628 
A YEAR WITH THE BIRDS 
gather into larger flocks and move southward, until by the 
end of August nearly all have left their breeding grounds. 
On their way they frequent the reedy marshes about the mouths 
of rivers and on the inland waters of the coast region, sub- 
sisting largely upon wild rice. After leaving the northern 
states they are commonly known as reed birds, and, having be- 
come very fat, are treated as game.” — F. E. L. Beal , BS. 
THE O’LINCON FAMILY 
A flock of merry singing birds were sporting in the grove, 
Some were warbling cheerily and some were making love. 
There were Bobolincon, Wadolincon, Winterseeble, Conquidle — 
A livelier set were never led by tabor, pipe, or fiddle, 
Crying “ Phew, shew, Wadolincon; see, see Bobolincon 
Down among the tickle-tops, hiding in the buttercups ; 
I know the saucy chap ; I see his shining cap 
Bobbing in the clover there — see, see, see ! ” 
Oh, what a happy life they lead, over the hill and in the mead; 
Plow they sing, and how they play ! See, they fly away, away ! 
Now they gambol o’er the clearing — off again, and then appearing; 
Poised aloft on quivering wing, now they soar, and now they sing: 
“ We must be all merry and moving; we must be all happy and loving; 
For when the midsummer is come, and the grain has ripened its ear, 
The haymakers scatter our young, and we mourn for the rest of the 
year. 
Then, Bobolincon, Wadolincon, Winterseeble, haste, haste away.” 
— Wilson Flagg 
Cow'bird: Molothrus ater. S. R. and R. 
Length: 7.50-8 inches. 
Male: Head, throat, and shoulders glistening dark brown; all other 
parts iridescent black. Bill dark brown; feet rusty black. A 
walker. 
Female: Dull, brownish gray. 
Song: A whistle and a few short, rasping notes. Call note, “ Cluck- 
see ! ” 
Season: March to November; occasionally winters. 
Nest: Builds none, but lays its eggs at random in the nests of other 
birds, usually choosing those of species smaller than itself. 
Eggs: Almost an inch long, white, speckled with brown and various 
shades of gray. 
The Cowbird is the pariah of bird-dom, the exception 
that proves the rule of maternal fidelity and good housekeep- 
ing. It is the bird that you see so frequently in pastures, 
