172 
DEPARTING SUMMER VISITORS 
Many feathered visitors that enlivened the spring 
with their ecstatic melodies have clothed themselves 
in quiet attire and are preparing for the southern 
migration* Some of the gayest are coming back from 
the north woods so modest and sombre that they seem 
almost saddened by the passing season* But their 
neutral shades are only a formal deference to the 
quietness of autumn, for the sprightly activity and 
eager delight of their transitory gatherings and 
momentary sociability reveal a full measure of the 
joy of living* The Scarlet Tanager, glowing with all 
his intensity of colour in early spring, so bright as 
to make a day memorable throughout the year, can 
scarcely be recognised in the timid, retiring bird of 
subdued and sombre markings, seemingly anxious 
to avoid attention till he can steal away under cover 
of night* The Bobolink that poised fluttering over 
the growing meadow in spring, showing a splendid 
contrast of glossy black with white and pale yellow, 
has also taken on the quiet tints and markings of his 
mate* 
The shades, colours, and markings of birds are 
among the inviting problems* The struggle for 
