7/V/t 1 ^ 
Concert 
by 
Wood Thrushes 
'L — 
f 1 i 11ed on before me. The lane was heavily embowered in 
foliage and the light there was dim and rather gloomy. In 
fact I felt a distinct sense of relief when] I emerged into 
the open pine woods in the back part of the Pratt Farm. 
As I entered these pines a Wood Thrush, was singing 
in them and I sat down to listen. Presently he cane into 
a tree nearly over me and then a second bird began; singing 
behind me while a few moments later a third struck up on 
my right. I have not heard such a concert from these 
Thrushes for years and, I think, never before in Massachusetts. 
How they made the woods ring and echo with their solemn 
chords! The bell-like notes quivered and trembled on the 
still air. and showered down from the pine foliage like rain 
drops when the wind shakes the trees. It was most impressive 
and thrilled me as deeply as has ever the music of a cathe¬ 
dral choir. Now and then a bird would stop singing and 
utter a sharp challenging whit-wit-wit-wit-wit, or give a 
low rolling call very like that of our Tree ToacLj, A Black¬ 
billed Cuckoo also sang in these pines and a Creeper (Mniotilta ) 
in the oaks beyond. When I came out into Pratt’s Field the 
light was fading fast and only a Cat-bird and Robin were 
singing. Their notes sounded singularly flat and commonplace 
after the Yfood Thrushes, one of which I could still hear 
in the distance. As I passed out of the field into Pratt’s 
lane, a Field Sparrow sang once. Tree Toads calling everywhere 
to-night apparently in the trees. 
