinglets, and other hardy winter 
residents. But the real announcement of the actual 
awakening is the darting flight of the light and swift- 
winged gleaners from the air. 
