SONG SPARROW. 
323 
Though many pass on to the Southern States at the commence- 
ment of winter, yet a few seem to brave the colds of New 
England as long as the snowy waste does not conceal their 
last resource of nutriment. When the inundating storm at 
length arrives, they no longer, in the sheltering swamps and 
borders of bushy streams, spend their time in gleaning an in- 
sufficient subsistence, but in the month of November begin to 
retire to the warmer States ; and here, on fine days, even in 
January, whisper forth their usual strains. As early as the 4th 
of March, the weather being mild, the Song Sparrow and the 
Bluebird here jointly arrive, and cheer the yet dreary face of 
Nature with their familiar songs. The latter flits restlessly 
through the orchard or neighboring fields ; the Sparrow, more 
social, frequents the garden, barn-yard, or road-side in quest 
of support, and from the top of some humble bush, stake, or 
taller bough tunes forth his cheering lay, in frequent repetitions, 
for half an hour or more at a time. These notes have some 
resemblance to parts of the Canary’s song, and are almost 
uninterruptedly and daily delivered, from his coming to the 
commencement of winter. When the birds first arrive, while 
the weather is yet doubtful and unsettled, the strain appears 
contemplative, and is often delivered in a peculiarly low and 
tender whisper, which, when hearkened to for some time, will 
be found more than usually melodious, seeming as a sort of 
revery, or innate hope of improving seasons, which are recalled 
with a grateful, calm, and tender delight. At the approach of 
winter, this vocal thrill, sounding like an Orphean farewell to 
the scene and season, is still more exquisite, and softened by 
the sadness which seems to breathe almost with sentiment, 
from the decaying and now silent face of Nature. Our song- 
ster, never remarkable for sprightliness, as the spring advances 
delivers his lay louder and more earnestly. He usually begins 
with a ish' tsh' tshe te tshete tshcte, and blends in a good deal of 
quivering notes. Individuals also excel, and vary their song from 
time to time with very agreeable effect ; and it is only because 
our familiar vocalist is so constantly heard and seen that so little 
value is set upon his agreeable, cheerful, and faithful perform- 
