The Singing of Birds, E.P.Bicknell. 
Melospiza palustris. Swamp Sparrow. 
Although a simple, unpretentious trill in April, from some 
wet meadow, bog, or reedy marsh, always first tells me of the 
presence of the Swamp Sparrow, it cannot be said that the bird 
arrives in song ; for the nature of the places it inhabits, with its 
retiring disposition, might well keep the secret of its presence 
until it chooses to make itself known. It is probable, however, 
that, like most birds, it comes to us in song. Dates of first songs 
extend from April 4 to 24, but most often fall after the middle of 
the month. 
Early April songs are exceptional, and not improbably are 
from birds which have remained over winter ; as in several 
seasons after such early songs it has been a week or two before 
the species was heard again. 
The song of the Swamp Sparrow comes up from the swamps 
and marshes until early August, then it becomes less frequent. 
Usually it ceases about the middle ot the month, sometimes a 
little before, but not unfrequently it continues later, and 
I have heard songs even so late as early September. About 
a month of silence now ensues ; then the species comes 
again into voice. My record gives dates for the recommence- 
ment of singing from September 11 (?) and 18, to 28. 1 he 
time of final cessation is carried into October — 151b an d 17th 
are latest dates; but often the song is not heard after the first 
part of the month. In this supplementary season of song, sing- 
ing is by no means general, and is usually confined to the early 
morning hours. But the birds seem more ambitious in their 
vocalism than earlier in the year. In the spring and summer 
the song is a simple monotone ; in the autumn this is often varied) 
and extended with accessory notes. A few preliminary chips, 
merging into a fine trill, introduce the run, of notes, which con- 
stitutes the usual song, which now terminates with a few slower 
somewhat liquid tones. This seems to be the fullest attainment 
of the bird, and is often only partially or imperfectly ren- 
dered. 
Auk, 2, April, 1886. p. ~ /£~0 
